Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.1/10

A practical guide that helps us preach 3 John with pastoral realism and gospel shaped warmth.

Publication Date(s): 2018

Pages: 784

ISBN: 978-1433546723

Faithfulness to the Text: 8/10

We find Ray Van Neste careful with the letter’s details, showing how the narrative moments serve the apostle’s pastoral purpose.

Christ Centredness: 7.9/10

We are helped to keep the gospel central, so examples in the text become Christ shaped instruction rather than moral tales.

Depth of Insight: 7.8/10

We gain helpful guidance on the main themes and key tensions, with enough depth for preaching and teaching.

Clarity of Writing: 8.1/10

The writing is clear and well arranged, which makes it easy to use in preparation.

Pastoral Usefulness: 8.4/10

The commentary is strong on application to church life, particularly encouragement, leadership integrity, and wise partnership.

Readability: 8.2/10

It reads easily, and the tone stays close to the needs of the church.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 784 pages
Type: Expository (Mid-Level)
Theo. Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Overall score: 8.1 / 10
Strength: Strong application for leadership and church relationships, with clear focus on gospel partnership.
Limitation: Some readers may still want a more detailed technical discussion of background issues.

In 3 John, ESV Expository Commentary, Ray Van Neste helps us preach a letter about ordinary faithfulness, showing how gospel truth shapes friendship, leadership, and support for mission. Volume 12.

We are helped to read the personal names and situations as pastoral instruction for the church.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this volume when we want help applying Scripture to the texture of church life, where encouragement and correction are both needed.

It supports us in handling difficult leadership themes with sobriety, and in commending quiet faithfulness that the Lord sees.

It also helps us preach about partnership in the work of the gospel, without turning the text into a fundraising talk.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend 3 John, ESV Expository Commentary for pastors and teachers who want a practical, text driven aid for preaching and discipleship.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.

Where to buy

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