John 8:58
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Before Abraham was, I am - The following is a literal translation of Calmet's note on this passage: - "I am from all eternity. I have existed before all ages. You consider in me only the person who speaks to you, and who has appeared to you within a particular time. But besides this human nature, which ye think ye know, there is in me a Divine and eternal nature. Both, united, subsist together in my person. Abraham knew how to distinguish them. He adored me as his God; and desired me as his Savior. He has seen me in my eternity, and he predicted my coming into the world." On the same verse Bishop Pearce speaks as follows: - "What Jesus here says relates (I think) to his existence antecedent to Abraham's days, and not to his having been the Christ appointed and foretold before that time; for, if Jesus had meant this, the answer I apprehend would not have been a pertinent one. He might have been appointed and foretold for the Christ; but if he had not had an existence before Abraham's days, neither could he have seen Abraham, (as, according to our English translation, the Jews suppose him to have said), nor could Abraham have seen him, as I suppose the Jews understood him to have said in the preceding verse, to which words of the Jews the words of Jesus here are intended as an answer."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Before Abraham was, I am--The words rendered "was" and "am" are quite different. The one clause means, "Abraham was brought into being"; the other, "I exist." The statement therefore is not that Christ came into existence before Abraham did (as Arians affirm is the meaning), but that He never came into being at all, but existed before Abraham had a being; in other words, existed before creation, or eternally (as Joh 1:1). In that sense the Jews plainly understood Him, since "then took they up stones to cast at Him," just as they had before done when they saw that He made Himself equal with God (Joh 5:18). hid himself--(See on Luk 4:30). Next: John Chapter 9
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:58 before Abraham was even born, I Am! Jesus’ life spans the past from before creation (1:1-2) and sweeps beyond the present into eternity. • I Am: This title is reminiscent of God’s name given on Mount Sinai (Exod 3:14; cp. John 4:26; Isa 43:11-13; 48:12).
John 8:58
Before Abraham Was Born, I Am
57Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and You have seen Abraham?” 58“Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am! ”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Attributes of God (Series 2): The Self-Existence of God
By A.W. Tozer4.9K59:14Attributes of GodEXO 3:11EXO 3:14EXO 19:4PSA 23:1MAT 6:33JHN 8:58ROM 8:31The video is a sermon on the attributes of God, specifically focusing on the story of Job in the Bible. The speaker mentions how the devil came before the sons of God, who were the angels, and they were passing in parade. The speaker also shares a personal anecdote about being in Chicago and needing to get to a church meeting. The video concludes by stating that sermon number three in the same series will be on the next tape.
(John - Part 34): If the Son Shall Make You Free, Ye Shall Be Free Indeed
By A.W. Tozer3.9K42:42ExpositionalJHN 8:31JHN 8:34JHN 8:36JHN 8:44JHN 8:47JHN 8:58In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining one's conduct to determine their true nature. He highlights the need for humility and a willingness to learn, as arrogance and self-assuredness hinder growth and understanding. The preacher references biblical teachings, such as the meek inheriting the earth and the importance of following Jesus to know the truth and be set free. He also warns against claiming to be a child of God while not aligning one's conduct with God's teachings. The sermon serves as a diagnostic tool to identify areas of spiritual growth and encourages listeners to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures.
(Names of Jehovah) 1. I Am
By Roy Hession3.4K40:30JehovahISA 12:2ISA 26:4JHN 8:58In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of confessing the negative aspects of our lives to God. He highlights that only by acknowledging our faults and weaknesses can we fully experience God's grace and see Him as the answer to our problems. The preacher mentions that God sometimes fills up the blank check in our lives as a suggestion for us to do the same. He then discusses five places in the Old Testament where God completes the unfinished sentence Himself, revealing His character as Jehovah. The preacher encourages listeners to bring their needs, sorrows, failures, and sins to God, as this is how Jehovah is revealed and His faithfulness is experienced.
(John) the Gracious Gaze
By Willie Mullan1.4K43:23GraciousnessJHN 8:58JHN 9:1JHN 9:32CO 4:162CO 5:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Jesus healing a blind man. Despite being surrounded by a hostile crowd, Jesus takes the time to notice and have sympathy for the man in deep trouble. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing when someone has experienced a true transformation and wanting to hear their story. The blind man attributes his healing to a man called Jesus, highlighting the person and the work that Jesus did for him. The sermon also touches on the concept of two kingdoms, the kingdom of God's dear son and the kingdom of God.
Natural, Spiritual or Carnal
By Dennis Kinlaw1.4K53:48CarnalityJHN 5:19JHN 6:63JHN 8:28JHN 8:58JHN 10:301CO 2:14PHP 2:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the mind of Christ and the characteristics that should not be present in believers. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the difference between capital R reality, which is the truth of God, and little R reality, which is the distorted perception of the natural man. The speaker uses the example of Jesus feeding the 5,000 to illustrate how people often miss the true reality until they experience regenerating grace. He concludes by highlighting four negative imperatives that should not be present in believers, such as selfish ambition, and encourages listeners to align their agendas with Christ's.
The Great "I Am"
By Mariano Di Gangi1.3K32:47Character Of GodGEN 17:7EXO 3:1MAL 3:6MAT 6:33JHN 8:58HEB 13:8REV 1:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God is knowable and desires to make himself known to us. He distinguishes between natural revelation, where God reveals himself through the world he has created, and supernatural revelation, where God reveals himself through his word. The speaker highlights the importance of having a proper understanding of God, as it impacts our worldview, ethics, and beliefs about life and death. He acknowledges that our knowledge of God is limited due to our finite nature, but asserts that God reveals himself in ways that we can trust. The sermon references the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus 3 as an example of God making himself known to humanity.
Absolutes - Part 1
By David Adams1.2K42:38AbsolutesThe Nature of TruthEXO 3:14PSA 102:25ISA 40:28MAT 11:28JHN 8:21JHN 8:58COL 1:17HEB 1:10JAS 1:17REV 1:8David Adams addresses the concept of absolutes in his sermon, emphasizing the importance of recognizing that truth is absolute despite contemporary beliefs that deny this notion. He highlights the significance of Jesus' declaration, 'Before Abraham was, I am,' as the ultimate absolute, affirming Christ's eternal existence and divine authority. Adams argues that while society may claim there are no absolutes, the very act of labeling something as a lie acknowledges an absolute truth. He encourages the congregation to understand the implications of believing in Jesus as the I AM, the changeless Lord of eternity, who remains the same throughout all ages.
Jehovah's Witnesses #2 - the Ten Misapplied Texts Pt. 1
By Mike Theule1.0K45:23EXO 3:14MIC 5:2JHN 8:58ROM 4:8HEB 7:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that worshiping riches is not the same as worshiping God. He refers to Isaiah 43-45 and Galatians 4:8 to highlight the importance of recognizing that there is only one God by nature. The preacher also discusses the authority of the Watchtower and the need to break it down in order to interpret verses correctly. He mentions the example of Christ's submission to the Father and explains that this submission is temporary until the mediatorial office of Christ comes to an end. The preacher concludes by mentioning the concept of the Trinity and the belief in one God by nature, which is why Jehovah's Witnesses identify themselves as such.
(1 Timothy) God Became a Man
By Brian Brodersen96157:39EXO 3:14PSA 19:1MAT 6:33JHN 8:58ACT 20:28TIT 2:13In this sermon, the speaker focuses on verse 16 of chapter 3, which states that "great is the mystery of godliness." The speaker emphasizes that God was manifested in the flesh through Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate manifestation of God. The speaker warns against reducing the gospel to a formula or a theological system, emphasizing the importance of introducing people to the living God, Jesus. The speaker encourages listeners to fix their gaze upon Jesus and meditate on him in order to become godly and spiritual.
The Voice of the Holy Spirit - Aw Tozer
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons94256:30RadioMAT 11:28MAT 25:31LUK 10:18JHN 2:19JHN 8:58JHN 16:7REV 22:17In this sermon, the preacher highlights the transformation of a young man who was just another ordinary person until he encountered God. The preacher emphasizes that although the world may be lost, it is not forsaken by God. He mentions various voices in the Bible that entreat and invite people to come to God. The preacher also acknowledges the power of God in changing lives and urges the audience to turn to Christ for salvation.
Triologies in Life of Christ - Part 5
By David Adams49339:18PSA 2:1MAT 6:33MAT 24:30MAT 26:63JHN 8:58ACT 4:24In this sermon, the speaker discusses various trilogies in the life of Jesus. He mentions the times when Jesus gave thanks, heard an audible voice from heaven, and wept, highlighting their significance for further study. The speaker then focuses on the trilogy of judges that Jesus stood before on the last night of his life. He describes how Pilate found no fault in Jesus three times, but the crowd demanded his crucifixion, leading to a conflict between Roman law and the crowd's accusation.
John 9
By Damian Kyle48454:46JohnJHN 3:16JHN 8:12JHN 8:58JHN 9:1JHN 9:25JHN 9:39ROM 5:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus healing a blind man in John chapter 9. The sermon emphasizes the demonstration of God's love through the cross of Calvary and how Jesus is the light of the world. The preacher also highlights the finite and precious nature of the remaining time Jesus has to serve the Father before his crucifixion. The sermon encourages Christians to redeem the time and emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus as the promised Messiah for everlasting life.
Sanctified, Sealed, Sent
By G.W. North1381:20:09SanctificationJHN 6:26JHN 8:58In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unwavering love of God and how nothing can separate believers from it. He references the apostle Paul and his conviction that nothing, including life, death, or any other obstacle, can separate him from God's love. The preacher also highlights the importance of being sealed and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, which brings invulnerability and removes fear. The sermon also touches on the story of Jesus meeting the woman at the well and the significance of seeking the bread of God that endures to everlasting life.
I Am That I Am
By Henry Law1EXO 3:14DEU 33:27PSA 102:27ISA 41:10MAL 3:6JHN 8:58ROM 8:38HEB 13:8JAS 1:17REV 1:8Henry Law preaches on the profound meaning of 'I AM THAT I AM' from Exodus 3:14, emphasizing the believer's daily struggles and the constant support provided by the Lord. The sermon delves into the eternal nature of God, His unchanging love and power, and the humility of Jesus in taking on human form to save sinners. It highlights the believer's journey of faith, the assurance of God's unchanging nature, and the eternal consequences of accepting or rejecting 'I AM THAT I AM.'
Are You Important?
By Ernest O'Neill0JHN 1:3JHN 8:58ROM 8:17EPH 2:10COL 1:15Ernest O'Neill addresses the common feeling of insignificance that many struggle with, questioning our impact and legacy in the grand scheme of things. He challenges the notion that we are mere blips in time, emphasizing that our significance goes beyond our earthly existence. O'Neill delves into the profound truth that as believers, we are part of Christ Himself, intricately connected to the Creator of the universe, and our true identity lies in Him. By exploring the eternal nature of Christ and our predestined purpose in Him, O'Neill highlights the immense significance and purpose each individual holds.
The Gospel of John
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0JHN 1:1JHN 3:3JHN 4:14JHN 6:35JHN 8:12JHN 8:58In the sermon, Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the Gospel of John, highlighting the various testimonies and teachings of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, the need for spiritual rebirth, and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus. Gaebelein explores the significance of Jesus as the Light of the World, the Bread of Life, and the eternal I AM, revealing His divine nature and the salvation He offers to all who believe in Him.
Jehovah's Declaration, Behold the Man Is Become as One of Us, Considered.
By John Gill0Redemption through ChristThe Fall of ManGEN 3:22PRO 3:18MAT 28:19JHN 1:1JHN 8:58JHN 17:21ROM 5:12EPH 4:24REV 2:7REV 22:2John Gill preaches on Genesis 3:22, emphasizing Jehovah's declaration that man has become like one of us, reflecting on the fall of humanity and the profound consequences of sin. He explores the nature of God speaking to Adam, the implications of man's lost state, and the prevention of Adam from accessing the tree of life, which symbolizes dependence on God and the promise of salvation through Christ. Gill highlights the duality of man's condition—both as created in God's image and as fallen—and the necessity of recognizing Christ as the true source of life and redemption. The sermon concludes with a call to reject self-reliance and to seek life solely through faith in Jesus Christ, the promised Savior.
Of the Names of God.
By John Gill0Names Of GodUnderstanding God's NatureGEN 1:1EXO 3:14JOB 9:4PSA 34:7PSA 83:18ISA 57:15MAT 4:10JHN 8:58HEB 12:28REV 1:8John Gill explores the significance of the names of God, emphasizing that understanding these names is essential for knowing God Himself. He explains that God's names reflect His nature, attributes, and relationships, serving as a gateway to comprehend His divine essence. Gill discusses various names such as Elohim, El, Elion, Shaddai, and Jehovah, each revealing different aspects of God's character and His role as Creator, Sustainer, and Judge. He highlights that while God is ultimately beyond human comprehension, His names provide insight into His eternal, self-existent, and almighty nature. The sermon encourages believers to revere and worship God, recognizing the depth of His identity through His names.
I Am the Resurrection and the Life
By Thomas Bradbury0PSA 45:11PSA 107:5JHN 3:36JHN 8:58JHN 10:30JHN 11:25JHN 12:46JHN 14:6ROM 8:1GAL 2:201PE 1:23Thomas Bradbury preaches on the profound revelation of Jesus as 'the Resurrection and the Life,' emphasizing the assurance that all spiritual needs will be graciously met by Him. He delves into the various titles given to our Lord in the Scriptures, highlighting the significance of Christ revealing Himself as 'I AM' in different contexts to meet every necessity of His beloved. Bradbury explores the gloomy surroundings of sickness and death, the glorious speaker Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life, the gracious characters of believers experiencing spiritual death and life in Christ, and the grave question posed to believers: 'Believest thou this?'
The Sign in the Depth and in the Height
By H.J. Vine0MAT 1:21MAT 22:41LUK 2:10LUK 2:24JHN 8:58H.J. Vine preaches on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament, particularly focusing on the arrival of Jesus Christ as the promised Seed of the woman, Abraham, and David. Through the miraculous birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary, God's promise of 'Immanuel,' meaning 'God with us,' is fulfilled. The divine wisdom of God is displayed in the sign given to Ahaz, a virgin conceiving and bearing a son named Immanuel, symbolizing the depth of human weakness and the height of divine glory. The birth of Jesus, the Sign of Eternal Love, causes a commotion among all, fulfilling the prophecies and bringing great joy to the world.
Jesus Said He Was God
By A.W. Tozer0Defense of FaithDeity Of ChristMAT 16:16JHN 1:1JHN 5:18JHN 8:58JHN 10:30JHN 14:9PHP 2:6COL 2:9HEB 1:3REV 1:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes the divinity of Jesus Christ, asserting that through His teachings and bold declarations, He clearly identified Himself as God, despite critics who claim otherwise. Tozer highlights that Jesus frequently referred to Himself as the 'Son of Man,' yet He also proclaimed His equality with the Father and His divine origin. This fundamental truth of Christ's deity unites Bible-believing Christians, regardless of differing views on other theological matters. Tozer calls for a careful and vigorous defense of this doctrine, affirming that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being.
Jehovah. the "I am."
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0EXO 3:14JHN 4:26JHN 6:35JHN 8:58JHN 9:5JHN 10:11JHN 11:25JHN 14:6JHN 15:1REV 22:16Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the significance of God revealing Himself as the 'I Am' to Moses in the burning bush, a title that Jesus Christ also claimed for Himself in the New Testament, asserting His divinity and eternal existence. Jesus used the 'I Am' title multiple times, causing astonishment and even causing His enemies to fall to the ground in recognition of His power and authority. Beyond these instances, Jesus also described Himself as the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and the Life, the Way, the Truth, the Life, and the true Vine, emphasizing His multifaceted role in the lives of believers.
Exposition on Psalm 76
By St. Augustine0GEN 49:10PSA 75:1JHN 8:58ROM 2:29St. Augustine preaches about the significance of true Israel and Judah, emphasizing that being a Jew is more than just a physical lineage but requires circumcision of the heart. He delves into the history of the tribes of Judah and Levi, highlighting the importance of spiritual lineage over physical descent. St. Augustine connects the lineage of Judah to the coming of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His eternal divinity and superiority over earthly kings. He discusses the transformation from Jews to Christians, emphasizing the importance of true faith and belief in Christ.
Before Abraham Was, I Am" John 8:58
By John Nelson Darby0Faith in JesusThe Divinity of ChristEXO 3:14JHN 1:14JHN 8:58JHN 14:6ROM 10:9PHP 2:9COL 2:91TI 3:16HEB 1:3REV 1:8John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound truth of Jesus' declaration 'Before Abraham was, I am,' highlighting the ignorance of the Jews who failed to see beyond their limited understanding of appearances. He explains that this statement encapsulates the essence of Christ's divine nature and existence, which is foundational for redemption and truth. Darby challenges listeners to recognize the significance of Jesus as both fully man and fully God, urging them to confront their beliefs about His identity. The sermon calls for a deep reflection on the mystery of godliness and the necessity of faith to grasp the truth of Christ's nature. Ultimately, it invites believers to embrace the reality of Jesus as 'I AM' and to live in the light of this revelation.
God the Son: His Pre-Existence
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0MIC 5:2JHN 1:1JHN 8:58JHN 17:5JHN 20:28COL 1:16HEB 1:6HEB 1:10Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the dual nature of the Lord Jesus Christ, perfectly human and divine, emphasizing His likeness and unlikeness to men. The Scriptures clearly depict Jesus as a man who lived, suffered, and died among men, yet with a sinless character, sacrificial death, and eternal pre-existence. The pre-existence of Christ is directly stated in various Scriptures, highlighting His infinite Person and eternal existence coequal with the Godhead, unaffected by His incarnation. Additionally, the Word of God consistently implies the pre-existence of Jesus through His works of creation, appearances as the Angel of Jehovah, divine titles, attributes of God, and being worshiped as God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Before Abraham was, I am - The following is a literal translation of Calmet's note on this passage: - "I am from all eternity. I have existed before all ages. You consider in me only the person who speaks to you, and who has appeared to you within a particular time. But besides this human nature, which ye think ye know, there is in me a Divine and eternal nature. Both, united, subsist together in my person. Abraham knew how to distinguish them. He adored me as his God; and desired me as his Savior. He has seen me in my eternity, and he predicted my coming into the world." On the same verse Bishop Pearce speaks as follows: - "What Jesus here says relates (I think) to his existence antecedent to Abraham's days, and not to his having been the Christ appointed and foretold before that time; for, if Jesus had meant this, the answer I apprehend would not have been a pertinent one. He might have been appointed and foretold for the Christ; but if he had not had an existence before Abraham's days, neither could he have seen Abraham, (as, according to our English translation, the Jews suppose him to have said), nor could Abraham have seen him, as I suppose the Jews understood him to have said in the preceding verse, to which words of the Jews the words of Jesus here are intended as an answer."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Before Abraham was, I am--The words rendered "was" and "am" are quite different. The one clause means, "Abraham was brought into being"; the other, "I exist." The statement therefore is not that Christ came into existence before Abraham did (as Arians affirm is the meaning), but that He never came into being at all, but existed before Abraham had a being; in other words, existed before creation, or eternally (as Joh 1:1). In that sense the Jews plainly understood Him, since "then took they up stones to cast at Him," just as they had before done when they saw that He made Himself equal with God (Joh 5:18). hid himself--(See on Luk 4:30). Next: John Chapter 9
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:58 before Abraham was even born, I Am! Jesus’ life spans the past from before creation (1:1-2) and sweeps beyond the present into eternity. • I Am: This title is reminiscent of God’s name given on Mount Sinai (Exod 3:14; cp. John 4:26; Isa 43:11-13; 48:12).