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Commentary on John - Volume 1 Author(s): Calvin, John (1509-1564) (Alternative) (Translator) Publisher: Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library Description: Commentary on John is an impressive commentary, contain- ing some of Calvin's most important views. Calvin is regarded as one of the Reformation's best interpreters of scripture. He frequently offers his own translations of a passage, explaining the subtleties and nuances of his translation. He has a pen- chant for incorporating keen pastoral insight into the text as well. He always interacts with other theologians, commentat- ors, and portions of the Bible when interpreting a particular passage. Further, this volume also contains informative notes from the editor. Calvin's Commentary on John should not be ignored by anyone interested in the book of John or Calvin himself. Tim Perrine CCEL Staff Writer This volume contains commentary on the first 11 chapters of John. Subjects: The Bible Works about the Bible i Contents Commentary on John 1-11 1 Translator's Preface 2 Featherstone's Dedication 4 Featherstone's To the Reader 6 Calvin's Epistle Dedicatory 7 The Argument 11 Chapter 1 13 John 1:1-5 14 John 1:6-13 21 John 1:14 28 John 1:15-18 31 John 1:19-23 36 John 1:24-28 39 John 1:29-34 42 John 1:35-39 47 John 1:40-42 49 John 1:43-46 51 John 1:47-51 54 Chapter 2 57 John 2:1-11 58 John 2:12-17 65 John 2:18-22 69 John 2:23-25 73 Chapter 3 76 John 3:1-6 77 John 3:7-12 85 ii John 3:13-18 89 John 3:19-21 95 John 3:22-28 97 John 3:29-34 100 John 3:35-36 105 Chapter 4 107 John 4:1-9 108 John 4:10-15 112 John 4:16-21 116 John 4:22-26 121 John 4:27-34 127 John 4:35-38 130 John 4:39-45 134 John 4:46-54 137 Chapter 5 141 John 5:1-9 142 John 5:10-15 147 John 5:17-19 151 John 5:20-24 154 John 5:25-29 158 John 5:30-32 163 John 5:33-36 165 John 5:37-40 168 John 5:41-47 171 Chapter 6 176 John 6:1-13 177 John 6:14-21 182 John 6:22-25 186 John 6:26-29 188 John 6:30-33 193 John 6:34-40 196 John 6:41-45 201 iii John 6:46-51 204 John 6:52-58 207 John 6:59-64 212 John 6:65-71 217 Chapter 7 221 John 7:1-8 222 John 7:9-13 226 John 7:14-19 228 John 7:20-24 233 John 7:25-30 236 John 7:31-36 240 John 7:37-39 244 John 7:40-44 248 John 7:45-53 250 Chapter 8 254 John 8:1-11 255 John 8:12-14 260 John 8:15-20 263 John 8:21-24 266 John 8:25-29 269 John 8:30-38 274 John 8:39-42 279 John 8:43-45 282 John 8:46-50 285 John 8:51-55 288 John 8:56-59 291 Chapter 9 294 John 9:1-5 295 John 9:6-12 300 John 9:13-17 303 John 9:18-23 308 John 9:24-33 311 iv John 9:34-41 315 Chapter 10 321 John 10:1-6 322 John 10:7-10 325 John 10:11-15 329 John 10:16-18 332 John 10:19-30 336 John 10:31-36 341 John 10:37-42 344 Chapter 11 347 John 11:1-10 348 John 11:11-17 352 John 11:18-27 354 John 11:28-38 358 John 11:39-44 362 John 11:45-52 366 John 11:53-57 372 Indexes 374 Index of Scripture References 375 Index of Scripture Commentary 379 Greek Words and Phrases 380 Hebrew Words and Phrases 382 Latin Words and Phrases 383 French Words and Phrases 384 v This PDF file is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library, www.ccel.org. 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Written permission is required for commercial use. vi Commentary on John 1-11 Commentary on John 1-11 COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN BY JOHN CALVIN A NEW TRANSLATION, FROM THE ORIGINAL LATIN, BY THE REV. WILLIAM PRINGLE VOLUME FIRST CHRISTIAN CLASSICS ETHEREAL LIBRARY GRAND RAPIDS, MI http://www.ccel.org 1 Translator's Preface Translator's Preface THE TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE Commentaries on the Gospel according to John are numerous, and some of them are written with great learning and ability. Rarely has a separate and extended interpretation been given to any of the other three Gospels, which are, indeed, so closely interwoven with each other, that it is scarcely possible to expound one of them in a satisfactory manner, without bringing the whole into one view, comparing parallel passages, accounting for ap- parent contradictions, and supplying the omissions of each narrative, to such an extent as to produce what shall be in substance, though not always in form, a Harmony of the Three Evangelists. Few of these difficulties meet the expositor of John’s Gospel, in which the slender thread of narrative — until it reaches the period of the last sufferings of our Savior — does little more than connect long discourses, which He delivered to the multitude and to his disciples. Whatever opinion may be formed as to the theory of the elder Tittmann, that John, wrote his work for the express purpose of proving the supreme Divinity of Christ, we cannot avoid being struck with the fact, that the miracles which he selects are distinguished by peculiar grandeur, and that the discourses which he relates contain the most abundant and delightful exhibitions of the glory of the Son of God, and of the nature of his mediatorial office, which our great Master was pleased to make during his personal ministry. Lampe, Hutcheson, and Tittmann, are better known, and more highly esteemed, in this country than any other Commentator on John that could be named. The three quarto volumes of Lampe are a monument of judicious toil, and present such stores of philological, historical, and theological learning as ought never to be mentioned but with respect and gratitude. Though not free from the faults of the Cocceian School, of which his miscellaneous treatises afford some unhappy proofs, his Commentary displays generally such caution and judgment, that it deserves to be not only consulted, but perused throughout, and carefully studied. Hutcheson wanted both the acuteness and the industry requisite for the successful elucidation of the Holy Scriptures, but is justly admired for the copiousness, variety, and excellence of his practical observations. Tittmann’s MeletemataSacra in Evangelium Joannis, now happily rendered accessible 1 to the English reader, I must be regarded as one of the most valuable contributions of modern times to biblical interpretation. Accurate scholarship, elegant and flowing language, deep reverence for the inspired volume, and a warmth of affectionate piety closely resembling that of the disciple whom Jesus loved, have gained for that work a reputation which is likely to increase. To the reader who is chiefly desirous to ascertain the meaning of Scripture, and who willingly dispenses with what serves no other purpose than illustration: Tittmann’s 1 Clarke’s Biblical Cabinet, volumes 44 and 45. 2 Translator's Preface exposition of the first four Chapters of John’s Gospel will be highly acceptable; though it must be acknowledged that the remaining portion of the work — not executed till towards the close of the life of the venerable author — is somewhat less attractive, and, if it has been prepared with equal care, yet, in consequence of extreme unwillingness to bring forward explanations which had been already given, it will sometimes disappoint one who only dips into an occasional passage, and has not made himself familiar with the profound views un- folded in the earlier pages. These and other eminent writers have been deeply indebted to Calvin’s Commentary on John’s Gospel, but have left its claims to the attention of all classes of readers as strong and urgent as ever. Where they differ from him, they often go astray, and where they agree with him, they generally fall below the instructive power of his own pen; for few can equal his clear and vigorous statements. When he places in a just light — as he frequently does — those texts which had been wrested for the confutation of heretics, none but eager and un- scrupulous controversialists will complain. Every honorable mind will admire the unbending integrity of our Author, which, even in the defense of truth, disdains to employ an unlawful weapon, and devoutly bows to the dictates of the Holy Spirit. The present Work brings under review some of the most intricate questions in theology; and in handling them he is not more careful to learn all that has been revealed than to avoid unauthorized speculation. They who know the difficulty of the path will the more highly appreciate so skillful a guide, who advances with a firm step, points out the bypaths which have misled the unwary, conducts us to scenes which we had not previously explored, and aids us in listening to a Divine voice which says, This is the way,walk,ye in it. In the Harmony of the Three Evangelists, the reader is so constantly referred to this Commentary, which appeared two years sooner, that the benefit of the former cannot be fully reaped, unless the latter be at hand. The Author’s references are sometimes vague, but the Translator has endeavored to discover and point out the page in which the desired in- formation may be obtained. W.P. th Auchterarder, 10 April, 1847. 3