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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - John 1:12 - 1:12
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
As many as (ὅσοι)
Denoting individuals, as οἱ ἴδιοι (Joh 1:11) signified the nation at large.
Received (ἔλαβον)
The simple verb of the compound παρέλαβον in Joh 1:11. The meaning of the two verbs is substantially the same (so Alford, De Wette, and apparently Meyer), though some recognize a difference, as Milligan and Moulton, who render παρέλαβον accepted, and ἔλαβον received, and say that “the former lays emphasis upon the will that consented (or refused) to receive, while the latter brings before us the possession gained: so that the full meaning is, As many as by accepting Him, received Him.” For the use of the simple verb, see Joh 5:43; Joh 13:20; Joh 19:6.
Power (ἐξουσίαν)
Rev., the right. Six words are used for power in the:New Testament: βία, force, often oppressive, exhibiting itself in violence (Act 5:26; Act 27:41. Compare the kindred verb βιάζεται, Mat 11:12; “the kingdom of heaven is taken by violence): δύναμις, natural ability (see on 2Pe 2:11): ἐνέργεια, energy, power in exercise; only of superhuman power, good or evil. Used by Paul only, and chiefly in the Epistles of the Imprisonment (Eph 1:19; Eph 3:7; Col 2:12. Compare the kindred verb ἐνεργέω, to put forth power, and see on Mar 6:14; see on Jam 5:16): ἰσχύς, strength (see on 2Pe 2:11. Compare the kindred verb ἰσχύω, to be strong, and see on Luk 14:30; see on Luk 16:3): κράτος, might, only of God, relative and manifested power, dominion (Eph 1:19; Eph 6:10; 1Ti 6:16; 1Pe 4:11. Compare the kindred verb κρατέω, to have power, to be master of, and see on Mar 7:3; see on Act 3:11): ἐξουσία, liberty of action (ἔξεστι, it is lawful), authority, delegated or arbitrary (Joh 5:27; Joh 10:18; Joh 17:2; Joh 19:10, Joh 19:11. See on Mar 2:10; see on Luk 20:20). Here, therefore, ἐξουσία is not merely possibility or ability, but legitimate right derived from a competent source - the Word.
To become (γενέσθαι)
As those who are born (Joh 1:13. Compare Joh 3:3, and Mat 5:45).
Sons (τέκνα)
Rev., more correctly, children. Son is υἱός. Τέκνον, child (τίκτω, to bring forth), denotes a relation based on community of nature, while υἱός, Son, may indicate only adoption and heirship. See Gal 4:7. Except in Rev 21:7, which is a quotation, John never uses υἱός to describe the relation of Christians to God, since he regards their position not as a result of adoption, but of a new life. Paul, on the other hand, regards the relation from the legal standpoint, as adoption, imparting a new dignity and relation (Rom 8:15; Gal 4:5, Gal 4:6). See also Jam 1:18; 1Pe 1:3, 1Pe 1:23, where the point of view is John's rather than Paul's. Τέκνον, indicating the relationship of man to God, occurs in Joh 1:12; Joh 11:52; 1Jo 3:1, 1Jo 3:2, 1Jo 3:10; 1Jo 5:2, and always in the plural.
Believe on (πιστευούσιν εἰς)
The present participle, believing, indicates the present and continuous activity of faith. The word is used by John, sometimes with the dative case simply meaning to believe a person or thing; i.e., to believe that they are true or speak the truth. Thus, to believe the Scripture (Joh 2:22); believe me (Joh 4:21); believe Moses, his writings, my words (Joh 4:46). At other times with a preposition, εἰς, into, which is rendered believe in, or believe on. So here, Joh 6:29; Joh 8:30; 1Jo 5:10. See the two contrasted in Joh 6:29, Joh 6:30; Joh 8:30, Joh 8:31; 1Jo 5:10. To believe in, or on, is more than mere acceptance of a statement. It is so to accept a statement or a person as to rest upon them, to trust them practically; to draw upon and avail one's self of all that is offered to him in them. Hence to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is not merely to believe the facts of His historic life or of His saving energy as facts, but to accept Him as Savior, Teacher, Sympathizer, Judge; to rest the soul upon Him for present and future salvation, and to accept and adopt His precepts and example as binding upon the life.
Name (ὄνομα)
See on Mat 28:19. Expressing the sum of the qualities which mark the nature or character of a person. To believe in the name of Jesus Christ the Son of God, is to accept as true the revelation contained in that title. Compare Joh 20:31.