From that city many of the Samaritans believed in him because of the word of the woman, who testified, “He told me everything that I did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they begged him to stay with them. He stayed there two days. Many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of your speaking; for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”
Parallel Translations
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From that city many of the Samaritans believed in him because of the word of the woman, who testified, “He told me everything that I did.”
So when the Samaritans came to him, they begged him to stay with them. He stayed there two days.
Many more believed because of his word.
They said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of your speaking; for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”
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Many of the Samaritas of that cyte beleved on him for the sayinge of the woman which testified: he tolde me all thinges that ever I dyd.
Then when the Samaritas were come vnto him they besought him that he wolde tary with the. And he aboode there two dayes.
And many moo beleved because of his awne wordes
and sayd vnto the woman: Now we beleve not because of thy sayinge. For we have herde him oure selves and knowe that this is even in dede Christ the savioure of the worlde.
Show all 3 translations
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Nowe many of the Samaritans of that citie beleeued in him, for the saying of the woman which testified, He hath tolde me all things that euer I did.
Then when the Samaritans were come vnto him, they besought him, that he woulde tarie with them: and he abode there two dayes.
And many moe beleeued because of his owne word.
And they said vnto the woman, Nowe we beleeue, not because of thy saying: for we haue heard him our selues, and knowe that this is in deede that Christ the Sauiour of the world.
Examined in Scripture Analysis
Contradictions (1)
Questions where the Bible appears to say two different things, with the passages on each side set together.
Cross-references (45)
- 1 John 4:14 (v42) We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as the Savior of the world.
- John 4:29 (vv39, 42) “Come, see a man who told me everything that I did. Can this be the Christ?”
- John 1:29 (v42) The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
- 1 Timothy 4:10 (v42) For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men,…
- 1 John 5:20 (v42) We know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, in…
Show all 44 cross-references
- Acts 1:8 (v41) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and…
- Acts 4:12 (v42) There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”
- 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (v41) My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith…
- 2 Corinthians 5:19 (v42) namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the…
- Matthew 7:28-29 (v41) When Jesus had finished saying these things, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them with authority, and not…
- John 3:14-18 (v42) As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him should not perish,…
- John 6:68-69 (v42) Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the…
- Acts 8:12 (v41) But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and…
- Acts 8:25 (v41) They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News to many villages…
- Revelation 3:20 (v40) Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and…
- Isaiah 45:22 (v42) “Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
- Luke 24:29 (v40) They urged him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over.” He went in to stay with them.
- John 1:45-49 (v42) Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son…
- John 4:5 (v39) So he came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son, Joseph.
- John 6:63 (v41) It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life.
- John 10:41-42 (v39) Many came to him. They said, “John indeed did no sign, but everything that John said about this man is true.” Many believed in him there.
- John 17:8 (v42) for the words which you have given me I have given to them, and they received them, and knew for sure that I came from you. They have…
- Acts 17:11-12 (v42) Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures…
- Romans 10:11-13 (v42) For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same…
- Genesis 32:26 (v40) The man said, “Let me go, for the day breaks.” Jacob said, “I won’t let you go unless you bless me.”
- Genesis 49:10 (v41) The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs. To him will the…
- Isaiah 52:10 (v42) Yahweh has made his holy arm bare in the eyes of all the nations. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
- Luke 2:10-11 (v42) The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born…
- Luke 2:32 (v42) a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.”
- Luke 4:32 (v41) and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority.
- Luke 8:38 (v40) But the man from whom the demons had gone out begged him that he might go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,
- Luke 19:5-10 (v40) When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your…
- John 7:46 (v41) The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this man!”
- John 11:45 (v39) Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary and saw what Jesus did believed in him.
- Acts 15:3 (v41) They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They…
- Acts 16:15 (v40) When she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and…
- 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (v40) Working together, we entreat also that you do not receive the grace of God in vain, for he says, “At an acceptable time I listened to you.…
- Hebrews 4:13 (v41) There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an…
- Proverbs 4:13 (v40) Take firm hold of instruction. Don’t let her go. Keep her, for she is your life.
- Song of Solomon 3:4 (v40) I had scarcely passed from them, when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my…
- Jeremiah 14:8 (v40) You hope of Israel, its Savior in the time of trouble, why should you be as a foreigner in the land, and as a wayfaring man who turns aside…
- Matthew 1:21 (v42) She shall give birth to a son. You shall name him Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
- John 4:42 (v39) They said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of your speaking; for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the…
- John 11:17 (v42) So when Jesus came, he found that he had been in the tomb four days already.
44 distinct cross-references across this passage (45 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (22 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv39, 41, 42 39. And many Samaritans out of that city believed.…
39. And many Samaritans out of that city believed. The Evangelist here relates what was the success of the woman’s announcement to her citizens, from which it is evident that the expectation and desire of the promised Messiah had no small vigor among them. Now, the word believe is here used inaccurately, and means that they were induced by the woman’s statement to acknowledge Christ to be a Prophet. It is, in some respects, a commencement of faith, when minds are prepared to receive the doctrine. Such an entrance to faith receives here the honorable appellation of faith, in order to inform us how highly God esteems reverence for his word, when he confers so great honor on the docility of those who have not yet been taught. Now, their faith manifests itself in this respect, that they are seized with a desire to profit, and, for that reason, desire that Christ should remain with them
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On v39 The Samaritans do most joyfully embrace that which the…
The Samaritans do most joyfully embrace that which the Jews most stubbornly rejected.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv39–42 39 And many of the Samaritans of that city…
39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
Ver. 39. For the saying of the woman] An unlikely means to effect so great a matter. But what is that to the Almighty? So Junius professeth, that the very first thing that turned him from atheism was conference with a countryman of his, not far from Florence. The next was, the majesty of the Scriptures, which he observed in Joh 1:1-15. So for our forefathers in times of Popery, Mr Fox observeth, that by the reading of Chaucer’s books some were brought to the knowledge of the truth. And in that rarity of books and want of teachers, this one thing I greatly marvel at (saith he), to note in the registers, and consider how the word of God did multiply so exceedingly as it did among them. For I find that one neighbour resorting to and conferring with another, again, with a few words of their first or second talk, did win and turn their minds to that wherein they desire to persuade them touching the truth of God’s word and sacraments.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv39–42 That city was Sichem, or Sychar, but it was…
That city was Sichem, or Sychar, but it was within the province of Samaria, from whence it is that they had the name of Samaritans as well as Sichemites.
Many of them, upon the testimony of the woman; That he had told her such secret passages of her life, as he could not have told her if he had not been able, if he had pleased, as well to have told her all things,
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believed on him; that is, they owned him as a prophet, and agreed to what the woman said in that particular, and were by it excited to come to see and further discourse with Christ. This justifieth what our Saviour said, that there was then a people prepared for the Lord, the fields were white unto the harvest; that they were thus far wrought upon by the discourse of a woman, and she one not of the highest reputation, and only telling them that he had told her all things she had done. Small means have great effects when God’s time of working is come.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain On v39 Here an account is given of the conversion of…
Here an account is given of the conversion of more of the Samaritans from the city of Sichar. Some believed on him, upon the full report which the woman had made, That, He had told her all that ever she did; but others were brought to believe by his own word.
Now from the woman’s being an instrument to bring her acquaintance to Christ by her own experience of what she had heard from him:
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Learn, 1. That very weak instruments, when they employ themselves for Christ, desiring to extol his praise, and set forth his glory, are sometimes richly blessed with great success. Many of the Samaritans believed for the saying of this poor woman.
Learn, 2. That when a person can say but little of Christ, yet if it be spoken from experience and sensible feeling, it will be more successful and persuasive, than much more that which is spoken from notional knowledge. Such was this woman’s testimony concerning Christ, Come, see a man that told me all things that ever I did; is not this the Christ? She spake what she found, yea, what she felt within herself, and speaking her own experience, many believed on him for her saying.
But farther, These Samaritans believed Christ to be a prophet upon the testimony of this woman: but they believed him afterwards to be the Messias, or the Saviour of the world, upon the credit and authority of his own word, ver, 41. And many more believed because of his own word.
Thence learn, That although instruments speaking may be a mean to draw persons to give some assent to truth, yet it is Christ himself that must work a full persuasion, and his own word is the surest foundation for faith to build and depend upon: Now we believe, not because of thy saying, for we have heard him ourselves.
William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv39–42 And many of the Samaritans of that city,.... Of…
And many of the Samaritans of that city,.... Of Sychar, which was a city of Samaria;
believed on him; that he was the true Messiah he had told the woman he was; and she put it to them whether he was or not: before they saw him, or had any conversation with him themselves, they believed in him; see Joh 20:29;
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for the saying of the woman which testified, he told me all that ever I did: the account she gave was so plain, and honest, and disinterested, that they could not but give credit to it; and since the person was an utter stranger to her, and yet had laid before her the whole series of her past life and conversation, they concluded he could be no other than the Messiah, who should tell all things; and being of quick understanding or smell, was able to disclose the secrets of men.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On v42 We know that this is the saviour of the…
We know that this is the saviour of the world - And not of the Jews only.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv39, 40, 42 Verse 39. Many of the Samaritans - believed on…
Verse 39. Many of the Samaritans - believed on him for the saying of the woman] This woman was the first apostle of Christ in Samaria! She went and told her fellow citizens that the Messiah was come; and gave for proof, that he had told her the most secret things she had ever done: see on Joh 4:29. This word, which is twice repeated, in Joh 4:29 and here, strongly intimates that a more particular conversation had taken place, between our Lord and the Samaritan woman, than what is here related.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv39, 41 Joh 4:39-40. Many of the Samaritans believed on him…
Joh 4:39-40. Many of the Samaritans believed on him — That is, believed him to be a divinely-commissioned teacher, and even the true Messiah, as appears from Joh 4:42; for the saying of the woman, who testified, He told me all that ever I did — A declaration which both struck and convinced them: so is God sometimes pleased to use very weak and unlikely instruments for the beginning and carrying on of a good work. And our Lord, by instructing one poor woman, here spread instruction through a whole town. Let not ministers, then, be either careless or discouraged in their preaching, because their hearers are few and mean; for by doing good to them, good may be conveyed to more, and to persons of greater influence. If believers teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, a great number may learn, and these again may teach others. Philip preached the gospel to a single person in his chariot upon the road, and he not only received it himself, but carried it into his country, and propagated it there. We see here also the good effect of speaking experimentally of Christ, and of the things of God. This woman could say little of them, but what she did say, she spake from the heart, and feelingly. Those are most likely to do good to others, who can tell what God has done for their own souls. When the Samaritans were come to him — Being greatly taken with the manner of his deportment, and the tenor of his discourse; they besought him to tarry with them — For some time at least, as being desirous of a further acquaintance with him, and of receiving further benefit from his instructions. For the meanness of his appearance, when they saw him, and the manifest poverty of his outward condition, did not lessen their esteem of him, and expectations from him. Observe, reader, we may entertain good hopes of those who have got over the vulgar prejudices that men have against true worth in a low estate. Blessed are they that are not offended in Christ at the first sight. The evangelist seems to lay an emphasis on their being Samaritans. See also Luk 10:33; Luk 17:16. The Samaritans had not that reputation for religion that the Jews had; yet the Jews, who saw Christ’s miracles, drove him from them, while the Samaritans, who saw not his miracles, nor had shared in his favours, invited him to them! The proof of the gospel’s success is not always according to probability, nor what is experienced according to what is expected. And he — Ever ready to lay hold on every opportunity of doing good, went with them to their city; and abode there two days — Which was a proper medium between entirely neglecting them, and giving them so much of his time and company as would have broken in upon the design of his journey into Galilee, or might have given umbrage to the Jews.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On v39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed…
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him, ... - There is seldom an instance of so remarkable success as this. From a single conversation, in circumstances, in a place, and with an individual little likely to be attended with such results, many sinners were converted; many believed on the testimony of the woman; many more came to hear, and believed because they heard him themselves. We should never despair of doing good in the most unpromising circumstances, and we should seize upon every opportunity to converse with sinners on the great subject of their souls’ salvation.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On v42 This is indeed the Saviour of the world. These…
This is indeed the Saviour of the world. These Samaritans then believed that Jesus was the true Messias, sent to redeem the world. (Witham)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv39–40 many . . . believed, &c.--The truth of Joh…
many . . . believed, &c.--The truth of Joh 4:35 begins to appear. These Samaritans were the foundation of the Church afterwards built up there. No miracle appears to have been wrought there (but unparalleled supernatural knowledge displayed): "we have heard Him ourselves" (Joh 4:42) sufficed to raise their faith to a point never attained by the Jews, and hardly as yet by the disciples--that He was "the Saviour of the world" [ALFORD]. "This incident is further remarkable as a rare instance of the Lord's ministry producing an awakening on a large scale" [OLSHAUSEN].
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv39, 40, 42 39. For the saying of the woman—She was a…
39. For the saying of the woman—She was a type of the missionary Church; so holding forth the facts and carrying the spirit of the Church that men’s hearts receive it with faith.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv39, 40, 42 39. many of the Samaritans] Strong proof of the…
39. many of the Samaritans] Strong proof of the truth of Joh_4:35. These Samaritans outstrip the Jews, and even the Apostles, in their readiness to believe. The Jews rejected the testimony of their own Scriptures, of the Baptist, of Christ’s miracles and teaching. The Samaritans accept the testimony of the woman, who had suddenly become an Apostle to her countrymen.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv39–42 (39) Many of the Samaritans of that city believed.—The…
(39) Many of the Samaritans of that city believed.—The willingness to receive the truth on the part of the Samaritans, is contrasted with the rejection of it on the part of the Jews. They refused the witness of a great prophet; these accept the witness of a woman. Their minds were prepared by the general expectation of the Messiah; and this woman witnesses that Jesus had revealed to her the whole past of her life. There is here a sign they do not question.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv39–42 Vers. 39-42. (4) The harvest of the Lords sowing,…
Vers. 39-42. (4) The harvest of the Lords sowing, and the Saviour of the world.
This harvest is described in vers. 39-42. As this sublime discourse was proceeding, the impression produced by the word of the woman was becoming deeper. The breath of God was moving them mightily. They were prepared by a thousand untraceable influences for faith in the great Deliverer and Teacher. Many of the Samaritans from that city, in the first instance, had been summarily convinced of the presence among them of the long looked-for Prophet, and believed on him by reason of the word (or, discourse) of the woman, who testified, He told me all things that I ever () did. Not merely is this one saying referred to, but the whole report of the words of Jesus of which that saying was the crowning or most startling expression. They are the first specimens of men who believe by the testimony of those who know. "Blessed are they who have not seen, but yet believe.
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Vers. 39-42. Jesus and the Samaritans.
The woman was the instrument of bringing her townspeople to the Saviour.
I THE FIRST DEGREE OF SAMARITAN FAITH WAS DEPENDENT ON TESTIMONY. "Now many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him because of the saying of the woman, who testified, He told me all that ever I did.
1. Faith is essentially the belief of testimony. It thus depends upon evidence. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". (Heb_11:1)
2. The Samaritans were entitled to the higher blessing. "Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." We must receive the facts of the gospel history upon testimony, or we cannot receive them at all.
3. Faith rests firmly upon testimony that is thoroughly verified by experience. This Samaritan woman"s experience ended all doubt.
II THE FAITH OF THE SAMARITANS SOUGHT A CLOSER CONTACT WITH JESUS. "They besought him that he would tarry with them.
1. Though faith rests on knowledge, it longs for fuller knowledge.
2. Though Jesus was a Jew, they sought immediate fellowship with him.
3. Their conduct is very different from that of the Jews, who asked no suck interview during his eight months" stay in their midst.
4. Jesus complied with their request, though he knew that it might involve him in the imputation of being a Samaritan. (Joh_8:48)
III THE FAITH OF THE SAMARITANS WAS STRENGTHENED, AND MORE DISCIPLES WERE MADE, BY THE TWO DAYS" SOJOURN AT SYCHAR. "And many more believed because of his own word.
1. They did not ask for signs, like the Jews (ver. 48), neither were miracles wrought for their benefit.
2. His word was effectual to confirm their faith: it came to them, not in word only, but in power; for it was the power of God unto salvation. "For we have heard him ourselves.
(1) This is the language of personal experience.
(2) Their personal experience was final and satisfactory. "And know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
(a) Mark the absence of all narrow particularism. They knew from their Scriptures that in "Abraham and his seed all nations of the earth shall be blessed." Jesus might have brought this ancient promise under their notice.
(b) They recognize Jesus no longer as a mere prophet, but as Redeemer. "Salvation may be of the Jews," but the Samaritans are the first to accept it in the mass.
(c) The faith of the Samaritans is the condemnation of the Jews" unbelief.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv41–42 Many more believed, because of His word, and said…
Joh_4:41-42
Many more believed, because of His word, and said … This is indeed the Christ.
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Christianity adapted to mans moral constitution
The counterpart of this narrative at a missionary station may easily be imagined. The Missionary says, Come, learn the missionary doctrine which has made me happy. I know it to be Divine. The natives are induced to listen. As they grow familiar with evangelical doctrine it gains their heart. Although they cannot estimate the evidence, they believe because they have tasted and handled of the word of God.
I. UNLESS THE MISSIONARY CAN CONFINE IN THE INHERENT POWER OF THE GOSPEL HE IS HELPLESS.
1. The heathen can neither appreciate your facts, nor understand your mode of reasoning upon them. To the contemplative Brahmin, or cunning Chinese, your inductive reasoning is as unintelligible as is the subtle arguments of the Plantonic philosopher or the medieval schoolman to you.
2. But if you had crossed that chasm and learned to think as they think you would be destitute of the materials of demonstration. Upon the knowledge they possess to establish the authenticity and transmission of your sacred books appears a hopeless task.
3. And even if you had satisfied them of this the appeal must be made to miracles, and it would fail where they are, as the heathen suppose, so common; and the idea of a miracle authenticating a doctrine would be unintelligible to an Hindoo whose presumption is that the splendour of Deity shines more in good doctrine than in wonderful power.
4. Of the roll of prophecy we cannot read a word to a people whose history is confined to their own legendary tales.
5. As to the internal evidence this requires a more careful examination than you can expect, unless you can present an object of surpassing value which shall prepossess the mind in its favour.
6. The only serviceable instrument, therefore, is the Cross in its saving, all-conquering power.
7. We may be reminded of the virtues of Christians, but we cannot, alas! use that when crime has been perpetrated by professing Christians.
II. THE GOSPEL ITSELF IS SO APPROPRIATE TO THE MORAL CONSTITUTION OF MAN--APPEARS SO LIKE TRUTH--AS TO CONCILIATE A FAVOURABLE RECEPTION, AND PRODUCE CONVICTION, WHERE IT DOES NOT OFFER DEMONSTRATION. This is extremely probable on noticing the purpose it is intended to accomplish. It is intended for all men; it is an ample provision of mercy for our fallen world. It is intended only for man; angels are above, demons below its reach. But, leaving presumptive evidence, consider a few of the more important doctrines in their relation to the wants of men.
1. The Gospel is proposed as a revelation from God. Against the notion of a revelation there is no prejudice whatever; it is the favourite doctrine of mankind. Men have never been content with so much knowledge of God as may be derived from His works, but have always yearned for some more direct communication of His will. Hence, astrology, dreams, divination, sacred books. As the voice of God was the first he ever heard (in Eden) man still turns towards it a most attentive and listening ear. Revelation was the language of His infancy, and its tones after the lapse of ages and in the far country still come sweet as music to his heart. The prepos-sessions of these millions, therefore, are in your favour; they are anxiously seeking revelations, but alas! like Saul at Endor. And at Endor will you let them die? Say to these wretched devotees prostrate at the altar of an unknown God.--Him whom ye ignorantly worship, declare we unto you.
2. By the Gospel life and immortality are brought to light. There is no doctrine that the mind of man is so ready to receive. The search after God is a germ of it which only requires to be sanctified in order to its development. Virtue by its hope, and guilt by its terrors, attest it. Love of posthumous fame and the longing for immortality are its harbingers. Preach, then, this favourite doctrine, and as you tell the sinner he is immortal, you may hear a full, quick response from his heart.
3. If the doctrine of immortality flatter the complacency of man, the doctrine of his inherent corruption mortifies his pride, and unless the heart be girt closely round with self-righteousness, this doctrine is yet armed with the mighty power of conviction. Under the ministry of Jesus, publicans and sinners, rather than Pharisees, pressed into the kingdom. So now, the appeal to the moral law will suffice; it requires no demonstration. The inevitable consequence is the conviction of sin. Then, go speak with a friendly voice of sin, and they will understand every word; of pardon, and their voice will brighten at the prospect; as Jesus when He said, Come unto Me all ye that labour, etc.
4. Closely connected with this doctrine is that of the general judgment. It corresponds with many presentiments of the sinners heart. Unless the religious feeling be extirpated, in every mans bosom is a tribunal before which his thoughts and actions are arranged, and acquitted or condemned. What is this but a premonition of the final assize! These presentiments may not induce the sinner to accept the Christian doctrine, but they will ensure attention, prepare the mind, and the probability, or possibility of judgment may be quite as effective as the certainty.
5. We must now pass on to the doctrine of salvation by Christ. Man is disturbed and perplexed by sin and is afraid to approach a Holy God. Hence, in order to avert His displeasure, man has indulged in sacrifice. The stern maxim is deeply inscribed in the heart of man as expounded by his history, without the shedding of blood, etc. To such your missionaries preach Christ crucified. They address hearers prepossessed in favour of the doctrine of propitiation. To the guilty conscience there is in Behold the Lamb of God something more cheering and consolating than all the sanguinary rites of heathenism. Mans own religion makes exorbitant demands; yours offers an abundant supply; his god demands a sacrifice; yours presents one. Conclusion: Such, then, is Christianity; it rises in solitary grandeur above all the religions of the earth. It has no affinity with any local association or national peculiarity, but is equally adapted to man, civilized or savage, in the pole or the tropics. It speaks a language which all can understand, in tones which all must feel.
1. Confide in its powers. It cannot fail. It carries with it the Spirit of the living God.
2. Argue from its past achievement its future and final triumphs. (R. Halley, D. D.)
Three more saved
A few days after the wreck of the ill-fated steamer. Central America, which sent hundreds to a watery grave, and plunged the American nation in grief, a pilot-boat was seen, on a fair breezy morning, standing up the bay of New York. The very appearance of the vessel gave token that she was freighted with tidings of no common interest. With every sail set, and streamers flying, she leaped along the waters as if buoyant with some great joy, while the glad winds that swelled her canvas, and the sparkling waves that kissed her sides and urged her on her way, seemed to laugh with conscious delight As she drew nearer, an unusual excitement was visible on her deck, and her captain, running out to the extreme point of the bowsprit, and swing: ing his cap, appeared to be shouting something with intense earnestness and animation. At first the distance prevented his being distinctly understood. But soon, as the vessel came farther into the harbour, the words, Three more saved! Three more saved! reached the nearest listeners. They were caught up by the clews of the multitudinous ships that lay anchored around, and sailors sprang wildly into the rigging and shouted, Three more saved! They were heard on the wharfs, and the porter threw down his load, and the drayman stopped his noisy cart, and shouted, Three more saved! The tidings ran along the streets, and the news-boys left off crying the latest intelligence, and shouted, Three more saved! Busy salesmen dropped their goods, bookkeepers their pens, bankers their discounts, tellers their gold, and merchants, hurrying on the stroke of the last hour of grace to pay their notes, paused in their headlong haste, and shouted, Three more saved! (New Cyclopedia of Illustrated Anecdotes.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv40–42 40. So when the Samaritans were come. They insisted…
40. So when the Samaritans were come. They insisted that he should tarry with them. A strange invitation for a Samaritan village to give to a Jew. It was also a strange thing for a Jewish teacher to accept the invitation.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v42 Saviour (See Scofield "Rom 1:16")
Saviour (See Scofield "Rom 1:16")
world kosmos = mankind. (See Scofield "Mat 4:8")
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v39 Faith as personal conviction:
Faith as personal conviction:
v. 39. And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on Him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
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v. 40. So when the Samaritans were come unto Him, they besought Him that He would tarry with them; and He abode there two days.
v. 41. And many more believed because of His own word;
v. 42. and said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying; for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.
The woman did her missionary work well. She spoke with such earnestness and conviction that she persuaded many of the people of the city. Their faith was the result of the woman’s testimony, even before they saw and heard Jesus Himself. If we only, individually and collectively, see to it that the Gospel is proclaimed throughout the world, we may rest assured in advance that the blessing of God will attend our efforts, and that there will always be some that will come to faith and acknowledge Jesus as their Redeemer. And the testimony of the woman caused also the petition of the Samaritans that the Lord should stay with them. For two days they were privileged to have the Savior in their midst. He taught these souls that were hungry for salvation; He gave them the information which they needed concerning His person and work. And the harvest was rich and plentiful. A great many more were gained through the preaching of Jesus, who frankly told the woman that they no longer believed on account of her narrative. They themselves had heard the words of eternal grace, they had the firm knowledge and conviction that this man was not a mere teacher or prophet, but that He was truly the Christ, the Savior of the world. That is the simple, but unshakable certainty of Christian faith. That is the right faith, that we do not only believe to be true what we hear in regard to the wonderful spiritual experiences of others, but that we have the personal conviction regarding Jesus that He is our Savior.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv39, 41 believed in him
believed in him
To "believe in" someone means to "trust in" that person. Here this also means that they believed he was the Son of God.
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He told me everything that I have done
This is an exaggeration. The woman was impressed by how much Jesus knew about her. AT: "He told me many things about my life" (See: Hyperbole and Generalization)
translationWords
Samaria
believe
report
testimony
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv39, 42 4:39-40 Many Samaritans: The religiously sophisticated “chosen people” in…
4:39-40 Many Samaritans: The religiously sophisticated “chosen people” in Jerusalem did not respond to Jesus with faith (ch 3). By contrast, many Samaritans believed in Jesus because of the testimony of this outcast woman.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.