john-3:14-15

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - John 3:1-36

The Intellectual Type John 3:1 I. The prominent feature of this man's nature was pure intellectuality the love of truth as such; a strong man, and yet a weak man; one without whom neither the Church nor the world can well do, and yet who has many failings. This man was bent more on spiritual certainty than on spiritual safety. We all know this type of man lean of visage, hungry of soul, burning with a consuming desire to unlock the riddle of the universe the devotee, often the martyr, of the... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - John 3:9-21

Chapter 8THE BRAZEN SERPENT.“Nicodemus answered and said unto Him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou the teacher of Israel, and understandest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and bear witness of that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you heavenly things? And no man hath ascended into heaven, but He that descended out of... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - John 3:1-36

II. Eternal Life Imparted: What it is and What it Includes Chapter 2:23-17 The second part of this Gospel contains the blessed teachings the Son of God gave concerning eternal life, how it is imparted and what it includes. Everything in these chapters is new. The story of Nicodemus, the woman at Sychar’s well, the healing of the impotent man, the discourses of our Lord, etc., are not reported by the synoptic Gospels. There is not a word of the Sermon on the Mount reported by John; the many... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - John 3:1-36

NICODEMUS, AND NEW BIRTH (vs.1-21) Among the many who believed because of the miracles, there was however one individual who was more seriously affected. Nicodemus comes to the Lord by night, evidently apprehensive of the displeasure of his fellow Pharisees if they knew of his serious interest in the Lord Jesus. He confesses what was common knowledge (though the Pharisees were not willing to confess it), that Christ was a teacher come from God. The miracles had proven it, and since this was... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - John 3:1-36

SECOND VISIT TO JUDEA With reference to what occasion, and hence at what period of the year, did this visit take place (John 2:13 )? With what display of Jesus’ authority and power is it associated (John 2:14-17 )? Comparing this with Matthew 21:12-13 , it would seem that this transaction was repeated at the last Passover. In what manner did He refer at this time to His death and resurrection (John 2:18-22 ) ? What great discourse of Jesus is associated with this second visit to Judea (John... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - John 3:1-36

Nicodemus John 3:0 Let us consider how possible it is to be much, and yet to be nothing. In other words, let us consider how possible it is to be near, and yet to be at an infinite distance. If we could make this idea perfectly clear to ourselves we should begin to ask great questions; we should indeed inaugurate in our own souls the only temper in which it is possible to study the greatest theme with advantage and success. What did Nicodemus want? He impresses us favourably at every point. He... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - John 3:9-21

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? (10) Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? (11) Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. (12) If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you of heavenly things? (13) And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - John 3:14

This comparison of the serpent lifted up in the desert, upon which whoever looked was immediately cured from the bite of the fiery serpents, is a figure of the crucifixion of Christ on Calvary. And we remark, that our divine Saviour makes use of these words, the Son of man must be lifted up or exalted; ( exaltari ) by which form of expression he would teach us, that he does not consider the cross as a disgrace, but as a glory; (Theophylactus and St. John Chrysostom) and moreover, that as the... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - John 3:1-21

1-8 Nicodemus was afraid, or ashamed to be seen with Christ, therefore came in the night. When religion is out of fashion, there are many Nicodemites. But though he came by night, Jesus bid him welcome, and hereby taught us to encourage good beginnings, although weak. And though now he came by night, yet afterward he owned Christ publicly. He did not talk with Christ about state affairs, though he was a ruler, but about the concerns of his own soul and its salvation, and went at once to them.... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - John 3:1-99

John 3 THIS CHAPTER REALLY begins with a word, which may be translated, But, though it is omitted in the Authorised Version. Nicodemus was amongst those impressed with the miracles, but in his case something further existed. The signs he had witnessed had led him in his thoughts to God, and after God he sought. The orthodox way of seeking God was to go to the Temple, and that Nicodemus would have done by day. He chose the unorthodox way of seeking an interview with this “Teacher come from... read more