John 4 - Introduction - Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary

Bible Comments

PART II. (D.)
IV. CHRIST MANIFESTING HIMSELF IN HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY, ETC. (CONTINUED)

1. In Samaria.

(1) To the woman of Samaria as the “living water” (John 4:1-16);

(2) as a discerner of the thoughts of the heart (John 4:17-26), the result being faith in Him as Messiah;

(3) to the disciples, giving glimpses of the far-reaching effects of His and their work (John 4:27-38);

(4) to the Samaritans as the Messiah and the Saviour of the world (John 4:39-42).

2. In Galilee.

(1) His reception by the people (John 4:42-45), His fame in Jerusalem having preceded Him;

(2) His glory manifested again in the region of nature, by healing the nobleman’s son; and the power of His mighty works to awaken faith in true hearts (John 4:46-54).

First Year of our Lord’s Ministry

1. Joh. 4:1-42.—End of A.U.C. 781 or beginning of 782 (December–January, Tebeth).

2. Joh. 4:43-54.—Beginning of A.U.C. 782. Probable place of John 4:43-54 in Synoptic narrative: Matthew 4:13 et seq.; Mark 1:14 et seq.; Luke 4:14 et seq.