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Joh 1:12. Ὅσοι, as many as) even [including also] such as previously had not been ἴδιοι, His own.-ἔλαβον) This verb differs from καταλαμβάνειν, Joh 1:5, and from παραλαμβάνειν, Joh 1:11. Καταλαμβανω is applied to that which is close by: παραλαμβάνω, that which is offered: λαμβάνω, of my own accord. Παραλαμβάνειν was the part of the Jews, whom the Truth was appertaining to [spectabat]; λαμβάνειν is the part also of the Gentiles, whom grace appertaineth to [spectat]. In Joh 1:12-13 mere external differences are taken away most effectually. Gal 3:26, etc., “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”-ἔδωκεν, He gave) This is the Glory of Christ, the Only-begotten Son. It belongs to the Divine authority to make Sons OF GOD: as it belongs to the Light, to make sons of light, ch. Joh 12:36, “Believe in the Light, that ye may be the children of light.”-ἐξουσίαν, power) The power[17] does not precede the γένεσιν τέκνων or filiation, as if they were two distinct things: but the filiation itself is this power, or, in other words, dignity. A great fact! Joh 8:36.[18]-τέκνα Θεοῦ-τοῖς πιστεύουσιν,) sons OF GOD-to them that believe) Two weighty truths are set before us, of which the former is elucidated in Joh 1:13; the second in Joh 1:14, where the manifestation of the Word in the flesh is not so much recorded as it was accomplished, but rather as it was believed: which view the series of things down from Joh 1:6 proves.-γἐνεσθαι, to become) whereas Jesus is the Son of God.-ὄνομα, the name) The name of the Only-begotten. For to this is to be referred Joh 1:14. The connection is inferred from the kindred term τέκνα, children [sons].
[17] Potestas, legitimate power, authority; not mere δύναμις, potentia, might.-E. and T.
[18] If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Comp. Gal 4:6.-E. and T.