Expository Thoughts on John, vol. 1
Overview
“I hold that the Gospel of St. John, rightly interpreted, is the best and simplest answer to those who profess to admire a vague and indistinct Christianity.” So says J.C. Ryle in the preface to his three volume masterwork on the book of John. Written in clear and concise language, Ryle expounds the Scriptures like nobody else. His interpretations are insightful, and his observations are practical for daily Christian living. A perfect companion for studying or teaching the Bible, Ryle has included detailed explanatory notes and a comprehensive appendix. John 1–6 are covered in this volume.
Top Highlights
“We learn, firstly, that our Lord Jesus Christ is eternal.” (Page 2)
“We learn, lastly, that the Lord Jesus Christ is the source of all spiritual life and light. St. John tells us, that ‘in Him was life, and the life was the light of men.’ He is the eternal fountain, from which alone the sons of men have ever derived life. Whatever spiritual life and light Adam and Eve possessed before the fall, was from Christ. Whatever deliverance from sin and spiritual death any child of Adam has ever enjoyed since the fall, whatever light of conscience or understanding any one has obtained, all has flowed from Christ.” (Page 3)
“ a mournful example of the blindness of unconverted men.” (Page 45)
“fourthly, the absolute necessity of conviction of sin before a soul can be converted to God” (Page 204)
“man’s natural helplessness and inability to repent or believe” (Page 380)
- Title: Expository Thoughts on John, vol. 1
- Author: J.C. Ryle
- Publisher: Robert Carter & Brothers
- Publication Date: 1879
- Pages: 422
J. C. Ryle (1816–1900) was educated at Christ Church, Oxford, where he was a Craven scholar. He was ordained in 1841 and became a leader of the evangelical party in the Church of England. In 1880, Ryle became the first bishop of Liverpool and also served as the dean of Salisbury. Ryle remained the bishop of Liverpool for 20 years.
Ryle was noted for his doctrinal essays and polemical writings. His bestselling titles include Expository Thoughts on Mark and Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots which can both be found in the J. C. Ryle Collection (18 vols.). He also contributed three volumes in the Crossway Classic Commentary Collection (13 vols.).