12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:



Ver. 12. To them he gave power] Or, privilege preferment, prerogative royal, heavenly honour, ïõñáíéáí ôéìçí , as Nonnus here rendereth it, and fitly. For if sons, then heirs, Rom_8:17. Hence that Ecce admirantis, 1Jn_3:1, and that "Who am I?" 2Sa_7:18; 2Sa_14:13-15. Kings can make their firstborn only heirs, as Jehoshaphat, 2Ch_21:3; but here all are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.



Even to them that believe in his name] Though with never so weak a faith, such as may seem to be rather unbelief than faith, Mar_9:24. The least bud draws sap from the root, as well as the greatest branch. The weakest hand may receive a ring. Credo languida fide, sed tamen fide, I believe by faint faith but yet by faith, said Dr Cruciger on his death bed. A weak faith is a joint possessor though no faith can he a joint purchaser of this precious privilege here specified. (Selneccer. paedag. Christ.)