Evaluation
Overall Score: 8.3/10
A straightforward, sermon-ready treatment of John’s closing chapters, marked by consistency and practical usefulness.
Summary
At a Glance
- Length
- 427 pages
- Type
- Expositional, Expository (Mid-Level)
- Theo. Perspective
- Baptist, Broadly Evangelical, Reformed
- Overall score
- 8.3 / 10
- Strength
- A consistent, sermon-ready treatment that keeps the gospel’s central themes clear and pastorally useful.
- Limitation
- Provides little interaction with original-language or higher-level academic work.
In this second volume of his two-part treatment of the Gospel of John, John MacArthur covers chapters 12 through 21 with his signature verse-by-verse, phrase-by-phrase methodology. The volume continues the style established in the first half: careful attention to context, frequent Old Testament and Johannine intertextual links, pastor-friendly discussions of theological issues (such as the cross, the resurrection, the Holy Spirit, the vine and branches, and the final discourses of Jesus), and clear application for the pulpit and the pew. Publishers list it at 427 pages and first published in March 2008.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
One of the major strengths of this volume is its consistency and accessibility for preachers. MacArthur maintains the same structure throughout: observation, theological reflection, application. That makes it especially useful for sermon preparation, especially for pastors working through John’s Gospel. The chapters covering the passion, resurrection, and high-priestly prayer are handled with both doctrinal seriousness and pastoral sensitivity—helping the preacher to avoid superficial Christmas or Easter treatments and instead draw out deep Johannine theology for the congregation.
From a Reformed perspective, this commentary upholds important convictions: the deity of Christ, the necessity of faith, the ongoing work of the Spirit, and perseverance in the Christian life (themes woven consistently through John’s Gospel). While MacArthur is not a technical specialist in Greek or in advanced historical-critical scholarship, his work excels at bridging sound doctrine with practical ministry. For pastors committed to expository preaching, this combination of theological clarity and preaching-practicality makes the volume a wise investment.
Its usefulness is further enhanced by its systematic handling of difficult passages—such as the trial before Pilate, the farewell discourses (John 13-17), and the resurrection appearances. MacArthur does not shy away from controversial texts (e.g., “unless one is born again,” “they will know that I am He,” etc.), and he engages them with confidence in Scripture’s authority. That makes the commentary valuable both for teaching and for preparing sermons that speak the full gospel.
Closing Recommendation
If you are a pastor, elder, or serious Bible teacher committed to preaching the Gospel of John clearly, truthfully, and with biblical-theological depth, this volume is strongly recommended. It complements volume 1 (John 1-11) and together they form a solid basis for sermon series, small-group teaching, or long-term study of John.
If you are seeking a highly technical specialist commentary—rich in Greek analysis, linguistic nuance, or exhaustive historical-critical debate—you may wish to supplement MacArthur’s work with more academic volumes. But for pastoral ministry oriented around the pulpit or the teaching ministry of the church, this commentary will serve you well.
Classification
- Level: Mid-level
- Best For: Busy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-training
- Priority: Strong recommendation