John 3:20
Verse
Context
Jesus and Nicodemus
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. 21But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.”
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light - He who doth vile or abominable things: alluding to the subject mentioned in the preceding verse. The word φαυλος, evil or vile, is supposed by some to come from the Hebrew פלס phalas, to roll, and so cover oneself in dust or ashes, which was practised in token of humiliation and grief, not only by the more eastern nations, see Job 42:6, but also by the Greeks and Trojans, as appears from Homer, Iliad xviii. l. 26; xxii. l. 414; xxiv. l. 640; compare Virgil, Aen. x. l. 844; and Ovid, Metam. lib. viii. l. 528. From the above Hebrew word, it is likely that the Saxon ful, the English foul, the Latin vilis, and the English vile, are derived. See Parkhurst under φαυλος. Lest his deeds should be reproved - Or discovered. To manifest or discover, is one sense of the original word, ελεγχω, in the best Greek writers; and it is evidently its meaning in this place.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
reproved--by detection.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But he that doth truth,.... That which is true, right and good: "he whose work is just", as the Ethiopic version renders it; or, "he that does that which is right", so the Persic; that which is according to the will of God, and from a principle of love to him, and with a view to his glory: cometh to the light; to Christ, and to his word, and ordinances: that his deeds may be made manifest; being brought to the light, to the test, and standard, whether they, are right, or wrong; and that it may appear, that they are wrought in God; or "by God"; by his assistance, and gracious influence, without which men can do nothing; for it is God that works in them both to will and to do: or, "according to God", as others render it; according to the will of God, both for matter and manner: or "for God", as the Ethiopic version renders it; for the glory of God, which ought to be the aim, and end of every action. The Persic version reads the whole thus, "that the work which is between God and him may be known"; that such deeds may be discovered, which are only known to God and himself.
John 3:20
Jesus and Nicodemus
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. 21But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God Is Light
By Bob Jennings1.7K48:45JHN 3:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking in the light of God's truth, highlighting the blessings of fellowship with God and other believers, the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, and the need to maintain a clear conscience by addressing areas of darkness in our hearts. It contrasts the characteristics of true and false professions of faith, urging listeners to embrace the light and truth of God's Word for spiritual growth and victory over sin.
Your Conscience, the Cross, True Faith, False Religion
By David Cooper1.5K1:13:54ConscienceMAT 7:13JHN 3:20JHN 6:47JHN 6:53JHN 14:6ACT 4:122CO 3:5In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the profound significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the hill of Calvary. The preacher emphasizes the selfless love and grace of God, as He willingly dies for the sins of mankind. The sermon describes the scene of Jesus being nailed to the cross and the immense love that compelled Him to bleed and die for humanity. The preacher also shares a personal experience of encountering the crucified Christ and being convicted of his own guilt, leading to repentance and a realization of the forgiveness offered through Jesus' sacrifice.
Spiritual Insights 03 Rom 13:8
By William MacDonald1.2K45:21Spiritual Insights2KI 4:8PRO 22:7MAT 5:16MAT 22:37JHN 3:20ACT 4:29ROM 13:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and obedience to God's word. He contrasts the actions of wise individuals who seek to please the Lord with the foolishness of those who only seek to please themselves. The preacher also highlights the need for Christians to be realistic while still maintaining their idealism for perfection. He uses various examples, such as the imperfections in the world and the flaws in every person, to illustrate this point. Additionally, the preacher draws inspiration from the early Christians who did not wait for circumstances to change before serving God, but instead chose to glorify Him in their present circumstances.
The Seal of God's Firm Foundation
By Erlo Stegen9661:15:10Firm FoundationMAT 13:20JHN 3:202TI 2:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the gospel in raising people up. He shares a personal anecdote about being asked to remove his shoes in a hotel room, which leads him to reflect on the importance of cleansing oneself from sin. The preacher then reads from 2 Timothy 2:19, highlighting the need to turn away from wickedness and be instruments for noble purposes. He also mentions the story of Julius Caesar burning his ships to prevent retreat, using it as an analogy for the commitment and determination required in following the gospel. The sermon concludes with a mention of Korean missionaries spreading the gospel worldwide.
When a Pastor Lives a Double Life
By Eric Ludy8821:32:51PSA 51:10PRO 28:13MAT 6:24JHN 3:20ROM 12:21CO 10:31EPH 5:8JAS 4:81PE 2:91JN 1:7This sermon emphasizes the need for the body of Christ to yield to the Spirit of God, be stirred, convicted, and driven to the foot of the cross for purification. It calls for alignment with God's kingdom pattern, avoiding compromise with truth, and a plea for sin to be exposed and God's light to shine brightly. The message also delves into the dangers of living a double life, seeking validation from the world, and the importance of being serious about following Jesus Christ.
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.
Epistle 191
By George Fox1Avoiding HypocrisyIntegrity in SpeechGEN 11:1NEH 9:20NEH 13:24EZK 13:10MAT 6:22JHN 3:20COL 3:221TH 2:51TH 5:19George Fox emphasizes the importance of adhering to the single, true language inspired by the Spirit of God, warning against the confusion and hypocrisy that arises from adopting the world's flattering and improper language. He urges believers to remain steadfast in their convictions and to avoid the double tongue that quenches the Spirit and leads to dissembling. Fox highlights that true followers of Christ should not conform to worldly customs but instead uphold the integrity of their speech and actions, reflecting the teachings of Jesus and the prophets. He calls for a rejection of selfish, man-pleasing attitudes and encourages a commitment to the light of Christ to prevent hypocrisy among believers.
Hated Without a Cause
By David Wilkerson0Compassion Of ChristLight Of The WorldMAT 11:28LUK 19:10JHN 3:20JHN 8:12David Wilkerson preaches about the profound love and compassion of Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost while humbly serving others. Despite performing miraculous acts of healing and delivering people from bondage, Jesus was hated without cause, primarily because he brought light into a world that preferred darkness. The world despises the light because it exposes evil deeds, and many choose to remain in their sins rather than embrace the freedom offered by Christ. Wilkerson emphasizes that as believers, we carry the Light of the world within us, enabling us to shine brightly and share this truth with others.
Our Lord's Second Rejection at Nazareth Matthew 9:27-34; Mark 6:1-6
By R.A. Torrey0Faith and UnbeliefThe Power of JesusISA 29:18ISA 35:5ISA 42:6MAT 8:10MAT 9:27MAT 12:22MAT 13:54MRK 6:1JHN 3:20R.A. Torrey discusses the profound implications of Jesus' second rejection in Nazareth, emphasizing His miraculous powers over blindness and demons as well as the limitations imposed by the people's unbelief. He highlights the faith of the blind men who recognized Jesus as the 'Son of David' and their earnestness in seeking healing, contrasting it with the skepticism of the Nazarenes who questioned His authority and origins. Torrey illustrates how Jesus' ability to perform miracles was hindered by the lack of faith in His own hometown, revealing a critical lesson about the necessity of belief for experiencing God's power. The sermon calls attention to the human tendency to overlook the divine in familiar settings and the consequences of unbelief in our lives today.
The Hatred of God in the Human Heart
By William MacDonald0ApostasyHuman FollyPSA 36:1PRO 19:3ISA 53:6JER 17:9JHN 3:20ROM 1:18GAL 6:7EPH 4:18JAS 1:142PE 3:3William MacDonald addresses the theme of human folly and its consequences, emphasizing how individuals often blame God for the ruin brought upon themselves by their own sinful choices. He illustrates this with examples of those who, after falling into immorality, turn against their faith and God instead of repenting. MacDonald highlights that apostasy frequently stems from moral failure, and that the hatred of God in the human heart is often a response to the light that exposes sin. He concludes that the reluctance to accept God's truth is deeply rooted in moral issues rather than intellectual doubts.
John 1:3
By St. John Chrysostom0JHN 1:3JHN 3:20JHN 5:26JHN 8:12JHN 14:23ROM 13:131CO 1:9EPH 5:12COL 1:16John Chrysostom preaches about the creation of all things by Christ, emphasizing that nothing was made without Him, including visible and invisible creations, while distinguishing the Son from the Spirit. He refutes heretical interpretations that suggest the Spirit or the Son was created, highlighting the precision of the Evangelist's teaching. Chrysostom explains the significance of Christ being the Life and the Light of men, shedding light on the darkness of sin and the need for a pure life to receive and retain the light of Christ. He urges believers to live honestly, avoid sin, and embrace the light of Christ to enjoy present and eternal blessings.
Homily 18 on Ephesians
By St. John Chrysostom0JER 38:4EZK 13:19EZK 18:4MAT 7:1JHN 3:20ROM 1:25ROM 6:21EPH 5:5John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, emphasizing that those who practice such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. He warns against being deceived by empty words and highlights the wrath of God upon the disobedient. Chrysostom urges believers to walk as children of light, to reprove unfruitful works of darkness, and to live in goodness, righteousness, and truth, pleasing the Lord. He stresses the importance of exposing sin and encouraging repentance to bring light into the darkness of wickedness.
1 Timothy 1:5-7
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 38:5MAT 18:19MAT 24:12JHN 3:20ROM 10:4ROM 13:31CO 15:252CO 2:15PHP 4:41TI 1:5John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of genuine love, faith, and a pure heart in following God's commandments, warning against the dangers of vain pursuits and false teachings driven by envy and a desire for power. He highlights the significance of using the law lawfully, directing believers to Christ for true fulfillment and righteousness. Chrysostom urges the congregation to seek the eternal glory of God's Gospel, which surpasses worldly pleasures and possessions, and to clothe themselves with virtues and spiritual fragrance that bring honor and joy in this life and the next.
Epistle 234
By George Fox0ISA 9:6ISA 50:6JHN 3:201CO 13:7EPH 4:1EPH 6:10COL 1:13COL 2:81PE 3:18REV 12:17George Fox preaches about the importance of patience, love, and meekness in overcoming evil inventions, traditions, and self-righteousness. He emphasizes the victory of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, over unclean spirits and the importance of following His example of suffering and forgiveness. Fox encourages putting on courage, patience, and loyalty to the King who conquered all, walking in righteousness, peace, and truth, and feeling the power of God working within. He highlights the power of God that brings peace, unity, and strength, enabling believers to overcome darkness and be filled with revelation and inspiration.
John 7:1-13. the Brethren of Christ Reproach Him.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 37:7ECC 3:1ISA 53:3MAT 5:11JHN 3:20JHN 7:5JHN 7:12JHN 15:18ROM 8:282TI 3:12Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on how sinners, including Jesus' own relatives, scorned and disbelieved Him, urging believers to be patient in facing similar trials. The world, the rich, and the learned hated Jesus for exposing their evil deeds, showing that faithful Christians will face persecution for standing up for righteousness. Despite being goodness itself, Jesus was only faintly praised as 'a good man' by some, while others falsely accused Him, highlighting the worthlessness of worldly esteem. Mortimer emphasizes the contrast between the perfect qualities of Jesus and the base nature of humanity, encouraging Christians to trust in God's timing and providence, just as Jesus did.
The Incarnation Part 11 - "The Last Two Prophecies"
By Charles Alexander0ISA 11:1ISA 60:21MAT 2:5JHN 3:20JHN 15:1EPH 2:3Charles Alexander delves into the second chapter of Matthew, exploring the prophetic scriptures that foretold the birth and identity of Jesus Christ. He highlights the reactions of King Herod's court to the news of Christ's birth, emphasizing the wickedness of men's hearts and their resistance to the light of truth. Alexander connects the massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem to prophecies in Jeremiah and Psalms, revealing the symbolic significance of Rachel weeping for her children and the eventual redemption of those slain. He concludes by unraveling the enigmatic prophecy of Christ being called a Nazarene, symbolizing His humble beginnings and ultimate glory as the Branch of Jesse.
How to Walk in the Light (1 John 1 & 2)
By Ernest O'Neill0JHN 3:202CO 5:211JN 1:51JN 2:1Ernest O'Neill preaches about the importance of walking in the light of God, emphasizing the need to acknowledge our sins and confess them to receive forgiveness and cleansing through Jesus Christ. He highlights the transformation that occurs when we surrender our sins to God and allow His Spirit to work in us, leading us to walk in obedience and love. The sermon underscores the significance of being open and transparent before God, allowing His light to reveal areas of darkness in our hearts so we can be purified and transformed into the likeness of Christ.
Children of Light
By George Fox0MAT 5:39JHN 3:20JHN 8:12EPH 5:81JN 1:5George Fox preaches about the importance of following the Light of Christ within, guiding individuals to see Jesus as the ultimate purpose and fulfillment, surpassing the need for tithes and offerings. He emphasizes speaking and acting in alignment with the Truth revealed by God in each person's conscience, bearing witness to Christ Jesus as the core essence. Fox encourages believers to endure suffering for conscience's sake, letting go of material possessions if necessary, and standing firm in the Light that exposes and condemns worldly actions, leading to unity in Christ.
A General Epistle to Friends
By Margaret Fell0EXO 14:13PSA 34:18PRO 10:4MAT 5:6JHN 3:20PHP 2:10HEB 10:38JAS 4:61JN 1:1Margaret Fell preaches about the call to embrace the eternal light of God, to be awakened from spiritual death by Christ, and to stand in awe of God's salvation. She warns against pursuing material wealth and laboring for temporary things, emphasizing the importance of humility, meekness, and obedience to God. Margaret urges the listeners to seek righteousness, purity, and holiness, as those are the desires that God satisfies, while condemning division and outward distractions that lead to judgment.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light - He who doth vile or abominable things: alluding to the subject mentioned in the preceding verse. The word φαυλος, evil or vile, is supposed by some to come from the Hebrew פלס phalas, to roll, and so cover oneself in dust or ashes, which was practised in token of humiliation and grief, not only by the more eastern nations, see Job 42:6, but also by the Greeks and Trojans, as appears from Homer, Iliad xviii. l. 26; xxii. l. 414; xxiv. l. 640; compare Virgil, Aen. x. l. 844; and Ovid, Metam. lib. viii. l. 528. From the above Hebrew word, it is likely that the Saxon ful, the English foul, the Latin vilis, and the English vile, are derived. See Parkhurst under φαυλος. Lest his deeds should be reproved - Or discovered. To manifest or discover, is one sense of the original word, ελεγχω, in the best Greek writers; and it is evidently its meaning in this place.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
reproved--by detection.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But he that doth truth,.... That which is true, right and good: "he whose work is just", as the Ethiopic version renders it; or, "he that does that which is right", so the Persic; that which is according to the will of God, and from a principle of love to him, and with a view to his glory: cometh to the light; to Christ, and to his word, and ordinances: that his deeds may be made manifest; being brought to the light, to the test, and standard, whether they, are right, or wrong; and that it may appear, that they are wrought in God; or "by God"; by his assistance, and gracious influence, without which men can do nothing; for it is God that works in them both to will and to do: or, "according to God", as others render it; according to the will of God, both for matter and manner: or "for God", as the Ethiopic version renders it; for the glory of God, which ought to be the aim, and end of every action. The Persic version reads the whole thus, "that the work which is between God and him may be known"; that such deeds may be discovered, which are only known to God and himself.