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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - John 1:6 - 1:6
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Joh 1:6. Ἐγένετο) not ἦν. The Evangelist does not say, was of John, but was made [fiebat: εἶναι is to be, γίνεσθαι, to begin to be]. The question is asked, how far the opening introduction to this book extends. The answer is. There is no introduction: the treatise itself [ipsa tractatio, the handling of the subject itself] begins with the beginning of the book. For in Joh 1:6 the Evangelist already describes the office of John, in bearing witness of the Light: and in the first five verses, he records what before had always been the nature and principle of the Light. Therefore up to this point a summary has been given of those things, which evidently preceded John; nor can these by any means be referred to the action of Jesus immediately succeeding John, as Artemonius, p. 412, refers it; and now there is unfolded by the Evangelist a more copious description of recent [new] events. Both [the things preceding John, and the things then from that point occurring] are most orderly in their arrangement.-ἄνθρωπος, a man) God deals with men through agents similar to themselves, namely, men; in order that they may the more readily take [‘capiant,’ take in, understand] and accept [His offers of love].-ἀπεσταλμένος παρὰ Θεοῦ, sent from God) The definition of a prophet. Comp. Mat 11:9-10 [A prophet? Yea-and more than a prophet. For this is He, of whom it is written, Behold I send My messenger,” etc.] The Participle is here in immediate connection with the noun a man: and in mediate connection with the verb, was made [ἐγένετο began to be].-παρὰ Θεοῦ, from God, Joh 1:33.-Ἰωάννης, John) That is, an interpreter [exponent] of the grace of God. The greatness of John [is hereby implied], of whom mention is made immediately after the preceding statements [Joh 1:1-5]. Greater knowledge was brought into the world through John, than had been in all previous ages.