The Gospel Of John

Mid-levelAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice
Last updated: December 9, 2025
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Evaluation

Overall Score: 9.3/10

A trusted and richly theological guide to John that serves pastors and teachers with clarity and depth.

Publication Date(s): 1995
Pages: 846
ISBN: 9780802825049
Faithfulness to the Text: 9.5/10
Morris offers careful, reverent exposition shaped by confidence in Scripture and precise attention to authorial intent.
Christ Centredness: 9.5/10
The commentary keeps the person and work of Christ at the heart of every passage with clarity and joy.
Depth of Insight: 9/10
Rich theological reflection with steady engagement of literary and historical issues.
Clarity of Writing: 9/10
Clear, warm, and accessible, suitable for both pastors and advanced students.
Pastoral Usefulness: 9.5/10
A strong companion for sermon preparation with insights that serve both proclamation and pastoral care.
Readability: 9/10
Well organised and written with a steady pace that supports sustained study.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
846 pages
Type
Exegetical (Technical), Expository (Mid-Level)
Theo. Perspective
Reformed
Overall score
9.3 / 10
Strength
Strong doctrinal clarity with pastoral warmth.
Limitation
Less interaction with the most recent scholarship due to publication date.

We approach The Gospel Of John by Leon Morris with deep gratitude. This 1995 revision in the New International Commentary On The New Testament stands as one of the most trusted evangelical expositions of the Fourth Gospel. Morris writes with theological conviction, pastoral warmth, and scholarly steadiness. His aim is to let John speak with clarity so that Christ may be seen and believed. The commentary shows strong command of language, history, and doctrine, yet never loses sight of the Gospel’s purpose, which is to bring readers to faith in the Son of God.

Morris works through the text with a commitment to authorial intention and a willingness to grapple with difficult themes such as judgment, new birth, and the glory of Christ. His treatment remains firmly anchored in historic Christian belief. He respects the academic world, yet he is not controlled by it. He writes as one who trusts Scripture and seeks to edify the church. For pastors and teachers, that steadiness is invaluable.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

First, Morris offers doctrinal clarity. He brings the theology of John to the surface with precision, whether dealing with the identity of Jesus, the nature of saving faith, or the relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. His explanations give pastors confidence that they are handling the text with theological integrity.

Second, the commentary is pastorally rich. Morris writes with a gentle firmness that helps preachers move from exegesis to proclamation. His insights often open the heart of a passage in ways that serve both the pulpit and the congregation. Busy pastors will find his work accessible and spiritually nourishing.

Third, Morris balances depth and readability. He does not overwhelm the reader with technical digressions, yet his work does not feel thin. He gives enough detail to satisfy serious students without burdening those who need clear help for weekly ministry. This careful balance is rare and deeply valuable for long term use.

Closing Recommendation

We commend The Gospel Of John by Leon Morris with real confidence. It offers clarity, doctrinal steadiness, and pastoral usefulness in equal measure. For anyone preaching or teaching John, this commentary stands as one of the finest guides available. Its theological warmth and biblical insight make it a strong and trustworthy companion for gospel ministry.

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Classification

  • Level: Mid-level
  • Best For: Advanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Top choice

Reviewed by

An Expositor