John (Life Application Bible Commentary | LABC)
Overview
John was the last surviving apostle and one of the few still living who had seen Jesus in the flesh. It would be easy for young believers-removed from Christ’s life, death, and resurrection by a generation and surrounded by a hostile government and unbelieving neighbors-to have doubts and second thoughts about their faith. This book was written in the late 80s, after the terrible persecutions by Nero (A.D. 54–68) and the total destruction of Jerusalem (A.D. 70). The church had flourished under persecution, but believers needed reassurance of the truth of Christianity. John, the venerable eyewitness to all that Jesus had done and faithful follower of his Lord, would give that assurance through his personal account of the gospel story. Study John’s Gospel and grow in your personal knowledge of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
About the Series
The Life Application Bible Commentary series provides verse-by-verse explanation, background, and application for every verse in the New Testament. In addition, it gives personal help, teaching notes, and sermon ideas that will address needs, answer questions, and provide insight for applying God’s Word to life today. The content is highlighted so that particular verses and phrases are easy to find.
Each volume contains three sections: introduction, commentary, and reference. The introduction includes an overview of the book, the book’s historical context, a timeline, cultural background information, major themes, an overview map, and an explanation about the author and audience.
The commentary section includes running commentary on the Bible text with reference to several modern versions, especially the New International Version and the New Revised Standard Version, accompanied by life applications interspersed throughout. Additional elements include charts, diagrams, maps, and illustrations. There are also insightful quotes from church leaders and theologians such as John Calvin, Martin Luther, John Wesley, A. W. Tozer, and C. S. Lewis. These features are designed to help you quickly grasp the biblical information and be prepared to communicate it to others. The reference section includes a bibliography.
Top Highlights
“Light means understanding and moral insight, spiritual vision. But more than just shining or reflecting, the light of Jesus penetrates and enlightens hearts and minds. Everyone who comes into contact with Christ can be enlightened.” (Page 5)
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“But John presented the largest perspective of all, describing Jesus as the very source of everything we understand as beginning.” (Page 2) |
“In any case, Jesus made it clear to his mother that his life was following a different timetable; he lived to carry out his Father’s business, according to his Father’s plans. Whatever Jesus’ intended response to the problem at hand, he expressed to his mother a firm reminder that his priorities were different from hers.” (Page 33)
“Fruit is not limited to soul winning. In this chapter, answered prayer, joy, and love are mentioned as fruit (15:7, 11–12). Galatians 5:22–24 and 2 Peter 1:5–8 describe additional fruit, explained as qualities of Christian character.” (Page 307)
“In this case, the empty water jars (normally used by the Jews to purify themselves) may symbolize the emptiness of Jewish ritual when true faith is absent. Jesus had come to give content to an empty religion. The jars help visualize what Jesus meant when he talked about his relationship to the law: ‘I have come not to abolish but to fulfill’ (Matthew 5:17 nrsv). Personally, it pictures what Christ’s presence means in our life: He fills us with his Spirit and goodness when we are empty and lacking.” (Page 34)
- Title: John
- Author: Bruce B. Barton
- Series: Life Application Bible Commentary
- Publisher: Tyndale
- Print Publication Date: 1993
- Logos Release Date: 2002
- Pages: 413
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. N.T. John › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9780842328937, 0842328939
- Resource ID: LLS:29.48.11
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-28T20:03:00Z