The Gospel of John presents Jesus Christ with exceptional clarity and theological depth. The commentaries below can help readers better understand John’s message, major themes, and teaching about the person and work of Christ.
Use these recommendations to find a commentary that fits your needs for preaching, teaching, personal study, or more technical research.
10 Best John Commentaries
The recommendations below rank 10 commentaries on John based on aggregate reviews. They include options for pastors, teachers, students, and lay readers, ranging from accessible resources to more technical works.
#1: The Gospel According to John by D.A. Carson (PNTC)
D.A. Carson is a prominent figure in biblical studies and New Testament scholarship. He has made significant contributions to the academic study of the Bible, particularly in biblical theology, hermeneutics, and the New Testament.
The best-reviewed John commentary is evangelical and conservative
D. A. Carson is a respected evangelical New Testament scholar known especially for his work in biblical theology, hermeneutics, and the Gospel of John.
Keith Mathison (Ligonier Ministries) ranks Carson’s John as #1, describing it as “conservative evangelical scholarship at its best.” Desiring God (John Piper) also calls it the best commentary on the fourth Gospel. Bible scholar Thomas Schreiner says it’s “the first choice for pastors.”
#2: The Gospel of John (2 vol.) by Craig Keener (Stand Alone)
Craig S. Keener is a respected New Testament scholar known especially for his work on historical background, the historical Jesus, miracles, and the interpretation of the New Testament.
Keener’s commentary is the most in-depth
D. A. Carson says, “Despite the sheer quantity of material, the writing is accessible… [it’s] indispensable for the serious student.” Mathison ranks it second best behind Carson, writing, “Those who are doing an in-depth study of John cannot afford to be without this outstanding work.”
Bible scholar Craig Blomberg refers to Keener’s commentary as a priority resource on John.
Keener is evangelical and Arminian, and is associated with denominations and churches in the Pentecostal tradition.
This is a stand-alone commentary, meaning it’s not part of any series. The publisher notes that Keener “explores the Jewish and Greco-Roman settings of John more deeply than previous works.”
#3: The Gospel of John by Herman Ridderbos (Stand Alone)
Herman Ridderbos was a prominent Dutch Reformed New Testament scholar known especially for his work in biblical theology and his influence on twentieth-century Reformed scholarship.
Theology is important to John and to Ridderbos
Carson calls Ridderbos’ commentary “theologically richer than most commentaries.” Mathison calls it “a valuable and insightful commentary.” Schreiner says it’s “theologically insightful.”
Ridderbos is widely known for his contributions to New Testament scholarship, particularly in Pauline studies. He was influential in developing the New Perspective on Paul, which sought to reexamine traditional understandings of Paul’s theology and his relationship to Judaism.
#4: John by Gary M. Burge (NIVAC)
Gary M. Burge is a respected New Testament scholar known especially for his work on the Gospels, Acts, and the historical and cultural background of the New Testament.
The best John commentary for applying the Gospel
Blomberg calls Burge’s John commentary a priority resource on the fourth Gospel. Burge has taught at Wheaton College and has been a professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary.
#5: John by Edward W. Klink (ZECNT)
Edward W. Klink III is the senior pastor of Hope Evangelical Free Church in Roscoe, Illinois. He previously served as associate professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.
Klink’s commentary is conservative and relevant
Klink’s John commentary is a massive one-volume all-in-one resource. For every passage in the Gospel, he exegetes the original Greek, provides interpretations of the text, explains the theological implications, and makes application suggestions.
The commentary is thorough, conservative, and practical. Klink’s experience as a professor at Biola and a senior pastor is evident in this volume, and pastors everywhere will benefit from it.
#6: John by Andreas Kostenberger (BECNT)
Andreas J. Kostenberger is a prominent New Testament scholar, theologian, and author.
Kostenberger is well-reviewed for his exegesis
Kostenberger’s John commentary received some of the best reviews of any resource related to the fourth Gospel. However, after its publication, he discovered a few shortcomings regarding citations. As a result, the publisher pulled the commentary from stores and libraries.
Kostenberger acknowledged and apologized for the mistakes. Today, he maintains a high and well-earned reputation among Bible scholars. Kostenberger continues to write and publish books.
Mathison called it “a solid, thorough, and practical work that will be of benefit to students and pastors.” Schreiner described it as “an excellent work on the Greek text.” Blomberg called it a priority resource.
#7: The Gospel of John by J. Ramsey Michaels (NICNT)
J. Ramsey Michaels (1940-2019) is a respected biblical scholar specializing in the New Testament.
One of the best John commentaries for pastors
Carson says, “The writing style is superb, and insights abound on just about every page.” Blomberg categorizes it as a priority commentary on John.
Published in 2010, Michaels’ commentary is acclaimed for its exegesis, literary analysis, and theological insights into John. He engages with the original Greek text while addressing the Gospel’s historical, cultural, and theological aspects. This volume replaced Morris in the NICNT series (see below).
#8: The Gospel According to John by Leon Morris (NICNT)
Leon Morris (1914-2006) was a highly esteemed biblical scholar and theologian known for his contributions to New Testament studies.
Morris was a conservative evangelical
Mathison lists Morris as #3, calling it “a standard of conservative evangelical scholarship on [John].” Schreiner describes it as a “thorough and reverent exposition.” Michaels’ commentary on John replaced Morris’ in the NICNT series in 2010, yet people can easily find the latter on secondary markets.
#9: John by Colin G. Kruse (TNTC)
Colin G. Kruse is a respected biblical scholar and author specializing in the New Testament.
A Reformed commentary for pastors
Schreiner calls Kruse’s commentary “a solid exposition for pastors.” Kruse is recognized for his expertise in exegesis and biblical interpretation. This commentary is highly regarded for its scholarly depth and accessibility to many readers.
#10: John by George R. Beasley-Murray (WBC)
George R. Beasley-Murray (1916-2000) was a highly regarded British New Testament scholar and theologian.
Beasley-Murray is helpful for those who know Greek
This comprehensive commentary provides a detailed analysis and interpretation of the text, engaging with its historical, literary, and theological aspects.
Beasley-Murray’s commentary combines meticulous attention to the Greek text of John with a keen awareness of the historical, cultural, and theological contexts in which the Gospel was written. He explores the Gospel’s literary features, themes, and theological motifs.
10 More Commentaries on the Gospel of John
Why are the John commentaries below not in the “Top 10”? It’s not because they have received poor reviews or people haven’t found them helpful. The reasons vary.
Some are relatively new and haven’t been widely reviewed, read, or used. Others haven’t been broadly distributed, so getting enough information to aggregate is difficult. And others may be outdated in relation to biblical scholarship or out of print and difficult to acquire.
John (2 vol.) by Richard D. Phillips (REC)
Richard D. Phillips is a prominent biblical scholar, pastor, and author.
A Reformed, expository John commentary
Richard D. Phillips is known for his clear and accessible writing style, making his works beneficial for pastors and laypeople. While his focus is primarily on pastors, his writings often engage with biblical interpretation and theology, aiming to provide practical guidance and spiritual edification.
The Gospel According to John by C.K. Barrett (Stand Alone)
C.K. Barrett (1917-2011) was a highly esteemed British New Testament scholar and theologian.
A critical approach to John’s Gospel
This volume on the fourth gospel was first published in 1955. It has been well-reviewed for its Greek exegesis. It is not part of a series. Schreiner calls it an “excellent exposition.”
The publisher notes “C. K. Barrett’s Commentary on the Greek text of the Gospel of John has long been recognized as a major contribution to theological studies and has become the standard work in the field.”
John (2 vol.) by Gerald L. Borchert (NAC)
Gerald L. Borchert is a notable Bible scholar. He has made significant contributions to biblical studies, particularly in New Testament exegesis and hermeneutics.
A two-volume Baptist perspective
Borchert has written two volumes of commentary on the Gospel of John in the New American Commentary series. These commentaries provide detailed analysis of the text, historical background information, and theological insights.
The Gospel of John by Frederick Dale Bruner (Stand Alone)
Frederick Dale Bruner (1931-2018) was a renowned American biblical scholar and theologian.
Bruner appeals to early church fathers for insight
This commentary similarly delves into the literary and theological aspects of John’s Gospel, offering valuable insights for readers. Bruner is Reformed, a theology reflected throughout his commentary on the gospel. Bruner became a Christian under the teaching of Henrietta Mears.
John Through Old Testament Eyes by Karen H. Jobes
Karen H. Jobes is a respected Bible scholar, author, and professor who has made significant contributions to biblical studies, particularly in New Testament Greek and the Gospel of John.
Jobes commentary highlights the Old Testament in the Gospel
Jobes works are known for their thorough research, careful analysis, and clear communication. She has been involved with academic institutions and has taught courses in Greek, biblical interpretation, and New Testament studies.
The Message of John by Bruce Milne (BST)
Bruce Milne (1939-2020) was a respected Bible scholar, pastor, and author known for his contributions to evangelical theology and biblical studies.
A commentary for laypeople and pastors
This commentary delves into the historical and theological aspects of the Gospel, offering insights into its message and significance. His writings reflect his commitment to biblical authority and his desire to present the truths of Scripture in a relevant and applicable way.
John by Robert Mounce (EBCR)
Robert H. Mounce (1921-2019) was a highly regarded Bible scholar and theologian known for his contributions to biblical studies, particularly in New Testament studies.
A conservative scholar contributes to an excellent series
Robert Mounce’s works are known for their scholarly rigor, clarity, and accessibility. He combined his expertise in Greek language and New Testament studies to produce resources valued by students, pastors, and scholars alike.
John by Craig S. Keener (ZIBBC)
Keener (see #2 above) is a highly respected biblical scholar known for his expertise in New Testament studies and his extensive contributions to the field.
This Keener volume is introductory and highly visual
The Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary is a commentary series that aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, and social background of the biblical text.
John by Rodney A. Whitacre (IVPNTC)
Rodney A. Whitacre is a prominent biblical scholar known for his expertise in the New Testament and Greek language.
The IVPNTC is comparable to the NIVAC series
The IVP New Testament Commentary series is a collection of commentaries that provides clear and accessible explanations of the books of the New Testament. It’s designed to be helpful for pastors, students, and general readers who want to understand the New Testament texts.
John by Andrew T. Lincoln (BNTC)
Andrew T. Lincoln is a renowned biblical scholar known for his contributions to the field of New Testament studies.
Lincoln is an expert on the Gospel of John
The Black’s New Testament Commentary series, also known as the Black’s Commentary series, is a collection of commentaries on the books of the New Testament.
| Also see |
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| See the Top 50 Bible Commentary Series |
| See the Top 25 Whole-Bible Commentaries |
| See the Study Bibles Comparison Chart (over 50) |
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