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John 20:31
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Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That ye might believe - What is here recorded is to give a full proof of the Divinity of Christ; that he is the promised Messiah; that he really suffered and rose again from the dead; and that through him every believer might have eternal life. Life - Several MSS., versions, and fathers read eternal life, and this is undoubtedly the meaning of the word, whether the various reading be admitted or not. Grotius has conjectured that the Gospel, as written by St. John, ended with this chapter, and that the following chapter was added by the Church of Ephesus. This conjecture is supported by nothing in antiquity. It is possible that these two last verses might have formerly been at the conclusion of the last chapter, as they bear a very great similarity to those that are found there; and it is likely that their true place is between the 24th and 25th verses of the succeeding chapter; with the latter of which they in every respect correspond, and with it form a proper conclusion to the book. Except this correspondence, there is no authority for changing their present position. After reading the Gospel of John, his first Epistle should be next taken up: it is written exactly in the same spirit, and keeps the same object steadily in view. As John's Gospel may be considered a supplement to the other evangelists, so his first Epistle may be considered a supplement and continuation to his own Gospel. In some MSS. the epistles follow this Gospel, not merely because the transcribers wished to have all the works of the same writer together, but because there was such an evident connection between them. The first Epistle is to the Gospel as a pointed and forcible application is to an interesting and impressive sermon.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But these are written--as sufficient specimens. the Christ, the Son of God--the one His official, the other His personal, title. believing . . . may have life--(See on Joh 6:51-54). Next: John Chapter 21
John Gill Bible Commentary
But these are written,..... The several ends of recording what is written in this book, in proof of Christ's resurrection, are as follow: one is, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; that Jesus, who was diminutively called Jesus, the son of Mary, the son of Joseph, the carpenter's son, Jesus of Nazareth, and of Galilee, was the Christ, or true Messiah; which signifies anointed, and takes in all his offices of prophet, priest, and King, to which he was anointed; and is an article of faith of the greatest importance; and is to be believed through the signs proving his resurrection, who, according to the Scriptures, was to rise again; and which, by the signs here recorded, it appears he is risen indeed, and therefore must be the true Messiah of the prophets, and also "the Son of God"; which was a known title of the Messiah among the Jews; and is not a name of office, but of nature and relation to God, and designs Christ in his divine nature, or as a divine person; and is an article of great moment, and well attested, by God, by angels, and men; and receives a further confirmation by the resurrection of Christ, who is thereby declared to be the Son of God with power; and with this view did this evangelist write the signs, proving it, herein to be found. And his other end in recording them, is, and that believing ye might have life through his name: believers have their spiritual and eternal life through Christ; their life of grace, of justification on him, of sanctification from him, and communion with him; the support and maintenance of their spiritual life, and all the comforts of it: and also their life of glory, or eternal life, they have through, or in his name; it lies in his person, it comes to them through him as the procuring cause of it; it is for his sake bestowed upon them, yea, it is in his hands to give it, and who does give it to all that believe: not that believing is the cause of their enjoyment of this life, or is their title to it, which is the name, person, blood, and righteousness of Christ; but faith is the way and means in which they enjoy it; and therefore these signs are written by the evangelist for the encouragement of this faith in Christ, which is of such use in the enjoyment of life, in, through, and from him. Beza's ancient copy, two of Stephens's, the Coptic, Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions read, "eternal life". Next: John Chapter 21
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:31 that you may continue to believe: The present tense (found in some manuscripts) indicates that John wrote to encourage believers. Other manuscripts read that you may [come to] believe, suggesting that John wrote to stimulate new faith (cp. 1:7).
John 20:31
The Purpose of John’s Book
30Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. 31But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
1 John - the Glory of Fellowship
By Stephen Kaung3.5K1:00:04PSA 40:8JHN 20:311JN 2:291JN 3:7REV 19:8In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude to God for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. The focus of the sermon is on the importance of practicing righteousness and doing the will of God. The speaker emphasizes that as children of God, we should strive to resemble our Heavenly Father by living a righteous life. The sermon also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and transforming believers, as well as the significance of having a clear conscience before God.
John's Ministry of Recovery
By Stephen Kaung2.9K59:01Life in ChristRecoveryJHN 1:4JHN 3:16JHN 10:10JHN 11:25JHN 14:6JHN 20:311JN 1:11JN 4:91JN 5:13REV 1:17Stephen Kaung emphasizes the significance of John's ministry as a ministry of recovery, focusing on the themes of life and light found in Christ. He explains that John's approach leads believers back to the beginning, where true life is found in Jesus, the Word made flesh. Kaung illustrates how John's ministry addresses the spiritual decline by restoring the testimony of Jesus through life, love, and light, urging the congregation to seek life in Christ above all else. He encourages believers to ask whether their actions and beliefs align with the life of Christ, as true recovery comes from returning to Him. Ultimately, Kaung reassures that life triumphs over death, as demonstrated in the book of Revelation.
(John) the Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem
By Willie Mullan2.4K58:32Triumphal EntryZEC 9:9MAT 21:1LUK 19:28JHN 1:1JHN 12:12JHN 20:31In this sermon, the preacher discusses the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the timid inquiry of the Greeks. He emphasizes the precious picture of the potentate that is revealed through these two scenes. The preacher highlights the chanting cry of the clouds and the graces gathering of the Greeks as significant moments during Jesus' entry. Additionally, the sermon explores Christ's conception of the cross and how it should impact the lives of believers. The preacher encourages the audience to work for the Lord with sincerity and not rely on others to fulfill their responsibilities.
Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks2.1K45:42Seeing JesusPSA 66:18ISA 6:3EZK 1:1MAT 6:33JHN 20:31REV 7:9REV 21:11In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the visions of God that Ezekiel saw. The speaker highlights that whenever the Lord takes a new step or movement, He reveals His glory to someone or some instrument. The speaker then discusses the symbolism of the four living ones or cherubim and the wheels under the throne. The wheels represent a great multitude of redeemed individuals who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and are now worshiping and praising God. The sermon emphasizes that this vision of glory through holiness is not limited to Ezekiel's time but is a timeless message for all believers.
Prayer Matthew 6
By Leonard Ravenhill2.0K1:02:53Prayer LifeMAT 6:33LUK 24:27JHN 1:1JHN 20:31ROM 15:4JUD 1:3REV 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, as mentioned in the book of Matthew, chapter six. He addresses the misconception that the Old Testament is not relevant today, which has caused upset among some people. The preacher highlights the significance of recognizing our spiritual poverty and need for God, even if we may have material wealth or social status. He references the book of Revelation to illustrate how a church that appeared rich and successful in the world's eyes was actually lacking spiritually.
Los Angeles Conference #2
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K47:16ConferenceMAT 6:33JHN 20:31ACT 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the uniqueness of Christ and the importance of recognizing Him as the source of life. The Gospel of John is highlighted as a testament to this central theme of life in Christ. The consequences of rejecting Christ are described as a history of suffering and death, contrasting with the hope and open heaven that believers have through faith in Jesus. The speaker also emphasizes the transformative power of this life in believers, which is stronger than death, hell, and the power of Satan.
Life & Times of Jesus #10
By Jack Hibbs1.8K1:00:28MAT 3:13MAT 6:33MRK 12:2JHN 1:1JHN 14:6JHN 20:31ACT 2:37In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of coming to God and trusting in Him. He uses the example of Jesus being presented by God as His beloved Son. The speaker urges the audience to not just believe in Jesus in a historic sense, but to trust in Him completely. He also highlights the significance of accepting and receiving Jesus, using the parable of the vineyard workers who mistreated the owner's servants. The sermon concludes with the speaker challenging those who doubt Jesus' existence and urging them to consider the overwhelming evidence of His divinity.
(Through the Bible) John 6
By Chuck Smith1.6K37:17MAT 16:18MAT 16:23JHN 2:19JHN 5:39JHN 6:63JHN 6:68JHN 20:31In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of satisfaction and how worldly pleasures and pursuits often leave us unsatisfied. He emphasizes that Jesus is the bread of God and the only source of true satisfaction. The speaker encourages the audience to believe in Jesus and partake of him, as he promises that those who do will never hunger or thirst again. The sermon also touches on the importance of faith and the assurance that Jesus will never cast out those who come to him.
(Matthew) Jesus Is the Messiah
By Pat Kenney1.4K48:55MessiahMAT 1:1MAT 3:2MAT 4:17MAT 28:19MRK 10:45LUK 2:52JHN 20:31In this sermon, the speaker addresses the question of "how can this be?" when faced with the grip of a sinful habit. He emphasizes that God wants to set us free and birth something new in us. The speaker also highlights the importance of repentance and turning to Jesus as our Savior. He encourages listeners to have faith and trust in God's plan for their lives, even when they may not understand how it will happen. The sermon emphasizes the call to be faithful in all areas of life and to honor God in everything we do.
Hear the Voice of God and Live
By Carter Conlon1.2K41:14Supernatural LifeMAT 6:33JHN 1:1JHN 3:16JHN 10:10JHN 14:6JHN 20:312CO 5:17In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share the word of God and bring hope to those in darkness. He emphasizes that God's love is for all people, regardless of their past actions. The preacher then reads from the Gospel of John, highlighting the profound words of Jesus. He encourages the audience to come to God just as they are and experience the transformative power of His grace. The sermon concludes with a heartfelt rendition of the hymn "Amazing Grace" and a reminder that God's grace will lead us home.
The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
By Roy Hession1.2K54:10DiscipleMAT 6:33MAT 26:31MAT 26:33JHN 20:31JHN 21:3JHN 21:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of grace and how it applies to believers who have failed. He emphasizes that God's love is unconditional and that even in our failures, we are still loved by Him. The preacher uses the example of Peter, who denied Jesus three times, to illustrate this point. Despite Peter's failure, he was still loved by Jesus and was eventually restored by grace. The sermon also highlights the importance of understanding and believing in the depth and breadth of God's love.
Christ, the Demander
By Rolfe Barnard1.2K49:45SovereigntyMAT 24:30LUK 9:62JHN 20:31ACT 14:22ROM 10:9ROM 10:13PHP 2:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of total commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. He uses the analogy of a rebellion in a sovereign's kingdom to illustrate the spiritual battle between the sons of the kingdom and the sons of darkness. The preacher urges the listeners to throw down their arms of rebellion and bow at the feet of the Master. He highlights the longsuffering and grace of God, who desires all men to come to repentance and receive pardon through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Lukewarm No More - Part 10
By George Verwer97207:48LukewarmMAT 9:37JHN 20:31In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal testimony of how he came to faith in Jesus Christ during his high school years. He organized a meeting at his school where he shared about Jesus, and his own father was among the 125 students who responded to the invitation to believe in Jesus. This event led to the birth of a movement known as Operation Mobilization. The speaker also talks about the need for young people to get involved in missions, particularly on their ships, where various ministries are based. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and shares how prayer has been a significant part of his life since his conversion.
Do You Know God? Have You Put Away Your Idols?
By Rolfe Barnard92059:00JHN 1:12JHN 3:16JHN 4:24JHN 5:39JHN 6:40JHN 8:32JHN 10:10JHN 14:6JHN 17:1JHN 20:31In this sermon, the preacher shares his experience of holding a meeting at a research center and witnessing a powerful move of God. The people in the town were stirred up and even started a petition to run the outpouring. The preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing the true God and having a personal relationship with Him. He highlights the need to turn away from sin and have a genuine affection for God. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer as the ultimate remedy for the desperate state of society.
Studies in Psalm 16:-01
By James K. Boswell90836:54PSA 16:4PSA 16:8PSA 17:5PSA 37:4PSA 118:8PRO 3:5JHN 20:31ACT 2:25In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing how people often use technology without fully understanding how it works. He then shares a story about a doctor who operated on a blind boy, giving him the ability to see. The speaker emphasizes the importance of young people in today's world and how they are seeking a genuine message. He concludes by highlighting the significance of Jesus opening our spiritual eyes and how we should be grateful for His work in our lives.
Send the Message - Session 5
By K.P. Yohannan77948:10MissionsMAT 6:33JHN 20:31ACT 1:1ACT 2:42ACT 4:13ACT 4:23ACT 8:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God for salvation. He encourages listeners to pray for and share the gospel with those in need, as Jesus has the power to transform lives. The speaker also highlights the fact that the early disciples were ordinary, unschooled men, yet they were chosen by God to spread the message of Jesus. He warns against being knowledgeable and hardworking but lacking a personal relationship with Jesus. The speaker urges parents to prioritize their own prayer life and personal connection with God as a means of influencing their children's faith. He also encourages listeners to support and connect with missionaries who face battles and discouragement in their work. The speaker concludes by reminding believers that God is at work in their lives and calls them to live a life that goes beyond being average Christians.
God's Plan for the Ages 02 God's Plan
By Lawrence Chambers73659:30GEN 1:3JHN 20:31ROM 6:112CO 4:6COL 3:11PE 1:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the light of God's grace shining in our hearts. He explains that this light drives out the darkness of death and unbelief, and its purpose is to shine through us to others. The preacher also discusses the concept of death, stating that even in death, our consciousness continues on into eternity. He then delves into the creation story, highlighting the significance of the fourth day when the heavens became populated with light holders such as the sun, moon, and stars. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the threefold condition of man's disorder and the invitation to be restored and brought back into harmony with God.
Gird Up Now Thy Loins
By Emanuel Esh7231:26:13ObedienceJOB 38:3EZK 1:28MAT 1:1MRK 1:1LUK 1:1JHN 20:31REV 1:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of God's mercy in revealing one's true nature. He uses the analogy of a person trying to escape from God's conviction, but ultimately being confronted with their own selfishness and sinfulness. The sermon then shifts to discussing salvation and the Christian walk, highlighting the importance of sanctification and the ongoing steps in the Christian life. The speaker encourages the audience to seek a deeper understanding of God and to recognize their need for His mercy and grace.
Luke 1
By John McGregor57442:04MAT 6:33LUK 19:10JHN 20:31ACT 1:8ROM 10:9EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our spiritual deadness and the need for life through repentance and forgiveness of sins. The Gospel of Luke is highlighted as the Gospel of the Son of Man, showcasing Jesus' humanity and his attitude towards the poor, lonely, and outcast. The sermon also mentions the joy and praise that comes from the forgiveness of sins and the closeness with Jesus. Additionally, the prominence of women in the Gospel of Luke is highlighted as a distinctive feature. The sermon concludes with an invitation to study the Word of God together and a prayer for those seeking assurance of their relationship with God.
God's Great Demander
By Rolfe Barnard43547:28GodMAT 6:33JHN 20:31ACT 16:31ROM 10:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the radical nature of following Jesus. He references Mark chapter 9, where Jesus speaks about the need to cut off body parts that cause sin. The preacher emphasizes that it is better to enter heaven with one hand than to have both hands and go to hell. He also mentions Matthew chapter 10, where Jesus states that he came to bring a sword and not peace. The preacher highlights the importance of actively witnessing and proclaiming the demands of Jesus Christ, never allowing the town to have a moment of peace while ignoring his claims. The sermon concludes with a reminder that following Jesus requires complete surrender and repentance.
The Message of the Letters of John
By G. Campbell Morgan0Fellowship With GodLight and LoveJHN 1:1JHN 20:31EPH 5:141JN 1:51JN 2:61JN 2:201JN 3:181JN 4:71JN 4:101JN 5:13G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound message of the Letters of John, focusing on the life of fellowship with God as central to Christian existence. He explains that this fellowship is rooted in the resources of light and love, which are exemplified in the life of Christ and made manifest in believers. The letters serve as both a teaching and a test, urging individuals and the Church to evaluate their lives through the lenses of light and love, ensuring that their actions align with God's will. Morgan highlights the importance of seeking and obeying the light, as well as yielding to the impulse of love while maintaining its holiness. Ultimately, the letters call for a deep, authentic relationship with God that reflects in both personal and communal faith.
The Gospel of John
By A.W. Pink0The Deity of ChristThe Uniqueness of John's GospelJHN 1:1JHN 3:16JHN 10:30JHN 14:6JHN 17:5JHN 20:31ROM 9:5COL 1:16TIT 2:13HEB 1:3A.W. Pink explores the distinctiveness of the Gospel of John, emphasizing its elevated tone and focus on the divine nature of Christ, contrasting it with the other three Gospels that present Him in human contexts. He highlights that John's Gospel is uniquely concerned with the spiritual relationships of believers and the deity of Christ, asserting that it reveals Jesus as the Son of God and the Creator. Pink notes that the Gospel's structure and themes reflect a divine purpose, showcasing the absolute deity of Christ through various testimonies and miracles. He also discusses the absence of certain events found in the other Gospels, which aligns with John's focus on the divine rather than the earthly aspects of Jesus' ministry. Ultimately, Pink calls for reverent contemplation of the profound truths presented in this Gospel.
The Knowledge We Seek
By C.H. Spurgeon0Knowledge of ChristThe Role of the Holy SpiritMAT 13:46LUK 24:27JHN 1:14JHN 14:26JHN 20:31ROM 10:17PHP 3:8COL 2:32TI 3:16HEB 1:1C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the Holy Spirit reveals Christ to us, opening our minds to understand His teachings and continuing the work Jesus began on earth. He asserts that while we may seek various forms of knowledge, the most essential knowledge is of Jesus Himself, as highlighted throughout the Scriptures. The Bible serves as a precious resource that ultimately points us to Christ, the pearl of great price, and the source of eternal life. Spurgeon encourages believers to recognize the centrality of Jesus in all biblical teachings and to seek Him above all else.
Peter Confesseth Christ
By C.I. Scofield0MAT 16:13MRK 8:27JHN 15:1JHN 20:31HEB 12:2C.I. Scofield preaches on the folly of human opinion about Jesus, emphasizing the importance of true faith revealed by God rather than mere human understanding. The sermon highlights Peter's great confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and the significance of the church being built upon Christ as the Rock. It also delves into the danger of becoming a mouthpiece for the devil even in moments of spiritual revelation and the great law of the Christian life, which involves losing one's life for Christ's sake to find true life in Him.
The Gospel of Mark - Introduction
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0PSA 91:9ISA 40:3MAL 3:1MRK 10:45JHN 20:31PHP 2:7Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the Gospel of Mark, emphasizing the unique portrayal of Jesus as the obedient Servant, distinct from the other Gospels' focus on His roles as King, Son of Man, and true God. Mark's Gospel highlights Jesus' service, toil, love, patience, and mighty works as the perfect Servant prophesied by the Old Testament. The Gospel of Mark serves as a pattern for believers in their service to God, showcasing the importance of sonship and service going hand in hand, as seen in Jesus' perfect obedience as the Son of God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That ye might believe - What is here recorded is to give a full proof of the Divinity of Christ; that he is the promised Messiah; that he really suffered and rose again from the dead; and that through him every believer might have eternal life. Life - Several MSS., versions, and fathers read eternal life, and this is undoubtedly the meaning of the word, whether the various reading be admitted or not. Grotius has conjectured that the Gospel, as written by St. John, ended with this chapter, and that the following chapter was added by the Church of Ephesus. This conjecture is supported by nothing in antiquity. It is possible that these two last verses might have formerly been at the conclusion of the last chapter, as they bear a very great similarity to those that are found there; and it is likely that their true place is between the 24th and 25th verses of the succeeding chapter; with the latter of which they in every respect correspond, and with it form a proper conclusion to the book. Except this correspondence, there is no authority for changing their present position. After reading the Gospel of John, his first Epistle should be next taken up: it is written exactly in the same spirit, and keeps the same object steadily in view. As John's Gospel may be considered a supplement to the other evangelists, so his first Epistle may be considered a supplement and continuation to his own Gospel. In some MSS. the epistles follow this Gospel, not merely because the transcribers wished to have all the works of the same writer together, but because there was such an evident connection between them. The first Epistle is to the Gospel as a pointed and forcible application is to an interesting and impressive sermon.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But these are written--as sufficient specimens. the Christ, the Son of God--the one His official, the other His personal, title. believing . . . may have life--(See on Joh 6:51-54). Next: John Chapter 21
John Gill Bible Commentary
But these are written,..... The several ends of recording what is written in this book, in proof of Christ's resurrection, are as follow: one is, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; that Jesus, who was diminutively called Jesus, the son of Mary, the son of Joseph, the carpenter's son, Jesus of Nazareth, and of Galilee, was the Christ, or true Messiah; which signifies anointed, and takes in all his offices of prophet, priest, and King, to which he was anointed; and is an article of faith of the greatest importance; and is to be believed through the signs proving his resurrection, who, according to the Scriptures, was to rise again; and which, by the signs here recorded, it appears he is risen indeed, and therefore must be the true Messiah of the prophets, and also "the Son of God"; which was a known title of the Messiah among the Jews; and is not a name of office, but of nature and relation to God, and designs Christ in his divine nature, or as a divine person; and is an article of great moment, and well attested, by God, by angels, and men; and receives a further confirmation by the resurrection of Christ, who is thereby declared to be the Son of God with power; and with this view did this evangelist write the signs, proving it, herein to be found. And his other end in recording them, is, and that believing ye might have life through his name: believers have their spiritual and eternal life through Christ; their life of grace, of justification on him, of sanctification from him, and communion with him; the support and maintenance of their spiritual life, and all the comforts of it: and also their life of glory, or eternal life, they have through, or in his name; it lies in his person, it comes to them through him as the procuring cause of it; it is for his sake bestowed upon them, yea, it is in his hands to give it, and who does give it to all that believe: not that believing is the cause of their enjoyment of this life, or is their title to it, which is the name, person, blood, and righteousness of Christ; but faith is the way and means in which they enjoy it; and therefore these signs are written by the evangelist for the encouragement of this faith in Christ, which is of such use in the enjoyment of life, in, through, and from him. Beza's ancient copy, two of Stephens's, the Coptic, Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions read, "eternal life". Next: John Chapter 21
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:31 that you may continue to believe: The present tense (found in some manuscripts) indicates that John wrote to encourage believers. Other manuscripts read that you may [come to] believe, suggesting that John wrote to stimulate new faith (cp. 1:7).