John 1:12
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Gave he power - Εξουσιαν, Privilege, honor, 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 honor 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But as many--individuals, of the "disobedient and gainsaying people." gave he power--The word signifies both authority and ability, and both are certainly meant here. to become--Mark these words: Jesus is the Son of God; He is never said to have become such. the sons--or more simply, "sons of God," in name and in nature. believe on his name--a phrase never used in Scripture of any mere creature, to express the credit given to human testimony, even of prophets or apostles, inasmuch it carries with it the idea of trust proper only towards GOD. In this sense of supreme faith, as due to Him who "gives those that believe in Himself power to become sons of God," it is manifestly used here.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But as many as received him,.... This is explained, in the latter part of the text, by believing in his name; for faith is a receiving him as the word, and Son of God, as the Messiah, Saviour, and Redeemer; a receiving grace out of his fulness, and every blessing from him, as a justifying righteousness, pardon of sin, and an inheritance among them that are sanctified; for though the generality rejected him, there were some few that received him: to them gave he power to become the sons of God; as such were very early called, in distinction from the children of men, or of the world; see Gen 6:2. To be the sons of God is a very special favour, a great blessing, and high honour: saints indeed are not in so high a sense the sons of God as Christ is; nor in so low a sense as angels and men in common are; nor in such sense as civil magistrates; nor merely by profession of religion; much less by natural descent; but by adopting grace: and in this, Christ, the word, has a concern, as all the three divine persons have. The Father predestinated men to the adoption of children, secures this blessing for them in the covenant of his grace, and puts them among the children, and assigns them a goodly heritage: the Spirit, and who is therefore called the spirit of adoption, discovers and applies this blessing to them, and witnesses to their spirits that they are the children of God: and Christ, the word, or Son of God, not only espoused their persons, and in time assumed their nature, and by the redemption of them opened a way for their reception of the adoption of children; but actually bestows upon them the "power", as it is here called, of becoming the sons of God: by which is meant, not a power of free will to make themselves the sons of God, if they will make use of it; but it signifies the honour and dignity conferred on such persons: so Nonnus calls it, "the heavenly honour"; as indeed, what can be a greater? It is more honourable than to be a son or daughter of the greatest potentate on earth: and it is expressive of its being a privilege; for so it is an undeserved and distinguishing one, and is attended with many other privileges; for such are of God's household and family, and are provided for by him; have liberty of access unto him; are Christ's free men, and are heirs to an incorruptible inheritance. This is a privilege that excels all others, even justification and remission of sins; and is an everlasting one: and it also intends the open right which believers have unto this privilege, and their claim of it: hence it follows, even to them that believe in his name; that is, in himself, in Christ, the word: the phrase is explanative of the former part of the verse, and is a descriptive and manifestative character of the sons of God; for though the elect of God, by virtue of electing grace, and the covenant of grace, are the children of God before faith; and were so considered in the gift of them to Christ, and when he came into the world to gather them together, and save them; and so, antecedent to the Spirit of God, being sent down into their hearts, to make this known to them; yet no man can know his adoption, nor enjoy the comfort of it, or claim his interest in it, until he believes.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:12 Only through divine renewal can people follow the light and enter God’s family (3:1-17). • Individuals must believe in Christ to become children of God (12:35-36).
John 1:12
The Witness of John
11He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.12But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—13children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 3): Begotten Again Unto a Living Hope
By A.W. Tozer14K31:30Living HopeEZK 36:28JHN 1:122CO 5:171PE 1:31PE 1:23In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a young lady eagerly preparing for a long-awaited reunion with her loved one. However, unbeknownst to her, the ship he was on has sunk, and he is now floating lifeless in the sea. The preacher then discusses his preaching style, which focuses on uncovering the principles behind the text rather than simply preaching the words. He emphasizes the importance of supernatural grace and the miracles that are at the core of the Christian faith. The preacher also shares a story of a preacher who was forced out of a missionary society for emphasizing supernatural grace and the unexplainable experiences that believers have in Christ.
Released Now From the Bondage of Depression
By Kathryn Kuhlman14K27:36DepressionJHN 1:12ROM 8:14GAL 4:61JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher talks about the coming of the Holy Ghost and the importance of recognizing its presence. The sermon emphasizes the love and grace of God, and the need for discipline and guidance from the Holy Ghost. The preacher shares a personal story about feeling proud to belong to God and the impact it had on their life. The sermon concludes with a call to stop and listen to the Holy Ghost, and a reminder of the importance of acknowledging God's presence in our lives.
A Christmas Question
By C.H. Spurgeon11K48:37PSA 36:1ISA 9:6MAT 6:33JHN 1:12ROM 8:142CO 5:21HEB 2:17The sermon transcript describes the pitiable condition of those who died from hunger and cold in the streets. It then transitions to a depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his suffering and the completion of the atonement for sin. The sermon urges sinners to believe in Christ and find salvation. It concludes with a call to rejoice and celebrate the birth of Jesus, comparing it to the joyous celebration of a prince being born.
The Promises of God - Part 2
By Kathryn Kuhlman6.6K30:08PromisesJHN 1:12JHN 3:3ROM 8:9ROM 10:92CO 5:17EPH 1:71JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the current state of the nation and emphasizes the importance of knowing one's worth and the worth of others. The speaker shares their personal belief in staking everything on Jesus, whom they have never seen but have witnessed his transformative power in the lives of people. They describe the greatest miracle as the transformation of a life and give examples of individuals who have been lifted out of despair and given new purpose through their faith in Jesus. The speaker concludes by highlighting the significance of the spiritual birth and the ability of Jesus to bring about a complete change in a person's life.
What Does It Mean to Accept Christ - Part 1
By A.W. Tozer6.0K22:47Sinners PrayerISA 1:16MAT 6:33MAT 7:21JHN 1:12ACT 16:31ROM 10:9JAS 2:17In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of the prodigal son from the Bible. He emphasizes the humbling experience of the son feeding swine, which was considered shameful for a Jew. The preacher then introduces a young man who approaches the prodigal son and shares the good news that his father is ready to forgive him. The prodigal son believes this and is encouraged to thank the Lord and accept his salvation. The preacher also criticizes a form of evangelism that focuses on accepting doctrine rather than true repentance and forgiveness.
Man's Ruin and God's Remedy
By Oswald J. Smith5.7K18:49Depravity Of ManISA 53:6MAT 6:33JHN 1:12JHN 3:16ACT 4:12ROM 3:23ROM 6:23In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah 53:6, which states that all people have gone astray like sheep and turned to their own ways. However, the Lord has laid the iniquity of everyone on Jesus Christ. The preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting what God has done and receiving Jesus Christ as one's personal Savior. He refers to John 1:12, which states that those who receive Jesus are given the power to become children of God. The preacher shares his personal experience of accepting Jesus at a young age and encourages the audience to open their hearts to Jesus and be saved for eternity.
Witness of the Spirit - Part 2
By Paris Reidhead4.0K19:22Witness Of The SpiritFellowship With GodThe Witness of the SpiritJHN 1:12JHN 14:17ROM 8:152CO 1:22GAL 4:6EPH 2:18HEB 10:221JN 3:241JN 5:10Paris Reidhead emphasizes the necessity of genuine fellowship with God, contrasting it with the superficiality of modern evangelism. He challenges listeners to reflect on their personal relationship with God, urging them to seek true communion rather than mere discussions about Him. Reidhead shares the poignant story of David Brainerd, who expressed deep concern for the souls of those he preached to, highlighting the importance of ensuring that faith is genuine and not based on false assumptions. He concludes with a call for believers to recognize the Spirit's witness in their hearts, affirming their identity as children of God and encouraging them to live out their faith authentically.
Ask Your Father in Heaven
By John Piper3.8K41:36MAT 7:7MAT 7:11MAT 20:28MAT 26:28JHN 1:12This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer, highlighting God's infinite strength, righteousness, goodness, wisdom, and love, inviting believers to come and ask Him for good things. It encourages a deep inclination to pray, drawing from Jesus' teachings in Matthew 7:7-11. The sermon unpacks eight encouragements to pray, emphasizing God's promises to respond with good things, the accessibility of God as our Father, and the foundational role of the cross in answering our prayers.
A Biblical Family - a Tool in God's Hands (Part 2)
By Erlo Stegen3.8K1:02:07Biblical FamilyEXO 20:5MAT 10:34MAT 12:48JHN 1:12EPH 3:15COL 3:2In this final service of a weekend conference on the biblical family, the preacher emphasizes the importance of parents repenting of their sins and seeking forgiveness from God. He warns that the iniquities of parents can have consequences for their children up to the third and fourth generation. The preacher shares a story of a baby who cried incessantly after birth, illustrating the potential effects of parental sin on their offspring. He urges parents to take their family responsibilities seriously, including providing spiritual leadership and proper discipline. The preacher also highlights the need for cultural preservation and self-discipline within the Zulu community.
(Women) 01. Marriage Is Honourable
By Keith Daniel2.6K1:09:47MarriageMAT 5:21JHN 1:12JHN 3:3JHN 14:6JHN 15:5HEB 13:41JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of faithfulness and trust in the world, particularly in marriages. However, their perspective changes when they meet their new neighbors who are born again Christians and serve Christ together. The speaker is amazed by the couple's dedication to God and their efforts to share the message of Jesus. The sermon takes a personal turn when the speaker reunites with the couple after many years and learns that they have gone through a divorce and faced numerous tragedies. The speaker ponders the tragic ending to their marriage and family, but does not delve into the details out of respect for their privacy.
Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 5
By T. Austin-Sparks2.5K54:18Seeing JesusLUK 1:35JHN 1:12JHN 3:6JHN 16:331JN 3:11JN 5:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the significance of being a child of God and highlights the divine intervention that occurs in the process of new birth. The common misconception of placing the responsibility of the new birth on man is addressed, with the speaker emphasizing that it is a result of God's intervention from heaven. The speaker also mentions the suffering that Mary, the mother of Jesus, experienced as a result of her obedience to God's word. The sermon concludes with the idea that the cross reveals the true thoughts and intentions of people's hearts.
John Wesley's Vision of Authentic Christianity
By Herbert McGonigle2.3K1:04:03Authentic ChristianityMAT 22:37JHN 1:12ACT 26:18ROM 14:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the preaching of John Wesley, a prominent figure in the Methodist movement. Wesley preached to a crowd of about three thousand people in the open air, emphasizing the importance of loving God and loving one's neighbor. He believed that scriptural holiness was defined by these two principles. Wesley lived a life of simplicity and generosity, giving away all his wealth and focusing on serving the poor. The sermon also mentions the bicentenary of the abolition of slavery, highlighting the importance of historical accuracy in reporting.
What Love Is This? - Part 7
By Dave Hunt2.3K09:52JHN 1:12JHN 5:25This sermon delves into the theological debate surrounding Calvinism and the concept of regeneration before belief. It discusses the idea that God must sovereignly regenerate individuals before they can have faith, emphasizing the distinction between spiritual death and physical death. The sermon explores key Bible verses like John 5, John 1:12-13, and the implications of being born again through the word of God.
Christmas Talk
By Hans R. Waldvogel2.1K14:18ChristmasPSA 34:6ISA 53:2LUK 2:7LUK 11:13JHN 1:12ROM 8:321JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity of receiving Jesus into one's heart. He compares it to the busy Christmas season, where people are focused on material things. The preacher highlights that Jesus came to earth in a humble manner, in a manger, which was unexpected. The sermon also mentions the presence of angels and Satan during gatherings, emphasizing the importance of accepting Jesus and not turning him aside. The preacher encourages the audience to realize their worth as God's creation and to seek understanding of their purpose in life.
The Singular Origin of a Christian Man
By C.H. Spurgeon2.0K47:37PSA 33:9ISA 40:13JHN 1:12JHN 3:8EPH 2:10HEB 10:241PE 1:23The sermon transcript discusses the concept of man as God's workmanship, both in the initial creation and in the process of being created anew. The speaker emphasizes the marvels of grace that have been wrought upon humanity, despite their sinful nature. The importance of labor and toil is highlighted, as it is seen as a necessary part of life and a means to earn one's daily bread. The sermon concludes with the assurance that God will continue to work on humanity with His power, long-suffering, and wisdom until they are perfected and complete.
Assurance of Salvation
By Emanuel Esh2.0K1:17:26AssuranceISA 1:18MAT 6:33JHN 1:12ROM 3:23ROM 6:231PE 1:231JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a prepared heart to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. He acknowledges that while some young people may be ready and open to believe in Jesus, others may not yet understand that they are lost and in need of salvation. The preacher explains that there are three key things that must be understood and accepted in order to be saved. He also highlights the parable of the sower, illustrating how different types of hearts can either receive or reject the gospel message. Ultimately, the preacher emphasizes the need for a prepared heart to bear lasting fruit in one's faith.
Easter Sunday
By Martin Geehan2.0K42:03EasterJHN 1:12JHN 14:6ROM 8:21CO 15:57PHP 3:10COL 3:21TH 4:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to trust in Christ as their Savior and believe in Him with all their hearts. He highlights the power of the resurrection and how it can bring victory and freedom from sin and death. The preacher encourages the congregation to set their affections on things above and to spend time with Jesus, treating Him as a living presence in their lives. He concludes by urging everyone to pray for the power of Christ's resurrection to reside in them and to be faithful until Christ's second coming.
The Last Call
By Alan Bartley1.8K45:10DEU 30:19PSA 32:5JHN 1:12JHN 8:12ROM 10:132CO 6:2EPH 3:17HEB 3:151JN 5:12REV 3:20This sermon focuses on Revelation 3:20, emphasizing the urgency of responding to Jesus' call to open the door of our hearts to Him. It highlights the consequences of delaying or rejecting this call, the need to let go of sin, and the certainty of salvation when we invite Jesus into our lives.
The Fatherhood of God
By C.H. Spurgeon1.8K40:25GEN 12:3MAT 6:9MAT 6:33JHN 1:12ROM 8:14EPH 2:191JN 3:1In this sermon, preached by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the focus is on the Fatherhood of God. Spurgeon emphasizes the love and mercy of God towards humanity, urging those who do not love and fear God to seek forgiveness through the blood of Christ. He highlights the significance of being called children of God, stating that it is not just a name but a reflection of God's great heart towards us. Spurgeon also emphasizes the duty of love that comes with this sonship, urging listeners to love their Heavenly Father. He concludes by highlighting the comfort and strength that comes from knowing God as our Father, even in times of trouble and adversity.
Jude - Last Days Message to Christians
By Martin Geehan1.6K34:30Last Days MessageMAT 13:25JHN 1:12ROM 3:23JUD 1:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of studying the Word of God and encourages the audience to come faithfully for three months to experience its transformative power. He refers to Donald Gray Bond House, who had a thousand people attending his Bible study class every Monday night in New York City. The speaker emphasizes the need to draw close to Christ in these last days and live and breathe in Him. He then turns to the epistle of Jude, a short but prophetic book in the Bible, and highlights its relevance to the current generation and the fulfillment of biblical prophecies. The speaker also expresses concern about the declining respect for God in the nation and emphasizes the importance of upholding the values and principles that have made the country great.
The Triology of Intercession
By Wesley Duewel1.5K1:12:32IntercessionGEN 28:12PSA 47:8ISA 54:2JHN 1:12ACT 9:151CO 11:23EPH 2:10In this sermon, Bob begins by recounting the story of Jacob's dream of a ladder reaching to heaven. He emphasizes that being a child of God is not simply about being a member of a church or participating in religious rituals. Bob passionately calls for believers to exercise their kingdom authority and make a difference in society. He highlights the importance of prayer and the role of the Holy Spirit in deepening our understanding of sin and the need for revival. The sermon concludes with a reference to Isaiah 54:2, encouraging believers to enlarge their spiritual influence and strengthen their faith.
God Chooses and Uses Nobodies
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:04:13JOB 42:10PRO 3:5ISA 40:31MAT 5:3JHN 1:12ROM 9:161CO 4:7GAL 6:3JAS 2:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of being poor in spirit, recognizing that all blessings and abilities come from God. It warns against the dangers of spiritual pride and the need to constantly humble oneself before God, acknowledging that everything received is a gift from Him. The speaker uses the example of Job to illustrate the transformation that occurs when one moves from pride to humility, leading to a double portion of blessings from God.
John 3:1
By Worth Ellis1.4K42:45JHN 1:12JHN 3:1JHN 3:3TIT 3:5JAS 1:181PE 1:231PE 2:2In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man who was concerned about his protege and wanted to see if he had changed. The man searched for his protege and found tracks that led him to a pig pen. The preacher emphasizes that the man found the pig in the pig pen because that which is pig is pig. The message of the sermon is that no matter how much you try to clean up or join someone to a church, if their nature is still sinful, they will remain unchanged.
Denying God's Power for Revival and Victory
By Edgar Reich1.4K27:18Victory Over Sin2CH 7:14MAT 6:33MAT 7:21JHN 1:12HEB 13:81JN 1:6In this sermon, Pastor Derrick Melton addresses the issue of finding pleasure and satisfaction in worldly things rather than in Christ. He emphasizes that sin gains power through the pleasure it brings, and until we find our ultimate pleasure in Christ, we will continue to be enslaved by sin. The pastor also highlights the danger of listening to false doctrines and warns against hypocrisy, using an example of a pastor who was caught looking at a woman with lust. He concludes by sharing the story of a woman who finally understood the secret to victory in the Christian life, which is allowing Jesus to live through us.
Christ Our City of Refuge
By Hoseah Wu1.4K1:04:28ChristEXO 21:12NUM 35:1DEU 4:7JOS 1:9MAT 6:33MRK 10:45JHN 1:12In this sermon, Richard from Elizabeth introduces his brother Levine to say a few words. Levine expresses his love for bagels and locks and praises the inspiring words written by a brother. He encourages the audience to come and experience the love of God and emphasizes that God will not withhold anything from His children. The sermon also discusses the importance of local assemblies being a refuge for God's people in a time of confusion and captivity. The speaker highlights the need for unity and encourages the audience to worship and serve God wholeheartedly.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Gave he power - Εξουσιαν, Privilege, honor, 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 honor 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But as many--individuals, of the "disobedient and gainsaying people." gave he power--The word signifies both authority and ability, and both are certainly meant here. to become--Mark these words: Jesus is the Son of God; He is never said to have become such. the sons--or more simply, "sons of God," in name and in nature. believe on his name--a phrase never used in Scripture of any mere creature, to express the credit given to human testimony, even of prophets or apostles, inasmuch it carries with it the idea of trust proper only towards GOD. In this sense of supreme faith, as due to Him who "gives those that believe in Himself power to become sons of God," it is manifestly used here.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But as many as received him,.... This is explained, in the latter part of the text, by believing in his name; for faith is a receiving him as the word, and Son of God, as the Messiah, Saviour, and Redeemer; a receiving grace out of his fulness, and every blessing from him, as a justifying righteousness, pardon of sin, and an inheritance among them that are sanctified; for though the generality rejected him, there were some few that received him: to them gave he power to become the sons of God; as such were very early called, in distinction from the children of men, or of the world; see Gen 6:2. To be the sons of God is a very special favour, a great blessing, and high honour: saints indeed are not in so high a sense the sons of God as Christ is; nor in so low a sense as angels and men in common are; nor in such sense as civil magistrates; nor merely by profession of religion; much less by natural descent; but by adopting grace: and in this, Christ, the word, has a concern, as all the three divine persons have. The Father predestinated men to the adoption of children, secures this blessing for them in the covenant of his grace, and puts them among the children, and assigns them a goodly heritage: the Spirit, and who is therefore called the spirit of adoption, discovers and applies this blessing to them, and witnesses to their spirits that they are the children of God: and Christ, the word, or Son of God, not only espoused their persons, and in time assumed their nature, and by the redemption of them opened a way for their reception of the adoption of children; but actually bestows upon them the "power", as it is here called, of becoming the sons of God: by which is meant, not a power of free will to make themselves the sons of God, if they will make use of it; but it signifies the honour and dignity conferred on such persons: so Nonnus calls it, "the heavenly honour"; as indeed, what can be a greater? It is more honourable than to be a son or daughter of the greatest potentate on earth: and it is expressive of its being a privilege; for so it is an undeserved and distinguishing one, and is attended with many other privileges; for such are of God's household and family, and are provided for by him; have liberty of access unto him; are Christ's free men, and are heirs to an incorruptible inheritance. This is a privilege that excels all others, even justification and remission of sins; and is an everlasting one: and it also intends the open right which believers have unto this privilege, and their claim of it: hence it follows, even to them that believe in his name; that is, in himself, in Christ, the word: the phrase is explanative of the former part of the verse, and is a descriptive and manifestative character of the sons of God; for though the elect of God, by virtue of electing grace, and the covenant of grace, are the children of God before faith; and were so considered in the gift of them to Christ, and when he came into the world to gather them together, and save them; and so, antecedent to the Spirit of God, being sent down into their hearts, to make this known to them; yet no man can know his adoption, nor enjoy the comfort of it, or claim his interest in it, until he believes.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:12 Only through divine renewal can people follow the light and enter God’s family (3:1-17). • Individuals must believe in Christ to become children of God (12:35-36).