Verse
Context
The Word Became Flesh
15John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’”16From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Sermons
Warren Wiersbe
Zac Poonen
Hans R. Waldvogel
William MacDonald
Ian MurrayZac PoonenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
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. And of his fullness - 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 fullness 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 24:15: 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED. (Joh 1:16-18) of his fulness--of "grace and truth," resuming the thread of Joh 1:14. grace for grace--that is, grace upon grace (so all the best interpreters), in successive communications and larger measures, as each was able to take it in. Observe, the word "truth" is here dropped. "Grace" being the chosen New Testament word for the whole fulness of the new covenant, all that dwells in Christ for men.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And of his fulness have all we received,.... These are the words not of John the Baptist; but of the evangelist carrying on his account of Christ, after he had inserted the testimony of the Baptist, in connection with Joh 1:14 where he is said to be full of grace and truth; and which fulness is here intended; for the fulness of the Godhead in trim is incommunicable; and the fulness of his fitness, and ability for his office, as Mediator, was for himself; but his fulness of grace and truth is dispensatory, and is in him, on purpose to be communicated unto others: and "of it", the evangelist says, "have all we received"; not all mankind, though they all receive natural light and life from trim; nor merely all the prophets of the Old Testament, though they had their gifts and grace from him, who then was, as now, the head of the church; nor only all the apostles of Christ, though these may be principally intended; but all believers, who, though they have not all the same measure of grace, nor the same gifts, yet all have received something: nor is there any reason for discouragement, envy, or reproach. Faith is the hand which receives Christ, and grace from him; and the act of receiving, being expressed in the past tense, seems to regard first conversion, when faith is first wrought, and along with it abundance of grace is received; for a believer has nothing but what is given him, and what he has, is in a way of receiving; so that there is no room for boasting, but great reason for thankfulness, and much encouragement to apply to Christ for more grace, which is the thing received, as follows: and grace for grace: according to the different senses of the preposition different interpretations are given of this passage; as that signifies a substitution of a person, or thing, in the room of another, the sense is thought to be, the Gospel, instead of the law; or the grace of the present dispensation, instead of the grace of the former dispensation; grace, different from the former grace, as Nonnus expresses it. If it designs the original, and moving cause, the meaning is, grace is for the sake of grace; for there is no other cause of electing, justifying, pardoning, adopting, and regenerating grace, and even eternal life, but the grace, or free favour of God; and the one is the reason why the other is received: if it signifies the end, or final cause, then it is explained in this way; the disciples received the grace of apostleship, or gift, of grace, in order to preach the Gospel of the grace of God, and for the implanting and increasing grace in men; and grace also, in this life, is received, in order to the perfection of grace, or glory, in the other: if it denotes the measure and proportion of a thing, as one thing is answerable to another, then if may be interpreted after this manner; the saints receive grace from the fulness of Christ, according, or answerable to the grace that is in him; or according to the measure of the gift of Christ, and in proportion to the place, station, and office they bear in the church. Some think the phrase only designs the freeness of grace, and the free and liberal manner in which it is distributed, and received; along with which, I also think, the abundance of it, at first conversion, with all after supplies, is intended; and that grace for grace, is the same with grace upon grace, heaps of grace; and that the phraseology is the same with this Jewish one (k), , "goodness upon that goodness", an additional goodness; so here, grace upon grace, an abundance of it, an addition to it, and an increase of it: so (l), joy upon joy, is an abundance of joy, a large measure of it; and "holiness upon holiness" (m), abundance of it, (k) Zohar in Exod. fol. 45. 1. (l) lb. in Lev. fol. 28. 1. & in Num. fol. 69. 2. & 71. 2. (m) lb. fol. 40. 3. & in Num. fol. 61. 1.
The Word Became Flesh
15John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’”16From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Help Wanted: A Singer
By Warren Wiersbe5.4K35:51PSA 126:5MAT 6:33JHN 1:14JHN 1:16GAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding the right Master in order to experience true freedom. He warns against believing lies, as they lead to bondage and give Satan a foothold in our lives. The speaker encourages listeners to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ, who can set them free and bring happiness. He emphasizes that happiness is found in the fullness of Christ, and that our lives should be channels for the blessings of God. The sermon references John 8:32, where Jesus says that knowing the truth will set us free, and John 1:16, which speaks of receiving the fullness of Christ's grace.
Heaven on Earth
By Zac Poonen2.1K1:06:57HeavenDEU 11:18MAT 6:33MAT 11:11LUK 14:33JHN 1:16EPH 1:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God's Word being a guide in every aspect of our lives. He encourages Christians to teach these principles to their children and to constantly meditate on them. The speaker also highlights the need for Christians to repent and live a life that reflects the love of Christ. He emphasizes that true discipleship is not just about loving others, but loving fellow believers as a testimony to the world. The speaker concludes by acknowledging that we cannot live this life on our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Delight Thyself in the Lord
By Hans R. Waldvogel2.0K17:11Enjoying GodGrace and TransformationDelighting in GodPSA 37:4MAT 7:7JHN 1:16JHN 7:38ROM 8:322CO 5:17EPH 3:20PHP 4:19COL 2:91PE 5:7Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the importance of delighting in the Lord rather than in ourselves, illustrating this with the analogy of a woman struggling with an old washboard versus the ease of using a washing machine. He explains that true delight comes from knowing Jesus and experiencing His grace, which transforms our lives and desires. Waldvogel encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, who is the source of all blessings and fulfillment, rather than focusing on their own shortcomings. He highlights that through Christ, we become new creations, and our lives should reflect His grace and love. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a shift from self-centeredness to a joyful relationship with God, who desires to bless us abundantly.
Attributes of God - Grace, Mercy, Longsuffering and Goodness
By William MacDonald1.7K37:04Attributes of GodEXO 34:6PSA 31:19PSA 52:1PSA 119:68NAM 1:3MAT 5:7LUK 6:36JHN 1:16ROM 3:4ROM 9:22ROM 12:8ROM 15:52CO 8:9EPH 2:81PE 5:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the smallness of the earth in the vast universe, highlighting the insignificance of humanity in comparison. However, despite our sinful state, God showed incredible grace by sending his son Jesus to be born in Bethlehem and suffer on the cross for our salvation. The speaker lists numerous ways in which God has blessed and transformed believers, including indwelling them with the Holy Spirit and adopting them as his children. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of showing mercy, citing biblical verses that encourage believers to be merciful as God is merciful.
(The Book of Ruth) 3. Ruth - the Gleaner in the Field
By Roy Hession1.4K56:41RuthRUT 2:10RUT 2:13MAT 6:33JHN 1:16ROM 7:14EPH 1:71JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Ruth and draws parallels to the lives of believers. He emphasizes that believers have sold and lost their inheritance and blessings due to sin and folly. However, he highlights the hope that believers have in Jesus, who has the right and power to redeem and restore all that has been lost. The preacher encourages humility and seeking after a deeper experience with God, acknowledging that there may be something missing in one's spiritual life. He concludes with a prayer for God to extend His grace and cover believers with His mantle.
Ashbel Green
By Ian Murray1.2K53:17MAT 6:33JHN 1:16The video is a summary of the life and ministry of Ashbel Green, a preacher and pastor in the 19th century. It describes how Green engaged in exercises where children were given portions of scripture to read and were examined by their parents. The video emphasizes the importance of prayer and effort in resisting vice and promoting reformation. It also highlights Green's last moments, where he burst into an ecstasy of joy and thanksgiving while a friend was reading from the Gospel of John. Overall, the video portrays Green as a dedicated preacher and influential figure in promoting the Gospel.
We Can Overcome as Jesus Did (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:01:14JHN 1:16HEB 2:9HEB 4:161PE 5:51JN 2:61JN 4:17REV 3:21
This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance by highlighting Adam's wrong choices that led to sin and how most humans, including Christians, make similar mistakes. It stresses the need to repent by turning away from valuing created things over God, believing lies over God's truth, and seeking to please people more than God. The message encourages steadfastness in faith and the continuous act of repentance to avoid backsliding. It also delves into the significance of Jesus overcoming all temptations and sin, offering believers the opportunity to receive grace upon grace to walk as Jesus did on earth.
Jesus Christ's Testimony #1
By Hoseah Wu9661:29:02Jesus ChristJHN 1:1JHN 1:14JHN 1:16JHN 1:18JHN 3:11HEB 11:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the fullness of Christ and how no individual or group can fully express it. The speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus Christ, stating that it is the greatest miracle in the universe and brings life and everything. The sermon also mentions the rejection of Jesus in the world and the need for hearts to be prepared to receive him. The speaker concludes by referencing the story of redigging the well as a metaphor for restoring God's testimony among people.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Grace to You and Peace
By Tim Conway5831:07:17JHN 1:16EPH 1:2EPH 2:1EPH 2:4EPH 2:14EPH 4:3HEB 4:16
This sermon delves into the profound significance of the words 'grace' and 'peace' in Ephesians 1:2, emphasizing the need to understand the weightiness of these terms in light of our sinful nature and separation from God. It explores how grace speaks of God's unmerited favor and condescending love towards us, while peace signifies unity, reconciliation, and the removal of hostility between us and God. The sermon highlights the Gospel message of God's intervention in our fallen state, offering grace and peace despite our deserving damnation, ultimately pointing to the heart of the Gospel - restoration of relationship with God.
The Transforming Power of Grace, Part 1 (Rom. 6.14)
By Mike Bickle2045:25GraceTransformationJHN 1:16ROM 5:17ROM 6:14ROM 12:22CO 5:17GAL 5:1EPH 2:8PHP 4:13HEB 4:161JN 1:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace, urging believers to access it consistently for true change in their lives. He explains that transformation begins with renewing the mind to align with God's view of us, which leads to emotional and character changes. Bickle highlights that believers are no longer under the law but under grace, which empowers them to overcome sin and negative emotions. He encourages the congregation to declare God's truths over their lives, reinforcing their identity in Christ and the abundance of grace available to them. Ultimately, he reassures that through grace, believers can experience freedom and victory over sin.
The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 11
By William Gurnall2LUK 22:32JHN 1:16ROM 5:1EPH 6:16HEB 11:4William Gurnall preaches about the pre-eminence of faith among the Christian graces, emphasizing its role as the shield that defends and strengthens all other graces. He explains that faith is the grace that enables the Christian soldier to withstand the attacks of the enemy, quenching all the fiery darts of the wicked. Gurnall delves into the importance of justifying faith, highlighting how it is the only grace that appropriates Christ's righteousness for the believer's justification before God. He also discusses how faith influences, activates, and defends all other graces, bringing strength, acceptance, and succor when they fail or waver.
Things That Please God
By Raymond Golsworthy1GEN 1:31ISA 53:10MAT 17:5JHN 1:161CO 1:30COL 1:19COL 2:9Raymond Golsworthy preaches about God's pleasure in creation, in His Son, and in having all His fullness dwell in Christ. He emphasizes the importance of finding satisfaction in Christ alone, as it pleases God to have all His fullness permanently residing in Christ for the benefit of believers. Golsworthy highlights the need for Christians to continually go to Christ for all their needs, rather than seeking fulfillment in Christian things, doctrines, or other alternatives.
How to Take,
By F.B. Meyer1Abundance in ChristReceiving ChristJHN 1:16ROM 5:17PHP 4:19COL 2:9F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of receiving Christ rather than merely praying for Him, illustrating that true faith involves taking in the fullness of Christ's presence and attributes. He recounts a transformative experience where he learned to ask Christ to embody qualities like patience and humility within him, rather than struggling against his shortcomings. Meyer encourages believers to focus on Jesus Himself, rather than their own faith or feelings, assuring them that Jesus is always present and ready to fill their needs. He highlights that true richness comes from having Jesus in one's heart, which leads to a life of abundance and rest. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a shift from striving to simply receiving the grace and fullness of Christ.
Christ the Head of the Body
By Robert Hawker1JHN 1:16EPH 1:22COL 1:18HEB 2:14HEB 4:15Robert Hawker preaches on the profound truth that Jesus is the head of His body, the church, emphasizing the intimate union believers have with Christ. Through His representation and assumption of human nature, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and shares in the experiences of His people, providing comfort and support in every trial. As the source of life and fullness, Christ supplies all the needs of His body, pouring out awakening, justifying, sanctifying grace, and eternal blessings upon His beloved members.
God’s Love Is Conveyed to Us Only Through Jesus Christ
By David Wilkerson0God's LoveSelf-SacrificeMAT 16:24JHN 1:16JHN 15:13ROM 12:12CO 5:15GAL 2:20EPH 5:2PHP 2:31JN 3:161JN 4:9David Wilkerson emphasizes that God's love is fully expressed through Jesus Christ, as stated in John 1:16. He explains that understanding this love is crucial for our daily lives, as it compels us to follow Christ's example of self-sacrifice. The sermon highlights that just as Jesus laid down His life for us, we are called to lay down our lives for others, not in martyrdom but by dying to our own selfish desires. A true Christian, who has surrendered to God, can then bring hope and life to others through the transformative power of Christ's love. This process involves a deep spiritual inventory and a willingness to be cleansed by Christ's blood.
The Twofold Use of the Law & Gospel: "Letter" & "Spirit"
By Martin Luther0MAT 17:2JHN 1:16JHN 3:36ACT 13:38ROM 5:171CO 4:42CO 3:6GAL 3:10Martin Luther preaches about the contrast between the Law and the Gospel, emphasizing how the Law, represented by Moses, brings death and condemnation, while the Gospel, represented by Christ, brings life and salvation. Luther highlights the inadequacy of relying on works and the Law for righteousness, pointing out that the true glory lies in the Gospel message that reveals God's grace and mercy through faith in Christ. He stresses the importance of understanding the transformative power of the Gospel, which comforts and renews the heart, surpassing the glory of the Law and leading to eternal life.
Not "Ought" but "Are"
By Theodore Epp0Completeness in ChristSpiritual GrowthJHN 1:16ROM 8:321CO 1:302CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 1:3PHP 4:19COL 2:10COL 3:32PE 1:3Theodore Epp emphasizes that believers are already complete in Christ, as stated in Colossians 2:10, and that this completeness is not something to strive for but a reality from the moment of salvation. He warns against teachings that suggest Christians need additional experiences or ordinances to attain fullness in their faith, asserting that all spiritual blessings are already given in Christ. Epp encourages believers to grow in their knowledge of Him while recognizing that they lack nothing essential for life and godliness. The sermon highlights the importance of appropriating what is already possessed in Christ and living by faith.
The Thorn in the Flesh, or Strength Made Perfect in Weakness
By J.C. Philpot0EXO 16:18PSA 18:2PSA 77:10PSA 138:3LAM 3:55JHN 1:16ROM 8:262CO 12:92CO 13:6PHP 4:19J.C. Philpot preaches about the trials and temptations faced by the servants of God, using the example of the apostle Paul's thorn in the flesh and the messenger of Satan to highlight the necessity of experiencing weakness to fully rely on the strength of Christ. Philpot emphasizes the importance of learning our weakness through trials, as it leads us to depend on the Lord's strength, teaching us humility and deepening our communion with Him. He explains how our infirmities, though not sins, bring us into continual contact with the Lord, allowing us to experience His power and grace in our lives, ultimately leading us to glory in our weaknesses for the power of Christ to rest upon us.
"Full of Grace and Truth"
By T. Austin-Sparks0Transformation in ChristGrace and TruthJHN 1:14JHN 1:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the manifestation of God's glory through Jesus Christ, highlighting that His glory is revealed in grace and truth. He contrasts the intolerable glory associated with the law given through Moses with the life-giving glory found in Christ, who 'tabernacled among us.' The sermon illustrates how the first miracle at Cana symbolizes the transformation from emptiness to fullness, despair to joy, and shame to glory, ultimately pointing to the Church as a community of believers who experience this transformation through faith. Sparks encourages believers to recognize Christ as the source of all fullness and to submit to His lordship for true joy and life.
For in Him Dwells All the Fullness of the Godhead Bodily
By Octavius Winslow0Spiritual AbundanceFullness in ChristJHN 1:16JHN 7:37EPH 3:19PHP 4:19COL 2:9Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound truth that in Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead, which brings joy and hope to believers. He explains that this fullness encompasses everything a fallen humanity needs for salvation, sanctification, and grace, highlighting Jesus as the source of all spiritual supply. Winslow encourages believers to draw from this inexhaustible well of grace and love, urging them to seek deeper intimacy with Christ and to glorify Him through their reliance on His abundant resources. He calls for a revival of fervent love and a deeper experience of Christ's indwelling grace, reminding the Church of the invitation to drink abundantly from the fullness of Christ. The message is a powerful reminder of the richness found in a relationship with Jesus, the second Adam.
Exposition on Psalm 121
By St. Augustine0PSA 120:1PSA 120:3MAT 6:3JHN 1:16St. Augustine preaches on the importance of seeking help from God, emphasizing that our help comes from Him and His fullness. He urges believers to pray for guidance and protection, highlighting the dangers of pride and the need to trust in God who never sleeps or slumbers. Augustine encourages choosing God as our keeper, as He alone can preserve us from all evil and temptations, safeguarding our souls for eternity.
Mystical Union Between Christ and His People
By Thomas Watson0PSA 45:10SNG 2:16JHN 1:16ROM 7:41CO 6:172CO 5:21EPH 2:17EPH 5:32HEB 2:16REV 19:9Thomas Watson preaches about the mystical union between Christ and His people, emphasizing the deep love and connection between Christ and His church. The sermon explores the doctrine of a marital union with Christ, highlighting the twofold union - natural and sacred, and the significance of believers being mystically united to Christ. Watson delves into the eternal nature of this union, the separation required before union, and the purpose of co-habitation and fruit-bearing in this spiritual marriage.
Grace
By W.H. Griffith Thomas0PSA 84:11LUK 1:30JHN 1:16ACT 20:24ROM 5:17ROM 14:92CO 6:1EPH 2:8COL 4:61PE 1:13W.H. Griffith Thomas delves into the profound concept of 'Grace' in the Bible, emphasizing that it is the epitome of God's character and attitude towards humanity. Grace is defined as God's unmerited favor, freely given without conditions, generously bestowed, and continuously abiding. It encompasses forgiveness, joy, thanksgiving, and graciousness, ultimately leading to salvation and sanctification through Jesus Christ. The sermon explores the multifaceted nature of grace in God, in Christ, and in believers, highlighting its sovereign, satisfying, and sanctifying aspects, calling for a life that reflects God's grace and serves as a testimony to His love and mercy.
The Diamond Rivet!
By C.H. Spurgeon0GloryGracePSA 84:11JHN 1:16ROM 8:182CO 12:9EPH 2:8PHP 1:62TI 4:7JAS 4:61PE 5:10REV 21:4C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the abundant and gracious nature of God, who delights in giving grace to His people in various forms, such as saving, comforting, and sanctifying grace. He reassures believers that regardless of life's challenges—be it sickness, poverty, or death—God's grace will always be present, lighting the way even in the darkest times. The connection between grace and glory is highlighted, with Spurgeon noting that they are inseparable; where there is grace, there is also the promise of glory. He encourages the faithful to hold onto the assurance that those who receive God's grace will ultimately be glorified in heaven. This sermon serves as a reminder of the unfading promise of God's generosity and faithfulness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
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. And of his fullness - 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 fullness 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 24:15: 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED. (Joh 1:16-18) of his fulness--of "grace and truth," resuming the thread of Joh 1:14. grace for grace--that is, grace upon grace (so all the best interpreters), in successive communications and larger measures, as each was able to take it in. Observe, the word "truth" is here dropped. "Grace" being the chosen New Testament word for the whole fulness of the new covenant, all that dwells in Christ for men.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And of his fulness have all we received,.... These are the words not of John the Baptist; but of the evangelist carrying on his account of Christ, after he had inserted the testimony of the Baptist, in connection with Joh 1:14 where he is said to be full of grace and truth; and which fulness is here intended; for the fulness of the Godhead in trim is incommunicable; and the fulness of his fitness, and ability for his office, as Mediator, was for himself; but his fulness of grace and truth is dispensatory, and is in him, on purpose to be communicated unto others: and "of it", the evangelist says, "have all we received"; not all mankind, though they all receive natural light and life from trim; nor merely all the prophets of the Old Testament, though they had their gifts and grace from him, who then was, as now, the head of the church; nor only all the apostles of Christ, though these may be principally intended; but all believers, who, though they have not all the same measure of grace, nor the same gifts, yet all have received something: nor is there any reason for discouragement, envy, or reproach. Faith is the hand which receives Christ, and grace from him; and the act of receiving, being expressed in the past tense, seems to regard first conversion, when faith is first wrought, and along with it abundance of grace is received; for a believer has nothing but what is given him, and what he has, is in a way of receiving; so that there is no room for boasting, but great reason for thankfulness, and much encouragement to apply to Christ for more grace, which is the thing received, as follows: and grace for grace: according to the different senses of the preposition different interpretations are given of this passage; as that signifies a substitution of a person, or thing, in the room of another, the sense is thought to be, the Gospel, instead of the law; or the grace of the present dispensation, instead of the grace of the former dispensation; grace, different from the former grace, as Nonnus expresses it. If it designs the original, and moving cause, the meaning is, grace is for the sake of grace; for there is no other cause of electing, justifying, pardoning, adopting, and regenerating grace, and even eternal life, but the grace, or free favour of God; and the one is the reason why the other is received: if it signifies the end, or final cause, then it is explained in this way; the disciples received the grace of apostleship, or gift, of grace, in order to preach the Gospel of the grace of God, and for the implanting and increasing grace in men; and grace also, in this life, is received, in order to the perfection of grace, or glory, in the other: if it denotes the measure and proportion of a thing, as one thing is answerable to another, then if may be interpreted after this manner; the saints receive grace from the fulness of Christ, according, or answerable to the grace that is in him; or according to the measure of the gift of Christ, and in proportion to the place, station, and office they bear in the church. Some think the phrase only designs the freeness of grace, and the free and liberal manner in which it is distributed, and received; along with which, I also think, the abundance of it, at first conversion, with all after supplies, is intended; and that grace for grace, is the same with grace upon grace, heaps of grace; and that the phraseology is the same with this Jewish one (k), , "goodness upon that goodness", an additional goodness; so here, grace upon grace, an abundance of it, an addition to it, and an increase of it: so (l), joy upon joy, is an abundance of joy, a large measure of it; and "holiness upon holiness" (m), abundance of it, (k) Zohar in Exod. fol. 45. 1. (l) lb. in Lev. fol. 28. 1. & in Num. fol. 69. 2. & 71. 2. (m) lb. fol. 40. 3. & in Num. fol. 61. 1.