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Preaching the Word
John: That You May Believe
While each of the Gospels presents Christ with a distinct emphasis, the Gospel of John focuses on His greatness. As the timeless Creator-God of the universe. As the Word made flesh. As the gracious Lover of our souls who is the only Way to the Father. Instead of detailing the facts and events of His earthly life, as the other Gospel writers did, John concentrates on the meaning of Jesus' words and the message of His works, clearly presenting Him as the long-awaited Messiah with one mission in mind—to do the work of the Father who sent Him. The apostle's tremendous vision of Christ has, time and time again, opened the eyes of unbelievers to who Jesus is and to His singular role in our redemption. But its effect on Christians is equally profound, because in John's account the serious reader finds an ongoing, expanding view of the Savior's greatness and the wondrous meaning of His ministry. A view that widens and deepens with each return to this Gospel. Follow along with Pastor Kent Hughes in this engaging, verse-by-verse commentary as he leads you through this magnificent Gospel. His careful exposition and wise application will guide you to a richer understanding of not only God's greatness, but of His great goodness to us all. Part of the Preaching the Word series.
528 pages, Hardcover
First published June 23, 1999
45 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
R. Kent Hughes
65 books87 followersR. Kent Hughes (DMin, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is senior pastor emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, and a visiting professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hughes is also a founder of the Charles Simeon Trust, which conducts expository preaching conferences throughout North America and worldwide. He and his wife, Barbara, have four children and an ever-increasing number of grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 14, 2012
Over the last year as I have become acquainted with the world of expository preaching I have seen the name R. Kent Hughes and intended to read something of his to get an idea of who he is and what he has to say. I have read over 30 commentaries and books surrounding the Gospel of John and thought it would be nice to include this writing at the end of my study. I found it to be honest and forthright. It was not a profound book and it was not intended to be. There was a simple yet refreshing quality that I have not found in many writings.
Pastor Hughes is a clear communicator. He does not bog his works down with heavy technical jargon that is burdensome to one who may not be familiar with such terms. He includes a lot of information about the context of various passages but does more than retell the story. The strength of his writing is that it is written for laymen and preacher. Preachers would do well to study the methods and style he presents. He makes it look easy the way he teaches the scripture. Upon examination however, it is easy to see that he has this style down to a science and it is not as easy as he makes it look.
He is heavily anecdotal throughout the book. He pulls stories from such a wide array of literature it is a testimony to the study life and habits of this man. He uses poetry, fiction, historical accounts and many other ideas that preachers may consider using. While it seems that he may be trying to fill space, in fact, it is clear that he is connecting with his audience via the culture. The choices he makes are clever and insightful. My only complaint was the persistent use of "The Chronicles of Narnia." He obviously cares a great deal for that story but it does appeal to me personally.
Pastor Hughes pulls from a wide array of theological sources. Throughout this book I was unable to actually decide whether he was Calvinist or Arminian. His language at times cuts both ways and I have to say I was impressed. He uses quotes and wisdom from the best on both sides. He does not have a divisive nature and does not attempt to demonize or mischaracterize the debates that exist. He shows a sense of wisdom in that he is a man who has learned how to pull the good out many different things. This is subsequently disarming and it opens the heart of a reader. It is clever way to preach and it is a clear sign that he knows what the Gospel really is and is not derailed by side issues.
In terms of content there is little here that you would not find in many other commentaries on John. His preaching style is in some ways like an updated version of Henry Ironside. He is good at truth and application of that truth. He seems to display a lot of passion for what he is saying. His section on the cross was good and I enjoyed it perhaps more than any other section I read. The content was solid. I could not find any serious issues with his theology. Like I said before, he knows how to make the main thing, the main thing.
This book is a little long but each chapter is worth reading. It would also be great to use this work for one's daily devotional time. It speaks to one's head but it also speaks to the heart and I found a lot of nuggets of wisdom throughout. Overall, I would recommend this work to someone looking for devotional quality preaching.
Pastor Hughes is a clear communicator. He does not bog his works down with heavy technical jargon that is burdensome to one who may not be familiar with such terms. He includes a lot of information about the context of various passages but does more than retell the story. The strength of his writing is that it is written for laymen and preacher. Preachers would do well to study the methods and style he presents. He makes it look easy the way he teaches the scripture. Upon examination however, it is easy to see that he has this style down to a science and it is not as easy as he makes it look.
He is heavily anecdotal throughout the book. He pulls stories from such a wide array of literature it is a testimony to the study life and habits of this man. He uses poetry, fiction, historical accounts and many other ideas that preachers may consider using. While it seems that he may be trying to fill space, in fact, it is clear that he is connecting with his audience via the culture. The choices he makes are clever and insightful. My only complaint was the persistent use of "The Chronicles of Narnia." He obviously cares a great deal for that story but it does appeal to me personally.
Pastor Hughes pulls from a wide array of theological sources. Throughout this book I was unable to actually decide whether he was Calvinist or Arminian. His language at times cuts both ways and I have to say I was impressed. He uses quotes and wisdom from the best on both sides. He does not have a divisive nature and does not attempt to demonize or mischaracterize the debates that exist. He shows a sense of wisdom in that he is a man who has learned how to pull the good out many different things. This is subsequently disarming and it opens the heart of a reader. It is clever way to preach and it is a clear sign that he knows what the Gospel really is and is not derailed by side issues.
In terms of content there is little here that you would not find in many other commentaries on John. His preaching style is in some ways like an updated version of Henry Ironside. He is good at truth and application of that truth. He seems to display a lot of passion for what he is saying. His section on the cross was good and I enjoyed it perhaps more than any other section I read. The content was solid. I could not find any serious issues with his theology. Like I said before, he knows how to make the main thing, the main thing.
This book is a little long but each chapter is worth reading. It would also be great to use this work for one's daily devotional time. It speaks to one's head but it also speaks to the heart and I found a lot of nuggets of wisdom throughout. Overall, I would recommend this work to someone looking for devotional quality preaching.
June 3, 2021
A phenomenal read. R. Kent Hughes probes the mind and invigorates the heart as he takes us through the Gospel of John. A beautifully and thoughtfully written companion to either read devotionally or alongside more exegetical study. Perhaps my favourite in the series thus far.
May 11, 2023
This had some helpful application.
April 21, 2020
I could not recommend this more highly to everyone. Reads like a very engaging story through all the fascinating chapters in the gospel of john. If you are looking for an engaging and easily accessible way to go a little more in depth in your study of Gods word, this would be a great place to start!
October 1, 2024
Hughes never fails to bring the text to life. That being said, he appeals especially well to "literary" types. Through the first half of the Gospel, I found myself building application and/or themes around what Hughes had done. The commentary kind of "fell off" after the Discourse.
October 16, 2017
Another winner from the Preaching the Word Series. This instalment is in 60 easy to read chapters. containing great gospel truth, helpful illustrations and applications
March 30, 2025
This is my 6th book I've now completed in the PTW series, I read it alongside the M'cheyne bible reading plan and the pace was very manageable, even for a monster of a book at nearly 500 pages. Coincidently, goodreads tells me that this is the 500th book Ive read. Is there something there? Jesus appeared to 500 after his resurrection, Noah was 500 when he fathered his kids, Ezekiel measured the temple at 500 cubits. Probably not? Though, if I was to be stranded on an island and could only take one book of the bible, it would have to be John. It is the book that contains the full gospel as well as the full revelation of Jesus' divinity.
In this commentary Mr Hughes again does a great job of balancing an exegetical work with a teaching of the message while providing context in the historical setting. My only issue, which is why I dropped a star, is that he sometimes just skips difficult verses. For example, he didnt even comment on John 8:1/11 (the disputed verses). Either way, it's an amazing commentary that is well balanced with personal stories and lots of quotes from theologians and authors for each section of text.
In this commentary Mr Hughes again does a great job of balancing an exegetical work with a teaching of the message while providing context in the historical setting. My only issue, which is why I dropped a star, is that he sometimes just skips difficult verses. For example, he didnt even comment on John 8:1/11 (the disputed verses). Either way, it's an amazing commentary that is well balanced with personal stories and lots of quotes from theologians and authors for each section of text.
October 26, 2020
A solid set of evangelical sermons. These are the type of sermon you would expect to hear at conservative evangelical Anglican churches in England (so it's no surprise that Hughes has been involved with the Langham Partnership). The sermons follow a set formula with plenty of illustrations and are helpful devotional reading. Christ is preached and for that we should always be thankful.
You will not find much on the flow of redemptive history from Hughes. Other authors in the same series may take a different approach.
You will not find much on the flow of redemptive history from Hughes. Other authors in the same series may take a different approach.
December 12, 2017
A great read for devotional purposes. Not really an exegetical commentary though. These are sermons.
December 11, 2016
I have really enjoyed these commentaries, as there is more to it than the usual exegetical explanations. There are practical tie-ins to the life of the believer. This in particular is one I thoroughly enjoyed, as the book of John has Jesus saying so much that can be confusing. Mr. Hughes does a fantastic job of helping the reader to dissect and understand through cultural and Biblical cross references. And there are some good illustrations to help explain the Scripture more. Very good.
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July 5, 2012I love this authors commentary on John. He "speaks" my language. He's not so heavy with all the religious words and gets the point across.
November 20, 2015
I really enjoyed this commentary throughout the Gospel of John
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews