Scripture Guide

John 1:43-51

Author

Darren Pollock

Keywords (7)

Scripture (5)

Updated

Feb 14, 2025

Preaching Commentary

Context

Jesus' Ministry Begins

This passage is from the first chapter of John’s gospel and describes the beginning of Jesus’ ministry—fitting for the beginning of a new year. A congregation following the lectionary will have heard the opening section of John two weeks prior, on the second Sunday after Christmas; verses 19-28 are in the Year B lectionary for the third Sunday of Advent; the next 14 verses that form the bridge to this week’s passage are in the lectionary for Year A, and so it would be reasonable to provide a summary of Jesus’ baptism and, especially, the calling of the very first disciples from this section.

This summary of vv. 29-42 could be more detailed if the sermon is to focus on one of the…

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Author

Darren Pollock

Darren Pollock is a dedicated Presbyterian pastor (PCUSA) and an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Church History at Fuller Seminary. A passionate scholar and teacher, Darren is committed to both his academic work and his pastoral calling. He holds a B.A. in Classics from UC Davis, an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Calvin Seminary. His academic journey reflects his deep interest in church history, Reformed theology, and biblical interpretation.

Darren is the author of Early Stuart Polemical Hermeneutics: Andrew Willet’s 1611 Hexapla on Romans (Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2017), a scholarly work that investigates early modern Reformed thought. His research focuses on the intersection of historical theology, biblical interpretation, and early Reformed thought. Darren’s contributions have appeared in respected academic journals such as Jonathan Edwards Studies, Anglican & Episcopal History, and Word & World. He has also contributed multiple entries to The Jonathan Edwards Encyclopedia (Eerdmans, 2017). Through his work, he strives to explore the complexities of Christian thought in historical contexts and how they inform contemporary faith practices.

Darren’s life is deeply intertwined with both his family and his work. He lives in Temple City, CA, with his wife, Ashley, and their two young children. The family is also accompanied by their step-cat, Fanny. Outside of his academic and pastoral responsibilities, Darren enjoys hobbies that blend intellectual engagement with a deep appreciation for the world around him. He is an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast and Scrabble player, enjoys exploring Zion National Park, and loves savoring a good cup of coffee. Additionally, Darren has a special fondness for passion fruit and is an enthusiastic fan of the Sacramento Kings.

His passion for theology, historical scholarship, and his family continues to shape his life and ministry, guiding his work as both an academic and a pastor.