Verse of the Day
Author Spotlight
Loading featured author...
Report Issue
See a formatting issue or error?
Let us know →
Verse Takeaways
1
The Lamp vs. The Light
Commentators unanimously highlight the distinction between John the Baptist as a "lamp" (a created, temporary light) and Jesus as "the Light" (the ultimate, eternal source). John was a bright, burning, and clear guide, but his entire purpose was to point people to the true source of spiritual light, Jesus Christ. As one scholar notes, "When the Light comes, the lamp is no longer needed."
See 3 Verse Takeaways
Book Overview
John
Author
Audience
Composition
Teaching Highlights
Outline
+ 5 more
See Overview
Commentaries
8
Albert Barnes
On John 5:35
18th Century
Theologian
He was. It is probable that John had been cast into prison before this. Therefore, his public ministry had ceased, and our Savior says he …
AT Robertson
On John 5:35
He (εκεινος). "That one" (John of 33). Common demonstrative (that one) in John to point out the subject. Used in 1:8 of the Baptis…
Charles Ellicott
On John 5:35
19th Century
Bishop
He was a burning and a shining light.—Better, He was the lamp that is lighted and (then) gives light. The statem…
Go Ad-Free
Go ad-free and create your own bookmark library
Charles Spurgeon
On John 5:32–40
19th Century
Preacher
They were great Bible-readers, great students of the letter, but they would not come to Christ; and therefore the Scriptures themselves became a to…
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On John 5:35
“You have sent to John” is obviously a reference to the delegation sent from the Jewish rulers to John the Baptist when he was preaching in the Jud…
John Calvin
On John 5:35
16th Century
Theologian
He was a burning and shining lamp. When He calls John a burning lamp, this proves their ingratitude; for it follows that they are…
John Gill
On John 5:35
17th Century
Pastor
He was a burning and a shining light
He was not that light, the famous light, the Messiah, the sun of righteousnes…
Matthew Henry
On John 5:30–38
17th Century
Minister
Our Lord returns to his declaration of the entire agreement between the Father and the Son, and declared himself the Son of God. He had higher test…