John 3:19
Verse
Context
Jesus and Nicodemus
18Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.19And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil.20Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
This is the condemnation - That is, this is the reason why any shall be found finally to perish, not that they came into the world with a perverted and corrupt nature, which is true; nor that they lived many years in the practice of sin, which is also true; but because they refused to receive the salvation which God sent to them. Light is come - That is, Jesus, the Sun of righteousness, the fountain of light and life; diffusing his benign influences every where, and favoring men with a clear and full revelation of the Divine will. Men loved darkness - Have preferred sin to holiness, Belial to Christ, and hell to heaven. חשך chashac, darkness, is frequently used by the Jewish writers for the angel of death, and for the devil. See many examples in Schoettgen. Because their deeds were evil - An allusion to robbers and cut-throats, who practice their abominations in the night season, for fear of being detected. The sun is a common blessing to the human race - it shines to all, envies none, and calls all to necessary labor. If any one choose rather to sleep by day, that he may rob and murder in the night season, he does this to his own peril, and has no excuse: - his punishment is the necessary consequence of his own unconstrained actions. So will the punishment of ungodly men be. There was light - they refused to walk in it. They chose to walk in the darkness, that they might do the works of darkness - they broke the Divine law, refused the mercy offered to them, are arrested by Divine justice, convicted, condemned, and punished. Whence, then, does their damnation proceed? From Themselves.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
this is the condemnation, &c.--emphatically so, revealing the condemnation already existing, and sealing up under it those who will not be delivered from it. light is come into the world--in the Person of Him to whom Nicodemus was listening. loved darkness, &c.--This can only be known by the deliberate rejection of Christ, but that does fearfully reveal it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For every one that doth evil, hateth the light,.... Every man, the series of whose life and conversation is evil, hates Christ and his Gospel, cause they make manifest his evil deeds, convict him of them, and rebuke him for them: neither cometh to the light; to hear Christ preach, or preached; to attend on the Gospel ministration and means of grace: lest his deeds should be reproved; or discovered, and made manifest, and he be brought to shame, and laid under blame, and advised to part with them, which he cares not to do; see Eph 5:11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:19-20 When people live in spiritual darkness, they do not desire to be enlightened by Jesus, “the light of the world” (8:12; 9:5). Evil and darkness do not ignore the light; they wage war against it, trying to bring it down. But the darkness cannot extinguish the light (1:5). Those who refuse to believe live in darkness (cp. 13:30) and stumble because they cannot see (11:10). In the end, however, their sins will be exposed (5:28-30; Rev 20:11-15).
John 3:19
Jesus and Nicodemus
18Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.19And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil.20Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Greatest of These Is Love
By Corrie Ten Boom6.2K37:54LoveJHN 3:19JHN 12:46In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares their experiences and beliefs about the importance of spreading the word of God. They mention their work with feeble-minded children and how Jesus has a great love and concern for everyone in need. The speaker recounts a confrontation with a man who questions the value of converting abnormal individuals. The speaker also shares a story about saving Jewish people during the time of Adolf Hitler and the importance of winning souls for Jesus Christ. The transcript ends with a letter from a man sentenced to death, expressing gratitude for being able to share the message of salvation with his fellow inmates.
A Portrait No Artist Can Paint
By C.H. Spurgeon4.8K40:35MAT 5:14JHN 3:19REV 1:16The sermon transcript discusses the description of Jesus Christ as seen by John in the isle of Patmos. It emphasizes the impossibility of capturing the glory of Christ's face through any form of art. The sermon highlights the detestable nature of worshiping images of Christ, as it goes against the divine purpose. It also emphasizes the power of Christ's words, likening them to a sharp two-edged sword that can penetrate the hearts and minds of individuals. The sermon concludes by mentioning that Christ's presence brings purification and separation, separating the chaff from the wheat.
Light Rejected
By Keith Daniel3.2K1:10:00Rebellion Of ManMAT 6:33MAT 22:1JHN 3:16JHN 3:19JHN 3:212CO 3:18In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the wedding feast from Matthew 22. He emphasizes that God has sent his servants to invite people to the wedding, but many have rejected the invitation. The preacher then highlights the famous verse, John 3:16, which speaks of God's love for the world and his gift of his only son for salvation. However, the following verses in John 3 reveal that people reject the light because they love darkness and their deeds are evil. The sermon concludes by discussing three responses to the light: rejection, neglect, and reflection.
Unpardonable Sin
By William P. Nicholson2.7K51:46PRO 1:20MRK 12:31LUK 18:11JHN 3:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fact that preaching the gospel is a serious matter because it deals with the eternal destiny of human beings. He shares a story from the American Civil War to illustrate the urgency of the message. The preacher highlights the dangers of living in sin and the need for repentance and brokenness before God. He warns that sinning away the day of grace leads to a lack of recognition of one's need for salvation. The sermon emphasizes the importance of responding to the love of God and the means of grace provided by Him.
Reaching the Lost in Uncertain Times
By David Wilkerson2.5K30:46JHN 3:19JHN 17:21This sermon emphasizes the importance of unity and love among believers in reaching the lost in a world filled with darkness and tension. It highlights the need for Christians to love one another deeply, forgive, restore, and maintain unity as a powerful testimony to the world. The speaker urges the congregation to embrace unity and love as the key to penetrating the darkness and fulfilling the mission of sharing the Gospel.
Three Men Going to Hell
By Eli Brayley2.5K13:47HellJHN 1:9JHN 3:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith, stating that it is more precious than gold. He confronts a person named Mr. Obsonant, who refuses to walk in the light of God and obey His teachings. The preacher warns that on the judgment day, everyone's deeds will be exposed before God, man, and the angels. He also highlights the consequences of living in darkness and doing things that one knows are wrong, emphasizing the need to come into the light and follow God's truth.
Adamic Administration - Hamartology - Fall of Man
By John Murray1.8K50:08HamartologyGEN 3:10JHN 3:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the radical revolution that occurred in the relationship between man and God after the events in the Garden of Eden. The speaker emphasizes the change in man's attitude towards God, as seen in Adam's fear and shame when he heard God's voice. This change in attitude resulted in a radical internal revolution within man, affecting his heart and mind. The speaker also highlights the consequences of this revolution, including the opening of man's eyes to their nakedness and the subsequent hiding from God's presence.
An Alarm to the Unconverted 3 of 5
By Joseph Alleine1.3K1:29:43Audio BooksJOL 3:16MAT 18:3MRK 16:16LUK 13:3JHN 3:19JHN 13:8ROM 8:13HEB 2:2HEB 10:28The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the word of God. It warns about the consequences of living in a state of sin and being unprepared for judgment. The speaker urges listeners to repent and turn to God, renouncing their idols and sinful practices. The sermon also highlights the power of the gospel to bring both salvation and condemnation, depending on one's response to it.
No Darkness in Him
By Erlo Stegen82500:00Character Of GodPSA 36:9MAT 6:33JHN 3:191JN 1:51JN 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of realizing that we will all die and have to give an account of our lives before God, who is our judge. The preacher shares a testimony of a person who had a moment of realization during a sermon that he too had to give an account of his life. The preacher quotes from the Bible, specifically 1 John 1:8-10, to highlight the need for confession of sins and the promise of forgiveness and purification from unrighteousness. The sermon also includes a story of a man who stole his neighbor's car but felt convicted and confessed his sin, illustrating the importance of repentance. The preacher encourages the listeners to accept God's word and to be transformed by the Gospel.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Before the Sanhedrin
By S. Lewis Johnson68350:11SanhedrinPSA 110:1MRK 14:53JHN 3:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the kingdom of God and how it differs from the kingdom of men. He references the book of Daniel, specifically chapters 2 and 7, to explain the four great world empires and God's ultimate plan to bring in his kingdom. The sermon then shifts to the trial of Jesus Christ before the Sanhedrin, highlighting the irony and fulfillment of John 3:19. The trial is described as taking place in darkness and in a hurry, reflecting the condemnation of those who prefer darkness over light.
Crumbs for Dogs
By Phil Beach Jr.2054:41Christian LifeHumilityGrace and MercyJOB 42:6MAT 11:6MAT 15:21JHN 2:24JHN 3:19Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the profound love of Jesus for His enemies, illustrating how we often resist acknowledging our own sins and shortcomings. He reflects on the story of the Canaanite woman, who humbly accepted her status as a 'dog' in need of mercy, demonstrating that true faith comes from recognizing our need for grace. Beach challenges the congregation to confront their pride and self-righteousness, urging them to embrace humility and seek forgiveness at the foot of the cross. He reminds us that human love can turn to hatred when our self-image is threatened, but Jesus calls us to love our enemies as He loves us. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep, honest relationship with God, where we acknowledge our sins and accept His mercy.
Epistle 271
By George Fox0The Power of GodlinessSpiritual AuthorityGEN 1:2ISA 19:14JHN 3:19ROM 6:17EPH 4:301TH 5:192TI 1:132TI 3:5George Fox emphasizes the danger of straying from the light, spirit, and power of God, leading to confusion and a lack of true form in life. He warns that those who follow their own wills and reject divine authority fall into a perverse spirit, resulting in a chaotic existence devoid of true purpose. Fox highlights the importance of maintaining the covenant with God and the necessity of both form and power in faith, as mere outward appearances without spiritual substance lead to condemnation. He calls for a return to the true forms established by God, which are essential for a sound and godly life.
Epistle 41
By George Fox0Living in the LightAuthentic FaithJHN 3:19George Fox urges believers to dwell in the life and light of God, emphasizing that this light reveals the truth and condemns the world's wisdom and evil deeds. He warns against deceivers who have turned away from the light and encourages the faithful to remain steadfast in their profession of faith, ensuring that their actions align with their words. Fox stresses the importance of being genuine in one's faith, as mere profession without true dwelling in the light leads to deception and emptiness.
Epistle 42
By George Fox0Discernment of False TeachersLiving in the LightJER 5:31EZK 34:8MAT 23:6JHN 1:9JHN 3:19JHN 8:12JHN 10:12ROM 8:142CO 5:172JN 1:7JUD 1:11George Fox addresses all Friends scattered abroad, urging them to dwell in the light that comes from Christ, which enables them to see Him as their Savior and grow in Him. He emphasizes that those who are in Christ are new creations, free from condemnation, and are led by the Spirit to discern the deceivers and antichrists in the world. Fox warns against false teachers and prophets who exploit the people and highlights the importance of walking in the light to receive the light of life. He reiterates that the light reveals the true nature of those who oppose it and condemns their actions. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to the light, which brings clarity and truth amidst the darkness.
Epistle 51
By George Fox0The CrossSpiritual DiscernmentPRO 1:20ECC 2:14SNG 5:10MAT 5:8LUK 9:23JHN 3:19ROM 5:5GAL 6:14EPH 4:151PE 1:41JN 2:15REV 21:27George Fox emphasizes the significance of the cross in overcoming the carnal nature, which is the source of falsehood and seduction. He explains that embracing the cross leads to a separation from worldly desires and opens the path to God, where true love and wisdom reside. Fox warns that those who love the world cannot possess the love of the Father, and he encourages believers to dwell in the eternal light to gain spiritual insight. He stresses the importance of living in the fear of the Lord to maintain a pure heart and to recognize the light that condemns evil deeds. Ultimately, Fox calls for vigilance in following God's guidance rather than succumbing to worldly temptations.
1 Peter 2:8
By John Gill0Disobedience to the GospelStumbling at ChristISA 8:14MAT 21:42JHN 1:11JHN 3:19ROM 9:331CO 1:23GAL 5:4EPH 2:8HEB 4:21PE 2:7John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 2:8, illustrating how Christ serves as a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to those who disbelieve, particularly the Jews who could not accept His humble origins and the nature of His ministry. He discusses their misconceptions about the Messiah's glory and power, which led them to reject Jesus due to their expectations of a worldly king. Gill emphasizes that their disobedience to the Gospel and refusal to accept divine revelation are the root causes of their stumbling. He also notes that while some are appointed to believe, others are left in their disobedience, leading to their spiritual downfall. Ultimately, the sermon highlights the contrast between those who embrace Christ and those who reject Him due to their own understanding and expectations.
The Wicked Stumbling in Their Darkness
By Charles Finney0Spiritual BlindnessThe Nature of SinPRO 4:19JHN 3:19Charles Finney emphasizes the profound wisdom found in Proverbs, particularly the truth that the wicked stumble in darkness, unaware of their missteps. He explores the various ways in which sinners are blinded by self-will, ignorance, and prejudice, leading them to justify their actions while remaining alienated from God. Finney warns that this blindness results in a distorted perception of truth, causing individuals to stumble into eternal perdition. He calls for a recognition of one's own moral state and the necessity of seeking the light of truth to avoid the pitfalls of sin. Ultimately, he urges listeners to be vigilant against self-deception and to embrace the light of God's truth.
Grace Reigns
By Robert Anderson0GraceThe Gospel of GloryEXO 33:18ISA 12:2JHN 1:17JHN 3:19JHN 12:31ROM 2:6ROM 5:21ROM 11:33COL 2:151TI 1:11Robert Anderson emphasizes the supremacy of grace in the Gospel, illustrating how God's glory is revealed through His sovereign grace. He warns against preaching a mixed gospel that undermines God's glory and the hope of sinners, stressing that salvation is solely through the blood of Christ and the grace it brings. Anderson explains that the death of Christ marked a pivotal moment in history, where grace triumphed over sin, allowing for the possibility of eternal life for all who believe. He highlights that grace reigns not at the expense of righteousness but through it, affirming that God's blessings are available to all, regardless of their past. Ultimately, he calls believers to rejoice in the grace that has been extended to them through Christ's sacrifice.
To Friends, Concerning the Light
By George Fox0Discernment in FaithThe Light of ChristJHN 3:19JHN 8:122CO 5:17George Fox addresses Friends everywhere, urging them to dwell in the light that comes from Christ, which enables them to see their Savior and grow spiritually. He emphasizes that those who are in Christ are new creations, free from condemnation, and can discern the deceivers and antichrists in the world. Fox warns against false teachers and those who exploit the faithful, asserting that true followers of Christ walk in the light and cannot be deceived by those who oppose it. He concludes by affirming that the light is the world's condemnation and will ultimately lead to the acknowledgment of God's just judgments.
Darkness Pursuing the Sinner.
By Horatius Bonar0Enmity Against GodConsequences of SinNAM 1:8JHN 3:19ROM 5:10Horatius Bonar delivers a powerful sermon on Nahum 1:8, emphasizing that darkness pursues those who are enemies of God, as exemplified by Nineveh and Assyria. He describes the sinner as a hater and injurer of God, highlighting the seriousness of enmity against the Creator. Bonar warns that God's patience has limits, and those who reject His light will face the darkness of despair and punishment, both in this life and eternally. The darkness is not merely a lack of light but a profound absence of life and joy, relentlessly pursuing the sinner. Ultimately, Bonar calls for reflection on the consequences of being an enemy of God and the certainty of divine judgment.
Before Pilate
By C.I. Scofield0PSA 119:30PSA 119:105PRO 23:23MAT 27:17JHN 3:19JHN 14:6JHN 18:37JHN 18:40C.I. Scofield delves into the profound lessons from the interaction between Jesus and Pilate, highlighting the nature of Christ's kingdom, the importance of truth, and the concept of substitution through Christ and Barabbas. The core of the lesson lies in understanding why Pilate, a man of great power, succumbed to fear and chose expediency over truth, reflecting the inner struggles of humanity in accepting and following Christ. Pilate symbolizes those who have given up on seeking truth, prioritize popularity over righteousness, and let unbelief extinguish their spiritual discernment, emphasizing the ongoing trial of Jesus in the hearts of individuals.
The Lamb's Book of Life
By James Smith0PSA 33:12JHN 1:29JHN 3:19JHN 6:37ROM 8:29ROM 11:7EPH 1:42TI 1:9REV 13:8James Smith preaches about the representation of the Lord Jesus Christ as a Lamb in Scripture, symbolizing His sacrifice for sin and His role in taking away the sins of the world. The sermon delves into the concept of the 'book of life' where the names of the beloved are recorded, emphasizing the eternal purpose of God and the assurance of salvation through Jesus. It highlights the doctrine of eternal election, explaining how God's chosen ones are predestined for sonship and eternal glory, encouraging believers to find strong consolation in their election and to live holy lives devoted to God.
A Word to the Unconverted
By James Smith0LUK 13:3JHN 3:19JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 10:92CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 1:21HEB 10:26James Smith passionately warns about the eternal consequences of sin and the urgent need for salvation through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the reality of Hell and the importance of being born again to avoid everlasting destruction. Smith highlights the necessity of personally knowing and applying Jesus as Savior, emphasizing the need for repentance, faith, and surrender to Christ's lordship. He stresses the transformative power of Christ's blood, righteousness, grace, and Spirit in the life of a believer, urging a complete reliance on Jesus for salvation and sanctification.
The Finger of God
By Tom Macartney0PSA 8:4JHN 3:19ACT 20:24ROM 1:20EPH 6:10Tom Macartney preaches about the God-given signposts in a lost and confused world, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these signposts that point to God's truth and grace. The sermon highlights five ways in which the finger of God acts as a great signpost: through creation and man's creation, the Bible as God's true message, the spiritual and moral nature of man, the uniqueness of the gospel of grace, and the victory of the cross shown in transformed lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
This is the condemnation - That is, this is the reason why any shall be found finally to perish, not that they came into the world with a perverted and corrupt nature, which is true; nor that they lived many years in the practice of sin, which is also true; but because they refused to receive the salvation which God sent to them. Light is come - That is, Jesus, the Sun of righteousness, the fountain of light and life; diffusing his benign influences every where, and favoring men with a clear and full revelation of the Divine will. Men loved darkness - Have preferred sin to holiness, Belial to Christ, and hell to heaven. חשך chashac, darkness, is frequently used by the Jewish writers for the angel of death, and for the devil. See many examples in Schoettgen. Because their deeds were evil - An allusion to robbers and cut-throats, who practice their abominations in the night season, for fear of being detected. The sun is a common blessing to the human race - it shines to all, envies none, and calls all to necessary labor. If any one choose rather to sleep by day, that he may rob and murder in the night season, he does this to his own peril, and has no excuse: - his punishment is the necessary consequence of his own unconstrained actions. So will the punishment of ungodly men be. There was light - they refused to walk in it. They chose to walk in the darkness, that they might do the works of darkness - they broke the Divine law, refused the mercy offered to them, are arrested by Divine justice, convicted, condemned, and punished. Whence, then, does their damnation proceed? From Themselves.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
this is the condemnation, &c.--emphatically so, revealing the condemnation already existing, and sealing up under it those who will not be delivered from it. light is come into the world--in the Person of Him to whom Nicodemus was listening. loved darkness, &c.--This can only be known by the deliberate rejection of Christ, but that does fearfully reveal it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For every one that doth evil, hateth the light,.... Every man, the series of whose life and conversation is evil, hates Christ and his Gospel, cause they make manifest his evil deeds, convict him of them, and rebuke him for them: neither cometh to the light; to hear Christ preach, or preached; to attend on the Gospel ministration and means of grace: lest his deeds should be reproved; or discovered, and made manifest, and he be brought to shame, and laid under blame, and advised to part with them, which he cares not to do; see Eph 5:11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:19-20 When people live in spiritual darkness, they do not desire to be enlightened by Jesus, “the light of the world” (8:12; 9:5). Evil and darkness do not ignore the light; they wage war against it, trying to bring it down. But the darkness cannot extinguish the light (1:5). Those who refuse to believe live in darkness (cp. 13:30) and stumble because they cannot see (11:10). In the end, however, their sins will be exposed (5:28-30; Rev 20:11-15).