Verse
Context
Jesus and Nicodemus
15that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. 16For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For God so loved the world - Such a love as that which induced God to give his only begotten son to die for the world could not be described: Jesus Christ does not attempt it. He has put an eternity of meaning in the particle οὑτω, so, and left a subject for everlasting contemplation, wonder, and praise, to angels and to men. The same evangelist uses a similar mode of expression, Jo1 3:1 : Behold, What Manner of love, ποταπην αγαπην, the Father hath bestowed upon us. From the subject before him, let the reader attend to the following particulars. First, The world was in a ruinous, condemned state, about to perish everlastingly; and was utterly without power to rescue itself from destruction. Secondly, That God, through the impulse of his eternal love, provided for its rescue and salvation, by giving his Son to die for it. Thirdly, That the sacrifice of Jesus was the only mean by which the redemption of man could be effected, and that it is absolutely sufficient to accomplish this gracious design: for it would have been inconsistent with the wisdom of God, to have appointed a sacrifice greater in itself, or less in its merit, than what the urgent necessities of the case required. Fourthly, That sin must be an indescribable evil, when it required no less a sacrifice, to make atonement for it, than God manifested in the flesh. Fifthly, That no man is saved through this sacrifice, but he that believes, i.e. who credits what God has spoken concerning Christ, his sacrifice, the end for which it was offered, and the way in which it is to be applied in order to become effectual. Sixthly, That those who believe receive a double benefit: 1. They are exempted from eternal perdition - that they may not perish. 2. They are brought to eternal glory - that they may have everlasting life. These two benefits point out tacitly the state of man: he is guilty, and therefore exposed to punishment: he is impure, and therefore unfit for glory. They point out also the two grand operations of grace, by which the salvation of man is effected. 1. Justification, by which the guilt of sin is removed, and consequently the person is no longer obnoxious to perdition. 2. Sanctification, or the purification of his nature, by which he is properly fitted for the kingdom of glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For God so loved, &c.--What proclamation of the Gospel has been so oft on the lips of missionaries and preachers in every age since it was first uttered? What has sent such thrilling sensations through millions of mankind? What has been honored to bring such multitudes to the feet of Christ? What to kindle in the cold and selfish breasts of mortals the fires of self-sacrificing love to mankind, as these words of transparent simplicity, yet overpowering majesty? The picture embraces several distinct compartments: "THE WORLD"--in its widest sense--ready "to perish"; the immense "LOVE OF GOD" to that perishing world, measurable only, and conceivable only, by the gift which it drew forth from Him; THE GIFT itself--"He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son," or, in the language of Paul, "spared not His own Son" (Rom 8:32), or in that addressed to Abraham when ready to offer Isaac on the altar, "withheld not His Son, His only Son, whom He loved" (Gen 22:16); the FRUIT of this stupendous gift--not only deliverance from impending "perdition," but the bestowal of everlasting life; the MODE in which all takes effect--by "believing" on the Son. How would Nicodemus' narrow Judaism become invisible in the blaze of this Sun of righteousness seen rising on "the world" with healing in His wings! (Mal 4:2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For God sent not his Son into the world,.... God did send his Son into the world in the likeness of sinful flesh, being made of a woman, and made under the law; and which is an instance of his great love, and not of any disrespect to his Son, or of any inequality between them: but then this was not to condemn the world; even any part of it, or any in it: not the Gentiles, as the Jews thought he would; for though God had suffered them to walk in their own ways, and had winked at, or overlooked the times of their ignorance, and had sent no prophet unto them, nor made any revelation of his will, or any discovery of his special grace unto them; yet he sent his Son now, not to destroy them for their idolatry, and wickedness, but to be the Saviour of them: nor the Jews; for as impenitent and unbelieving, and as wicked as they were, he did not accuse them to the Father, nor judge and condemn them; he was to come again in power and great glory, when he would take vengeance on them, and cause wrath to come upon them to the uttermost, for their disbelief and rejection of him; but this was not his business now: nor the wicked of the world in general; to judge, and condemn them, will be his work, when he comes a second time, in the day God has appointed to judge the world in righteousness. But the end of his mission, and first coming is, that the world through him might be saved; even the world of the elect in general, whom God determined to save, and has chosen, to obtain salvation by Jesus Christ, and has appointed Christ to be the salvation of; and who being sent, came into the world to seek and save them; and his chosen people among the Gentiles in particular: wherefore he is said to be God's salvation to the ends of the earth: and all the ends of the earth are called upon to look unto him, and be saved by him, Isa 49:6.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:16-21 Because there are no quotation marks around Jesus’ speech in the Greek text, translators debate where Jesus’ speech ends and John’s commentary begins; 3:16-21 might be John’s commentary. 3:16 The truth that God loved the world is basic to Christian understanding (1 Jn 4:9-10). God’s love extends beyond the limits of race and nation, even to those who oppose him (see “The World” Theme Note). • The Son came to save—not condemn (3:17)—men and women who habitually embrace the darkness (3:19-21).
Jesus and Nicodemus
15that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. 16For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Alabama) the Prodigal
By David Wilkerson44K23:27Prodigal SonMAT 6:33MRK 9:24LUK 15:11JHN 3:16ROM 10:9EPH 2:8HEB 11:6In this sermon, the preacher shares a heart-to-heart talk about the story of the Prodigal Son from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the unconditional love of the Heavenly Father. The preacher acknowledges his own struggles with fully accepting this love, even as a pastor. He encourages the audience to rejoice, let go of their past, and appropriate the blessings and provisions that the Father has for them. The sermon highlights the negative effects of fear, self-pity, and unbelief, and urges listeners to trust in the love of God.
Gods Love
By Corrie Ten Boom26K47:12Character Of GodJOL 2:28MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 5:51CO 1:181CO 2:91CO 14:8In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being introduced in Alaska and compares it to the power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of not standing in the way of the Holy Spirit and the need for a great blessing. The speaker then discusses the significance of God's love in extinguishing the flames of the world and encourages the audience to act in God's love, as miracles will happen in their lives. He concludes by highlighting the enduring qualities of faith, hope, and love, with love being the greatest. The speaker also briefly mentions his time as a prisoner in a concentration camp during World War II.
(1 Peter - Part 27): Who Is He That Will Harm You?
By A.W. Tozer25K38:43FearGEN 4:8MAT 5:11JHN 3:16ROM 8:33ROM 8:35PHP 4:131PE 3:13In this sermon, the preacher describes the physical deterioration of a man who is nearing death. Despite his weakened state, the preacher emphasizes that the devil and death cannot harm the man's spirit or soul. The preacher draws parallels to the martyrdom of two missionaries who were killed for their faith, highlighting that although their physical bodies were destroyed, their souls were preserved by God. The preacher also references biblical figures such as Stephen and Abel to illustrate that physical harm does not diminish one's worth or closeness to God.
(1 Peter - Part 16): christ...foreordained, Manifest
By A.W. Tozer19K28:56ForeordainedPSA 22:27MAT 28:19JHN 3:16ACT 10:9ROM 10:13EPH 1:41PE 1:19In this sermon, the speaker expresses a deep sense of urgency and awareness of the approaching judgment of God. He emphasizes that the earth is growing old and that a mere blink of God's eye will bring about the end of all life on earth. The speaker highlights the insignificance of worldly accomplishments and distinctions, emphasizing that in the face of judgment, only our relationship with God as human beings made in His image will matter. The sermon also warns against false friends and deceitful promises, emphasizing the importance of placing our faith in God and His character.
(Missions Conference Shoals) - Part 2
By Paul Washer17K1:14:55Justice Of GodPRO 17:15ISA 6:3MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 3:23In this sermon, the preacher discusses the movie "The Passion" and his response to it. He expresses his fear of watching the film due to the emotional impact it may have on him. The preacher also criticizes Southern Baptist preachers who he believes will misuse the film. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the true depth of Christ's suffering and the significance of sin in the eyes of God. The sermon highlights the power and obedience of creation to God's commands, contrasting it with the fallen state of humanity.
A Free Salvation
By C.H. Spurgeon14K52:32PSA 34:8ISA 55:1MAT 11:28JHN 3:16JHN 5:24ROM 8:1EPH 2:8In this sermon, preached by H. Spurgeon on June 11, 1858, the speaker invites the audience to come and buy wine and milk without money and without price. He describes the gospel as wine that brings joy to the heart and milk that contains all the essentials of life. The gospel is presented as a full, free, present, and everlasting pardon for sinners through Jesus Christ's atoning blood. The speaker emphasizes that being a Christian brings light and joy to the difficulties of life and provides everything that is needed for strength, hope, and fulfillment.
Fire - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality)
By Leonard Ravenhill13K1:17:16Prayer MeetingLUK 3:1JHN 3:16In this sermon, the speaker describes a powerful and impactful premiere event. They mention a white-haired lady who was sitting in a wheelchair and didn't know anyone's names, but found it wonderful. The speaker also talks about feeling a hand or something coming at one o'clock and a tongue of fire moving from person to person. They emphasize the difference between revival and evangelism and mention a failed preaching attempt due to overheating and lack of ventilation. The sermon concludes with a mention of John the Baptist as a shining light and Jesus' praise for him.
Free to Be Ourselves
By Norman Grubb12K49:45FreedomJHN 3:16JHN 5:191CO 10:132CO 4:18GAL 2:20HEB 4:121JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses three areas of understanding in relation to God's fatherhood. The first area is replacing negative seeing with positive seeing and living by faith. The second area is choosing our authority as sons of God, which is the word of faith. The third area is the privilege of the laid down life in intercession. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the power of the word of God and the need to labor to enter into rest. He encourages listeners to be themselves and to trust in God's ability to handle their lives.
Washed With Fire
By Leonard Ravenhill12K1:18:02Baptism Of The Holy SpiritISA 40:4MAT 3:11LUK 3:16JHN 3:161CO 3:13HEB 12:29REV 3:15In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a woman who worked in Africa and lived in a humble bamboo house. Despite facing potential dangers in the jungle, she had faith and trusted in God's protection. The preacher also talks about attending a meeting where people were sleeping and the preacher couldn't continue. However, a little woman with her legs swinging kept the energy alive. The sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and highlights the unique qualities of John the Baptist, who was a powerful and influential figure in spreading the message of repentance.
Burning Fire of the Spirit - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks11K55:28Holy SpiritMAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 3:23EPH 2:8REV 1:12REV 3:17REV 4:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the description of the throne of God in Revelation 4:5. They emphasize that their aim is to provide practical teachings that lead to real-life application. The speaker then discusses the various characteristics of the Son of Man, as described in Revelation, and how they relate to the examination and judgment of the churches. The main point of the message is to highlight what the Lord is truly looking for in his people, emphasizing that certain things that the churches thought were important were not actually what the Lord desired.
(Deeper Waters) Session 1 - the Purpose of the Cross
By David Ravenhill11K1:09:26MAT 6:33JHN 3:161CO 6:19HEB 2:10In this sermon, James emphasizes the brevity and uncertainty of life, comparing it to a vapor that appears for a short time and then vanishes. He urges listeners to acknowledge the will of God in their plans and not solely focus on their own desires. James highlights the danger of seeking worldly achievements and possessions, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from living for God's purpose. He concludes by reminding the audience that they are not their own, but have been bought with a price, and encourages them to glorify God with their lives.
Spirit of a True Prophet - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill10K29:56ProphetJHN 3:16JHN 14:2ACT 2:4ACT 2:372TI 4:32PE 1:20REV 5:6In this sermon transcript, the preacher discusses a sermon given by P. Nicholson, who emphasized the theme of repentance. The preacher describes how Nicholson's preaching had a powerful impact on the audience, causing soldiers and the general public to cry out and seek guidance on what to do. The preacher also highlights the significance of Jesus' baptism and the proclamation made by John the Baptist, declaring Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. The sermon concludes with a reference to a historical event in Northern Ireland in 1922, where a revival occurred, bringing about a spiritual awakening.
Why You Must Know God in Person
By Kathryn Kuhlman10K21:51Knowing GodEXO 33:23PSA 56:8ISA 49:16MAT 12:30JHN 3:16ROM 2:6REV 21:4In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the comforting presence of God in times of darkness and despair. They share personal experiences of feeling hopeless and burdened, but also feeling the strong arms of God around them, providing strength and wiping away tears. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as a person with intellect, emotion, and will, just like a loving earthly father. They encourage listeners to establish a deep and intimate relationship with God, similar to the relationship the speaker had with their own father. The sermon also includes some personal anecdotes about the speaker's childhood experiences in Missouri.
Purity and Fire - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill9.6K29:23PurityEXO 28:2MAL 4:5MAT 3:11MAT 6:33MAT 11:5LUK 3:16JHN 3:16In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of revival and the power of prayer. He talks about a meeting where there was no piano, but the presence of God was felt through the music and singing. He mentions a young boy who prayed for a long time and quoted Psalm 24, which became key to the revival. The speaker also discusses the importance of prayer and the need for spiritual revival in the church.
A Call for Prophetic Evangelistic Preaching
By Alan Redpath9.5K34:38Prophetic WordEXO 6:6ISA 1:18MAT 6:33JHN 3:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses a controversy between God and his people. He highlights how God had shown immense love and care for his people, providing for their needs and protecting them. However, despite experiencing God's goodness, many turned away from his law, breaking his heart. The preacher emphasizes that there are people listening who are living in a similar way, having once experienced God's love but now having sour hearts towards him. The sermon also mentions the importance of heeding God's warnings and calls for repentance.
Both And-Not Either or (Basis for Missions - Part 5)
By Paris Reidhead9.0K57:54MissionsGEN 12:3MAT 11:28MAT 16:24MAT 18:11MAT 28:19JHN 3:16ACT 1:8In this sermon, the speaker addresses a group of people and asks them if they have ever been lost. Only four people raise their hands. The speaker then points out that according to scripture, Jesus came to save the lost, so either the scripture is wrong or the people claiming to be saved are mistaken. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own lostness in order to effectively witness to others. They also highlight the responsibility to be witnesses both locally and globally, and the significance of money as a means to support the spreading of the gospel.
Nicky Cruz Testimony
By Nicky Cruz8.9K58:19TestimonyJHN 3:16ROM 5:8EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of his involvement in a violent gang. He describes being brutally attacked and seeking revenge with his own gang. They engage in fights, carrying weapons and causing chaos in the neighborhood. The speaker takes pleasure in the violence, even going as far as rubbing the blood of a beaten person on his shirt. The sermon serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of violence and the need for redemption and transformation.
Deeper Waters - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill8.9K25:42SacrificeSanctificationJHN 3:16ROM 12:1Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of measuring our lives by what we pour forth in service and sacrifice rather than by what we gain. He illustrates that true Christian ministry is rooted in love and sacrifice, not in success or recognition. Ravenhill challenges the modern church's focus on forgiveness and peace, urging believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ that leads to true transformation and holiness. He highlights the necessity of separation from worldly influences and the call to live a sanctified life, which is marked by character and spiritual maturity. Ultimately, he calls for a return to offering Christ to the world, rather than mere religious experiences.
Dr. Orr's Testimony
By J. Edwin Orr8.9K43:53TestimonyMAT 4:17MRK 1:15LUK 24:47JHN 3:16ACT 2:381JN 1:7REV 3:20In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences of revival and missionary work. They mention a time when they were in college and witnessed many conversions and dedication to the mission theme. They also talk about a revival they were a part of in New Zealand, where they saw the community being revived. The speaker then shares a disappointing experience where they were offered a salary to do missionary work but the offer fell through. They had to go back to secular employment to support their family during the Depression. The sermon also includes some humorous anecdotes about students finding a way to smoke during compulsory chapel sessions. Overall, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying dedicated to God and experiencing a close relationship with Him.
The Beginning of Miracles - Part 2
By Kathryn Kuhlman8.3K29:02MiraclesMAT 3:16MAT 28:19JHN 3:16ROM 5:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking the secret to salvation in God's Word. He explains that before God gave His Son, Jesus Christ, there was a divine plan involving the three persons of the Trinity. Only the sinless and perfect blood of Jesus could fulfill the requirement for salvation. The preacher shares a personal testimony of a miraculous healing that occurred without any human intervention, attributing it to the power of the Holy Spirit. He encourages ministers who may be discouraged in their ministry to seek the power of the Holy Spirit for transformation and effectiveness.
Abundant Life
By Alan Redpath8.1K34:57Abundant LifeMAT 6:33JHN 3:16JHN 10:10JHN 14:6ROM 6:23EPH 6:121JN 5:12In this sermon, the speaker shares two personal stories to illustrate the importance of belief and commitment. The first story is about a football game where the speaker successfully kicks a goal, but a gust of wind causes the ball to miss. This is used as a metaphor for how the enemy (Satan) deceives and exhausts people, offering them glamorous but ultimately destructive things. However, the risen Lord offers abundant life as an alternative. The second story is about a man fishing in a lock, but when asked what he is doing with the fish, he simply replies "and round." This story is used to emphasize the need for belief and commitment to God, rather than being caught up in meaningless pursuits.
(So Great a Salvation) Temptation and Sin
By Paris Reidhead7.6K55:00TemptationPRO 6:16MAT 6:33JHN 3:16JHN 15:3ROM 1:29In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his journey of faith. He describes a moment of deep conviction and repentance after disobeying his parents. He then reflects on the lyrics of a song that brought him peace and forgiveness. The speaker also discusses the importance of not giving any place to the devil and emphasizes the need to confess sins to the Lord. He concludes by sharing an anecdote about a young lady who struggled to confess her sin and encourages her to be sincere in her prayers.
Eternal Life
By Oswald J. Smith7.4K28:15Eternal LifeJHN 3:16JHN 14:61JN 5:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in the Son of God. He explains that those who believe in the Son have the witness of God within themselves, while those who do not believe make God out to be a liar. The preacher highlights that eternal life is a gift from God and can only be found in the Son. He emphasizes that possessing the Son is essential for receiving eternal life, and encourages the audience to open their hearts and receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. The sermon concludes with the assurance that those who believe in the Son can know that they have eternal life.
Suffering With Jesus Christ
By Leonard Ravenhill7.4K58:00SufferingMAT 5:6JHN 3:16JHN 16:7JHN 17:1HEB 10:25JUD 1:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of taking on the yoke of Jesus. He uses the analogy of a train staying on track to illustrate the importance of being in bondage to the will of God. The preacher emphasizes the idea of being witnesses and martyrs for Christ, willing to suffer for Him. He shares a story about a young man named Hughie who faced impending death with joy and anticipation of seeing the King in His beauty. The sermon concludes with a reflection on Jesus' prayer in John's gospel, highlighting the significance of knowing God's timetable in one's own life.
Radical Christianity Is Normal
By Francis Chan7.2K55:02MAT 7:21MAT 11:28JHN 3:16JHN 14:1JHN 14:12REV 3:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and surrender to God, highlighting the dangers of being lukewarm in one's faith and the need for a true transformation by the Holy Spirit. It challenges believers to examine their hearts, seek a deep relationship with God, and live out their faith authentically, not just relying on a reputation but on a genuine love for God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For God so loved the world - Such a love as that which induced God to give his only begotten son to die for the world could not be described: Jesus Christ does not attempt it. He has put an eternity of meaning in the particle οὑτω, so, and left a subject for everlasting contemplation, wonder, and praise, to angels and to men. The same evangelist uses a similar mode of expression, Jo1 3:1 : Behold, What Manner of love, ποταπην αγαπην, the Father hath bestowed upon us. From the subject before him, let the reader attend to the following particulars. First, The world was in a ruinous, condemned state, about to perish everlastingly; and was utterly without power to rescue itself from destruction. Secondly, That God, through the impulse of his eternal love, provided for its rescue and salvation, by giving his Son to die for it. Thirdly, That the sacrifice of Jesus was the only mean by which the redemption of man could be effected, and that it is absolutely sufficient to accomplish this gracious design: for it would have been inconsistent with the wisdom of God, to have appointed a sacrifice greater in itself, or less in its merit, than what the urgent necessities of the case required. Fourthly, That sin must be an indescribable evil, when it required no less a sacrifice, to make atonement for it, than God manifested in the flesh. Fifthly, That no man is saved through this sacrifice, but he that believes, i.e. who credits what God has spoken concerning Christ, his sacrifice, the end for which it was offered, and the way in which it is to be applied in order to become effectual. Sixthly, That those who believe receive a double benefit: 1. They are exempted from eternal perdition - that they may not perish. 2. They are brought to eternal glory - that they may have everlasting life. These two benefits point out tacitly the state of man: he is guilty, and therefore exposed to punishment: he is impure, and therefore unfit for glory. They point out also the two grand operations of grace, by which the salvation of man is effected. 1. Justification, by which the guilt of sin is removed, and consequently the person is no longer obnoxious to perdition. 2. Sanctification, or the purification of his nature, by which he is properly fitted for the kingdom of glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For God so loved, &c.--What proclamation of the Gospel has been so oft on the lips of missionaries and preachers in every age since it was first uttered? What has sent such thrilling sensations through millions of mankind? What has been honored to bring such multitudes to the feet of Christ? What to kindle in the cold and selfish breasts of mortals the fires of self-sacrificing love to mankind, as these words of transparent simplicity, yet overpowering majesty? The picture embraces several distinct compartments: "THE WORLD"--in its widest sense--ready "to perish"; the immense "LOVE OF GOD" to that perishing world, measurable only, and conceivable only, by the gift which it drew forth from Him; THE GIFT itself--"He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son," or, in the language of Paul, "spared not His own Son" (Rom 8:32), or in that addressed to Abraham when ready to offer Isaac on the altar, "withheld not His Son, His only Son, whom He loved" (Gen 22:16); the FRUIT of this stupendous gift--not only deliverance from impending "perdition," but the bestowal of everlasting life; the MODE in which all takes effect--by "believing" on the Son. How would Nicodemus' narrow Judaism become invisible in the blaze of this Sun of righteousness seen rising on "the world" with healing in His wings! (Mal 4:2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For God sent not his Son into the world,.... God did send his Son into the world in the likeness of sinful flesh, being made of a woman, and made under the law; and which is an instance of his great love, and not of any disrespect to his Son, or of any inequality between them: but then this was not to condemn the world; even any part of it, or any in it: not the Gentiles, as the Jews thought he would; for though God had suffered them to walk in their own ways, and had winked at, or overlooked the times of their ignorance, and had sent no prophet unto them, nor made any revelation of his will, or any discovery of his special grace unto them; yet he sent his Son now, not to destroy them for their idolatry, and wickedness, but to be the Saviour of them: nor the Jews; for as impenitent and unbelieving, and as wicked as they were, he did not accuse them to the Father, nor judge and condemn them; he was to come again in power and great glory, when he would take vengeance on them, and cause wrath to come upon them to the uttermost, for their disbelief and rejection of him; but this was not his business now: nor the wicked of the world in general; to judge, and condemn them, will be his work, when he comes a second time, in the day God has appointed to judge the world in righteousness. But the end of his mission, and first coming is, that the world through him might be saved; even the world of the elect in general, whom God determined to save, and has chosen, to obtain salvation by Jesus Christ, and has appointed Christ to be the salvation of; and who being sent, came into the world to seek and save them; and his chosen people among the Gentiles in particular: wherefore he is said to be God's salvation to the ends of the earth: and all the ends of the earth are called upon to look unto him, and be saved by him, Isa 49:6.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:16-21 Because there are no quotation marks around Jesus’ speech in the Greek text, translators debate where Jesus’ speech ends and John’s commentary begins; 3:16-21 might be John’s commentary. 3:16 The truth that God loved the world is basic to Christian understanding (1 Jn 4:9-10). God’s love extends beyond the limits of race and nation, even to those who oppose him (see “The World” Theme Note). • The Son came to save—not condemn (3:17)—men and women who habitually embrace the darkness (3:19-21).