John 5:35
Verse
Context
Testimonies about Jesus
34Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved.35John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light.36But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.
Sermons
Jerry Mawhorr
Don Courville
G.W. North
F.B. Meyer
A.W. Pink
J.C. Philpot
Jonathan EdwardsSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He was a burning and a shining light - Ην ὁ λυχνος ὁ καιομενος και φαινων, should be translated, He was a burning and a shining Lamp. He was not το φως του κοσμου, the light of the world, i.e. the sun; but he was ὁ λυχνος, a lamp, to give a clear and steady light till the sun should arise. It is supposed that John had been cast into prison about four months before this time. See the note on Joh 4:35. As his light continued no longer to shine, our Lord says he Was. The expression of lamp our Lord took from the ordinary custom of the Jews, who termed their eminent doctors the lamps of Israel. A lighted candle is a proper emblem of a minister of God; and, Alteri serviens consumor - "In serving others, I myself destroy:" - a proper motto. There are few who preach the Gospel faithfully that do not lose their lives by it. Burning may refer to the zeal with which John executed his message; and shining may refer to the clearness of the testimony which he bore concerning Christ. Only to shine is but vanity; and to burn without shining will never edify the Church of God. Some shine, and some burn, but few both shine and burn; and many there are who are denominated pastors, who neither shine nor burn. He who wishes to save souls must both burn and shine: the clear light of the knowledge of the sacred records must fill his understanding; and the holy flame of loving zeal must occupy his heart. Zeal without knowledge is continually blundering; and knowledge without zeal makes no converts to Christ. For a season - The time between his beginning to preach and his being cast into prison. To rejoice - Αγαλλιασθηναι, To jump for joy, as we would express it. They were exceedingly rejoiced to hear that the Messiah was come, because they expected him to deliver them out of the hands of the Romans; but when a spiritual deliverance, of infinitely greater moment was preached to them, they rejected both it and the light which made it manifest.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
He was a burning and a shining light--literally, "the burning and shining lamp" (or torch):--that is, "the great light of his day." Christ is never called by the humble word here applied to John--a light-bearer--studiously used to distinguish him from his Master, but ever the Light in the most absolute sense. (See on Joh 1:6). willing for a season--that is, till they saw that it pointed whither they were not prepared to go. to rejoice in his light--There is a play of irony here, referring to the hollow delight with which his testimony tickled them.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He was a burning and a shining light,.... He was not that light, the famous light, the Messiah, the sun of righteousness; yet he was the "phosphorus", the forerunner of that light, and was himself a very great one: he had much light himself into the person and office of the Messiah; in the doctrines of faith in Christ, and repentance towards God; in the Gospel dispensation, and in the abolition of the Mosaic economy; and gave great light to others, in the business of salvation, and remission of sins, and was the means of guiding the feet of many in the way of peace. His light of pure doctrine, and of an holy and exemplary conversation, shone very visibly, and brightly before men; and he burned with strong love and affection for Christ, and the souls of men; and with flaming zeal for the honour of God, and true religion, and against all sin and profaneness, which he was a faithful reprover of, and for which he lost his life. It was common with the Jews to call their doctors, who were famous for their knowledge, and holiness of life, lights, burning lights, and shining lights; or in words which amount to the same. So R. Simeon ben Jochai is often called in the book of Zohar, , "the holy light"; and particularly it is said of him (m), "R. Simeon, , is as "the lamp of light which burns above", and "burns" below; and by the light which burns below all the children of the world are enlightened: woe to the world, when the light below ascends to the light above.'' So R. Abhu is called , "the lamp of light" (n): and it is (o) said of Shuah, Judah's father-in-law, that he was , "the light of the place"; that is, where he lived. The gloss on the place says, he was a man of note in the city, and enlightened their eyes; and it is very frequent with them still, when they are praising any of their doctors, to say of him, he was , "a great light", who enlightened the eyes of Israel, and in whose light the people walked (p); so among the philosophers, Xenophon, and Plato, are called duo lumina (q), "two lights"; See Gill on Mat 5:14; and ye were willing for a season, or "for an hour", to rejoice in his light; or "to glory in it", or "boast of" it, as the Syriac and Persic versions render it. When John first appeared among them, they were fond, and even proud of him; they gloried in him, that a man of such uncommon endowments, and of such exemplary holiness, was raised up among them; and hoped that he was the Messiah, or Elias, that was to come before him; and pleased themselves, that times of great outward honour and prosperity were hastening: wherefore they flocked about him, and many of the Pharisees and Sadducees attended his ministry, and would have been baptized by him; but when they found that he was not the Messiah, nor Elias, nor that prophet, but bore a testimony to Jesus of Nazareth, that he was the Messiah; and ran counter to their notions of a temporal kingdom, and of birth privileges, and their own righteousness; and threatened them with ruin, and destruction, both in this world, and that which is to come, in case of their impenitence and unbelief; they grew sick of him, and said he had a devil, and rejected the counsel of God he declared, and despised his baptism. Such was their fickleness and inconstancy, which Christ here tacitly charges them with. They were like the stony ground hearers, and like some of the Apostle Paul's admirers among the Galatians, who at first could have plucked out their eyes for him, but afterwards became his enemies for telling them the truth. (m) Zohar in Exod. fol. 79. 1. (n) T. Bab. Cetubot, fol. 17. 1. (o) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 85. fol. 74. 4. & Mattanot Cehunah in ib. (p) Vid. R. David Ganz Tzemach David, par. 1. fol. 38. 1. 41. 1. 44. 2. 45. 1. 46. 2. & 47. 1. (q) A. Gell. Noct. Attic. l. 14. c. 3.
John 5:35
Testimonies about Jesus
34Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved.35John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light.36But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
But Rather Reprove Them
By Jerry Mawhorr1.1K1:13:10MAT 10:5MAT 10:16MAT 10:22MAT 10:32MAT 10:39MAT 28:19JHN 5:35In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of Peter Cartwright, a Backwoods Methodist preacher who found himself stuck in an inn during a storm. Despite being surrounded by a party of people engaged in drinking and dancing, Cartwright decided to take a bold step. He joined the festivities but began by asking for God's blessing and then proceeded to pray with all his soul and body. His actions had a profound impact, as some of the partygoers fell on their knees and others fled. The preacher uses this story to emphasize the importance of reproving the world and not just separating from it. He encourages the audience to follow the example of Jesus and confront the world with the righteousness of God.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 496
By Don Courville32943:52Radio ShowJHN 2:1JHN 4:46JHN 5:35JHN 5:38JHN 5:40JHN 5:42JHN 5:47JHN 15:7In this sermon, the preacher focuses on John chapter 5 and highlights it as a chapter with a special miracle. He mentions that this is the third special miracle in the book of John, with the first being the turning of water into wine and the second being the healing of the nobleman's son. The preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking and doing the will of God, as Jesus stated that his nourishment came from doing the will of the Father. The sermon also discusses the story of the lame man at the Pool of Bethesda, emphasizing the grace and mercy of God. The preacher concludes by discussing the threefold witness to Christ's deity in this chapter, including the witness of John the Baptist.
A Burning and a Shining Light
By G.W. North0The Role of John the BaptistPreparation for ChristISA 40:3MAT 3:1MAT 11:11MRK 1:4LUK 1:76LUK 3:16JHN 1:29JHN 3:30JHN 5:35ACT 19:4G.W. North emphasizes that John the Baptist was the final prophet of the Old Testament, heralding the Kingdom of Heaven and preparing the way for Jesus Christ. Although he prophesied about the coming of the Lamb of God, John did not comprehend the significance of the cross, focusing instead on his role as the forerunner of Christ. Filled with the Holy Spirit, John illuminated the darkness, guiding people towards the path of salvation. His baptism in water symbolized the spiritual transformation that Jesus would later bring through the Holy Spirit. John's faithful ministry exemplifies the importance of being a light in the world, preparing hearts for the coming of the Savior.
The New Salt and Light of Human Society
By F.B. Meyer0Influence of ChristiansPersecutionPRO 20:27EZK 15:2MAT 5:10JHN 5:35F.B. Meyer emphasizes the role of Christians as the 'salt and light' of society, highlighting that living a consistent and holy life will often lead to persecution, as the world resists the light that exposes wrongdoing. He encourages believers to maintain their 'saltness' to combat corruption and to shine brightly as a reflection of God's nature, warning against losing their influence. Meyer reassures that even in suffering, Christ walks alongside His faithful followers, and urges believers to be mindful of their impact on the world around them.
Evangelical Preaching
By A.W. Pink0EvangelismPreaching with PassionPRO 11:30JHN 5:351CO 3:72CO 5:112CO 5:20A.W. Pink emphasizes the preacher's responsibility in evangelistic efforts to win souls, warning against two extremes: merely presenting doctrines without heartfelt engagement and being overly passive in leaving results to God. He argues that true preaching should reflect the passion and urgency seen in Christ and the apostles, who actively sought to persuade and reconcile sinners to God. Pink calls for preachers to embody fervor, devotion, and a genuine love for souls in their ministry, rather than adopting a cold, formalistic approach. He challenges fellow ministers to reflect on their methods and to seek a deeper commitment to evangelism.
George Whitefield
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 126:5EZK 33:32JHN 5:35ACT 19:231CO 12:4J.C. Philpot reflects on the life and ministry of George Whitefield, highlighting the opposition and admiration Whitefield faced, his unique gifts as a preacher, and the powerful impact of his sermons in a time of spiritual darkness. Whitefield, raised up by God in a period of torpor and death in the Church, brought a revival and called many to the necessity of the new birth. Despite his natural eloquence and popular appeal, Whitefield's preaching was accompanied by a divine power that convicted hearts and led to genuine conversions.
The True Excellency of a Gospel Minister
By Jonathan Edwards0ISA 24:23DAN 12:3MAT 3:11JHN 5:35JHN 8:122CO 4:61JN 1:5Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of ministers being both a burning and a shining light in the gospel ministry, emphasizing the need for a fervent spirit of piety and zeal in their hearts and administrations. He highlights the duty of ministers to be diligent in their studies, prayerful in seeking God's guidance, and dependent on Christ for enlightenment. Edwards urges the congregation to pray for their minister to be filled with divine light and to support him in his work, encouraging his heart and strengthening his hands. He also warns against hindering the minister's faithful preaching by worldly cares, disrespect, or opposition to his zeal against sin, reminding the people to walk in the light and follow their minister as he follows Christ.
Psalm 56
By Henry Law0PRO 6:23MAT 5:15LUK 12:35JHN 5:352PE 1:19REV 21:23REV 22:5The preacher delves into the significance of a lamp in the Bible, emphasizing its metaphorical uses such as representing the eye, the prophecies of the Old Testament, a teacher, and ultimately Christ who illuminates His followers with His glory. The sermon explores various passages where a lamp is mentioned, highlighting the importance of shining light in a dark world, being prepared for Christ's return, and the prophetic word as a guiding light in spiritual darkness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He was a burning and a shining light - Ην ὁ λυχνος ὁ καιομενος και φαινων, should be translated, He was a burning and a shining Lamp. He was not το φως του κοσμου, the light of the world, i.e. the sun; but he was ὁ λυχνος, a lamp, to give a clear and steady light till the sun should arise. It is supposed that John had been cast into prison about four months before this time. See the note on Joh 4:35. As his light continued no longer to shine, our Lord says he Was. The expression of lamp our Lord took from the ordinary custom of the Jews, who termed their eminent doctors the lamps of Israel. A lighted candle is a proper emblem of a minister of God; and, Alteri serviens consumor - "In serving others, I myself destroy:" - a proper motto. There are few who preach the Gospel faithfully that do not lose their lives by it. Burning may refer to the zeal with which John executed his message; and shining may refer to the clearness of the testimony which he bore concerning Christ. Only to shine is but vanity; and to burn without shining will never edify the Church of God. Some shine, and some burn, but few both shine and burn; and many there are who are denominated pastors, who neither shine nor burn. He who wishes to save souls must both burn and shine: the clear light of the knowledge of the sacred records must fill his understanding; and the holy flame of loving zeal must occupy his heart. Zeal without knowledge is continually blundering; and knowledge without zeal makes no converts to Christ. For a season - The time between his beginning to preach and his being cast into prison. To rejoice - Αγαλλιασθηναι, To jump for joy, as we would express it. They were exceedingly rejoiced to hear that the Messiah was come, because they expected him to deliver them out of the hands of the Romans; but when a spiritual deliverance, of infinitely greater moment was preached to them, they rejected both it and the light which made it manifest.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
He was a burning and a shining light--literally, "the burning and shining lamp" (or torch):--that is, "the great light of his day." Christ is never called by the humble word here applied to John--a light-bearer--studiously used to distinguish him from his Master, but ever the Light in the most absolute sense. (See on Joh 1:6). willing for a season--that is, till they saw that it pointed whither they were not prepared to go. to rejoice in his light--There is a play of irony here, referring to the hollow delight with which his testimony tickled them.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He was a burning and a shining light,.... He was not that light, the famous light, the Messiah, the sun of righteousness; yet he was the "phosphorus", the forerunner of that light, and was himself a very great one: he had much light himself into the person and office of the Messiah; in the doctrines of faith in Christ, and repentance towards God; in the Gospel dispensation, and in the abolition of the Mosaic economy; and gave great light to others, in the business of salvation, and remission of sins, and was the means of guiding the feet of many in the way of peace. His light of pure doctrine, and of an holy and exemplary conversation, shone very visibly, and brightly before men; and he burned with strong love and affection for Christ, and the souls of men; and with flaming zeal for the honour of God, and true religion, and against all sin and profaneness, which he was a faithful reprover of, and for which he lost his life. It was common with the Jews to call their doctors, who were famous for their knowledge, and holiness of life, lights, burning lights, and shining lights; or in words which amount to the same. So R. Simeon ben Jochai is often called in the book of Zohar, , "the holy light"; and particularly it is said of him (m), "R. Simeon, , is as "the lamp of light which burns above", and "burns" below; and by the light which burns below all the children of the world are enlightened: woe to the world, when the light below ascends to the light above.'' So R. Abhu is called , "the lamp of light" (n): and it is (o) said of Shuah, Judah's father-in-law, that he was , "the light of the place"; that is, where he lived. The gloss on the place says, he was a man of note in the city, and enlightened their eyes; and it is very frequent with them still, when they are praising any of their doctors, to say of him, he was , "a great light", who enlightened the eyes of Israel, and in whose light the people walked (p); so among the philosophers, Xenophon, and Plato, are called duo lumina (q), "two lights"; See Gill on Mat 5:14; and ye were willing for a season, or "for an hour", to rejoice in his light; or "to glory in it", or "boast of" it, as the Syriac and Persic versions render it. When John first appeared among them, they were fond, and even proud of him; they gloried in him, that a man of such uncommon endowments, and of such exemplary holiness, was raised up among them; and hoped that he was the Messiah, or Elias, that was to come before him; and pleased themselves, that times of great outward honour and prosperity were hastening: wherefore they flocked about him, and many of the Pharisees and Sadducees attended his ministry, and would have been baptized by him; but when they found that he was not the Messiah, nor Elias, nor that prophet, but bore a testimony to Jesus of Nazareth, that he was the Messiah; and ran counter to their notions of a temporal kingdom, and of birth privileges, and their own righteousness; and threatened them with ruin, and destruction, both in this world, and that which is to come, in case of their impenitence and unbelief; they grew sick of him, and said he had a devil, and rejected the counsel of God he declared, and despised his baptism. Such was their fickleness and inconstancy, which Christ here tacitly charges them with. They were like the stony ground hearers, and like some of the Apostle Paul's admirers among the Galatians, who at first could have plucked out their eyes for him, but afterwards became his enemies for telling them the truth. (m) Zohar in Exod. fol. 79. 1. (n) T. Bab. Cetubot, fol. 17. 1. (o) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 85. fol. 74. 4. & Mattanot Cehunah in ib. (p) Vid. R. David Ganz Tzemach David, par. 1. fol. 38. 1. 41. 1. 44. 2. 45. 1. 46. 2. & 47. 1. (q) A. Gell. Noct. Attic. l. 14. c. 3.