---
title: "Clarke"
description: "John"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/clarkes-commentary/john/1"
---

John's introduction is from [John 1:1-18](../../../kjv/john/1/1-18). Some harmonists suppose it to end with [John 1:14](../../../kjv/john/1/14). but, from the connection of the whole, [John 1:18](../../../kjv/john/1/18) appears to be its natural close, at it contains a reason why the *Logos* or *Word was made flesh*. [John 1:15](../../../kjv/john/1/15) refers to [John 1:6-8](../../../kjv/john/1/6-8), and in these passages John's testimony is anticipated in order of time, and is very fitly mentioned to illustrate Christ's pre-eminence. [John 1:16](../../../kjv/john/1/16); [John 1:17](../../../kjv/john/1/17) have a plain reference to [John 1:14](../../../kjv/john/1/14). See Bp. Newcome.
Verse [John 1:1](../../../kjv/john/1/1). ***In the beginning*** — That is, before any thing was formed - ere God began the great work of creation. This is the meaning of the word in [Genesis 1:1](../../../kjv/genesis/1/1), to which the evangelist evidently alludes. This phrase fully proves, in the mouth of an inspired writer, that Jesus Christ was *no part of the creation*, as he existed when no part of that existed; and that consequently he is no creature, as all created nature was formed by him: for *without* *him was nothing made that is made*, [John 1:3](../../../kjv/john/1/3). Now, as what was *before* creation must be *eternal*, and as what gave *being* to all things, could not have borrowed or derived its being from *any* *thing*, therefore Jesus, who was *before all things* and who made all things, must necessarily be the ETERNAL God.
***Was the Word*** — Or, *existed the Logos*. This term should be left untranslated, for the very same reason why the names *Jesus* and *Christ* are left untranslated. The first I consider as proper an apellative of the Saviour of the world as I do either of the two last. And as it would be highly improper to say, *the Deliverer,* *the Anointed*, instead of *Jesus Christ*, so I deem it improper to say, *the Word*, instead of *the Logos*. But as every appellative of the Saviour of the world was descriptive of some *excellence* in his *person, nature*, or *work*, so the epithet Λογος, *Logos*, which signifies *a word spoken, speech, eloquence, doctrine, reason*, or *the faculty of reasoning*, is very properly applied to him, who is the *true light which lighteth every man who cometh into the* *world*, [John 1:9](../../../kjv/john/1/9); who is the fountain of all *wisdom*; who giveth *being, life, light, knowledge*, and *reason*, to all men; who is the grand Source of *revelation*, who has declared God unto mankind; who spake by the prophets, for the *testimony of* *Jesus is the spirit of prophecy*, [Revelation 19:10](../../../kjv/revelation/19/10); who has illustrated life and immortality by his Gospel, [2 Timothy 1:10](../../../kjv/2-timothy/1/10); and who has fully made *manifest* the deep *mysteries* which lay hidden in the bosom of the invisible God from all eternity, [John 1:18](../../../kjv/john/1/18).
The apostle does not borrow this mode of speech from the writings of *Plato*, as some have imagined: he took it from the Scriptures of the Old Testament, and from the subsequent style of the ancient Jews. It is true the *Platonists* make mention of the Logos in this way: - καθ' ὁν, αει οντα, τα γενομενα εγενετο - *by whom,* *eternally existing, all things were made*. But as *Plato,* *Pythagoras, Zeno*, and others, travelled among the Jews, and conversed with them, it is reasonable to suppose that *they* borrowed this, with many others of their most important notions and doctrines, from them.
***And the Word was God.*** — Or, *God was the Logos*: therefore no subordinate being, no *second* to the Most High, but the supreme eternal Jehovah.

Verse [John 1:3](../../../kjv/john/1/3). ***All things were made by him*** — That is, by this Logos. In [Genesis 1:1](../../../kjv/genesis/1/1), GOD is said to have created all things: in this verse, *Christ* is said to have created all things: the same unerring Spirit spoke in *Moses* and in the *evangelists*: therefore *Christ* and the *Father* are ONE. To say that Christ made all things by a delegated power from God is *absurd*; because the thing is *impossible*. Creation means causing that to exist that had no previous being: this is evidently a work which can be effected only by *omnipotence*. Now, God cannot delegate his *omnipotence* to another: were this possible, he *to* whom this omnipotence was delegated would, in consequence, become GOD; and he *from* whom it was delegated would *cease to be such*: for it is impossible that there should be *two* omnipotent beings.
On these important passages I find that many eminently learned men differ from me: it seems they cannot be of my opinion, and I feel I cannot be of theirs. May He, who is the Light and the Truth, guide them and me into all truth!

Verse [John 1:4](../../../kjv/john/1/4). ***In him was life*** — Many MSS., versions, and fathers, connect this with the preceding verse, thus: *All things were made* *by him, and without him was nothing made. What was made had life* *in it; but THIS LIFE was the light of men*. That is, though every thing he made had a principle of life in it, whether *vegetable,* *animal*, or *intellectual*, yet this, that life or animal principle in the human being, was not the *light* of men; not *that light* which could guide them to heaven, for *the world by wisdom knew not God*, [1 Corinthians 1:21](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/1/21). Therefore, the expression, *in him was life*, is not to be understood of life *natural*, but of that life *eternal* which he revealed to the world, [2 Timothy 1:10](../../../kjv/2-timothy/1/10), to which he taught the way, [John 14:6](../../../kjv/john/14/6), which he promised to believers, [John 10:28](../../../kjv/john/10/28), which he purchased for them, [John 6:51](../../../kjv/john/6/51); [John 6:53-54](../../../kjv/john/6/53-54), which he is appointed to give them, [John 17:2](../../../kjv/john/17/2), and to which he will raise them up, [John 5:29](../../../kjv/john/5/29), because he hath the life in himself, [John 5:26](../../../kjv/john/5/26). All this may be proved:
1. From the like expressions; [2 John 1:5](../../../kjv/2-john/1/5):11, *This is the promise that God hath given unto us, eternal life,* *and this life is in his Son*: whence he is styled the *true God and* *eternal life*, [1 John 5:20](../../../kjv/1-john/5/20); *the resurrection and the life*, [John 11:25](../../../kjv/john/11/25); *the way, the truth, and the life*, [John 14:6](../../../kjv/john/14/6).
2. From these words, [John 1:7](../../../kjv/john/1/7), *John came to bear witness of this light, that all might believe* *through him*, viz. to eternal life, [1 Timothy 1:16](../../../kjv/1-timothy/1/16); for so John witnesseth, [John 3:15](../../../kjv/john/3/15); [John 3:36](../../../kjv/john/3/36).
And hence it follows that this life must be *the light of men*, by giving them the knowledge of this life, and of the way leading to it. See Whitby on the place. Is there any reference here to [Genesis 3:20](../../../kjv/genesis/3/20): And Adam called his wife's name Eve, חוה *chava*, ζωη, LIFE, because she was the mother of all *living*? And was not Jesus that seed of the woman that was to bruise the head of the serpent, and to give life to the world?

Verse [John 1:5](../../../kjv/john/1/5). ***And the light shineth in darkness*** — By *darkness* here may be understood:
1. The heathen world, [Ephesians 5:8](../../../kjv/ephesians/5/8).
2. The Jewish people.
3. The fallen spirit of man.
***Comprehended it not.*** — αυτο ου κατελαβεν, *Prevented it* *not-hindered it not*, says Mr. Wakefield, who adds the following judicious note:-"Even in the midst of that darkness of ignorance and idolatry which overspread the world, this light of Divine wisdom was not totally eclipsed: the Jewish nation was a lamp perpetually shining to the surrounding nations; and many bright luminaries, among the *heathen*, were never wanting in just and worthy notions of the attributes and providence of God's wisdom; which enabled them to shine in some degree, though but *as lights* *in a dark place*, [2 Peter 1:19](../../../kjv/2-peter/1/19). Compare [Acts 14:17](../../../kjv/acts/14/17); [Acts 17:28-29](../../../kjv/acts/17/28-29)."

Verse [John 1:6](../../../kjv/john/1/6). ***Whose name*****was*****John.*** — This was John the Baptist; see his name and the nature of his office explained, [Mark 1:4](../../../kjv/mark/1/4), and [Matthew 3:1-3](../../../kjv/matthew/3/1-3).

Verse [John 1:7](../../../kjv/john/1/7). ***That all*****men*****through him might believe.*** — He testified that Jesus was the *true light*-the true *teacher* of the way to the kingdom of glory, and the *lamb* or sacrifice of God, which was to bear away the sin of the world, [John 1:29](../../../kjv/john/1/29), and invited men to believe in him for the remission of their sins, that they might receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost, [John 1:32-34](../../../kjv/john/1/32-34). This was bearing the most direct witness to the light which was now shining in the dark wilderness of Judea; and, from thence, shortly to be diffused over the whole world.

Verse [John 1:9](../../../kjv/john/1/9). ***Which lighteth every man*** — As Christ is the Spring and Fountain of all wisdom, so all the wisdom that is in man comes from *him*; the human *intellect* is a ray from his brightness; and *reason* itself springs from this Logos, the eternal reason. Some of the most eminent rabbins understand [Isaiah 60:1](../../../kjv/isaiah/60/1), *Rise and shine, for thy LIGHT is come*, of the Messiah who was to illuminate Israel, and who, they believe, was referred to in that word, [Genesis 1:3](../../../kjv/genesis/1/3), *And God said, Let there be LIGHT; and there was light*. Let a Messiah be provided; and a Messiah was accordingly provided. See *Schoettgen*.
***That cometh into the world.*** — Or, *coming into the world*- ερχομενον εις τον κοσμον: a common phrase among the rabbins, to express *every human being*. As the human creature sees the light of the world as soon as it is born, from which it had been excluded while in the womb of its parent; in like manner, this heavenly light shines into the soul of every man, to convince of sin, righteousness, and judgment; and it is through this light, which no man brings into the world with him, but which Christ mercifully gives to him on his coming into it, that what is termed *conscience* among men is produced. No man could discern good from evil, were it not for this light thus supernaturally and graciously restored. There was much light in the law, but this shone only upon the Jews; but the superior light of the Gospel is to be diffused over the face of the whole earth.
The following not only proves what is asserted in this verse, but is also an excellent illustration of it.
The GAYATRI, or holiest verse of the VEDAS, i.e. the ancient Hindoo Scriptures.
"Let us adore the supremacy of *that* divine Sun, the Godhead who illuminates all, who re-creates all; from whom all proceed; to whom all must return; whom we invoke to direct our understandings aright, in our progress towards his holy seat."
The ancient comment.
"What the sun and light are to this visible world, that are the *supreme good* and *truth* to the intellectual and invisible universe; and, as our corporeal eyes have a distinct perception of objects enlightened by the sun, thus our souls acquire certain knowledge by meditating on the light of truth, which emanates from the Being of beings; that is the light by which alone our minds can be directed in the path to blessedness." Sir Wm. Jones's works, vol. vi. p. 417.
Sir William observes that the original word *Bhargas*, which he translates *Godhead*, consists of three consonants, and is derived from *bha*, to shine; *ram*, to delight; and *gam*, to move:- the Being who is the *light*, the source of *happiness*, and the *all-pervading* energy.

Verse [John 1:10](../../../kjv/john/1/10). ***He was in the world*** — From its very commencement-he governed the universe-regulated his Church-spake by his prophets-and often, as the angel or messenger of Jehovah, appeared to them, and to the patriarchs.
***The world knew him not.*** — αυτον ουκ εγνω - *Did not acknowledge him*; for the Jewish rulers *knew* well enough that he was a teacher come from God; but they did not choose to *acknowledge* him as such. Men love the world, and this love hinders them from knowing him who made it, though he made it only to make himself known. Christ, by whom all things were made, [John 1:3](../../../kjv/john/1/3), and by whom all things are continually supported, [Colossians 1:16](../../../kjv/colossians/1/16), [Colossians 1:17](../../../kjv/colossians/1/17); [Hebrews 1:3](../../../kjv/hebrews/1/3), has way every where, is continually manifesting himself by his providence and by his grace, and yet the foolish heart of man regardeth it not! See the reason, [John 3:19](../../../kjv/john/3/19).

Verse [John 1:11](../../../kjv/john/1/11). ***He came unto his own*** — τα ιδια - to those of his own *family, city, country:-and his own people*, οιιδιοι-his own *citizens, brethren, subjects*.
The *Septuagint, Josephus*, and *Arrian*, use these words, τα ιδιοι and οι ιδιοι, in the different senses given them above.
***Received him not.*** — Would not acknowledge him as the *Messiah*, nor believe in him for salvation.
How very similar to this are the words of *Creeshna*, (an incarnation of the Supreme Being, according to the theology of the ancient Hindoos!) Addressing one of his disciples, he says: "The foolish, being unacquainted with my supreme and divine nature, as Lord of all things, *despise me in this human form*; trusting to the evil, diabolic, and deceitful principle within them. They are of vain hope, of vain endeavours, of vain wisdom, and void of reason; whilst men of great minds, trusting to their divine natures, discover that *I am before all things*, and incorruptible, and serve me with their hearts undiverted by other beings." See Bhagvat Geeta, p. 79.
To *receive* Christ is to acknowledge him as the promised *Messiah*; to believe in him as the *victim* that bears away the sin of the world; to *obey* his Gospel, and to become a partaker of his holiness, without which no man, on the Gospel plan, can ever see God.

Verse [John 1:12](../../../kjv/john/1/12). ***Gave he power*** — εξουσιαν, *Privilege, honour, dignity*, or *right*. He who is made a child of God enjoys the greatest privilege which the Divine Being can confer on this side eternity. Those who accept Jesus Christ, as he is offered to them in the Gospel, have, through his blood, a right to this sonship; for by that sacrifice this blessing was purchased; and the fullest promises of God confirm it to all who believe. And those who are engrafted in the heavenly family have the highest *honour* and *dignity* to which it is possible for a human soul to arrive. What an astonishing thought is this! The sinner, who was an heir to all God's curses, has, through the sacrifice of Jesus, a *claim* on the mercy of the Most High, and a *right* to be saved! Even justice itself, on the ground of its holy and eternal nature, gives salvation to the vilest who take refuge in this atonement; for justice has nothing to grant, or Heaven to give, which the blood of the Son of God has not merited.

Verse [John 1:13](../../../kjv/john/1/13). ***Which were born, not of blood*** — Who were regenerated, ουκ εξ αιματων, *not of bloods*-the union of father and mother, or of a distinguished or illustrious ancestry; for the Hebrew language makes use of the *plural* to point out the dignity or excellence of a thing: and probably by this the evangelist intended to show his countrymen, that having Abraham and Sarah for their parents would not entitle them to the blessings of the new covenant; as no man could lay claim to them, but in consequence of being born of God; therefore, neither *the will of the flesh*-any thing that the corrupt heart of man could purpose or determine in its own behalf; nor *the will of man*-any thing that *another* may be disposed to do in our behalf, can avail here; this new birth must come through the *will of God*-through; his own unlimited power and boundless mercy, prescribing salvation by Christ Jesus alone. It has been already observed that the Jews required circumcision, baptism, and sacrifice, in order to make a proselyte. They allow that the Israelites had in Egypt cast off circumcision, and were consequently out of the covenant; but at length they were circumcised, and they mingled the blood of circumcision with the blood of the paschal lamb, and from this union of *bloods* they were again made the children of God. See *Lightfoot*. This was the only way by which the Jews could be made the sons of God; but the evangelist shows them that, under the Gospel dispensation, no person could become a child of God, but by being spiritually regenerated.

Verse [John 1:14](../../../kjv/john/1/14). ***And the Word was made flesh*** — That very person who was in the beginning-who was with God-and who was God, [John 1:1](../../../kjv/john/1/1), in the fulness of time became flesh-became incarnated by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin. Allowing this apostle to have written by Divine inspiration, is not this verse, taken in connection with [John 1:1](../../../kjv/john/1/1), an absolute and incontestable proof of the proper and eternal Godhead of Christ Jesus?
***And dwelt among us*** — και εσκηνωσεν εν ημιν, *And tabernacled among* *us*: the human nature which he took of the virgin, being as the *shrine, house*, or *temple*, in which his immaculate Deity condescended to dwell. The word is probably an allusion to the Divine Shechinah in the Jewish temple; and as God has represented the whole Gospel dispensation by the types and ceremonies of the old covenant, so the Shechinah in the tabernacle and temple pointed out this manifestation of God in the flesh. The word is thus used by the Jewish writers: it signifies with them a manifestation of the Divine Shechinah.
The original word, σκηνοω, from σκια, *a shadow*, signifies:
1. To build a booth, tent, or *temporary* hut, for present shelter or convenience; and does not properly signify a *lasting* habitation or dwelling place; and is therefore fitly applied to the human nature of Christ, which, like the tabernacle of old, was to be here only for a temporary residence for the eternal Divinity.
2. It signifies to erect such a building as was used on festival occasions, when a man invited and enjoyed the company of his friends. To this meaning of the word, which is a common one in the best Greek writers, the evangelist might allude, to point out Christ's associating his disciples with himself; living, conversing, eating, and drinking with them: so that, while they had the fullest proof of his *Divinity* by the miracles which he wrought, they had the clearest evidence of his *humanity*, by his tabernacling among, eating, drinking, and conversing with them. Concerning the various acceptations of the verb σκηνοω see Raphelius on this verse.
The doctrine of *vicarious sacrifice* and the *incarnation* of the Deity have prevailed among the most ancient nations in the world, and even among those which were not favoured with the letter of Divine revelation. The Hindoos believe that their god has already become *incarnate*, not less than nine times, to save the wretched race of man.
On this subject, *Creeshna*, an incarnation of the supreme God, according to the Hindoo theology, is represented in the *Bhagvat* *Geeta*, as thus addressing one of his disciples: "Although I am not in my nature subject to birth or decay, and am the Lord of all created beings, yet, having command over my own nature, I am made *evident* by my own power; and, as often as there is a decline of virtue and an insurrection of vice and injustice in the world, I make myself *evident*; and thus I appear from age to age, for the preservation of the just, the destruction of the wicked, and the establishment of virtue." *Geeta*, pp. 51, 52.
The following piece, already mentioned, [Luke 1:68](../../../kjv/luke/1/68), translated from the *Sanscreet*, found on a stone, in a cave near the ancient city of *Gya* in the East Indies, is the most astonishing and important of any thing found out of the compass of the Sacred Writings, and a proper illustration of this text.
"The Deity, who is the Lord, the possessor of all, APPEARED in this ocean of natural beings, at the beginning of the *Kalee Yoog* (the age of contention and baseness.) He who is omnipresent, and everlastingly to be contemplated, the Supreme Being, the eternal ONE, the Divinity worthy to be adored-*APPEARED here, with a* *PORTION of his DIVINE NATURE*. Reverence be unto thee in the form of (a) *Bood-dha*! Reverence be unto the Lord of the earth! Reverence be unto thee, an INCARNATION of the Deity, and the Eternal ONE! Reverence be unto thee, O GOD! in the form of the God of mercy! the *dispeller* of PAIN and TROUBLE, the Lord of ALL things, the Deity who overcometh the sins of the *Kalee Yoog*, the guardian of the universe, the emblem of mercy towards those who serve thee! (b) *O'M*! the possessor of all things, in VITAL FORM! Thou art (c) *Brahma*, (d) *Veeshnoo*, and (e) *Mahesa*! Thou art Lord of the universe! Thou art under the form of all things, movable and immovable, the possessor of the whole! And thus I adore thee! Reverence be unto the BESTOWER of SALVATION, and the ruler of the faculties! Reverence be unto thee, the DESTROYER of the EVIL SPIRIT! O *Damordara*, (f) show me favour! I adore thee who art celebrated by a thousand names, and under various forms, in the shape of Bood-dha, the God of mercy! Be propitious, O most high God!" Asiatic Researches, vol. i. p. 284, 285.
***We beheld his glory*** — This refers to the transfiguration, at which John was present, in company with Peter and James.
***The glory as of the only begotten*** — That is, such a glory as *became*, or was *proper* to, the Son of God; for thus the particle ως should be here understood. There is also here an allusion to the manifestations of God above the ark in the tabernacle: see [Exodus 25:22](../../../kjv/exodus/25/22); [Numbers 7:89](../../../kjv/numbers/7/89); and this connects itself with the first clause, *he tabernacled*, or *fixed his tent among us*. While God dwelt in the tabernacle, among the Jews, the priests saw his glory; and while Jesus dwelt among men his glory was manifested in his gracious words and miraculous acts.
***The only begotten of the Father*** — That is, the only person born of a woman, whose human nature never came by the ordinary way of generation; it being a mere creation in the womb of the virgin, by the energy of the Holy Ghost.
***Full of grace and truth.*** — Full of favour, kindness, and mercy to men; teaching the way to the kingdom of God, with all the simplicity, plainness, dignity, and energy of *truth*.
_________________________________________________________________
(a) *Bood-dha*. The name of the Deity, as *author of happiness*.
(b) *O'M*. A mystic emblem of the Deity, forbidden to be pronounced but in silence. It is a syllable formed of the *Sanscreet* letters *a, o o*, which in composition coalesce, and make *o*, and the nasal consonant *m*. The first letter stands for the *Creator*, the second for the *Preserver*, and the third for the *Destroyer*. It is the same among the *Hindoos* as *Yehovah* is among the *Hebrews*.
(c) *Brahma*, the Deity in his *creative* quality.
(d) *Veeshnoo*. He *who filleth all space*: the Deity in his *preserving* quality.
(c) *Mahesa*. The Deity in his *destroying* quality. This is properly the Hindoo Trinity: for these three names belong to the *same* God. See the notes to the *Bhagvat Geeta*.
(f) *Damordara*, or *Darmadeve*, the Indian god of virtue.

Verse [John 1:15](../../../kjv/john/1/15). ***Of him*** — The glorious personage before mentioned: *John* *the Baptist*, whose history was well known to the persons to whom this Gospel came in the beginning, *bare witness; and he* *cried*, - being deeply convinced of the importance and truth of the subject, he delivered his testimony with the utmost zeal and earnestness, - saying, *This is he of whom I spake, He that cometh* *after me*- for I am no other than the *voice* of the *crier* in the wilderness, [Isaiah 40:3](../../../kjv/isaiah/40/3), the forerunner of the Messiah.
***Was before me.*** — Speaking by the prophets, and warning your fathers to repent and return to God, as I now warn you; *for he was* *before me*-he was from eternity, and from him I have derived both my *being* and my *ministry*.

Verse [John 1:16](../../../kjv/john/1/16). This verse should be put in place of the *fifteenth*, and the 15th inserted between the 18th and 19th, which appears to be its proper place: thus John's testimony is properly connected. [John 1:15-19](../../../kjv/john/1/15-19)
***And of his fulness*** — Of the plenitude of his *grace* and *mercy*, by which he made an *atonement* for sin; and of the plenitude of his *wisdom* and *truth*, by which the mysteries of heaven have been *revealed*, and the science of eternal truth *taught, we have all* *received*: all we apostles have received *grace* or *mercy* to pardon our sins, and *truth* to enable us so to *write* and *speak*, concerning these things, that those who attend to our testimony shall be unerringly directed in the way of salvation, and with us continue to receive *grace upon grace*, one blessing after another, till they are filled with all the fulness of God. I believe the above to be the meaning of the evangelist, and think it improper to distract the mind of the reader with the various translations and definitions which have been given of the phrase, *grace for* *grace*. It is only necessary to add, that John seems here to refer to the Gospel as succeeding the law: the law was certainly a dispensation both of *grace* and *truth*; for it pointed out the gracious design of God to save men by Christ Jesus; and it was at least a most expressive and well-defined *shadow* of good things to come: but the Gospel, which had now taken place, introduced that plenitude of *grace* and *truth* to the *whole world*, which the law had only *shadowed* forth to the *Jewish people*, and which they imagined should have been restrained to themselves alone. In the most gracious economy of God, one dispensation of mercy and truth is designed to make way for, and to be followed by, another and a greater: thus the law succeeded the patriarchal dispensation, and the Gospel the law; more and more of the plenitude of the grace of the Gospel becomes daily manifest to the genuine followers of Christ; and, to those who are faithful unto death, a heaven full of eternal glory will soon succeed to the grace of the Gospel. To illustrate this point more fully, the following passage in *Philo* the Jew has been adduced: "God is always sparing of his first blessings or graces, (πρωτας χαριτας,) and afterwards gives other graces *upon* them, (αντ εκεινων,) and a third sort *upon* the second, and always new ones *upon* old ones, sometimes of a different kind, and at other times of the same sort." Vol. i. p. 254, ed. Mang. In the above passage the preposition αντι *for*, is used thrice in the sense of επι, *upon*. To confirm the above interpretation Bp. Pearce produces the following quotations. Ecclus xxvi. 15: Χαρις επι χαριτι γυνη αισχυντηρα - *A modest woman* *is a grace upon a grace*, i.e. a *double* grace or blessing. *Euripides* uses the very same phrase with John, where he makes *Theoclymenus* say to *Helena*. Χαρις αντι χαριτος ελθετω, *May* *grace upon grace come to you*! Helen v. 1250. ed. Barn.

Verse [John 1:17](../../../kjv/john/1/17). ***The law was given by Moses*** — Moses received the law from God, and *through* him it was given to the Jews, [Acts 7:38](../../../kjv/acts/7/38).
But ***grace and truth*** — Which he had already mentioned, and which were to be the subject of the book which he was now writing, *came* to all mankind *through Jesus Christ*, who is the *mediator* of the *new* covenant, as Moses was of the *old*: [Hebrews 8:6](../../../kjv/hebrews/8/6); [Hebrews 9:15](../../../kjv/hebrews/9/15); [Galatians 3:19](../../../kjv/galatians/3/19). See a fine discourse on this text by Mr. *Claude*, "Essay on the Composition of a Sermon," vol. i. p. 119, c. edit. Lond. 1788.
The law of Moses, however excellent in itself, was little in comparison of the Gospel: as it proceeded from the justice and holiness of God, and was intended to convict men of sin, that the way of the Gospel might be the better prepared, it was a law of *rigour, condemnation*, and *death*: [Romans 4:15](../../../kjv/romans/4/15); [2 Corinthians 3:7-8](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/3/7-8). It was a law of *shadows, types*, and *figures*: [Hebrews 10:1](../../../kjv/hebrews/10/1), and incapable of expiating sin by its sacrifices: [Romans 8:3](../../../kjv/romans/8/3); [Hebrews 7:18-19](../../../kjv/hebrews/7/18-19); [Hebrews 10:1](../../../kjv/hebrews/10/1), [Hebrews 10:11](../../../kjv/hebrews/10/11). But Christ has brought that *grace* which is opposed to *condemnation*: [Romans 5:15](../../../kjv/romans/5/15), [Romans 5:20-21](../../../kjv/romans/5/20-21); [Romans 8:1](../../../kjv/romans/8/1); [Galatians 3:10](../../../kjv/galatians/3/10); and he is himself the *spirit* and *substance* of all those *shadows*: [Colossians 2:19](../../../kjv/colossians/2/19); [Hebrews 10:1](../../../kjv/hebrews/10/1).
***Jesus Christ.*** — JESUS *the* CHRIST, the *Messiah*, or *anointed* *prophet, priest*, and *king*, sent from heaven. To what has already been said on the important *name Jesus*, (See [Matthew 1:21](../../../kjv/matthew/1/21), and the places there referred to,) I shall add the following explanation, chiefly taken from Professor *Schultens*, who has given a better view of the *ideal* meaning of the root ישע *yasha*, than any other divine or critic.
He observes that this root, in its true force, meaning, and majesty, both in Hebrew and Arabic, includes the ideas of *amplitude, expansion*, and *space*, and should be translated, *he* *was spacious-open-ample*; and, particularly, *he possessed a* *spacious* or *extensive degree* or *rank*: and is applied,
1. To a person possessing *abundance of riches*.
2. To one possessing *abundant power*.
3. To one possessing *abundant* or *extensive* *knowledge*.
4. To one possessing *abundance of happiness, beatitude*, and *glory*.
Hence we may learn the true meaning of [Zechariah 9:9](../../../kjv/zechariah/9/9): *Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion - behold, thy king cometh unto* *thee; he is JUST, and having SALVATION*: - הושיע - he is possessed of all power to *enrich, strengthen, teach, enlarge*, and *raise* to *glory* and *happiness*, them who trust in him. Man by nature is in *want* and *poverty*: in *abjectness* and *weakness*: in *darkness* and *ignorance*: in *straits* and *captivity*: in *wretchedness* and *infamy*. His Redeemer is called ישועה JESUS - he who *looses,* *enlarges*, and *endows with salvation*.
1. He *enriches* man's *poverty*:
2. *strengthens* his *weakness*:
3. *teaches* his *ignorance*:
4. brings him out of *straits* and *difficulties*: and
5. raises him to *happiness, beatitude*, and *glory*.
And the aggregate of these is SALVATION. Hence that saying, *His name shall be called* *JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins*. See *Schultens* Origines Hebraeae, p. 15.

Verse [John 1:18](../../../kjv/john/1/18). ***No man hath seen God at any time*** — Moses and others *heard* his voice, and *saw* the cloud and the fire, which were the *symbols* of his presence; but such a manifestation of God as had now taken place, in the person of Jesus Christ, had never before been exhibited to the world. It is likely that the word *seen*, here, is put for *known*, as in [John 3:32](../../../kjv/john/3/32); [1 John 3:2](../../../kjv/1-john/3/2), [1 John 3:6](../../../kjv/1-john/3/6), and [3 John 1:11](../../../kjv/3-john/1/11); and this sense the latter clause of the verse seems to require:- *No man*, how highly soever favoured, *hath* fully *known God,* *at any time*, in any nation or age; *the only begotten Son*, ([John 1:14](../../../kjv/john/1/14); [John 1:14](../../../kjv/john/1/14),) *who is in the bosom of the Father*, who was intimately acquainted with all the counsels of the Most High, *he hath declared him*, εξηγησατο, hath announced the Divine oracles unto men; for in this sense the word is used by the best Greek writers. See Kypke in loco. 1095
*Lying in the bosom*, is spoken of in reference to the Asiatic custom of reclining while at meals; the person who was next the other was said to *lie in his bosom*; and he who had this place in reference to the master of the feast was supposed to share his peculiar regards, and so be in a state of the utmost favour and intimacy with him.

Verse [John 1:19](../../../kjv/john/1/19). ***And this is the record of John*** — He persisted in this assertion, testifying to the Jews that this Jesus was THE CHRIST.

Verse [John 1:20](../../../kjv/john/1/20). ***He confessed, and denied not; but confessed*** — A common mode of Jewish phraseology. John renounces himself, that Jesus may be all in all. Though God had highly honoured him, and favoured him with peculiar influence in the discharge of his work, yet he considered he had nothing but what he had *received*, and therefore, giving all praise to his benefactor, takes care to direct the attention of the people to him alone from whom he had received his mercies. He who makes use of God's gifts to feed and strengthen his pride and vanity will be sure to be stripped of the goods wherein he trusts, and fall down into the condemnation of the devil. We have nothing but what we have received; we deserve nothing of what we possess; and it is only God's infinite mercy which keeps us in the possession of the blessings which we now enjoy.

Verse [John 1:21](../../../kjv/john/1/21). ***Art thou Elias?*** — The scribes themselves had taught that Elijah was to come before the Messiah. See [Matthew 17:10](../../../kjv/matthew/17/10); and this belief of theirs they supported by a literal construction of [Malachi 4:5](../../../kjv/malachi/4/5).
***Art thou that prophet?*** — the prophet spoken of by Moses, [Deuteronomy 18:15](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/18/15), [Deuteronomy 18:18](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/18/18). This text they had also misunderstood: for the *prophet* or *teacher* promised by Moses was no other than the Messiah himself. See [Acts 3:22](../../../kjv/acts/3/22). But the Jews had a tradition that Jeremiah was to return to life, and restore the pot of manna, the ark of the covenant, c., which he had hidden that the Babylonians might not get them. Besides this, they had a general expectation that all the prophets should come to life in the days of the Messiah.
***I am not.*** — I am not the prophet which *you* expect, nor *Elijah*: though he was the *Elijah* that *was to come* for in the spirit and power of that eminent prophet he came, proclaiming the necessity of reformation in Israel. See [Matthew 11:14](../../../kjv/matthew/11/14); [Matthew 17:10-13](../../../kjv/matthew/17/10-13).

Verse 22. ***That we may give an answer to them that sent us.*** — These Pharisees were probably a deputation from the grand Sanhedrin; the members of which, hearing of the success of the Baptist's preaching, were puzzled to know what to make of him, and seriously desired to hear from himself what he professed to be.

Verse 23. ***I*****am*****the voice of one crying*** — [Matthew 3:3](../../../kjv/matthew/3/3); and [Mark 1:4](../../../kjv/mark/1/4), [Mark 1:5](../../../kjv/mark/1/5).

Verse 25. ***Why baptizest thou then?*** — Baptism was a very common ceremony among the Jews, who never received a proselyte into the full enjoyment of a Jew's privileges, till he was both baptized and circumcised. But such baptisms were never performed except by an ordinance of the Sanhedrin, or in the presence of three magistrates: besides, they never baptized any *Jew* or *Jewess*, nor even those who were the *children* of their *proselytes*; for, as all these were considered as born in the covenant, they had no need of baptism, which was used only as an introductory rite. Now, as John had, in this respect, altered the common custom so very essentially, admitting to his baptism the *Jews* in general, the Sanhedrin took it for granted that no man had authority to make such changes, unless especially commissioned from on high; and that only *the prophet*, or *Elijah*, or the *Messiah* himself; could have authority to act as John did. See the observations at the conclusion of Mark.

Verse 26. ***I baptize with water*** — [Mark 1:8](../../../kjv/mark/1/8); [Mark 1:8](../../../kjv/mark/1/8). I use the common form, though I direct the baptized to a different end, viz. that they shall repent of their sins, and believe in the Messiah.
***There standeth one among you*** — That is, the person whose forerunner I am is now *dwelling in the land of Judea*, and will shortly make his appearance among you. Christ was not *present* when John spoke thus, as may be seen from [John 1:29](../../../kjv/john/1/29).

Verse 27. ***Is preferred before me*** — Ὁς εμπροσθεν μου γεγονεν, *Who* *was before me*. This clause is wanting in BC*L, four others, the *Coptic, AEthiopic, Slavonic*, and two copies of the *Itala*, and in some of the primitive fathers. *Griesbach* has left it out of the text. It is likely that it was omitted by the above, because it was found in verses [John 1:15](../../../kjv/john/1/15) and [John 1:30](../../../kjv/john/1/30). [John 1:15](../../../kjv/john/1/15); [John 1:30](../../../kjv/john/1/30) At the end of this verse, EG, and ten others, with some copies of the *Slavonic*, add, *He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire*.

Verse 28. ***These things were done in Bethabara*** — It is very probable that the word *Bethany* should be inserted here, instead of *Bethabara*. This reading, in the judgment of the best critics, is the genuine one. The following are the authorities by which it is supported: ABCEGHLMSX, BV, of Matthai, upwards of a hundred others, *Syriac, Armenian, Persic, Coptic, Slavonic, Vulgate,* *Saxon*, and all the *Itala*, with some of the most eminent of the primitive fathers, before the time of Origen, who is supposed to have first changed the reading. *Bethabara* signifies literally *the* *house of passage*, and is thought to be the place where the Israelites passed the river Jordan under Joshua. There was a place called *Bethany*, about two miles from Jerusalem, at the foot of the mount of Olives. But there was another of the same name, beyond Jordan, in the tribe of Reuben. It was probably of this that the evangelist speaks; and Origen, not knowing of this second Bethany, altered the reading to *Bethabara*. See *Rosenmuller*.

Verse 29. ***The next day*** — The day after that on which the Jews had been with John, [John 1:19](../../../kjv/john/1/19).
***Behold the Lamb of God***, c.] This was said in allusion to what was spoken [Isaiah 53:7](../../../kjv/isaiah/53/7). Jesus was the true Lamb or Sacrifice required and appointed by God, of which those offered *daily* in the tabernacle and temple, [Exodus 29:38-39](../../../kjv/exodus/29/38-39), and especially the *paschal* lamb, were only the types and representatives. See [Exodus 12:4-5](../../../kjv/exodus/12/4-5); [1 Corinthians 5:7](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/5/7). The *continual* morning and evening sacrifice of a lamb, under the Jewish law, was intended to point out the *continual* efficacy of the blood of atonement: for even at the throne of God, Jesus Christ is ever represented as a lamb newly slain, [Revelation 5:6](../../../kjv/revelation/5/6). But John, pointing to Christ, calls him *emphatically, the Lamb of* *God*:-all the lambs which had been hitherto offered had been furnished by *men*: this was provided by GOD, as the only sufficient and available sacrifice for the sin of the world. In three essential respects, this lamb differed from those by which it was represented.
1st. It was the *Lamb of God*; the most *excellent*, and the most *available*.
2nd. It made an *atonement* for *sin*: it carried sin away in *reality*, the others only *representatively*.
3rd. It carried away the *sin* of the WORLD, whereas the other was offered only on behalf of the *Jewish people*. In *Yalcut Rubeni*, fol. 30, it is said, "The Messiah shall bear the sins of the Israelites." But this salvation was now to be extended to the *whole world*.

Verse 31. ***And I knew him not***, &c.] John did not know our Lord *personally*, and perhaps had never seen him, at the time he spoke the words in [John 1:15](../../../kjv/john/1/15). Nor is it any wonder that the Baptist should have been unacquainted with Christ, as he had spent thirty years in the hill country of Hebron, and our Lord remained in a state of great privacy in the obscure city of Nazareth, in the extreme borders of Galilee.
***But that he should be made manifest to Israel*** — One design of my publicly baptizing was, that he, coming to my baptism, should be shown to be what he is, by some extraordinary sign from heaven.

Verse 32. ***I saw the Spirit descending***, c.] See the notes on [Matthew 3:16](../../../kjv/matthew/3/16), [Matthew 3:17](../../../kjv/matthew/3/17).

Verse 33. ***He that sent me - said unto me*** — From this we may clearly perceive that John had a most intimate acquaintance with the Divine Being; and received not only his call and mission at first, but every subsequent direction, by *immediate, unequivocal* *inspiration*. Who is fit to proclaim Jesus, but he who has continual intercourse with God; who is constantly receiving light and life from Christ their fountain; who bears a steady, uniform testimony to Jesus, even in the presence of his enemies; and who at all times *abases* himself, that Jesus alone may be *magnified*! *Reformation* of *manners*, and *salvation* of *souls*, will accompany such a person's labours whithersoever he goeth.

Verse 35. ***The next day*** — After that mentioned [John 1:29](../../../kjv/john/1/29).
***Two of his disciples*** — One of them was *Andrew*, [John 1:40](../../../kjv/john/1/40), and it is very likely that *John* himself was the other; in every thing in which he might receive honour he studiously endeavours to conceal his own name.

Verse 36. ***And looking upon Jesus*** — *Attentively beholding*, εμβλεψας, from εν, *into*, and βλεπω, *to look*- to view with steadfastness and attention. He who desires to discover the glories and excellencies of this Lamb of God, must *thus* look on him. At first sight, he appears only as a man among men, and as dying in testimony to the truth, as many others have died. But, on a more attentive consideration, he appears to be no less than God manifest in the flesh, and, by his death, making an atonement for the sin of the world.
***Behold the Lamb of God!*** — By this the Baptist designed to direct the attention of his own disciples to Jesus, not only as the great sacrifice for the sin of the world, but also as the complete teacher of heavenly truth.

Verse 37. ***And the two disciples heard him*** — And they perfectly understood their master's meaning; in consequence of which, they followed Jesus. Happy they who, on hearing of the salvation of Christ, immediately attach themselves to its author! Delays are always dangerous; and, in this case, often fatal. Reader! hast thou ever had Christ as a sacrifice for thy sin pointed out unto thee? If so, hast thou followed him? If not, thou art not in the way to the kingdom of God. Lose not another moment! Eternity is at hand! and thou art not prepared to meet thy God. Pray that he may alarm thy conscience, and stir up thy soul to seek till thou have found.

Verse 38. ***What seek ye?*** — These disciples might have felt some embarrassment in addressing our blessed Lord, after hearing the character which the Baptist gave of him; to remove or prevent this, he graciously accosts them, and gives them an opportunity of explaining themselves to him. Such questions, we may conceive, the blessed Jesus still puts to those who in simplicity of heart desire an acquaintance with him. A question of this nature we may profitably ask ourselves: *What seek ye*? In *this* place! In the *company* you frequent? In the *conversation* you engage in? In the *affairs* with which you are occupied? In the *works* which you perform? Do you seek the humiliation, illumination, justification, edification, or sanctification of your soul? The edification of your neighbour? The good of the Church of Christ? Or, The glory of God? Questions of this nature often put to our hearts, in the fear of God, would induce us to do many things which we now leave undone, and to leave undone many things which we now perform.
***Rabbi*** — *Teacher*. Behold the modesty of these disciples-we wish to be *scholars*, we are *ignorant*-we desire to be *taught*; we believe thou art a teacher come from God.
***Where dwellest thou?*** — That we may come and receive thy instructions.

Verse 39. ***Come and see.*** — If those who know not the salvation of God would *come* at the command of Christ, they should soon *see* that with him is the fountain of life, and in his light they should see light. Reader, if thou art seriously inquiring *where* Christ dwelleth, take the following for answer: He dwells not in the *tumult of worldly affairs*, nor in *profane assemblies*, nor in *worldly pleasures*, nor in the *place* where *drunkards* proclaim their shame, nor in *carelessness* and *indolence*. But he is found in his *temple*, wherever *two or three are gathered together in his* *name*, in *secret prayer*, in *self-denial*, in *fasting*, in *self-examination*. He also *dwells* in the *humble, contrite spirit*, in the *spirit of faith*, of *love*, of *forgiveness*, of universal *obedience*; in a word, he dwells in the *heaven* of *heavens*, whither he graciously purposes to bring thee, if thou wilt *come* and *learn* of him, and *receive* the salvation which he has bought for thee by his own blood.
***The tenth hour*** — Generally supposed to be about what we call *four* o'clock in the *afternoon*. According to [John 11:9](../../../kjv/john/11/9), the Jews reckoned twelve hours in the day; and of course each hour of the day, thus reckoned, must have been something longer or shorter, according to the different times of the year in that climate. The *sixth* hour with them answered to our twelve o'clock, as appears from what Josephus says in his life, chap. liv. *That on the* *Sabbath day it was the rule for the Jews to go to dinner at the* *sixth hour*, (εκτη ωρα.) The Romans had the same way of reckoning twelve hours in each of their days. Hence what we meet with in Hor. lib. ii. sat. vi. l. 34: *ante secundam* signifies, as we should express it, *before eight o'clock*. And when, in lib. i. sat. vi. l. 122, he says, *ad quartam jaceo*, he means that he lay in bed *till ten o'clock*. See Bishop Pearce on this place. Dr. Macknight, however, is of opinion that the evangelist is to be understood as speaking of the Roman hour, which was ten o'clock in the morning; and as the evangelist remarks, *they abode with him that day*, it implies that there was a considerable portion of time spent with our Lord, in which, by his conversation, he removed all their scruples, and convinced them that he was the *Messiah*. But, had it been the Jewish tenth hour, it would have been useless to remark *their abiding with him that day*, as there were only *two* hours of it still remaining. Harmony, vol. i. p. 52.

Verse 41. ***Findeth his own brother Simon*** — Every discovery of the Gospel of the Son of God produces benevolence, and leads those to whom it is made to communicate it to others. Those who find Jesus find in him a treasure of *wisdom* and *knowledge*, through which they may not only become rich themselves, but be instruments, in the hand of God, of enriching others. These disciples, having tasted the good word of Christ, were not willing to eat their bread alone, but went and invited others to partake with them. Thus the knowledge of Christ became diffused-one invited another to *come* *and see*: Jesus received all, and the number of disciples was increased, and the attentive hearers were innumerable. Every man who has been brought to an acquaintance with God should endeavour to bring, at least, *another* with him; and his first attention should be fixed upon those of his own household.

Verse 42. ***Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.*** — πετρος signifies a *stone*, or fragment of a rock. The reason why this name was given to Simon, who was ever afterwards called *Peter*, may be seen in the notes on [Matthew 16:18](../../../kjv/matthew/16/18), [Matthew 16:19](../../../kjv/matthew/16/19), and particularly in Luke, at the end of chap 9. [Matthew 16:19](../../../kjv/matthew/16/19)

Verse 43. ***Philip*** — This apostle was a native of Bethsaida in Galilee. *Eusebius* says he was a married man, and had several daughters. *Clemens Alexandrinus* mentions it as a thing universally acknowledged that it was this apostle who, when commanded by our Lord to follow him, said, *Let me first go and bury my father*, [Matthew 8:21-22](../../../kjv/matthew/8/21-22). *Theodoret* says he preached in the two *Phrygias*; and *Eusebius* says he was buried in *Phrygia Pacatiana*. He must not be confounded with Philip the deacon, spoken of [Acts 6:5](../../../kjv/acts/6/5).

Verse 45. ***Nathanael*** — This apostle is supposed to be the same with *Bartholomew*, which is very likely, for these reasons
1. That the evangelists who mention *Bartholomew* say nothing of *Nathanael*; and that St. John, who speaks of *Nathanael*, says nothing of *Bartholomew*.
2. No notice is taken any where of Bartholomew's vocation, unless his and that of Nathanael mentioned here be the same.
3. The name of Bartholomew is not a *proper* name; it signifies the *son of Ptolomy*; and Nathanael might have been his own name.
4. St. John seems to rank Nathanael with the apostles, when he says that Peter and Thomas, the two sons of Zebedee, Nathanael, and two other disciples, being gone a fishing, Jesus showed himself to them, [John 21:2-4](../../../kjv/john/21/2-4).
***Moses in the law*** — See [Genesis 3:16](../../../kjv/genesis/3/16); [Genesis 22:18](../../../kjv/genesis/22/18); [Genesis 49:10](../../../kjv/genesis/49/10); [Deuteronomy 18:18](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/18/18).
***And the prophets*** — See [Isaiah 4:2](../../../kjv/isaiah/4/2); [Isaiah 7:14](../../../kjv/isaiah/7/14); [Isaiah 9:5](../../../kjv/isaiah/9/5); [Isaiah 40:10](../../../kjv/isaiah/40/10); [Isaiah 53:1](../../../kjv/isaiah/53/1), c.; [Jeremiah 23:5](../../../kjv/jeremiah/23/5); [Jeremiah 33:14-15](../../../kjv/jeremiah/33/14-15); [Ezekiel 34:23](../../../kjv/ezekiel/34/23); [Ezekiel 37:24](../../../kjv/ezekiel/37/24); [Daniel 9:24](../../../kjv/daniel/9/24); [Micah 5:2](../../../kjv/micah/5/2); [Zechariah 6:12](../../../kjv/zechariah/6/12); [Zechariah 9:9](../../../kjv/zechariah/9/9); [Zechariah 12:10](../../../kjv/zechariah/12/10).

Verse 46. ***Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?*** — Bp. Pearce supposes that the τι αγαθον of the evangelist has some particular force in it: for, in [Jeremiah 33:14](../../../kjv/jeremiah/33/14), God says, I will perform *that good thing* which I promised, c. and this, in [Jeremiah 33:15](../../../kjv/jeremiah/33/15) is explained to mean, his causing *the branch of righteousness* (i.e. the Messiah) to grow up unto David, from whom Jesus was descended: in this view, Nathanael's question seems to imply, that not *Nazareth*, but *Bethlehem*, was to be the birth-place of the Messiah, according to what the chief priests and scribes had determined, [Matthew 2:4-6](../../../kjv/matthew/2/4-6). If this conjecture be not thought solid, we may suppose that Nazareth, at this time, was become so *abandoned* that no good could be expected from any of those who dwelt in it, and that its wickedness had passed into a proverb: Can any thing good be found in Nazareth? Or, that the question is illiberal, and full of national prejudice.
***Come and see.*** — He who candidly examines the evidences of the religion of Christ will infallibly become a believer. No history ever published among men has so many external and internal proofs of authenticity as this has. A man should judge of nothing by first appearances, or human prejudices. Who are they who cry out, *The Bible is a fable*? Those who have never read it, or read it only with the fixed purpose to gainsay it. I once met with a person who professed to disbelieve every tittle of the New Testament, a chapter of which, he acknowledged, he had never read. I asked him, had he ever read the *Old*? He answered, No! And yet this man had the assurance to reject the whole as an imposture! God has mercy on those whose ignorance leads them to form prejudices against the truth; but he confounds those who take them up through envy and malice, and endeavour to communicate them to others.

Verse 47. ***Behold an Israelite indeed*** — A worthy descendant of the patriarch Jacob, who not only professes to believe in Israel's God, but who worships him in sincerity and truth, according to his light.
***In whom is no guile!*** — Deceitfulness ever has been, and still is, the deeply marked characteristic of the Jewish people. To find a man, living in the midst of so much corruption, walking in uprightness before his Maker, was a subject worthy the attention of God himself. Behold this man! and, while you see and admire, imitate his conduct.

Verse 48. ***Whence knowest thou me?*** — He was not yet acquainted with the divinity of Christ, could not conceive that he could search his heart, and therefore asks how he could acquire this knowledge of him, or who had given him that character. It is the comfort of the sincere and upright, that God knows their hearts; and it should be the terror of the deceitful and of the hypocrite, that their false dealing is ever noticed by the all-seeing eye of God.
***Under the fig tree*** — Probably engaged in prayer with God, for the speedy appearing of the salvation of Israel; and the shade of *this* *fig tree* was perhaps the *ordinary* place of retreat for this upright man. It is not *A fig tree*, but την συκην, *THE fig tree*, one particularly distinguished from the others. There are many proofs that the Jewish rabbins chose the shade of trees, and particularly the *fig tree*, to sit and study under. See many examples in *Schoettgen*. How true is the saying, The eyes of the Lord are through all the earth, beholding the evil and the good! Wheresoever we are, whatsoever we are about, may a deep conviction of this truth rest upon our hearts, *Thou God seest ME*!

Verse 49. ***Rabbi*** — That is, *Teacher*! and so this word should be translated.
***Thou art the Son of God*** — The promised Messiah.
***Thou art the King of Israel.*** — The real descendant of David, who art to sit on that spiritual throne of which the throne of David was the type.

Verse [John 1:50](../../../kjv/john/1/50). ***Because I said - I saw thee***, &c.] As thou hast credited my Divine mission on this simple proof, that I saw thee when and where no human eye, placed where mine was, could see thee, thy faith shall not rest merely upon this, for *thou shalt see greater* *things than these*- more numerous and express proofs of my eternal power and Godhead.

Verse [John 1:51](../../../kjv/john/1/51). ***Verily, verily*** — *Amen, amen*. The doubling of this word probably came from this circumstance: that it was written both in Hebrew אמן and in Greek αμην, signifying, *it is true*.
***Heaven open*** — This seems to be a figurative expression:
1. Christ may be understood by this saying to mean, that a *clear* and *abundant revelation* of God's will should be now made unto men; that heaven itself should be *laid* as it were *open*, and all the mysteries which had been shut up and hidden in it from eternity, relative to the salvation and glorification of man; should be now fully revealed.
2. That by the *angels of God ascending and* *descending*, is to be understood, that a *perpetual intercourse* should now be opened between heaven and earth, through the medium of Christ, who was God manifested in the flesh. Our blessed Lord is represented in his mediatorial capacity as the *ambassador of* *God to men*; and the *angels ascending and descending upon the Son* *of man*, is a metaphor taken from the custom of despatching *couriers* or *messengers* from the prince to his ambassador in a foreign court, and from the ambassador back to the prince.
This metaphor will receive considerable light when compared with [2 Corinthians 5:19-20](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/5/19-20): God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself:- *We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech* *you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead to be reconciled to God*. The whole concerns of human salvation shall be carried on, from henceforth, through the Son of man; and an incessant intercourse be established between heaven and earth. Some have illustrated this passage by the account of Jacob's vision, [Genesis 28:12](../../../kjv/genesis/28/12). But though that vision may intimate that God had established at that time a communication between heaven and earth, through the medium of angels, yet it does not appear that our Lord's saying here has any reference to it; but that it should be understood as stated above.
What a glorious view does this give us of the Gospel dispensation! It is heaven opened to earth; and heaven opened on earth. The Church militant and the Church triumphant become one, and the whole heavenly family, in both, see and adore their common Lord. Neither the world nor the Church is left to the caprices of time or chance. The *Son of man* governs as he upholds all. Wherever we are praying, studying, hearing, meditating, his gracious eye is upon us. He notes our wants, our weakness, and our petitions; and his eye affects his heart. Let us be without *guile*, deeply, habitually sincere, serious, and upright; and then we may rest assured, that not only the eye, but the hand, of our Lord shall be ever upon us for good. Happy the man whose heart can rejoice in the reflection, Thou God seest me!

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