John 5:28
Verse
Context
The Father and the Son
27And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.28Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice 29and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Marvel not at this - I think it quite necessary to follow here, as noted above, the punctuation of both the Syriac, the Armenian, Chrysostom, Damascenus, Theophylact, Euthymius, and others; which is found also in some very good MSS. Theophylact says that the common method of reading this, which he highly objects to, was the invention of Paul of Samosata. In Joh 5:26, Joh 5:27, our Lord, speaking of himself as envoy of God, said, the Father had given him to have life in himself, so that, like any of the ancient prophets, he could vivify others; and that he had given him authority to execute judgment, probably referring to that judgment which he was shortly to execute on this unbelieving nation, and apparently in direct reference to Dan 7:13, Behold one like the Son of man came with the clouds, etc., a place which the Jews expound of the promised Messiah. In this verse he anticipates an objection, as if they had said: "This cannot be: thou art a man - thou wast born among us." Our Lord answers: Don't marvel at this, Because I am a man - for greater things than these shall be done by me: he who now addresses you, though disguised under the form of a man, shall appear in the great day to be the Judge of quick and dead: by his almighty power, he shall raise all the dead; and, by his unerring wisdom and justice, shall adjudge the wicked to hell, and the righteous to heaven. The first sense, however, of this passage, appears to some the most probable; though they both amount nearly to the same meaning.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Marvel not at this--this committal of all judgment to the Son of man. for the hour is coming--He adds not in this case (as in Joh 5:25), "and now is," because this was not to be till the close of the whole dispensation of mercy.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Marvel not at this,.... Either at the cure of the man that had been diseased thirty and eight years, as some think; or at the Son of God being also the son of man, as the Syriac version suggests; or rather at the dead hearing the voice of the Son of God, and living upon it; and at his having authority to execute judgment upon all, to govern and defend his own church and people, and in the last day acquit them, and to take vengeance on his and their enemies, both now and hereafter: for the hour is coming, in which all that are in their graves shall hear his voice. This respects the general resurrection; for there will be a resurrection both of the just and unjust, of all that are in their graves; and though all that are dead are not in graves, or interred in the earth, as some are in the sea; yet, because the greater part are in graves, this phrase is chosen to express the universality of the resurrection: and this is also a proof of the resurrection of the same body; for what else are in the graves but bodies? and what else can come forth from them but the same bodies? and the time is hastening on when these bodies shall be quickened, and hear the voice of the Son of God; which whether the same with the voice of the archangel in Th1 4:16; and whether an articulate voice, or a violent clap of thunder, which is the voice of God, or only the exertion of Christ's mighty power is intended, is not easy to determine, and may be needless to inquire. Certain it is, that this voice of Christ will be attended with almighty power, as the effect following upon it will show. The Jews observe (g), that "there are three things which do not come into the world but "by voices"; there is the voice of a living creature, as it is written, Gen 3:16, "in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children", and as it is written, Gen 30:22, "and God hearkened to her"; and there is the voice of rains, as it is written, Kg1 18:41, "for there is a voice of abundance of rain", and it is written, Psa 29:3, "the voice of the Lord is upon the waters"; and , "there is the voice of the resurrection of the dead", as it is written, Isa 40:3, "the voice of him that crieth in the wilderness";'' but that was the voice of John the Baptist. It will be the voice of the Son of God that will quicken and raise the dead. (g) Zohar in Gen. fol. 70. 4.
John 5:28
The Father and the Son
27And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.28Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice 29and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
"At the Voice of the Son of God"
By Leonard Ravenhill9.8K01:16JHN 5:28This sermon delves into the concept of resurrection and judgment, drawing parallels between the order in the sea where countless souls have perished and the order in the grave where the dead will rise to face Christ's judgment. The speaker reflects on the vast number of individuals throughout history who will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, emphasizing the profound spectacle this event will be.
Judgements of God
By Hal Lindsey2.4K1:22:54JudgmentResurrectionJHN 5:28Hal Lindsey discusses the judgments of God, emphasizing the importance of understanding the two resurrections: one leading to life for believers and the other leading to judgment for the unrepentant. He highlights the growing unease in Israel and the prophetic significance of current events, suggesting that the hardships faced by the Jewish people may lead them to seek their Messiah. Lindsey explains the concept of the judgment seat of Christ, where believers will be rewarded based on their faith and works, contrasting it with the final judgment for unbelievers, who will face eternal separation from God. He urges listeners to ensure their faith is rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus, as this is the only way to avoid condemnation.
The Resurrection Credible
By C.H. Spurgeon1.4K51:50EXO 8:23JHN 5:28JHN 6:40JHN 10:261CO 15:552CO 5:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incomprehensible nature of the word of God and the difficulty in fully understanding it. He argues that there are no perfect analogies in nature to support the truth of the word of God. While some may compare sleep to death and awakening to resurrection, the analogy falls short as sleep still involves life. The preacher acknowledges the sorrow and tears that come with death, but encourages believers to rejoice in the promise of eternal rest for the faithful. He concludes by urging listeners to hold on to the truth of God's word and to separate themselves from those who reject it.
The 2 Resurrections Pt 1 and Pt 2
By Peter Bisset56553:21ResurrectionJHN 5:28In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the coming event described in John 5:28-29. Jesus tells his listeners not to be surprised or shocked, for there is a specific hour in God's calendar when all those in the graves will hear his voice. This event is known as the first resurrection, or the resurrection of life. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being prepared for this event by accepting Jesus Christ as one's personal savior, as he is the only way to eternal life. The sermon encourages the audience to memorize and meditate on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, which provides further details about the first resurrection.
Christianity and the Future
By David Shelby Corlett0MAT 18:10MAT 25:46JHN 5:281CO 5:101CO 15:241CO 15:511CO 15:54PHP 3:201TH 4:152PE 3:13David Shelby Corlett preaches about the kingdom of God as a present reality and a future hope, emphasizing the rule of Christ over His people through the Holy Spirit and the ultimate consummation of God's kingdom. Believers anticipate the second coming of Christ, where the living and the dead in Christ will be united with Him. The Christian view of death is seen as a transition to a new life in a glorified body, and the resurrection will bring both the just and the unjust back to life. Glorification represents the completion of salvation, transforming believers into the likeness of Christ's glorious body.
Against romanism.—no. Ii. Archbishop Ussher on Prayers for the Dead
By J.H. Newman0LUK 12:5JHN 5:28ROM 16:122TI 1:16J.H. Newman preaches about the diverse beliefs and practices regarding prayers for the dead in the early Church, highlighting the misconceptions and fallacies surrounding the doctrine of Purgatory. He discusses how Roman controversialists have misinterpreted the teachings of the early Fathers to support their own theories, such as Transubstantiation and ecclesiastical penances. Newman emphasizes the importance of understanding the true intentions behind prayers for the dead, which were meant to offer praise, thanksgiving, and petitions for forgiveness and salvation, rather than to alleviate supposed purgatorial torments. He sheds light on the various interpretations and prayers used in different liturgies, showing the complexity and diversity of beliefs within the early Church.
John 11:41-48
By St. John Chrysostom0JHN 5:28John Chrysostom preaches about the humility and condescension of Christ in His words and actions, emphasizing how His lowly sayings were meant to draw people to faith while His high sayings often caused offense. Chrysostom highlights Christ's identity with the Father, His authority over death, and the importance of prayer as a means to persuade and reveal His unity with the Father. He condemns malice, greed, and hypocrisy as destructive forces, urging for mourning and repentance for those who harm others for personal gain.
The Son of God and Resurrection
By H.J. Vine0MAT 27:54JHN 5:28JHN 14:61CO 15:55REV 1:18H.J. Vine preaches on the powerful witness of the centurion and his companions who saw the earthquake, the opening of graves, and the miraculous events surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection, leading them to declare, 'Truly this was the Son of God.' The resurrection of the saints at the time of Christ's resurrection serves as a profound testimony to His glory and triumph over death, echoing the resurrection of Lazarus in John 11 and the future resurrection of all from the graves in John 5, affirming His power, triumph, and glory as the Son of God, the Resurrection, and the Life.
Day 208, John 11
By David Servant0JHN 5:28JHN 11:4JHN 11:35JHN 11:44ROM 12:15David Servant delves into the story of Lazarus' resurrection, highlighting how Jesus' delay in coming to Lazarus was a test of faith for Mary and Martha, and how their belief in Jesus' power over death was ultimately rewarded with Lazarus' miraculous resurrection. Despite Jesus' love for Lazarus, his sickness was not a reflection of Jesus' lack of love, but rather a test of faith that could ultimately bring glory to God through healing. The resurrection of Lazarus serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' divinity and his ability to offer eternal life to those who believe in Him, foreshadowing the even greater resurrection to come in the future.
Day 97, 1 Corinthians 15
By David Servant0JHN 5:281CO 15:21CO 15:191CO 15:291CO 15:341CO 15:521CO 15:58REV 20:4David Servant emphasizes the importance of holding fast to Paul's gospel, which includes the foundational truths that humanity is sinful, God is wrathful, and Christ died for our sins. The resurrection of Christ is a crucial aspect of the gospel, highlighting the significance of the doctrine of resurrection in Christian belief. Denying Christ's resurrection would invalidate the core of Christianity and the sacrifices made by His followers. Belief in Christ's resurrection should lead to a life of obedience and holiness, as emphasized by Paul's exhortation to live righteously and abound in the work of the Lord.
Jesus Raises a Widow's Son From the Dead Luke 7:11-17
By David Servant0LUK 7:13JHN 5:28JHN 11:251TH 4:16HEB 2:15David Servant preaches on the miraculous resurrection of the widow's son in Nain by Jesus, highlighting the compassion of Christ towards those who suffer and His ultimate power over death. The scene unfolds with a grieving mother following the funeral procession of her only son, facing the bleak future of losing both her husband and son. Jesus, moved with compassion, commands the dead boy to rise, demonstrating His authority over life and death, bringing astonishment and joy to the crowd. This powerful miracle serves as a reminder of Jesus' care for the suffering and solidifies His identity as the Son of God, showcasing a unique aspect not found in other religions.
(Through the Needle's Eye) 7 - a Worthless Slave
By David Servant0MAT 12:36MAT 25:14MAT 25:31JHN 5:282CO 5:91JN 3:14REV 20:12David Servant preaches about the importance of being faithful stewards of the resources and gifts that God has entrusted to us, emphasizing the need to use them for His glory and to help those in need. He highlights the dangers of being unfaithful like the one-talent servant in the Parable of the Talents, who was cast into outer darkness for not using his talent wisely. David challenges believers to examine their hearts and actions, reminding them that true faith is evidenced by works of love and compassion towards others, especially the needy and marginalized.
The General Resurrection
By Samuel Davies0GEN 3:19JOB 19:26MAT 25:34JHN 3:6JHN 5:28ACT 26:8ROM 8:71CO 15:51PHP 3:211TH 4:15Samuel Davies preaches about the General Resurrection, emphasizing the inevitable time when all in the graves will rise to face judgment based on their deeds—either to the resurrection of life or damnation. He vividly describes the earth as a vast graveyard, highlighting the multitude of generations that have passed and the solemn reality of death. Davies paints a striking picture of the resurrection, detailing the transformation of bodies and the reunion of souls, contrasting the destinies of the righteous and the wicked. He urges listeners to examine their lives, emphasizing the importance of doing good with a renewed heart and a dependence on Christ's righteousness to secure a resurrection to eternal life.
Life and Immortality Revealed in the Gospel
By Samuel Davies0JOB 19:26PSA 89:47MRK 9:24JHN 5:28JHN 14:11CO 15:522TI 1:9HEB 9:272PE 3:10Samuel Davies preaches about the revelation of life and immortality through the gospel, emphasizing the destruction of death by Jesus Christ and the eternal existence of the soul and body. He vividly describes the universal reality of death and the necessity of preparing for eternity, urging listeners to consider their own mortality and the importance of living a godly life. Davies highlights the immortality of the soul and the resurrection of the body, challenging individuals to prioritize their eternal destiny over temporary earthly pursuits. He warns against neglecting the soul's preparation for an everlasting existence and encourages a focus on securing a happy immortality through faith and righteous living.
John 11:37-44. the Resurrection of Lazarus.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0JHN 5:28JHN 11:35JHN 11:40JHN 11:431TH 4:16Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the lack of understanding of Jesus' actions on earth, emphasizing how unbelief can hinder God's gracious plans. Despite doubts and questions during times of trouble, God works for His purposes, offering deliverance and glory. The story of Lazarus' resurrection showcases Jesus' faith, love, and power over death, revealing the promise of eternal life for believers. Mortimer invites listeners to envision the joy and reunion in heaven, where saints will be transformed and united in eternal glory.
The God of the Living
By George MacDonald0LUK 20:38JHN 5:281CO 15:35George MacDonald preaches about the eternal life and God's continuous presence with the living, emphasizing that God is the God of the living, not the dead. He challenges the notion of resurrection of the body, highlighting the importance of the body as a means of revelation and connection to others. MacDonald expresses the belief that the resurrection involves a glorified body that reveals the true essence of each individual, allowing for recognition and deeper connection in the afterlife.
Our Brilliant Future: "Where’s It All Leading?"
By Greg Herrick0ISA 46:10MAT 24:21MAT 25:46JHN 5:28ACT 1:11ROM 11:26PHP 3:20REV 20:1Greg Herrick preaches on the study of the end times, emphasizing the differences and agreements among Bible-believing Christians. The sermon delves into crucial areas of agreement such as the second coming of Christ, the response to His coming, the resurrection of all peoples, and the final state of the wicked and the righteous. Points of disagreement include the rapture, the millennial kingdom, the tribulation period, and the role of national Israel in the end times.
The Great Separation
By M.L. Dye0MAT 7:21MAT 12:36MAT 13:41MAT 25:21MAT 25:32JHN 5:28JHN 13:8JHN 17:16M.L. Dye preaches about Jesus' teachings on the great separation that will occur when all nations are gathered before Him, emphasizing the destiny of the righteous and the wicked. Jesus reiterated the reality of this separation multiple times, highlighting the importance of repentance and faith in Him for salvation. He stressed that genuine repentance is essential for true faith, and that without it, one cannot have a part with Him. Jesus' emphasis on repentance was evident throughout His ministry, culminating in His final instructions to His disciples before His crucifixion.
We Must All Be Manifested
By William Kelly0JHN 3:18JHN 5:22JHN 5:24JHN 5:282CO 5:10William Kelly preaches on the importance of understanding the connection between judgment and salvation. He emphasizes the need for man to trust in God and repent, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, which goes beyond just forgiveness of sins to encompass the full scope of Christ's work. Kelly highlights the distinction between believers and unbelievers in facing judgment, with believers being assured of eternal life and exempt from condemnation through faith in Christ. He delves into the significance of believers being manifested before the judgment-seat of Christ, emphasizing the deep appreciation of God's grace and the believer's oneness with God's judgment.
The Resurrection
By Thomas Boston0JHN 5:28JHN 11:251CO 15:421TH 4:132TH 1:7Thomas Boston preaches about the certainty of the resurrection, emphasizing the power of God to raise the dead and the distinction between the resurrection of the godly to life and the wicked to damnation. He describes the qualities of the resurrected bodies of the saints as incorruptible, glorious, powerful, and spiritual, bringing comfort to believers. On the other hand, he paints a terrifying picture for the unregenerate, warning them of the shame and everlasting contempt they will face at the resurrection. Boston urges sinners to repent and unite with Christ by faith to secure a part in the resurrection of the just.
Beyond Death
By Richard E. Bieber0MAT 6:19LUK 16:19JHN 5:28ROM 8:11HEB 2:14Richard E. Bieber preaches about the inevitability of death and the fear it instills in us, emphasizing the need to be free from the fear of death to truly live boldly for God. He contrasts the early believers who lived with power and unity due to their freedom from the fear of death with modern Christians who often avoid the topic of death. Bieber challenges listeners to love Jesus enough to be willing to die for Him, highlighting the rewards, reckoning, and resurrection that await on the other side of death.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Marvel not at this - I think it quite necessary to follow here, as noted above, the punctuation of both the Syriac, the Armenian, Chrysostom, Damascenus, Theophylact, Euthymius, and others; which is found also in some very good MSS. Theophylact says that the common method of reading this, which he highly objects to, was the invention of Paul of Samosata. In Joh 5:26, Joh 5:27, our Lord, speaking of himself as envoy of God, said, the Father had given him to have life in himself, so that, like any of the ancient prophets, he could vivify others; and that he had given him authority to execute judgment, probably referring to that judgment which he was shortly to execute on this unbelieving nation, and apparently in direct reference to Dan 7:13, Behold one like the Son of man came with the clouds, etc., a place which the Jews expound of the promised Messiah. In this verse he anticipates an objection, as if they had said: "This cannot be: thou art a man - thou wast born among us." Our Lord answers: Don't marvel at this, Because I am a man - for greater things than these shall be done by me: he who now addresses you, though disguised under the form of a man, shall appear in the great day to be the Judge of quick and dead: by his almighty power, he shall raise all the dead; and, by his unerring wisdom and justice, shall adjudge the wicked to hell, and the righteous to heaven. The first sense, however, of this passage, appears to some the most probable; though they both amount nearly to the same meaning.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Marvel not at this--this committal of all judgment to the Son of man. for the hour is coming--He adds not in this case (as in Joh 5:25), "and now is," because this was not to be till the close of the whole dispensation of mercy.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Marvel not at this,.... Either at the cure of the man that had been diseased thirty and eight years, as some think; or at the Son of God being also the son of man, as the Syriac version suggests; or rather at the dead hearing the voice of the Son of God, and living upon it; and at his having authority to execute judgment upon all, to govern and defend his own church and people, and in the last day acquit them, and to take vengeance on his and their enemies, both now and hereafter: for the hour is coming, in which all that are in their graves shall hear his voice. This respects the general resurrection; for there will be a resurrection both of the just and unjust, of all that are in their graves; and though all that are dead are not in graves, or interred in the earth, as some are in the sea; yet, because the greater part are in graves, this phrase is chosen to express the universality of the resurrection: and this is also a proof of the resurrection of the same body; for what else are in the graves but bodies? and what else can come forth from them but the same bodies? and the time is hastening on when these bodies shall be quickened, and hear the voice of the Son of God; which whether the same with the voice of the archangel in Th1 4:16; and whether an articulate voice, or a violent clap of thunder, which is the voice of God, or only the exertion of Christ's mighty power is intended, is not easy to determine, and may be needless to inquire. Certain it is, that this voice of Christ will be attended with almighty power, as the effect following upon it will show. The Jews observe (g), that "there are three things which do not come into the world but "by voices"; there is the voice of a living creature, as it is written, Gen 3:16, "in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children", and as it is written, Gen 30:22, "and God hearkened to her"; and there is the voice of rains, as it is written, Kg1 18:41, "for there is a voice of abundance of rain", and it is written, Psa 29:3, "the voice of the Lord is upon the waters"; and , "there is the voice of the resurrection of the dead", as it is written, Isa 40:3, "the voice of him that crieth in the wilderness";'' but that was the voice of John the Baptist. It will be the voice of the Son of God that will quicken and raise the dead. (g) Zohar in Gen. fol. 70. 4.