Precept Austin

1 John 2 Resources

Updated: Sun, 08/06/2023 - 18:37 By admin
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ONLINE RESOURCES

COMMENTARIES
AND OTHER RESOURCES
ARCHIVE.ORG

Explanation - The following list includes not only commentaries but other Christian works by well known evangelical writers. Most of the resources below are newer works (written after 1970) which previously were available only for purchase in book form or in a Bible computer program. The resources are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) they do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but can be checked out immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can read these more modern resources free of charge! I have read or used many of these resources but not all of them so ultimately you will need to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+) as you use them. I have also selected works that are conservative and Biblically sound. If you find one that you think does not meet those criteria please send an email at https://www.preceptaustin.org/contact. The resources are listed in alphabetical order by the author's last name and some include reviews of the particular resource. 

COMMENTARIES ON JOHN'S EPISTLES

Note: Not in any particular order.

The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible : New Testament, King James Version 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation. - Helpful notes. 

The Letters of John : an Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) by Stott, John R. W (1988) 244 pages. 89 ratings

Tim Challies - John Stott is always an able commentator and his volume in the TNTC is no exception. Carson praises it as “one of the most useful conservative commentaries on these epistles, so far as the preacher is concerned” and says “it is packed with both exegetical comments and thoughtful application.” The TNTC is targeted squarely at a general audience, so both pastors and interesting general readers will find it tremendously beneficial. If you are looking for a commentary to guide you as you read John’s epistles devotionally, this is probably the one you want.

James Rosscup - Here is a recent lucid, stimulating work by a gifted writer who has served as rector of the All Souls (Anglican) Church, Langham Place, London. Several New Testament scholars have hailed it as an outstanding commentary from the standpoint of exegesis, exposition and warm application. It was listed among 22 “Choice Evangelical Books of 1964” in Christianity Today (February 12, 1965, p. 16). Stott displays a vast breadth of reading in the best conservative works on the Johannine epistles. This 1988 version updates the 1964 original.

Epistles of John & Jude : a self-study guide by Jensen, Irving

The Johannine Epistles : based on the Revised Standard version by Grayston, Kenneth

Cyril Barber - New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1984. Following a brief but adequate introduction, Grayson reappraises Johannine scholarship, and though some of his views differ from those of others who have written on these epistles, readers are nevertheless treated to a discussion that is spiritually stimulating and culturally apropos.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1994 edition - Abridged - New Testament

1-3 John by Thompson, Marianne Meye -- see below

James Rosscup - A lucid 168-pp., crisp exposition with some application in a flow for popular, general use. In a number of verses the book helps, at others it frustrates due to passing by views and reasons, or lacks sufficient comments. Much generalizing leaves an impression that in order to be seen as saved one must live an ideally perfect life (cf. 43), yet at other points one reads that Christians sin (45). The work has a healthy clarity that real grace, distinct from cheap so-called (but not genuine) grace (51) elicits confession of sin and seeking obedience to God. Such a life with God helps one’s assurance to be a properly experienced reality, as in 2:3 (51), even this by grace. Some statements are quite helpful, as “righteous conduct does not make us God’s children. Rather, such conduct is the consequence or expression of a relationship that already exists” after rebirth (87). Many issues are left in a blur, for instance “God’s seed remains” (3:9).

The Epistles of John by Hobbs, Herschel H

The Bible Exposition Commentary - Ephesians through Revelation  -  Warren Wiersbe

Rosscup - One of America’s most appreciated staunchly evangelical Bible conference teachers gives diligent, refreshing expositions. These are all of his 23 separate, earlier books in the “Be” series on the New Testament. He strikes a particular appeal with lay people as he crystallizes sections, deals with some of the verses, handles certain problems and backgrounds and applies principles. He is premillennial.

The letters of John the Apostle : an in-depth commentary by Burdick, Donald W

James Rosscup - This is far more detailed in getting at issues than his Everyman’s Commentary effort of 1970. It is a diligent conservative product on Greek syntax, word meaning and theology, and follows the line of thought through the epistles well. The introduction (pp. 3–92) takes up the background, authorship, date, place, recipients, occasion, purpose, character and content of I John. Later, he also has introductions to II and III John. He believes that I John gives grounds for assurance, tests of practice that can provide valid assurance (cf. pp. 81–82). Though copious in aspects of grammar that open up the books, Burdick is more lucid than Westcott’s helpful exegetical work of the past, and certainly one of the best now on the Greek. At some points one ought to go to longer discussions of views and issues in Brown, and also consult Brooke, Marshall, Plummer, Smalley, and Strecker etc. on technical matters, Marshall and Smalley also for more on studies of recent years.

Cyril Barber - Written for laypeople. This work is designed to lay bare the meaning of John's letters for his own time and ours as well. Clear and cogent.

The Epistles of John by Burdick, Donald W

James Rosscup - A part of the Everyman’s Bible Commentary series, this work by a careful evangelical New Testament scholar from Denver Seminary is quite perceptive on problems and good as a brief commentary.

1, 2, 3 John : Bible study commentary by Vaughan, Curtis

The Epistles of John by Marshall, I. Howard, author

James Rosscup - Like Ryrie and Stott, Marshall has keen ability to follow the thought of a book and articulate it with clarity. He often is helpful on stating views gleaned from the literature and is up-to-date. His use of the Greek, good footnotes, and detail on many of the problem verses make this a very good evangelical commentary by one of the best New Testament scholars in the British Isles (ca. 2001 he retired from being head of the New Testament Department at King’s College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland).
1, 2, 3 John -   Morris, Leon. “New Bible Commentary Revised, ed. D. Guthrie et al. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1970.

Cyril Barber - An extensive introduction that adequately surveys the historical and textual background of these letters is followed by a careful exposition of John's epistles in the order in which they were written. Provides interested readers with a complete and satisfying treatment. 2

1, 2, and 3 John by Johnson, Thomas Floyd - New International Biblical Commentary

James Rosscup - Johnson identifies the writer of the Gospel of John as “The disciple whom Jesus loved” (20:20, 24), but sees these epistles as by an “elder,” a different man (2). The concise verse comments are usually clear and well-reasoned, showing the idea of the Greek with Greek words transliterated, and with explanations of word meaning and grammar. Sections of added notes in smaller print take up some details. Some problems receive discussion, some are bypassed, in the latter category limited or unlimited atonement in I John 2:2, or interpretations of 2:12–14, or 5:16 (where much is not explained or not explained well). True, the commentary quite often is helpful, but uneven, and not one of the better all-around works one can more consistently count on.

The message of John's letters : living in the love of God by Jackman, David

Cyril Barber - Relates the message of these letters to the moral issues and theological climate of John's day. Builds upon Stott's cyclical (or spiral) theme of the content of the first letter, and treats the other letters as emphasizing truth and love. A noteworthy contribution.

1, 2, 3 John by Smalley, Stephen S - Word Biblical Commentary

James Rosscup - This ranks high with Brown, Burdick and Marshall in recent years. Smalley is excellent in helping the reader be up on views and arguments from recent years, drawn from massive research, and is second only to Brown in this regard. He is usually quite full in discussing issues so that he offers much help on verses, and does so with clarity, directness and confidence. He delves into changes in tense, many of the syntactical aspects, and doctrine. He sees the author of II and III John as John the presbyter, a Christian in the Johannine circle, and this same man may also have written I John, all in the A. D. 90’s. Smalley often makes good choices on views, and tends to give definite reasons for them. He sees charisma (2:20, 27) as both the Spirit and the Word; 3:4–10 relates to a potential state without sin, but in practice Christians do sin (1:8–2:2). Sin in 5:16–17 is apostasy, willful disobedience, etc. He is not clear on whether the saved can lose salvation.

Cyril Barber - This is a scholarly work that is well deserving of careful reading. Following a thorough introduction (pp. xvii-xxxiv), Smalley treats his readers to a word-byword or phrase-by-phrase exposition. His comments are judicious as well as insightful. This volume, for all its merit, shares the limitations of the series. It is well researched and exegetically helpful but manifests a weakness in treating the theme of these letters and fails to complete what has been begun by applying the teaching of the passage to the life of the reader

Exploring 1, 2, 3 John by Vines, Jerry

Cyril Barber - This work will be warmly received by Bible students of all persuasions. Vines deals admirably with the theme of each of John's letters. The way in which he has outlined, illustrated, and expounded each section makes his application of the truth to life easy to grasp. Recommended.

The Epistles of John by Brown, Raymond Edward

James Rosscup - Many rate this as the best work on these epistles in view of its extensive discussion of issues and the skill in which the famous Roman Catholic scholar handles so many aspects. He is highly-informed exegetically, full in consideration of views and lines of reasoning, and has a tone of respect for the truthfulness and relevance of the message. If the expositor, teacher or lay person wants a commentary that looks at just about every side of a matter in a readable manner and with authoritative grasp of the literature, he will consult this work. The same is true of Brown’s detailed commentary on the Gospel of John. Brown, however, will not always agree with a reader’s convictions, as when he favors John the Presbyter as the author. The sheer length will not please some, but the diligent and serious will find the source very useful.

Cyril Barber - †Meticulous in detail, exhaustive in analysis, persuasive in argument, this study provides the best answers available to questions and controversies that have troubled scholars and nonscholars alike ever since these epistles first saw the light of day. In addition to the superb analysis, Brown also brings to life those to whom these letters were sent, reminding us that the epistles were written by a person for real people of the first century A.D. A model of biblical study

life at its best 1 John by roy l. laurin

Cyril Barber - First published in 1957, this work provides lay readers with a commendable application of the text to the needs of Christians today. Practical.

open letter to evangelicals by r.e.o. white

James Rosscup - A Baptist minister presents both a commentary with occasional deep insight and some penetrating applications to spiritual life, ethics, and other particulars. It is a verse-by-verse devotional and homiletical exposition which sometimes deals with problems including the difficult passage in 3:4–10.

STUDY BIBLES, ETC.

Note: The first 4 resources have no time restriction and allow copy and paste function: 

(1) KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective. Pre-millennial.  User reviews - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users. - 372 ratings

Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective   user reviews 

The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.

(2) The King James Study Bible Second Edition 2240 pages (2013) (Thomas Nelson) General Editor - Edward Hindson with multiple contributing editors. . 3,194 ratings. Pre-millennial. See introduction on How to Use this Study Bible.

(3) NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Earl D Radmacher; Ronald Barclay Allen; Wayne H House. 2345 pages. (1997, 2007). Very helpful notes. Conservative. Pre-millennial.  917 ratings

(4) The Wycliffe Bible Commentary - only the New Testament (for OT see below to borrow) - 1126 pages. (1971) Everett F Harrison - Editor of New Testament. Uses the KJV.  Strictly speaking not a study Bible, but short notes are similar. KJV text in left column, commentary notes in right column. The comments are generally verse by verse, short, conservative and to the point. Pre-millennial.

Zondervan NIV Study Bible - (2011) 2570 pages  - Use this one if available as it has more notes than edition below. One hour limit

NIV Study Bible by Barker, Kenneth L; Burdick, Donald W (1995) 2250 pages. This is the first edition. This resource has been fully revised in 2020. One hour limit 

Believer's Bible Commentary - OT and NT - MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages. Conservative. Literal. Often has very insightful comments. John MacArthur, says "Concise yet comprehensive - the most complete single-volume commentary I have seen." Warren Wiersbe adds "For the student who is serious about seeing Christ in the Word." One hour limit.

Rosscup - This work, originally issued in 1983, is conservative and premillennial, written to help teachers, preachers and people in every walk of life with different views, explanation and application. The 2-column format runs verse by verse for the most part, usually in a helpfully knowledgeable manner, and there are several special sections such as “Prayer” in Acts and “Legalism” in Galatians. The premillennial view is evident on Acts 1:6, 3:20, Romans 11:26, Galatians 6:16, Revelation 20, etc.

HCSB Study Bible : Holman Christian Standard Bible - General Editor Jeremy Royal Howard (2010) 2360 pages. Conservative. Good notes. Include Holmans excellent maps. One hour limit

Life Application Study Bible: Old Testament and New Testament: New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes especially with application of texts. 4,445 ratings One hour limit

The MacArthur Study Bible - John MacArthur. Brief but well done notes for conservative, literal perspective. 1,275 ratings

ESV study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel 6,004 ratings

The David Jeremiah Study Bible - (2013) 2208 pages. 2,272 ratings Logos.com - "Drawing on more than 40 years of study, Dr. David Jeremiah has compiled a legacy resource that will make an eternal impact on generations to come. 8,000 study notes. Hundreds of enriching word studies"50+ Essentials of the Christian Faith" articles."

Wycliffe Bible Commentary - Charles Pfeiffer - 1560 pages (1962). 214 ratings Less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary. Conservative. Notes are generally verse by verse but brief. 

Rosscup - Conservative and premillennial scholars here have been experts in their fields. The work contains brief introductions and attempts to give a verse-by-verse exposition, though it does skip over some verses. The treatments vary with the authors, but as a whole it is a fine one-volume commentary for pastors and students to use or give to a layman. Outstanding sections include, for example: Whitcomb on Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther; Culver on Daniel; Ladd on Acts; Harrison on Galatians; Johnson on I Corinthians; and Ryrie on the Johannine Epistles.

The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes by well known creationist. 45 ratings 

New Bible Commentary - (1994) See user reviews

Compact Bible commentary by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H Wayne, et al - 954 pages.  424 ratings Multiple contributors to the comments which are often verse by verse. The comments are brief but meaty and can really help your study through a given book. A sleeper in my opinion. 

The Experiencing God Study Bible: the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page! Read some of the 48 ratings

Disciple's study Bible: New international version 54 ratings Not that helpful for verse by verse study. Focuses on application of Christian doctrines. 10,000 annotations; doctrinal summaries, "Life Helps" section relate doctrine to everyday discipleship. 

The Living Insights Study Bible : New International Version - Charles Swindoll. Notes are good but somewhat sparse and not verse by verse.

The Apologetics Study Bible Understand Why You Believe by Norman Geisler

NIV archaeological study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 950 ratings (See also Archaeology and the Bible - OT and NT)

NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture Keener, Craig and Walton, John. Editors (2017)

The Holman illustrated study Bible 120 ratings Includes the excellent Holman maps but otherwise of little help in serious study.

Zondervan King James Version commentary - New Testament

NIV Celebrate Recovery Study Bible

Daily Study Bible for Women : New Living Translation

The Woman's Study Bible : the New King James Version

The Study Bible for Women : Holman Christian Standard Bible

Daily Study Bible for Men : New Living Translation

NIV Topical Study Bible : New International Version

The Ryrie Study Bible - Charles Ryrie (1978) 2142 pages. Conservative.  216 ratings

The Hebrew-Greek key study Bible : New American standard study by Strong, James, 1822-1894; Zodhiates, Spiros

The New Inductive Study Bible : updated New American Standard Bible - Introductions of each book give suggestions how to perform an inductive study on that specific book. Not strictly speaking a "study Bible" with notes but a Bible to help you study inductively. Has wide margins for making notes. This is one that works best in "paper," not digitally. 

With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe - 428 ratings

Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament by Wiersbe, Warren W

Cyril Barber - This is a book of exceptional merit. Pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers will profit from its use. Wiersbe introduces each book of the NT, provides an outline, and then furnishes his readers with a chapter-by-chapter discussion of the contents. The homiletic style is a “plus.” Recommended.

Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - Judges by Andrew Boling (20 pages); editor Walter Elwell (1989) 1239 pages. User reviews. (See also Boling's 380 page commentary on Judges the Anchor Bible Series)

Halley's Bible Handbook Henry H. Halley - (2000) 2720 pages (much larger than original edition in 1965 and no time limit on use). (Halley's Bible handbook : an abbreviated Bible commentary - one hour limit 1965 872 pages)

Rosscup - A much-used older evangelical handbook bringing together a brief commentary on Bible books, some key archaeological findings, historical background, maps, quotes, etc. It is helpful to a lay Bible teacher, Sunday School leader, or pastor looking for quick, pertinent information on a Bible book. This is the 72nd printing somewhat revised. Halley packed in much information. Unger’s is better overall, but that is not to say that Halley’s will not provide much help on basic information.

The Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook - Editor - Walter Elwell (1984) 408 pages.

"This hardback is small in size but packed full of content: Brief summaries of every book of the bible, cultural, archaeological and historical info, word definitions, pictures, maps and charts." Worth checking! 

 

MORE SERMONS AND 
COMMENTARIES

HENRY ALFORD

ANONYMOUS

Spurgeon comments: "Upon two chapters only, but thoroughly good, and full of sweetness and light." (Commenting and Commentaries)

PAUL APPLE

JACK ARNOLD EXPOSITORY SERMONS

WAYNE BARBER

WILLIAM BARCLAY

ALBERT BARNES

BIBLE.ORG RESOURCES

BRIAN BELL SERMONS

CHRIS BENFIELD SERMONS

JOHANN BENGEL

JOSEPH BENSON

BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR

BRIAN BILL - frequent illustrations and practical applications

HUGH BINNING (1627-1653)

  • Spurgeon says this is "Milk for babes and meat for men; calls to backsliders and comforts for mourners." (Commenting and commentaries)

1 John - Fellowship with God (See list of 28 messages)

JIM BOMKAMP

A E BROOKE

JOHN BUNYAN

WILLIAM BURKITT

JOHN CALVIN

CAMBRIDGE GREEK TESTAMENT

JOHN CANDLISH

ALAN CARR

D A CARSON

RICH CATHERS - HAS FREQUENT ILLUSTRATIONS

THOMAS CHALMERS

ADAM CLARKE

STEVEN COLE

THOMAS CONSTABLE

HENRY COWLES

W A CRISWELL

RON DANIEL

INGIMAR DERIDDER

GARY DERICKSON

DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS EPISTLE OF FIRST JOHN - F B Meyer, Theodore Epp, Andrew Murray, J C Philpot, C H Spurgeon, Octavius Winslow, Oswald Chambers

DICTIONARY OF BIBLE THEMES MARTIN MANSER

Note: This resource is useful to help you with topics covered by the passage you are studying. Click the verse for the topics (examples listed for 1 John 1:1 - click on "1690 word of God" to see brief definition various aspects of the Word of God with Scriptural examples. Then you can either click the arrow to advance to the next verse or you can go to the top of the page in the dropdown window and select the specific verse or chapter you would like to study.

     1690   word of God
     2018   Christ, divinity
     2033   Christ, humanity
     2203   Christ, titles of
     4909   beginning
     5159   hearing
     5194   touch
     5624   witnesses, to Christ
     9110   after-life

JOHN DUMMELOW

J LIGON DUNCAN

E-CATENA

CHARLES ELLICOTT

EXPOSITOR'S DICTIONARY OF TEXTS

EXPOSITOR'S GREEK - DAVID SMITH

EXPOSITOR'S COMMENTARY

JOHN FAWCETT

G G FINDLAY

GENE GETZ - short videos discussing principles associated with the respective passages being studied.

  • 1 John 1:5-2:2; Practicing the Truth: To have intimate fellowship with God, we must confess our sins and live in His will. Video
  • 1 John 2:3-11; Loving God and Others: To have an intimate relationship with God, we must develop loving relationships with one another. Video
  • 1 John 2:12-14; Evaluating Spiritual Growth: Regardless of our level of maturity, as Christians we should continually evaluate the extent to which we are walking in the light rather than in darkness. Video
  • 1 John 2:15-17; Overcoming the World: We must be on guard against worldly influences that interfere with our love for God and for one another. Video
  • 1 John 2:18-27; False Apostles and Prophets: We must reject the teachings of anyone who denies that Jesus Christ is God and that He came in human flesh. Video
  • 1 John 2:28-3:3;The Second Coming: To sincerely anticipate seeing Jesus Christ face to face, we must live in daily fellowship with God and with one another.Video

JOHN GILL

BRUCE GOETTSCHE

GOSPEL COALITION

GOTQUESTIONS

L M GRANT

DAVID GUZIK

W. HALL HARRIS III

NORMAN HARRISON

JAMES HASTINGS

ROBERT HAWKER

MATTHEW HENRY

D EDMOND HIEBERT - excellent exposition

James Rosscup has the following note on Hiebert's book The Epistles of John An Expositional Commentary. Note that the links below are to Hiebert's articles in Bibliotheca Sacra which form the basis for his formal published work. Thus Rosscup writes that Hiebert's work "is one of the best medium-length (here 371-pp.) explanations that is serious and clear to deal with most key matters, not pass them by. Hiebert sees ways to have assurance of real salvation, and 1Jn 5:13 as a key for the whole epistle, not confining its focus to details in 1Jn 5:1-12 or 1Jn 5:11,12 (251–52). He views 1Jn 5:16 as a case of a saved person praying for another saved person who receives “life” in the sense of restoration and promotion of his spiritual welfare (260). He usually takes a stand on what a phrase means, gives reasons, and is plain. His comments in the main body, his extensive bibliography (351–60), and frequent footnote references to good sources all exemplify his earnest attempt to give readers light." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)

Cyril Barber (also referring to the book as does Rosscup) - Hiebert, a Mennonite NT scholar, delves into the letters of John to exact from them the truths that underscore the Christian life and find expression in the kind of walk that pleases the Lord. While he uses the text of the KJV for the benefit of his readers, he works from the original Greek text for his exposition, combining sound exegesis with devotional comments on the text. Here is a volume that is illustrative of the best evangelicalism has to offer. Recommended. (The Minister's Library, Volume 3)

F B HOLE

ILLUSTRATIONS

H A IRONSIDE

IVP COMMENTARY - Marianne Meye Thompson

  • Since the links below have been removed at Biblegateway, you will need to borrow the book 1-3 John Commentary 
  • Walking in the Light: The Fundamental Pattern (1:5—2:27)
    • The Character of God (1:5)
    • The Atonement of Christ (1:6—2:2)
    • Obedience to God's Commands (2:3-6)
    • The Fundamental Command: Love One Another (2:7-11)
    • Encouragement to the Faithful (2:12-14)
    • Warnings Against Unfaithfulness (2:15-17)
    • Warnings Against Antichrists (2:18-27)
  • Remembering Who We Are: The Children of God (2:28—3:24)
    • The Privileges of the Children of God (2:28—3:3)
    • Family Likeness (3:4-10)
    • A Rift in the Family (3:11-17)
    • The Confidence of the Children of God (3:18-24)

James Rosscup writes "A lucid 168-pp., crisp exposition with some application in a flow for popular, general use. In a number of verses the book helps, at others it frustrates due to passing by views and reasons, or lacks sufficient comments. Much generalizing leaves an impression that in order to be seen as saved one must live an ideally perfect life (cf. 43), yet at other points one reads that Christians sin (45). The work has a healthy clarity that real grace, distinct from cheap so-called (but not genuine) grace (51) elicits confession of sin and seeking obedience to God. Such a life with God helps one’s assurance to be a properly experienced reality, as in 1Jn 2:3 (51), even this by grace. Some statements are quite helpful, as “righteous conduct does not make us God’s children. Rather, such conduct is the consequence or expression of a relationship that already exists” after rebirth (87). Many issues are left in a blur, for instance “God’s seed remains” (1Jn 3:9)." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)

JOHN ANGELL JAMES

JAMIESON, FAUSSET, AND BROWN

S LEWIS JOHNSON

WILLIAM KELLY

GUY KING

STEVE KRELOFF

PAUL KRETZMANN

LANGE COMMENTARY

Hiebert's critique - A full exposition with an abundance of doctrinal, ethical, and homiletical material added.

ROBERT LAW - 430 pages

DAVID LEGGE

JOHN MACARTHUR

IAN MACKERVOY

ALEXANDER MACLAREN

HENRY MAHAN

WILLIAM MACDONALD

J VERNON MCGEE

J R MILLER

MONERGISM

BRYAN MACPHAIL

F B MEYER

HEINRICH MEYER

G CAMPBELL MORGAN

ROB MORGAN

HENRY MORRIS DEFENDER'S STUDY BIBLE

AUGUSTUS NEANDER (1852)

Spurgeon says "Mrs. Conant (who translated it from German) in her preface says: “The treasures of genius and learning which enrich his more scientific works, here seem vivified by a new element, and melt, under the fervor of his inner spiritual life, into a glowing stream of eloquent practical instruction.” (Commenting and commentaries)The First Epistle of John, Practically Explained

ROBERT NEIGHBOUR

NET BIBLE NOTES

PHIL NEWTON

JAMES NISBET (CHURCH PULPIT COMMENTARY)

OUR DAILY BREAD Devotionals - Excellent Sermon Illustrations

JOSEPH PARKER

PASTOR LIFE Sermons from Baptist pastors.

PETER PETT

J. C. PHILPOT

SAMUEL EYLES PIERCE (1835)

Spurgeon says "This devout author was highly Calvinistic, but withal full of spiritual power and unction. He loved the deep things of God, and wrote upon them in a gracious manner.” (Commenting and commentaries)

JOHN PIPER

ALFRED PLUMMER

MATTHEW POOLE

WILLIAM B POPE

PREACHER'S HOMILETICAL

PRECEPT MINISTRIES

PULPIT COMMENTARY

ROBERT RAYBURN

REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE STUDY NOTES 1 John 

GRANT RICHISON

Disclaimer: I do not agree with a number of Richison's comments. An example of one on 2Ti 2:12 in his First John Notes "A Christian is still a Christian even though he disowns the Lord." Read Jesus' words in Mt 10:33 and John's in 1 Jn 2:23-note. Many of Richison's comments and applications are excellent, but just be sure you read them with a Berean mindset Acts 17:11-note!

A T ROBERTSON

DON ROBINSON

J C RYLE

ROB SALVATO

JOHNNY SANDERS 1 John Commentary

HENRY SAWTELLE (1888)

Hiebert's critique - A conservative interpretation by a Baptist scholar of the past century. Offers a careful unfolding of the original for the English reader. 84 pages but print small so in effect well over 100 pages compared to usual text size. Easy to follow verse by verse and phrase by phrase exposition.

PHILLIP SCHAFF

SERMON BIBLE COMMENTARY

CHARLES SIMEON

CHUCK SMITH

HAMILTON SMITH

JAMES SMITH

DANIEL SNADDON - Plymouth Brethren

SPEAKER'S COMMENTARY

R C SPROUL - Devotionals from Tabletalk

C H SPURGEON

RAY STEDMAN

  • 1 John 2:18-19: The Nature Of Heresy
  • 1 John 2:20-21: The Hard Core Of Truth
  • 1 John 2:22-23: No Son, No Father
  • 1 John 2:24-25: The Living Word
  • 1 John 2:26-27: The Teaching Spirit
  • 1 John 2:28: The Coming Day
  • For devotionals below click here
  • 4th The Person Who Rationalizes Sin (1 John 1:10-2:2) — When we sin, what happens when we justify our actions or make excuses for our disobedience? Do we have God's forgiveness for our past, present, and future sins?
  • 5th How To Walk As He Walked (1 John 2:3-6) — What does it mean to have the life of Christ in us? Have we grasped this abiding reality that Jesus demonstrated to us as the way for us to walk with God?
  • 6th Visible Christianity (1 John 2:7-11) — True Christians are marked by the ability to forgive anyone despite how they feel. Do we need our eyes opened so we can willingly escape the grip of unforgiveness?
  • 7th The Maturing Process (1 John 2:12-14) — What joy is experienced when deliberate Bible study moves from a 'have to' to a 'want to!' How is our desire for, time with, and practice of God's living Word growing?
  • 8th The Enemy Around (1 John 2:15-17) — What are three areas in which we are engaged in battle against our lusts and pride? How does this evidence itself in how we spend our time and our money?
  • 9th On Heresy (1 John 2:18-19) — Heresy results from failure to study and accept the whole of Scripture. What effect does the powerful Word of God have on those who see through its revelation?
  • 10th No Gray Areas (1 John 2:20-21) — Excuses we make can merely echo the lies of the world. Have we found the absolute truth as it is in Christ or do our excuses reveal gray areas where none should exist?
  • 11th No Son, No Father (1 John 2:22-23) — The tri-unity of God is a profound mystery. The three persons, eternally One, are a love-giving unity. Are we allowing Christ in us to continue His ministry of love?
  • 12th The Living Word (1 John 2:24-25) — What is the daily adventure of experiencing God's solution to every problem instead of our own called? Are we willingly letting the living Word possess us each day?
  • 13th The Teaching Spirit (1 John 2:26-27) — The Holy Spirit is our personal teacher as we spend time in the Word of God. Are we open to listening to the Spirit of Christ in our brothers and sisters also?
  • 14th The Most Astonishing Thing (1 John 2:28-3:1) — God is the Creator of all mankind, but not the Father of all mankind. We are only children of God by faith in Jesus Christ! How has this truth astonished & affected us?

JOHN STEVENSON

JOHN STOCK (1865)

Spurgeon says "Written by a well-instructed man of God. For spiritual teaching the work is second to none. Dr. Candlish prized it greatly.” (Commenting and commentaries)

SAM STORMS

JOSEPH SUTCLIFFE

TODAY IN THE WORD

JOHN TRAPP

James Rosscup writes "This work has long been ranked by many as the best older effort on the Greek text. It is detailed, thorough, and very useful for its incisive, definitive statements on problem areas as well as grammatical matters (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works

BOB UTLEY

MARVIN VINCENT

THOMAS WATSON

TODAY IN THE WORD

B F WESTCOTT

James Rosscup writes "This work has long been ranked by many as the best older effort on the Greek text. It is detailed, thorough, and very useful for its incisive, definitive statements on problem areas as well as grammatical matters (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works

DANIEL WHEDON

STEVE ZEISLER

SERMONS BY VERSE - OLDER MESSAGES

Brooks -- the Pride of Life Grenville Kleiser 1 John 2:1
Our Advocate and Propitiation W. Jones 1 John 2:1, 2
Believers Exhorted not to Sin B. W. Noel, M. A. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our Advocate   1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our Advocate W. F. Ireland, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our Advocate J. Gibbs. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our Advocate with the Father James Fenton, M. A. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our Propitiation E. Hoare, M. A. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our Propitiatory Sacrifice and Our Advocate D. Inglis. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ the Advocate of Sinners Essex Remembrancer 1 John 2:1-6
Christian Sin Dudley Kidd. 1 John 2:1-6
Christians have Delicate Perceptions of Sin Steinhofer. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ's Acquaintance with Man's Case C. Stanford. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ's Intercession S. Charnock, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ's Intercession   1 John 2:1-6
For the Sins of the Whole World Sword and Trowel. 1 John 2:1-6
Insufficiency of the Subjective View of the Atonement G. S. Barrett, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Is There a Doctrine of the Atonement in Scripture James Denney, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Man Lives in a Redeemed World R. W. Dale, LL. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Man's Advocate with the Father D. Thomas, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Nature and Ground of Christ's Advocacy as Meeting the Need of the Guileless Spirit R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Our Advocate on High S. Martin. 1 John 2:1-6
Preventatives Against Sin W. Graham. 1 John 2:1-6
Propitiation for Sin C. New. 1 John 2:1-6
Redemption for the Whole World W. Birch. 1 John 2:1-6
Sin Not Dudley Kidd. 1 John 2:1-6
Sin Supposed: Sin Dealt with R. Finlayson 1 John 2:1-6
Sinless Aim of the Guileless Spirit R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
The Advocacy of Christ J. Williams, M. A. 1 John 2:1-6
The Gospel Prohibits Sin C. Stanford, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
The Gracious Provision J. O. Peck, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
The Intercession of Christ J. Foot, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
The Knowledge of God Preventive of Sin Hugh Binning. 1 John 2:1-6
The Propitiation Intelligible James Denney, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
The Propitiation of Christ George Robson. 1 John 2:1-6
The Sinner's Advocate C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 2:1-6
The True Pleader G. Calvert. 1 John 2:1-6
Warning and Encouragement James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Doing and Knowing F. D. Maurice, M. A. 1 John 2:3-5
Our Attitude Towards the Commandments of God are Evidence of Christian Life J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 2:3-5
Sincerity and Duplicity C. H. Spurgeon 1 John 2:3-5
The Great Change and its Evidences J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:3-5
The Guileless Spirit Realising Through Obedience the Knowledge of God as the Means of Being and Abiding in God R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:3-5
The Keeping of God's Commandments is Undoubtedly and Truly the Perfection of Our Love to God John Cotton, B. D. 1 John 2:3-5
The Keeping of the Divine Word Homilist 1 John 2:3-5
The Love of God T. Binney. 1 John 2:3-5
The Saving Knowledge of Christ Evinced by a Practical Attention to His Commandments Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons 1 John 2:3-5
The True Knowledge of God and its Infallible Proof W. Jones 1 John 2:3-5
Theology and Morality Homilist 1 John 2:3-5
Abiding in Christ to be Demonstrated by Walking as Christ Did Isaac Barrow, D. D. 1 John 2:6
Christian Profession and Consequent Obligations W. Jones 1 John 2:6
Imitation of Christ B. W. Noel, M. A. 1 John 2:6
Imitation of the Example of Christ in His Temper and Life John Hubbard. 1 John 2:6
In Him: Like Him C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 2:6
Inward Grace Manifest in the Life A. R. Cocke, D. D. 1 John 2:6
Of the Imitation of Christ in Holiness of Life   1 John 2:6
The Christian Walk Bp. Ryle. 1 John 2:6
The Christian's Imitation of Christ Wm. Fenner. 1 John 2:6
The Christlike Walk of One with Guileless Spirit Abiding in God R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:6
The Example of Christ D. Duncan. 1 John 2:6
The Commandment, Old Yet New Alexander Maclaren 1 John 2:7
Brotherly Love James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:7-11
No New Commandment A. F. W. Ingram, M. A. 1 John 2:7-11
The Commandment of Brotherly Love R. Finlayson 1 John 2:7-11
The Commandment of Love -- its Oldness and its Newness T. Jones. 1 John 2:7-11
The Darkness Passing -- the Light Shining R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:7-11
The Law of Love True to the Requirements of Life C. Watson, D. D. 1 John 2:7-11
The Old and New Commandments F. D. Maurice, M. A. 1 John 2:7-11
Brotherly Love a Test and Means of Being and Abiding with Guileless Spirit in the Light Instead of Walking in Darkness R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:9-11
Hatred Causes Stumbling A. J. Bechtel. 1 John 2:9-11
Living in Light and Love W. Jones 1 John 2:9-11
Moral Darkness Abp. Wm. Alexander. 1 John 2:9-11
A Sermon to the Lord's Little Children C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 2:12-14
Christians as Little Children John Stock, M. A. 1 John 2:12-14
For His Name's Sake R. Thomas. 1 John 2:12-14
God's Glory in the Forgiveness of Sin for His Name's Sake H. Melvill, B. D. 1 John 2:12-14
Seasons of Life and Their Appropriate Spiritual Experiences W. Jones 1 John 2:12-14
The Father and His Children J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 2:12-14
The Gospel to the Young E. A. Stuart, M. A. 1 John 2:12-14
Young Christians to be Cared For John Stock, M. A. 1 John 2:12-14
The Great Danger of Christians R. Finlayson 1 John 2:12-17
A Description of Young Men in Christ C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 2:13
Christian Fathers and the Knowledge of the Divine Being T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 2:13
Fathers in Christ C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 2:13
Manly Christianity   1 John 2:13
Noble Young Men Homilist 1 John 2:13
Religion Beautiful in All Seasons of Life D. Thomas, D. D. 1 John 2:13
Spiritual Growth T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 2:13
Strength, Victory, and Knowledge in Youth M. Vincent, D. D. 1 John 2:13
The Aged in Years and Grace T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 2:13
The Childhood of Grace T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 2:13
The Guileless Spirit Abiding in the Light in its Threefold Aspect of Childhood R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:13
The Hopefulness of Youthful Strength Andrew Doak, M. A. 1 John 2:13
The Strength of Young Men H. R. Reynolds, D. D. 1 John 2:13
The Successive Stages of Life Canon Diggle. 1 John 2:13
The Word of God the Guide of Youth J. T. Davidson, D. D. 1 John 2:13
The Youthhood of the Nation C. A. Bartol. 1 John 2:13
Three Stages of Natural and Christian Life T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 2:13
Unto You, Young Men C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 2:13
Victorious Young Men J. Irons. 1 John 2:13
Working Power A. L. Stone. 1 John 2:13
Yoking Manhood's Strength and Triumph C. V. Waugh. 1 John 2:13
Young Men T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 2:13
Young Men in Cities H. W. Beecher. 1 John 2:13
Youthful Strength A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 2:13
The Difference Between Walking by Sight, and Walking by Faith John Wesley 1 John 2:15
A Dangerous Experiment H. Bushnell, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
An Apostolic Prohibition, and the Reason Thereof W. Jones 1 John 2:15-17
Love not the World James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
Love not the World J. B. Mayor, M. A. 1 John 2:15-17
Love not the World S. S. Roche. 1 John 2:15-17
Love of the World F. W. P. Greenwood, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
Love of the World E. H. Chapin, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
The Christian in the World   1 John 2:15-17
The Expulsive Power of a New Affection T. Chalmers, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
The Guileless Spirit Loving not the World R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
The Nature and Danger of an Inordinate Love of the World John Mason, M. A. 1 John 2:15-17
The Peril of Worldliness W. H. M. H. Aitken, M. A. 1 John 2:15-17
The World and the Father F. D. Maurice, M. A. 1 John 2:15-17
The World We Must not Love Abp. Wm. Alexander. 1 John 2:15-17
Unlading A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
When Do We Love the World Too Much J. Jortin, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
Worldliness F. W. Robertson, M. A. 1 John 2:15-17
Worldliness J. E. Welldon, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
Worldliness Impedes the Sight of Higher Things W. Arnot, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
Worldly Affections Destructive of Love to God Archdeacon Manning. 1 John 2:15-17
The Lust of the Eyes W. J. Dawson. 1 John 2:16
The Pride of Life is Transitory W. J. Dawson. 1 John 2:16
The Three Elements of a Worldly Life J. B. Mayor, M. A. 1 John 2:16
The Worldling's Trinity J. Trapp. 1 John 2:16
Transitoriness of the Lust of the Flesh W. J. Dawson. 1 John 2:16
What is The World S. Faber. 1 John 2:16
National Worldliness S. A. Brooke, M. A. 1 John 2:17
Obedience and Abiding A. Raleigh, D. D. 1 John 2:17
River and Rock A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 2:17
The Abiding Life A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 2:17
The Evanescent and the Enduring in Human History D. Thomas, D. D. 1 John 2:17
The Guileless Spirit R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:17
The Moral Only Permanent H. Allon, D. D. 1 John 2:17
Antichrist Bp. Wm. Alexander. 1 John 2:18-23
Antichrist and Antichrists James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:18-23
Anti-Christian S. E. Pierce. 1 John 2:18-23
Last Things T. De Witt Talmage, D. D. 1 John 2:18-23
St. John's Last Hour George G. Findlay, B. A. 1 John 2:18-23
The Dispensations Dean Goulburn. 1 John 2:18-23
Antichrist R. Finlayson 1 John 2:18-29
A Bundle of Myrrh Charles Haddon Spurgeon 1 John 2:20
An Unction from the Holy One James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:20
Knowledge by Divine Unction James Stratten. 1 John 2:20
The Anointing J. B. Figgis, M. A. 1 John 2:20
The Guileless Spirit Amid Anti-Christian Defections R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:20
The Omniscience of Holiness F. Ferguson, D. D. 1 John 2:20
The Unction from the Holy One C. Stanford, D. D. 1 John 2:20
The Unction Front the Holy One A. Mackennal, D. D. 1 John 2:20
Unction from the Holy One J. J. Lias, M. A. 1 John 2:20
The Unction from the Holy One W. Jones 1 John 2:20, 27
Antichrist D. Thomas, D. D. 1 John 2:21-24
Deniers of Christ J. T. Demarest, D. D. 1 John 2:21-24
Knowledge Favourable to Further Teaching James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:21-24
Our Estimate of Christ the Measure of God's Estimate of Us   1 John 2:21-24
The Antagonism Between Truth and Falsehood J. J. Lias, M. A. 1 John 2:21-24
The Guileless Spirit R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:21-24
The Son and the Father R. W. Dale, D. D. 1 John 2:21-24
Christian Doctrine, Duty, Privilege, and Hope T. Mortimer, B. D. 1 John 2:24-25
The Guileless Spirit Abiding Through the Word in the Son and in the Father R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:24-25
Vital Godliness J. Irons. 1 John 2:24-25
Eternal Life James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:25
The Promise of Eternal Life J. W. Reeve, M. A. 1 John 2:25
Teacheth F. B. Meyer, B. A. 1 John 2:26-28
The Anointing by Christ The Evangelical Preacher 1 John 2:26-28
The Guileless Spirit R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:26-28
What God is to Us Hugh Binning 1 John 2:27
A Standard of Judgment James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:28-29
Abiding in Christ Gives Confidence A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 2:28-29
Abiding in Christ the Ground of Confidence in the Day of His Appearing J. Hawes, D. D. 1 John 2:28-29
Ashamed to Meet the Lord J. Elder Cumming, D. D. 1 John 2:28-29
Intermediate Condition of the Divine Fellowship R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:28-29
Preparation for the Coming of the Lord C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 2:28-29
The Advantage of Abiding in Christ A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 2:28-29
The Highest Life D. Thomas, D. D. 1 John 2:28-29
What is it to be a Doer of Righteousness B. Beddome, M. A. 1 John 2:28-29

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