John 3:27
Verse
Context
John’s Testimony about Jesus
26So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.”27John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.28You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A man can receive nothing, etc. - Or, A man can receive nothing from heaven, unless it be given him. I have received, not only my commission, but the power also by which I have executed it, from above. As I took it up at God's command, so I am ready to lay it down when he pleases. I have told you from the beginning that I was only the forerunner of the Messiah, and was sent, not to form a separate party, but to point out to men that Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world: Joh 3:28.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A man, &c.--"I do my heaven-prescribed work, and that is enough for me. Would you have me mount into my Master's place? Said I not unto you, I am not the Christ? The Bride is not mine, why should the people stay with me?? Mine it is to point the burdened to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, to tell them there is Balm in Gilead, and a Physician there. And shall I grudge to see them, in obedience to the call, flying as a cloud, and as doves to their windows? Whose is the Bride but the Bridegroom's? Enough for me to be the Bridegroom's friend, sent by Him to negotiate the match, privileged to bring together the Saviour and those He is come to seek and to save, and rejoicing with joy unspeakable if I may but 'stand and hear the Bridegroom's voice,' witnessing the blessed espousals. Say ye, then, they go from me to Him? Ye bring me glad tidings of great joy. He must increase, but I must decrease; this, my joy, therefore is fulfilled." A man can receive, &c.--assume nothing, that is, lawfully and with any success; that is, Every man has his work and sphere appointed him from above, Even Christ Himself came under this law (Heb 5:4).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Ye yourselves bear me witness,.... In what they now said, and referred to, in describing Christ, as he to whom John bore witness; and he appeals to them for what he said in their presence, and before all the people in that testimony: that I said I am not the Christ; see Joh 1:19; wherefore, if he, who is the Christ, is now come, and teaches, and baptizes, and has the greatest number of followers, it is not to be wondered at; and much less to be envied; but rather to be rejoiced at. For John, by repeating what he had before said, that he was not the Christ, suggests, that Jesus was; and therefore was superior to him in office, honour, and usefulness, who was only his harbinger and forerunner, as follows: but I am sent before him; to prepare his way, to make straight his paths, to proclaim his coming, and kingdom, being at hand; and that the expectations of men may be raised, and they may be ready to receive him when come: and hereby the end of John's office, and ministry, had its accomplishment. The Ethiopic version adds, "to preach him".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:27-35 John the Baptist’s speech was inspired by two issues: (1) Some had questioned the legitimacy of his baptism (see 1:26), and (2) his disciples were concerned that people were beginning to follow Jesus instead of John (3:26).
John 3:27
John’s Testimony about Jesus
26So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.”27John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.28You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Holy Spirit Given From Heaven
By A.W. Tozer3.7K43:41Holy SpiritJHN 3:271CO 2:91CO 2:141CO 2:162TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying God and following the teachings of the scriptures. He shares a personal anecdote about a man who was converted to Christianity during one of his sermons. The preacher also mentions a time when he preached on a different topic but still had a powerful impact on the audience. He highlights the need for the Holy Spirit to reveal spiritual truths to us, as our natural intellect is unable to comprehend them. The preacher encourages listeners to open their hearts to God and seek His guidance in understanding spiritual matters.
Acts 2:37-42
By Gerry Covenhoven88246:34JHN 3:27ACT 8:38ACT 9:17ACT 16:30ACT 22:15ROM 6:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of immediate baptism for believers. He references the story of the jailor in Acts chapter 16, who asked Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved. They told him to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and he and his household were immediately baptized. The preacher emphasizes that baptism is a crucial step in receiving the remission of sins and the Holy Spirit. He also mentions other instances in the Bible where believers were baptized immediately upon conversion. The sermon concludes by noting that while verse 37 is found in the King James authorized version, it is not present in modern translations.
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
By Mike Bickle261:02:46MercyJudgmentPSA 18:35MIC 7:18MAT 5:7MAT 9:13MAT 12:7JHN 3:27ROM 8:1HEB 12:14JAS 2:131PE 4:8Mike Bickle emphasizes that mercy triumphs over judgment, illustrating how receiving and extending mercy is more transformative than criticism or judgment in all aspects of life. He warns against misinterpreting mercy as a license for wrongdoing, stressing that true mercy aligns with God's terms and leads to genuine repentance and obedience. Bickle encourages believers to respond with mercy to others, especially those who mistreat us, as this fosters freedom in our hearts and relationships. He highlights the biblical principle that the measure we use to judge others will be used against us, urging a shift from a critical spirit to one of kindness and understanding. Ultimately, Bickle reassures that God's mercy is abundant and should inspire us to extend that same mercy to others.
Our Daily Homily - John
By F.B. Meyer0Spiritual GrowthFaithJHN 1:50JHN 2:10JHN 3:27JHN 4:10JHN 5:20JHN 6:27JHN 7:39JHN 8:31JHN 9:4JHN 11:40F.B. Meyer emphasizes the progressive nature of God's revelations and blessings in the sermon 'Our Daily Homily - John', illustrating that as we grow in our understanding and relationship with Christ, we are invited to experience greater things. He encourages believers to live fully in the light of what they know, assuring them that God continually offers His best, both in this life and the next. Meyer also highlights the importance of humility, recognizing that all we have is a gift from God, and urges believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ through prayer and obedience. Ultimately, he reassures that through faith, we will witness the glory of God in our lives and the lives of others.
Caecillius Thascius Cyprianus
By John Gill0PredestinationGrace Of GodJHN 3:27ROM 8:30ROM 9:111CO 4:7EPH 1:4PHP 1:62TH 2:132TI 1:9HEB 10:141PE 1:2John Gill discusses the teachings of Caecilius Thascius Cyprianus, emphasizing the doctrine of predestination and the grace of God. Cyprian, an early church father and martyr, asserted that all gifts and obedience come from God, highlighting the importance of humility in recognizing that nothing is ours by merit. Gill notes that Cyprian's views align with Augustine's understanding of predestination, which emphasizes that believers are chosen by God and that their salvation is not based on their own works. The sermon reflects on the certainty of God's grace and the role of the Trinity in the process of salvation. Ultimately, it calls Christians to acknowledge their dependence on God's gifts and to live in accordance with His will.
Hope-or Despair?
By A.W. Tozer0Divine RevelationHopeMAT 11:25LUK 10:21JHN 3:27JHN 14:26ROM 11:331CO 2:14EPH 1:172TI 3:16JAS 1:171JN 5:20A.W. Tozer explores the dichotomy of hope and despair in humanity, emphasizing that true understanding and spiritual truth can only be received as a divine gift from heaven. He highlights John the Baptist's assertion that human reason cannot grasp divine truth, which leads to despair, while the promise of the Holy Spirit offers hope and revelation. Tozer underscores that this gift of knowing is not accessible through human wisdom but is revealed to those who are humble and receptive, as affirmed by Jesus' teachings.
He Instructed Him
By A.W. Pink0The Role of the Holy SpiritDivine InstructionPSA 119:105PSA 138:8ISA 28:10JHN 1:13JHN 3:27ROM 8:261CO 2:142TI 3:16JAS 1:51JN 2:20A.W. Pink emphasizes that God has graciously provided us with the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit as our infallible Instructor, guiding us through spiritual truths and illuminating our understanding. He highlights that true comprehension of God's Word is a divine blessing rather than an intellectual achievement, as spiritual discernment is granted by the Holy Spirit. Pink reminds us of our natural inability to grasp spiritual matters without divine assistance and encourages gratitude for God's patient instruction in our lives. He calls attention to the essential truths of total depravity, the necessity of being born again, and the sufficiency of Christ's atoning sacrifice.
John 3:22-30
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 9:14JHN 3:27JHN 3:29ACT 5:39ROM 10:17John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of humility and avoiding the destructive desire for glory, which can lead to jealousy and division. He emphasizes the need to focus on heavenly glory rather than earthly recognition, using the example of John the Baptist humbly acknowledging the superiority of Jesus and joyfully stepping back as Jesus' ministry grows. Chrysostom highlights the dangers of seeking human praise and the importance of seeking divine approval, urging believers to prioritize eternal treasures over temporary accolades.
His Fullness
By Thomas Bradbury0GEN 49:10ISA 11:2JHN 1:16JHN 3:272CO 12:10GAL 4:4EPH 3:18COL 1:182TI 2:13Thomas Bradbury preaches about the all-encompassing grace of God, starting with the disputed point of who spoke the words in John 1:16, highlighting the ministry of John the Baptist and his humble acknowledgment of Christ's pre-eminence. The sermon delves into the vast subject of the fullness of Christ, emphasizing His overflowing abundance of grace and blessings for believers. Bradbury explores the concepts of predestination, election, redemption, justification, and forgiveness as manifestations of God's grace, leading to a deep reflection on the believer's journey from sinfulness to experiencing the fullness of God's grace and glory.
The Way of Cain
By Chip Brogden0GEN 4:3GEN 4:13EXO 22:29MAT 16:25JHN 3:27HEB 11:41JN 3:11JUD 1:4Chip Brogden preaches about the contrasting ways of Cain and Abel in relating to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of giving God our first and best with a heart of worship and love. Abel's sacrifice was accepted because he gave the firstlings of his flock, while Cain's offering was rejected as he gave only some of the fruit of the ground. The sermon delves into the heart motivations behind our actions, highlighting the danger of self-centered religious sacrifices and the consequences of following the way of Cain, which leads to hatred, destruction, and separation from God's presence.
Different Temptations
By James Stalker0JHN 3:271CO 10:13HEB 4:15JAS 1:121PE 5:8James Stalker delves into the mystery of providence, emphasizing the unequal distribution of temptation among individuals. He compares sheltered situations to ships in a harbor, protected from real storms, and contrasts them with those facing the full force of tempests on the high seas. Stalker acknowledges the diverse challenges people encounter, whether in solitude or society, highlighting that temptation can manifest in various forms and environments.
Speaking With the Authority of God
By John Daniel Jones01SA 2:12MAT 28:18JHN 3:27ACT 13:21CO 13:1John Daniel Jones emphasizes the importance of character in wielding moral authority, highlighting that true power for God comes from being a person of God. He stresses that without character, even with official positions, one's influence is empty. Jones underscores that the ultimate source of authority to teach and preach is God Himself, and that human ordination merely ratifies God's ordaining. He acknowledges the value of ordination for orderliness in the Church but emphasizes that the real authority to preach comes from God, who can anoint individuals without human intervention.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A man can receive nothing, etc. - Or, A man can receive nothing from heaven, unless it be given him. I have received, not only my commission, but the power also by which I have executed it, from above. As I took it up at God's command, so I am ready to lay it down when he pleases. I have told you from the beginning that I was only the forerunner of the Messiah, and was sent, not to form a separate party, but to point out to men that Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world: Joh 3:28.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A man, &c.--"I do my heaven-prescribed work, and that is enough for me. Would you have me mount into my Master's place? Said I not unto you, I am not the Christ? The Bride is not mine, why should the people stay with me?? Mine it is to point the burdened to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, to tell them there is Balm in Gilead, and a Physician there. And shall I grudge to see them, in obedience to the call, flying as a cloud, and as doves to their windows? Whose is the Bride but the Bridegroom's? Enough for me to be the Bridegroom's friend, sent by Him to negotiate the match, privileged to bring together the Saviour and those He is come to seek and to save, and rejoicing with joy unspeakable if I may but 'stand and hear the Bridegroom's voice,' witnessing the blessed espousals. Say ye, then, they go from me to Him? Ye bring me glad tidings of great joy. He must increase, but I must decrease; this, my joy, therefore is fulfilled." A man can receive, &c.--assume nothing, that is, lawfully and with any success; that is, Every man has his work and sphere appointed him from above, Even Christ Himself came under this law (Heb 5:4).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Ye yourselves bear me witness,.... In what they now said, and referred to, in describing Christ, as he to whom John bore witness; and he appeals to them for what he said in their presence, and before all the people in that testimony: that I said I am not the Christ; see Joh 1:19; wherefore, if he, who is the Christ, is now come, and teaches, and baptizes, and has the greatest number of followers, it is not to be wondered at; and much less to be envied; but rather to be rejoiced at. For John, by repeating what he had before said, that he was not the Christ, suggests, that Jesus was; and therefore was superior to him in office, honour, and usefulness, who was only his harbinger and forerunner, as follows: but I am sent before him; to prepare his way, to make straight his paths, to proclaim his coming, and kingdom, being at hand; and that the expectations of men may be raised, and they may be ready to receive him when come: and hereby the end of John's office, and ministry, had its accomplishment. The Ethiopic version adds, "to preach him".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:27-35 John the Baptist’s speech was inspired by two issues: (1) Some had questioned the legitimacy of his baptism (see 1:26), and (2) his disciples were concerned that people were beginning to follow Jesus instead of John (3:26).