Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of John [Annotated, Updated]: A Commentary

by J.C. Ryle

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. – John 1:1Wisdom, encouragement, and exhortation is contained in these pages. Not because of the author's brilliance, but because of the words of truth contained in the gospel of John. And just as the Apostle John didn't draw any attention to himself, so also J. C. Ryle clearly and wonderfully directs his words and our thoughts towards the inspired words of scripture. If we truly love God, we will love His word; and the more study His word, the more we will love God.About the AuthorJohn Charles Ryle (1816-1900) graduated from Eton and Oxford and then pursued a career in politics, but due to lack of funds, he entered the clergy of the Church of England. He was a contemporary of Spurgeon, Moody, Mueller, and Taylor and read the great theologians like Wesley, Bunyan, Knox, Calvin, and Luther. These all influenced Ryle’s understanding and theology. Ryle began his writing career with a tract following the Great Yarmouth suspension bridge tragedy, where more than a hundred people drowned. He gained a reputation for straightforward preaching and evangelism. He travelled, preached, and wrote more than 300 pamphlets, tracts, and books, including Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Principles for Churchmen, and Christian Leaders of the Eighteenth Century. Ryle used the royalties from his writing to pay his father’s debts, but he also felt indebted to that ruin for changing the direction of his life. He was recommended by Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli to be Bishop of Liverpool where he ended his career in 1900.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Reference, Christianity, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Amazon

444 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1879

About the author

(John Charles Ryle) Ryle started his ministry as curate at the Chapel of Ease in Exbury, Hampshire, moving on to become rector of St Thomas's, Winchester in 1843 and then rector of Helmingham, Suffolk the following year. While at Helmingham he married and was widowed twice. He began publishing popular tracts, and Matthew, Mark and Luke of his series of Expository Thoughts on the Gospels were published in successive years (1856-1858). His final parish was Stradbroke, also in Suffolk, where he moved in 1861, and it was as vicar of All Saints that he became known nationally for his straightforward preaching and firm defence of evangelical principles. He wrote several well-known and still-in-print books, often addressing issues of contemporary relevance for the Church from a biblical standpoint. He completed his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels while at Stradbroke, with his work on the Gospel of John (1869). His third marriage, to Henrietta Amelia Clowes in 1861, lasted until her death in 1889.

Reviews

[BJ Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I did enjoy this book, I have to say that the title is a little bit misleading. There is nothing "expository" about the thoughts on the gospel of John.

The way this is set up, the author will select a segment of the gospel, usually around seven to ten verses, and then he will write about five or six pages of commentary on it... but "commentary" doesn't work any more than "expository" does. I mean, the set up is similar to what most commentaries would use, but he then doesn't do a verse by verse exposition. There is very little Greek here and it doesn't in any way come across as a studious or systematic work as would be expected from a commentary.

So if "expository" and "commentary" both don't work, what would? I next thought perhaps "Devotional Thoughts on the Gospel of John" would be a better title. But I've written a collection of Devotional thoughts on the gospel of John. (That isn't shameless self-promotion... OK, maybe it is a little) Any good devotional is going to use the SOAP method. Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. I call them Read, Relate, React, Respond over at my link text (That is shameless self-promotion. I merely inserted it for contrast) Even if a devotional isn't going to use this method, it will at least seek to drive a person towards change. That doesn't happen here. So "devotional" doesn't work any more than "expository" or "commentary" do.

Then I finally hit on it. The best way to read this book is to imagine going to a restaurant or coffee house with JC Ryle. While there, we open up the scripture, and after reading a bit you just listen as he shares his heart on what is read for five or six minutes. No study or preparation is required. He is simply sharing his heart on how he sees these verses. That is what is happening here, over and over again. It isn't devotional or expository thoughts, it is Pastoral Thoughts on the Gospel of John. And if that is what you are looking for, this is a great book for you.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook. It was detailed, rich, and contained so much to think about. Easily my favorite of Ryle’s books that I’ve read thus far.

[Jessé Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente exposição de J.C. Ryle. Ler um autor que tem um amor imortal, incorruptível por Cristo, é indescritível.

[F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am only about half way through this delightful devotional-type commentary. It is a good solid commentary [though obviously I don't agree on every point, but hey, I don't even agree with me on every point]. And yet it doesn't read like a commentary but like an excellent devotional. Highly recommended.
I'll let you know if anything majorly changes my opinion.
I finished the book and my opinion has not changed. I liked it so much I am beginning Ryle's commentary on Mark!

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great exposition! Made me think of these verses in a deeper way, that I never would have on my own. It brought so many of the verses in John to life for me and really tied things together. Quite a few "Ah ha!" moments.

[Charles Smardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great recourse for studying Johns Gospel. Ryle is excellent at explaining the plain meaning of the text.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: The Gospel of John, which begins with these verses, is in many respects very unlike the other three Gospels. It contains many things which they omit. It omits many things which they contain.

It has been a long time since I reviewed J.C. Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of Matthew. It was a GREAT read. John being my particular favorite gospel, I decided to read J.C. Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of John in anticipation of Lent/Easter season. It was a WONDERFUL read.

This one is essentially a commentary on a single book of the Bible, the gospel of John. The book divides each chapter into sections. It will print the Scripture itself [not just a reference] AND then provide expository commentary on Scripture. I love it when commentaries take the time to share the Scripture itself instead of just expecting you to have your Bible open as well. Being printed in the nineteenth century--originally--I'm guessing that it is likely the King James Version being used.

J.C. Ryle was a GREAT preacher and teacher. I love his work. I agree with most of what I've read. His work can be convicting for sure.

Quotes from John 1 commentary:
If no one less than the Eternal God, the Creator and Preserver of all things, could take away the sin of the world, sin must be a far more abominable thing in the sight of God than most men suppose. The right measure of sin's sinfulness is the dignity of Him who came into the world to save sinners. If Christ is so great, then sin must indeed be sinful!
When He rose again, as the Head of the body of believers, He rose not as a mere man, but as God. Let these things sink deeply into our hearts. The second Adam is far greater than the first Adam was. The first Adam was only man, and so he fell. The second Adam was God as well as man, and so He completely conquered.
No man ever errs on the side of giving too much honor to God the Son. Christ is the meeting-point between the Trinity and the sinner's soul. "He that honors not the Son, honors not the Father which sent Him." (John 5: 23.)
Let us take heed that in all our thoughts of Christ, we first think of Him as John the Baptist here represents Him. Let us serve him faithfully as our Master. Let us obey Him loyally as our King. Let us study His teaching as our Prophet. Let us walk diligently after Him as our Example. Let us look anxiously for Him as our coming Redeemer of body as well as soul. But above all, let us prize Him as our Sacrifice, and rest our whole weight on His death as an atonement for sin. Let His blood be more precious in our eyes every year we live. Whatever else we glory in about Christ, let us glory above all things in His cross. This is the corner-stone, this is the citadel, this is the rule of true Christian theology. We know nothing rightly about Christ, until we see him with John the Baptist's eyes, and can rejoice in Him as "the Lamb that was slain."
Christ is a COMPLETE savior. He "takes away sin." He did not merely make vague proclamations of pardon, mercy, and forgiveness. He "took" our sins upon Himself, and carried them away. He allowed them to be laid upon Himself, and "bore them in His own body on the tree." (1 Pet. 2: 24.) The sins of every one that believes on Jesus are made as though they had never been sinned at all. The Lamb of God has taken them clean away.
Christ is a PERPETUAL and UNWEARIED Savior. He "takes away" sin. He is daily taking it away from every one that believes on Him--daily purging, daily cleansing, daily washing the souls of His people, daily granting and applying fresh supplies of mercy. He did not cease to work for His saints, when He died for them on the cross. He lives in heaven as a Priest, to present His sacrifice continually before God. In grace as well as is providence, Christ works still. He is ever taking away sin.
Christ must be set forth again and again, as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." The story of grace must be told repeatedly--line upon line, and precept upon precept. It is the constant dropping which wears away the stone. The promise shall never be broken, that "God's word shall not return unto him void." (Isaiah. 55:11.)
Do we find it hard to see Christ in the Old Testament, because we do not see His name? Let us be sure that the fault is all our own. It is our spiritual vision which is to blame, and not the book. The eyes of our understanding need to be enlightened. The veil has yet to be taken away. Let us pray for a more humble, childlike, and teachable spirit, and let us take up "Moses and the prophets" again. Christ is there, though our eyes may not yet have seen Him. May we never rest until we can subscribe to our Lord's words about the Old Testament Scriptures, "They are they which testify of me." (John 5: 39.)
Commentary on John 3
No man is the author of his own existence, and no man can quicken his own soul. We might as well expect a dead man to give himself life, as expect a natural man to make himself spiritual. A power from above must be put in exercise, even that same power which created the world. (2 Cor. 4:6.)
Let us take heed that our views of the love of God are Scriptural and well-defined. The subject is one on which error abounds on either side. On the one hand we must beware of vague and exaggerated opinions. We must maintain firmly that God hates wickedness, and that the end of all who persist in wickedness will be destruction. It is not true that God's love is "lower than hell." It is not true that God so loved the world that all mankind will be finally saved, but that He so loved the world that He gave His Son to be the Savior of all who believe. His love is offered to all men freely, fully, honestly, and unreservedly, but it is only through the one channel of Christ's redemption. He that rejects Christ cuts himself off from God's love, and will perish everlastingly. On the other hand, we must beware of narrow and contracted opinions. We must not hesitate to tell any sinner that God loves him. It is not true that God cares for none but His own elect, or that Christ is not offered to any but those who are ordained to eternal life. There is a "kindness and love" in God towards all mankind. It was in consequence of that love that Christ came into the world, and died upon the cross. Let us not be wise above that which is written, or more systematic in our statements than Scripture itself. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. God is not willing that any should perish. God would have all men to be saved. God loves the world. (John 6:32; Titus 3:4; 1 John 4:10; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:4; Ezek. 33:11.)
When Christ died upon the cross, our many sins were laid upon Him. He was made "sin" for us. He was made "a curse" for us. (2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13.) By His death He purchased pardon and complete redemption for sinners. The bronze serpent, lifted up in the camp of Israel, brought health and cure within the reach of all who were bitten by the snakes. Christ crucified, in like manner, brought eternal life within reach of lost mankind. Christ has been lifted up on the cross, and man looking to Him by faith may be saved. The truth before us is the very foundation-stone of the Christian religion.
It is true that we are sinners--but Christ has suffered for us. It is true that we deserve death--but Christ has died for us. It is true that we are guilty debtors--but Christ has paid our debts with His own blood. This is the real Gospel! This is the good news! On this let us lean while we live. To this let us cling when we die. Christ has been "lifted up" on the cross, and has thrown open the gates of heaven to all believers.
"He that believes on the Son has everlasting life." He is not intended to look forward with a sick heart to a far distant privilege. He "has" everlasting life as soon as he believes. Pardon, peace, and a complete title to Heaven, are an immediate possession. They become a believer's own, from the very moment he puts faith in Christ. They will not be more completely his own, if he lives to the age of Methuselah.
Commentary on John 4
If we let ignorant people fancy that we think we are doing them a great favor in talking to them about religion, there is little hope of doing good to their souls.
Commentary on John 5
Sin was the original root, and cause, and fountain of every disease in the world. God did not create man to be full of aches, and pains, and infirmities. These things are the fruits of the Fall. There would have been no sickness, if there had been no sin.
Simple, regular reading of our Bibles is the grand secret of establishment in the faith. Ignorance of the Scriptures is the root of all error.
Commentary on John 6
We must read our Bibles, like men digging for hidden treasure. We must wrestle earnestly in prayer, like men contending with a deadly enemy for life. We must take our whole heart to the house of God, and worship and hear like those who listen to the reading of a benefactor's will. We must fight daily against sin, the world, and the devil, like those who fight for liberty, and must conquer, or be slaves. These are the ways we must walk in if we would find Christ, and be found of Him.
Commentary on John 8
Let us never suppose that there is any lack of charity in speaking of hell. Let us rather maintain that it is the highest love to warn men plainly of danger, and to beseech them to "flee from the wrath to come." It was Satan, the deceiver, murderer, and liar, who said to Eve in the beginning, "You shall not surely die." (Gen. 3: 4.) To shrink from telling men, that except they believe they will "die in their sins," may please the devil, but surely it cannot please God.
Commentary on John 9/10
We must never suppose for a moment that our Lord had no power to prevent His sufferings, and that He was delivered up to His enemies and crucified because He could not help it. Nothing could be further from the truth than such an idea.
Let us grasp it firmly, and never let it go. Let us maintain boldly the complete inspiration of every word of the original Hebrew and Greek Scriptures. Let us believe that not only every book of the Bible, but every chapter--and not only every chapter, but every verse, and not only every verse, but every word, was originally given by inspiration of God. Inspiration, we must never shrink from asserting, extends not only to the thoughts and ideas of Scripture, but to the least words.
Commentary on John 11
The highest degree of faith is to be able to wait, sit still, and not complain.
Commentary on John 13
Once let a man begin tampering with the devil, and he never knows how far he may fall. Trifling with the first thoughts of sin--making light of evil ideas when first offered to our hearts--allowing Satan to talk to us, and flatter us, and put bad notions into our hearts--all this may seem a small matter to many. It is precisely at this point that the road to ruin often begins. He that allows Satan to sow wicked thoughts will soon find within his heart a crop of wicked habits. Happy is he who really believes that there is a devil, and believing, watches and prays daily that he may be kept from his temptations.
Commentary on John 14
Heaven is "a Father's house,"--the house of that God of whom Jesus says, "I go to my Father, and your Father." It is, in a word, HOME--the home of Christ and Christians. This is a sweet and touching expression. Home, as we all know, is the place where we are generally loved for our own sakes, and not for our gifts or possessions; the place where we are loved to the end, never forgotten, and always welcome. This is one idea of heaven.
Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people--a place which we shall find Christ Himself has made ready for true Christians. He has prepared it by procuring a right for every sinner who believes to enter in. None can stop us, and say we have no business there. He has prepared it by going before us as our Head and Representative, and taking possession of it for all the members of His mystical body.
Christ is "the WAY,"--the way to heaven and peace with God. He is not only the guide, and teacher, and lawgiver, like Moses; He is Himself the door, the ladder, and the road, through whom we must draw near to God. He has opened the way to the tree of life, which was closed when Adam and Eve fell, by the satisfaction He made for us on the cross. Through His blood we may draw near with boldness, and have access with confidence into God's presence.
Christ is "the TRUTH,"--the whole substance of true religion which the mind of man requires.
Christ is "the LIFE,"--the sinner's title to eternal life and pardon, the believer's root of spiritual life and holiness, the surety of the Christian's resurrection life. He that believes on Christ has everlasting life. He that abides in Him, as the branch abides in the vine, shall bring forth much fruit. He that believes on Him, though he were dead, yet shall he live. The root of all life, for soul and for body, is Christ.
Commentary on John 15
He would have us know that we can never think too highly of love, attach too much weight to it, labor too much to practice it. Truths which our Master thinks it needful to enforce on us by repetition, must needs be of first-class importance.
To see light and not use it, to possess knowledge and yet not turn it to account, to he able to say "I know," and yet not to say "I believe," will place us at the lowest place on Christ's left hand, in the great day of judgment.
Commentary on John 16
Then let us never forget, in reading the Bible, to pray for the teaching of the Holy Spirit. We must not wonder if we find the Bible a dark and difficult book, if we do not regularly seek light from Him by whom it was first inspired. In this, as in many other things, "we have not because we ask not."
The storms of trial and persecution may sometimes beat heavily on us; but let them only drive us closer to Christ. The sorrows, and losses, and crosses, and disappointments of our life may often make us feel sorely cast down; but let them only make us tighten our hold on Christ. Armed with this very promise let us, under every cross, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Commentary on John 20
Where sin is not felt at all, nothing is done; and where sin is little felt, little is done. The man who is deeply conscious of his own guilt and corruption, and deeply convinced that without the death and intercession of Christ he would sink deservedly into the lowest hell, this is the man who will spend and be spent for Jesus, and think that he can never do enough to show forth His praise.
Let us daily pray that we may see the sinfulness of sin, and the amazing grace of Christ, more clearly and distinctly. Then, and then only, shall we cease to be cool, and lukewarm, and slovenly in our work for Jesus.
Let us love all who love Christ in sincerity, and thank God that they love Him at all. The great thing is to love Jesus.
Let us believe that things are often working together for our peace and joy, which seem at one time to contain nothing but bitterness and sorrow.
Commentary on John 21
There is no such thing as luck, chance, or accident, in the journey of our life. Everything from beginning to end is foreseen--arranged by One who is too wise to err, and too loving to do us harm.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

A problem with some books on theology is that they mix positive (this is what exists) and normative (this is what should exist) ideas - this problem was more common in earlier books - like, say, oh ONE FROM THE 19TH CENTURY - but one can still find it abundantly. Ryle was probably twice as intelligent as I'll ever be, so take my opinions with a grain of salt - this feels old-timey, in a way the world has thankfully moved beyond. Contemporary theology books tend to put the sayings of Jesus in the time and tide of context - and the reader is more informed for this happening. This just doesn't happen in Ryle's book, probably likely because the idea of Jesus was supposed to have a timeless feel. Which may be true, but a 21st century reader is 2 centuries removed from Ryle and 2 millennia removed from the life of Christ.

Ryle's take on John has a cognitively objectivist slant to it - this made sense for his time of writing, but not so much today, where it is very possible to have two opposite but strangely both correct interpretations of a parable. Jesus *could* have come out and said what he meant. He, by and large, did not. I can't help but believe Ryle's conclusion was that educated people needed to give the correct interpretation for believers; I think while there's wisdom in this, there's also room for interpretation *by design*.

A classic example: Ryle speaks of John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth and the life", etc. (I forgot in which volume he does this) about how this is clearly saying that salvation must come through belief in Christ. Jesus could have been talking just about, you know, death and dying. An obvious flaw in Ryle's line of reasoning is that it's hard to conceive of a just God dooming a Mongolian herder born in 50 BCE to never be able to achieve salvation because of an accident of birth.

Ryle takes a stance on the historicity of the Gospels in a way that feels anachronistic. His claim that Jesus performed miracles, and this is certain because no one in the Gospels argues against Jesus performing miracles, feels like circular reasoning to me.

Ryle spends a lot of time explaining the need for suffering. I don't know - feels hollow. The problem of pain and the injustice of pain has been one that has plagued all religions since the very beginning, and while I think Ryle believed he found the answer it didn't help me much. Sometimes suffering yields a better human being. Sometimes - as in a child with cancer, a PTSD sufferer who medicates through drugs and alcohol, or someone with brain damage - it doesn't, at all.

[David Swart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phenomenal. A timeless commentary!

[Tony Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last in the series of four and perhaps the best in my opinion. It is definitely the longest. The other three books comprise of 50% of the written material and John is the other 50%, if this makes sense. He not writes the exposition and takes it I feel more slowly verse by verse than the other gospels but he has an amazing critical commentary for each passage reviewed that is verse by verse and comprehensive. Ryle always strikes at my heart in a very personal way revealing truths that do in fact "set you free". He adds color to Jesus striking statements regarding His relationship to the father our father - God in a truly beautiful way. If one says that we are all God's children, then we would all love Jesus Christ as Lord and do what he says. If we are not doing this, then who are we following because it cannot be the one true God.

[John Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Gospel of John but I struggled with JCR’s sermonisings which were wordy, repetitive and archly Protestant. Written in the 19th century (his blurb, not John’s gospel!) it was bigoted and anti Catholic, seeming to equate the Jews’ persecution of Christ with the Catholic burnings of Protestants. (I could find no mention of contrary atrocities).

These ‘expository thoughts’ included dismissals of Catholic practices and beliefs eg transubstantiation and the cult of the Virgin. Not exactly what I’d expected or wanted to read.

[GreatHeart Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryle was as a true pastoral wordsmith. With his writing he transports you in to the supreme beauty of scripture and call you to rest in it, ponder it, and be transformed by it. His deep faith pours forth from his prose. It is also highly informative with lots of great thoughts to help us dive deep into the wonder, truth, and power of the Sacred Scripture. This commentary was an essential part of my weekly preparation for a sermon series going through the entire Gospel of John. I highly recommend it.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another reviewer described it best as being pastoral thoughts given over a coffee. However, he really had an eye for things I had never seen before in past readings of John. It is a true benefit to read.

[Donna Peake · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW, eyeopening moments reading this treasure.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A commentary of John with Ryles preaching style

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the classic commentary from the classic author. the content was easy to understand for the modern readers and it's not that heavy.

[Brenda L Matties · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the simple language not so complex I can't understand. It brought new insight to familiar scriptures.

[Doug Bould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth reading

Whether a new Christian or been one a number of years.
For upbuilding and bring back to mind. Jesus understands what ever may befall us.

[Jelte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about the gospel of John. J.C. shares his wisdom and thoughts about a very important book of the Bible.

[Dylan Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Jesus for being the wonderful Word of God.
Love John for writing so wonderfully about the Word.
Love JC Ryle for writing so wonderfully about John’s words.

[Esther Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep Study on the Gospel of John

An intensive study & exposition on the gospel of John, line upon line. A long read but worth the time as it brings about illumination on the gospel

[Robert Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary. Worth every minute to read.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best walk through of the gospel of John i have seen. I don't always agree with J.C. Ryle, but his in sights are terrific. He has quickly turned into one of my favorites.

[Paul Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worked through this over ~9 months in family worship. Wonderful.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, devotional sharing of John’s Gospel. Ryle doesn’t go deeply into technical exposition of the text. Rather, he shares three or four main truths and applications to take away from each section read. Going through this book gives the feeling of sitting with a pastor as he gently explains the main points of each chapter in John. Encouraging, helpful, thoughtful, sometimes surprising, Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of John is a warm and satisfying way to deepen and enrich your understanding of this account of our Lord’s earthly ministry.

[Zachary Cowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless wisdom, at a level that would benefit any reader. excellent resource. I listened bit by bit to the audiobook, but would love a physical set for family worship. Reading Expository thoughts on Mark next.

[Anete Ābola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't be afraid of the word "commentary"! This is not a dry or academic commentary, but a rich devotional that is just what you need if you want to be spiritually fed. Ryle is a trustworthy author, practical and inspiring.

[Stephen P · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent commentary on the Gospel of John by one of my favorite theologians. Although written in the 19th Century, the commentary is very readable today, concise, and contains wonderful insights and applications. I highly recommend this to anyone studying this gospel.

[Paquita (coffee life reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gospel of John is known for being one of the most unique and insightful books in the Bible.

In the book “Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of John”, J.C Ryle does a masterful job of breaking it down. With a verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter breakdown, this book offers a deep dive into the scriptures. It’s authentic, easy to understand and detailed. Ryle’s clear explanations and pure doctrine make this a thoughtful read for anyone seeking to grasp the profound truths in the Gospel of John.

If you’re a fan of theological reads or enjoy studying the Bible in more depth, this book is definitely for you.

[Boaz Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheating a bit putting this as read as I haven't read entirely- dipped in and out of for Church group study in John and for Elective- rich stuff with great points. Ryle is very logical and objective, not conjecturing much at all which is useful for leading studies. Ryle is not always my cup of tea writing wise as he is very plain and to the point but that can be very useful for an expositional work.