John 1:17
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The law was given by Moses - Moses received the law from God, and through him it was given to the Jews, Act 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: Heb 8:6; Heb 9:15; Gal 3:19. See a fine discourse on this text by Mr. Claude, "Essay on the Composition of a Sermon," vol. i. p. 119, etc. 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: Rom 4:15; Co2 3:7, Co2 3:8. It was a law of shadows, types, and figures: Heb 10:1, and incapable of expiating sin by its sacrifices: Rom 8:3; Heb 7:18, Heb 7:19; Heb 10:1, Heb 10:11. But Christ has brought that grace which is opposed to condemnation: Rom 5:15, Rom 5:20, Rom 5:21; Rom 8:1; Gal 3:10; and he is himself the spirit and substance of all those shadows: Col 2:19; Heb 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 Mat 1:21 (note), 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 Zac 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For, &c.--The Law elicits the consciousness of sin and the need of redemption; it only typifies the reality. The Gospel, on the contrary, actually communicates reality and power from above (compare Rom 6:14). Hence Paul terms the Old Testament "shadow," while he calls the New Testament "substance" (Col 2:17) [OLSHAUSEN].
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the law was given by Moses,.... Both moral and ceremonial. The moral law was given to Adam, in innocence, which having been broken, and almost lost out of the minds, and memories of men, was given by Moses, in a new edition of it in writing; and points out what is man's duty both to God and men; discovers sin, accuses of it, convicts of it, and condemns for it; nor could it give strength to perform its demands; nor does it give the least hint of forgiveness; nor will it admit of repentance: and hence is opposed to grace; though it was a benefit to men, being in its own nature good and useful in its effects. The ceremonial law pointed out the pollution of human nature, the guilt and punishment of sin; was a type and shadow of deliverance by Christ, but could not give the grace it shadowed, and therefore is opposed both to grace and truth. Now both these were given by Moses to the people of the Jews, not as the maker, but the minister of them: it was God who appointed each of these laws, and ordained them in the hand of the mediator Moses, who received them from him, by the disposition of angels, and delivered them to the people of Israel; and a very high office this was he was put into, and a very great honour was conferred upon him; but Jesus Christ is a far greater person, and in an higher office: but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ: by grace and truth, is meant the Gospel, in opposition to the law; which is called grace, because it is a declaration of the love, and grace, of God to men; it ascribes salvation, in all the parts of it, to the free grace and favour of God; and is the means of implanting and increasing grace in the hearts of men. And "truth", not only because it contains truth, and nothing but truth, it coming from the God of truth; and the substance of it being Christ, who is the truth; and being revealed, applied, and led into by the Spirit of truth; but because it is the truth of the types, and the substance of the shadows of the law: or these two may mean distinct things; grace may design all the blessings of grace which are in Christ, and come by him; and truth, the promises, and the fulfilment of them, which are all yea, and amen, in Christ: and when these are said to be by him, the meaning is, not that they are by him, as an instrument, but as the author of them; for Christ is the author of the Gospel, and the fulfiller of the promises, and the giver of all grace; which shows the superior excellency of Christ to Moses, and to all men, and even to angels also.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:17 the law: That is, the torah, the body of instruction given to Moses at Mount Sinai. • Although God’s unfailing love and faithfulness are in the torah, these qualities are fully revealed in Christ (3:16; 13:1).
John 1:17
The Word Became Flesh
16From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Enjoying God's Grace - Part 1
By Derek Prince33K34:38Grace Of GodEXO 20:1JHN 1:17ROM 5:12ROM 6:6ROM 7:1ROM 7:10ROM 10:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of grace and its opposite, which is law. He emphasizes that when talking about law, it is not referring to secular law, but rather the religious law. The preacher explains that the law was given by Moses, and before that, there was no religious law from God. He also highlights the importance of obeying secular law as Christians, as it helps maintain social order. The sermon concludes with the preacher expressing his desire for all people, regardless of their background, to be saved.
Resources for Christian Living
By Alan Redpath4.7K51:31ResourcesPSA 1:3ISA 40:31EZK 47:1MAT 6:33JHN 1:17JHN 7:37REV 22:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing a deep and ongoing relationship with God. He warns against becoming complacent or shallow in one's faith and urges listeners to examine their current spiritual state. The speaker references the story of Saul of Tarsus and Ananias to illustrate how God can transform even the most unlikely individuals. He also highlights the need for prayer and humility in seeking a deeper connection with God.
Beatitudes - Part 5
By Leonard Ravenhill2.9K1:15:33BeatitudesMAT 6:33MAT 7:28JHN 1:172TI 2:24JAS 1:21In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a man who left behind a life of excess and materialism to live a simpler and more spiritual life. The man finds peace and paradise in a garden, but his anger and frustration eventually lead him to explode and question God. The preacher reminds the congregation of God's mercy and protection, referencing the story of the Israelites being led through the Red Sea and provided with water from a rock. The sermon also touches on the concept of poverty and the importance of humility before God.
(The Real Jesus) 3 Jesus Humbled Himself
By Zac Poonen2.5K1:07:24MAT 6:33LUK 18:9JHN 1:17ACT 1:1HEB 4:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living out the teachings of Jesus rather than just preaching them. He encourages believers to be honest about their own sins and not to blame others. The speaker uses the example of David, who was praised by God for his honesty and repentance. He also mentions the story of Job as an example of someone who lived a righteous life and encourages listeners to follow his example. The speaker concludes by highlighting the need for Christians to care for those who are marginalized by society.
The Ark of the Covenant: In God’s Sanctuary Part I
By Roy Hession2.2K53:59Ark Of The CovenantEXO 25:22MAT 6:33JHN 1:17JHN 8:32ROM 3:23ROM 6:231JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the combination of grace and truth found in Jesus. He refers to John 1:17, which states that while the law came through Moses and condemned people, grace and truth came through Jesus. The preacher highlights that Jesus offers both grace, which is good news for bad people, and truth, which reveals the reality of our sinful nature. He also mentions the story of Joshua and the Ark of the Covenant, illustrating how God's presence brings peace and new experiences to believers. The sermon concludes with gratitude for God sending Jesus and the recognition that we do not deserve His grace.
Am I Committed?
By Alistair Begg2.0K34:55CommitmentISA 1:18MAT 22:37LUK 5:17JHN 1:17JAS 3:1In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of confusion in our culture and compromise within the church. He emphasizes that the Bible is clear on matters of faith and challenges Christians to respond to the unique opportunity and challenge of living out their faith in this current time. The speaker uses the story of Jesus healing a paralytic to illustrate the importance of caring deeply for others and being committed enough to take action. He also highlights the need for truthful speech and living differently in a world that both condones and despises certain behaviors.
Accepted by God
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:02:53AcceptedGEN 3:9EXO 20:1PSA 51:6MAT 6:33JHN 1:17ROM 5:20HEB 8:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a passionate and persistent prayer life. He uses two parables from the Bible to illustrate this point. The first parable is about a persistent widow who keeps knocking on the door of a neighbor until she receives what she needs. The preacher encourages believers to have the same level of passion and persistence in their prayers to God. The second parable is about the value of seeking God's face above all else, recognizing that the things of this world are temporary and insignificant compared to the beauty and glory of God. The preacher urges listeners to count everything in this world as rubbish and to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.
God's Normal Order - Called to Be Kingdom of Priests
By Devern Fromke1.9K1:06:53PriestsEXO 25:8ISA 43:19MAT 9:16MAT 17:4JHN 1:17JHN 4:24ROM 14:17In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging that there are several pressing matters on his heart that he wants to address. He emphasizes that we are living in a late hour and that God is going to do something quick and marvelous that we can hardly comprehend. The speaker shares a story about his friend meeting a police officer and recognizing him as a minister of God based on Romans 13:4. This leads to a discussion about the authority that comes from being under authority. The speaker then references Matthew 9:16-17, highlighting the importance of newness and how God has a specific calling and place for each individual to serve Him. The sermon concludes with a plea for everyone to represent God in their respective spheres, whether as a wife, mother, husband, teacher, or in any other role, and to do good in order to avoid the wrath of God.
The Rise and Fall of God's House
By Denny Kenaston1.5K1:26:50DeclensionJOB 1:12MAT 6:33JHN 1:17ACT 1:8EPH 2:81TI 3:142TI 3:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of recognizing and appreciating the presence of God in our lives. He emphasizes that God is always working to raise up something new, even in the midst of sadness and loss. The speaker also highlights the significance of the church as God's holy witness on earth and the responsibility we have to represent Him. He mentions the story of David, who had a vision to build a house for God, and encourages the audience to have their own dreams and visions for serving God.
Believe Jesus
By Philip Yoder1.2K52:17BeliefMAT 28:20JHN 1:17JHN 12:38JHN 12:41In this sermon, the preacher uses various examples to illustrate the concept of belief. He tells a story of a tightrope walker who asks the audience if they believe he can push a wheelbarrow across a cable, and then asks for a volunteer to get in the wheelbarrow. The preacher emphasizes that belief becomes personal when we are asked to trust Jesus with our lives. He also mentions biblical stories such as Jesus walking on water and calming a storm to demonstrate the power of belief. The sermon concludes with the preacher highlighting the responsibility each individual has to not let Satan blind their minds from believing in the gospel.
The Gospel of the Grace of God (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:00:29ZEC 12:10JHN 1:17ACT 20:24ROM 6:14ROM 8:3HEB 13:91PE 5:12JUD 1:4This sermon delves into the concept of sin, the choices we face between earthly and heavenly things, and the innate sinful nature in humanity. It emphasizes the need to understand the true grace of God, which delivers us from sin and transforms our hearts, contrasting it with a false grace that permits sin. The speaker highlights the seriousness of sin in God's eyes, drawing attention to Eden and Calvary as pivotal points to grasp the gravity of sin and the sacrificial love of Jesus.
The Way of Grace (恩典的道路)
By Zac Poonen1.2K48:41ChineseMAT 6:33LUK 8:10JHN 1:17ACT 1:1ACT 2:1ROM 8:4HEB 8:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding the new covenant in relation to the old covenant. He emphasizes that the new covenant allows for the fulfillment of God's righteous requirement within us, not just externally. The preacher shares his personal experience of struggling with sin and realizing the need for the new covenant. He highlights that Jesus Christ came to establish a better covenant, one that surpasses the old covenant and leads believers to a deeper understanding of grace and truth. The sermon emphasizes the impossibility of loving both God and money simultaneously, citing Luke 16:13.
Help Is on the Way
By Jim Cymbala1.2K19:52HelpISA 41:8ISA 41:10MAT 28:20JHN 1:17HEB 8:6HEB 8:13REV 2:10In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah 41:8, where God addresses Israel as His chosen servant. The preacher emphasizes that God has chosen and called His people, and therefore they should not be afraid or discouraged. He encourages believers to trust in God's strength and help, as He promises to uphold them with His righteous right hand. The preacher also highlights that God takes joy in showing mercy and helping those who look to Him, even when they feel unworthy.
The Preaching of George Whitefield
By E.A. Johnston1.1K1:00:21George WhitefieldEXO 19:18MAT 5:17JHN 1:17ROM 3:20ROM 6:14GAL 3:24JAS 2:10The video is a sermon transcript about the preaching of George Whitefield, a renowned preacher in the 18th century. Whitefield had a powerful and captivating preaching style that kept his audience in awe. He was able to vividly describe scenes and draw his listeners into the message, making them feel as if they were witnessing the events themselves. His preaching was compared to the intensity of Mount Sinai and had a profound impact on his audience, often leading to scenes of emotional distress and conversion. The video also mentions the dramatic death of Whitefield, where he struggled to breathe and ultimately passed away while his aide held him.
The Law Established - Part 1
By John Metcalfe1.0K1:14:58PSA 119:105MAT 5:17JHN 1:17ACT 4:13ROM 3:312TI 1:13HEB 13:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of the law in relation to the gospel. He explains that Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law of Moses in his human nature and took upon himself the curse of sin. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus satisfied the requirements of the law and justified believers. The preacher warns against distorting the law and adding human merit or works to the gospel, emphasizing that salvation is a result of God's grace alone.
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.
Seek for Reality in Your Inner Life
By Zac Poonen78459:14PSA 51:6MAT 10:28LUK 11:13LUK 18:6JHN 1:17ROM 6:142CO 4:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking truth in the innermost being, highlighting the need for a genuine transformation by the Holy Spirit rather than external adherence to religious practices. It challenges believers to seek the power of the Holy Spirit, to prioritize a pure thought life and speech, and to have a deep reverence for God above all else. The speaker urges a desperate pursuit of God's presence and a rejection of worldly influences that can blind individuals to spiritual realities.
(Church Life) Distinctives of Christ's Kingdom
By Mose Stoltzfus6861:03:20MAT 5:3MAT 5:17MAT 5:22MAT 10:35MAT 12:46JHN 1:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the teachings of Jesus as outlined in the Sermon on the Mount. He highlights the shift in theology that occurred when Jesus began his earthly ministry, reaching out to the lowly and marginalized. The preacher also discusses the significance of being poor in spirit and mourning as a paradigm shift in humanity. He emphasizes the need for love and the presence of the Lord Jesus in our lives, warning against getting caught up in conflicts and consuming our time without making progress. Additionally, the preacher briefly touches on the topic of entering the kingdom of God, emphasizing the importance of responding to the gospel and allowing God to work in our hearts.
Unfeigned Faith
By Hans R. Waldvogel62817:19FaithPSA 46:1MAT 8:8LUK 24:45JHN 1:17ROM 8:1In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about taking care of fish in an aquarium. He emphasizes that God is not like a negligent caretaker, but rather goes before his people and takes care of them. The speaker encourages believers not to be shaken by trials, reminding them that God is a present help in trouble and that all things work together for good for those who love God. He also highlights the importance of believing in Jesus and trusting in his prayers. The speaker warns against unbelief, using the example of the Israelites who doubted God's provision and were unable to enter the promised land.
Free From Legalism (Dutch)
By Zac Poonen5451:30:00LUK 2:40JHN 1:17ROM 6:14HEB 2:9HEB 4:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of living under grace rather than the law, highlighting how Jesus brought grace and truth, contrasting it with the Old Testament favor. It discusses the dangers of false grace that leads to a license for sin and the need to distinguish true grace. The sermon encourages seeking God's mercy for past sins and His grace for future victories over sin, drawing examples from Jesus' life of overcoming sin by grace from birth to death.
Holiness of Jesus
By Zac Poonen52025:08MAT 6:33LUK 2:40JHN 1:17HEB 2:9HEB 4:151PE 2:21JUD 1:24This sermon emphasizes the often overlooked aspect of Jesus being our example in addition to being our Savior, highlighting the importance of imitating His character of humility, purity, love, and compassion. It challenges the lack of emphasis on personal transformation in Evangelical Christianity and encourages believers to follow Jesus in character individually, focusing on holiness and overcoming sin through the grace that Jesus received.
The New Covenant Life - Part 2
By Sandeep Poonen49826:25JHN 1:17ROM 5:1This sermon emphasizes the New Covenant life, focusing on the goal of being transformed to be like Jesus in purity. It highlights how God, through His grace, enables believers to live a life just like Jesus, emphasizing the importance of faith in God's ability to do the impossible. The sermon underscores the significance of living under the atmosphere and identity of grace, which defines who we are and empowers us to overcome sin. It concludes by emphasizing that grace is power perfected in weakness, urging believers to seek God's grace with humility and expectation.
The Riches of the New Covenant
By Zac Poonen4971:01:02MAT 11:12JHN 1:17ROM 6:142CO 6:1EPH 6:12PHP 4:4PHP 4:6This sermon emphasizes the transition from living under the old covenant to embracing the riches of the new covenant in Christ. It challenges believers to move beyond mere forgiveness and material blessings to possess the full inheritance of grace, including perpetual joy, freedom from anxiety, victory over sin giants, and authority over demonic forces. The speaker highlights the importance of not fighting with human beings to gain strength in spiritual battles and to establish the kingdom of God on earth.
God's Two Fold Provision
By Zac Poonen42225:38JHN 1:17ACT 2:37ROM 3:24ROM 5:1ROM 5:9ROM 6:14EPH 1:7HEB 8:12This sermon delves into the principles taught in the early chapters of the Bible regarding God's purpose for humanity and the appropriate response to Him. It emphasizes the origin of sin, the forgiveness of sins through Christ's death, and the importance of not just cleansing our hearts but filling them with God's purpose. The sermon highlights the twofold problem faced by individuals - the guilt of past sins and the inherited sinful nature - and how God's grace provides a complete solution by offering forgiveness and power through the Holy Spirit.
Jeremiah 31:31
By Conrad Murrell41630:28Christian LifeJER 31:31MAT 5:18JHN 1:17In this sermon, the preacher addresses the debate over the importance of observing the Fourth Commandment and the idolization of the Ten Commandments. He argues that Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount surpass the importance of the Ten Commandments. The preacher emphasizes the significance of understanding the new covenant and its impact on Christian doctrine and church life. He believes that ignorance of the new covenant and the imposition of the old covenant have led to various issues within the church. The sermon concludes with a call to explore and embrace the riches of the New Covenant life in Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The law was given by Moses - Moses received the law from God, and through him it was given to the Jews, Act 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: Heb 8:6; Heb 9:15; Gal 3:19. See a fine discourse on this text by Mr. Claude, "Essay on the Composition of a Sermon," vol. i. p. 119, etc. 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: Rom 4:15; Co2 3:7, Co2 3:8. It was a law of shadows, types, and figures: Heb 10:1, and incapable of expiating sin by its sacrifices: Rom 8:3; Heb 7:18, Heb 7:19; Heb 10:1, Heb 10:11. But Christ has brought that grace which is opposed to condemnation: Rom 5:15, Rom 5:20, Rom 5:21; Rom 8:1; Gal 3:10; and he is himself the spirit and substance of all those shadows: Col 2:19; Heb 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 Mat 1:21 (note), 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 Zac 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For, &c.--The Law elicits the consciousness of sin and the need of redemption; it only typifies the reality. The Gospel, on the contrary, actually communicates reality and power from above (compare Rom 6:14). Hence Paul terms the Old Testament "shadow," while he calls the New Testament "substance" (Col 2:17) [OLSHAUSEN].
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the law was given by Moses,.... Both moral and ceremonial. The moral law was given to Adam, in innocence, which having been broken, and almost lost out of the minds, and memories of men, was given by Moses, in a new edition of it in writing; and points out what is man's duty both to God and men; discovers sin, accuses of it, convicts of it, and condemns for it; nor could it give strength to perform its demands; nor does it give the least hint of forgiveness; nor will it admit of repentance: and hence is opposed to grace; though it was a benefit to men, being in its own nature good and useful in its effects. The ceremonial law pointed out the pollution of human nature, the guilt and punishment of sin; was a type and shadow of deliverance by Christ, but could not give the grace it shadowed, and therefore is opposed both to grace and truth. Now both these were given by Moses to the people of the Jews, not as the maker, but the minister of them: it was God who appointed each of these laws, and ordained them in the hand of the mediator Moses, who received them from him, by the disposition of angels, and delivered them to the people of Israel; and a very high office this was he was put into, and a very great honour was conferred upon him; but Jesus Christ is a far greater person, and in an higher office: but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ: by grace and truth, is meant the Gospel, in opposition to the law; which is called grace, because it is a declaration of the love, and grace, of God to men; it ascribes salvation, in all the parts of it, to the free grace and favour of God; and is the means of implanting and increasing grace in the hearts of men. And "truth", not only because it contains truth, and nothing but truth, it coming from the God of truth; and the substance of it being Christ, who is the truth; and being revealed, applied, and led into by the Spirit of truth; but because it is the truth of the types, and the substance of the shadows of the law: or these two may mean distinct things; grace may design all the blessings of grace which are in Christ, and come by him; and truth, the promises, and the fulfilment of them, which are all yea, and amen, in Christ: and when these are said to be by him, the meaning is, not that they are by him, as an instrument, but as the author of them; for Christ is the author of the Gospel, and the fulfiller of the promises, and the giver of all grace; which shows the superior excellency of Christ to Moses, and to all men, and even to angels also.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:17 the law: That is, the torah, the body of instruction given to Moses at Mount Sinai. • Although God’s unfailing love and faithfulness are in the torah, these qualities are fully revealed in Christ (3:16; 13:1).