I’m just finishing up preaching through First John. It has been a rich blessing for me, and I pray, our church as well. I often get questions about what resources were useful, so here is a list for pastors or anyone looking to dig in a bit and study the Epistles of John.
Here are my top 5 in order of my preference:
D. Edmond Hiebert: This is a very strong, textual commentary. Hiebert works through all of the issues by swimming through and out of the text. By the end of this series I looked forward to reading this each and every week. It’s great. (Amazon)
John Stott: If you are looking for an entry level commentary that will help you in your devotions and simplify some of the issues for you, then this is the one. Stott is incredibly simple and faithful. A must have if you are going to study the book. (Amazon | Westminster)
Robert Yarbough (Baker): As with the other commentaries in this set you can relay on it to provide solid contextual comments while also wading into various interpretive issues. Really good stuff. (Amazon | Westminster)
Collin Kruse (Pillar): Again, as is the case with the rest of the series you can’t go wrong with Pillar. Very readable and concise. Kruse is a worker; he helps you to think and reason. Even though I didn’t agree with every conclusion I knew and respected how he got there. Solid. (Amazon | Westminster)
Martyn Lloyd-Jones: This is more of an expositional commentary (sermons). In this you have 5 volumes of sermons from “The Dr”, one of the 19th Century’s best preachers. This is so good for your soul when you are preaching or studying. And if you are preaching, Lloyd-Jones will greatly help you with illustrations and interrogatives. (Amazon | Westminster)
