John 1:18
Verse
Context
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
No man hath seen God at any time - Moses and others heard his voice, and saw the cloud and the fire, which were the symbols of his presence; but such a manifestation of God as had now taken place, in the person of Jesus Christ, had never before been exhibited to the world. It is likely that the word seen, here, is put for known, as in Joh 3:32; Jo1 3:2, Jo1 3:6, and Jo3 1:11; and this sense the latter clause of the verse seems to require: - No man, how highly soever favored, hath fully known God, at any time, in any nation or age; the only begotten Son, (see on Joh 1:14 (note)), who is in the bosom of the Father, who was intimately acquainted with all the counsels of the Most High, he hath declared him, εξηγησατο, hath announced the Divine oracles unto men; for in this sense the word is used by the best Greek writers. See Kypke in loco. Lying in the bosom, is spoken of in reference to the Asiatic custom of reclining while at meals; the person who was next the other was said to lie in his bosom; and he who had this place in reference to the master of the feast was supposed to share his peculiar regards, and so be in a state of the utmost favor and intimacy with him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
No man--"No one," in the widest sense. hath seen God--by immediate gaze, or direct intuition. in the bosom of the Father--A remarkable expression, used only here, presupposing the Son's conscious existence distinct from the Father, and expressing His immediate and most endeared access to, and absolute acquaintance with, Him. he--emphatic; As if he should say, "He and He only hath declared Him," because He only can.
John Gill Bible Commentary
No man hath seen God at any time,.... That is, God the Father, whose voice was never heard, nor his shape seen by angels or men; for though Jacob, Moses, the elders of Israel, Manoah, and his wife, are said to see God, and Job expected to see him with his bodily eyes, and the saints will see him as he is, in which will lie their great happiness; yet all seems to be understood of the second person, who frequently appeared to the Old Testament saints, in an human form, and will be seen by the saints in heaven, in his real human nature; or of God in and by him: for the essence of God is invisible, and not to be seen with the eyes of the body; nor indeed with the eyes of the understanding, so as to comprehend it; nor immediately, but through, and by certain means: God is seen in the works of creation and providence, in the promises, and in his ordinances; but above all, in Christ the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person: this may chiefly intend here, man's not knowing any thing of God in a spiritual and saving way, but in and by Christ; since it follows, the only begotten Son; the word that was with God in the beginning. The Jerusalem Targum on Gen 3:22 says almost the same of the word of the Lord, as here, where it introduces him saying, "the word of the Lord God said, lo, the man whom I created, the only one in my world, even as I am, "the only one", (or, as the word is sometimes rendered, "the only begotten",) in the highest heavens. And to the same purpose the Targum of Jonathan, and also Jarchi, on the same place. The Syriac version here renders it, "the only begotten, God which is in the bosom of the Father"; clearly showing, that he is the only begotten, as he is God: the phrase, which is in the bosom of the Father, denotes unity of nature, and essence, in the Father and Son; their distinct personality; strong love, and affection between them; the Son's acquaintance with his Father's secrets; his being at that time, as the Son of God, in the bosom of his Father, when here on earth, as the son of man; and which qualified him to make the declaration of him: he hath declared him. The Persic and Ethiopic versions further add, "to us"; he has clearly and fully declared his nature, perfections, purposes, promises, counsels, covenant, word, and works; his thoughts and schemes of grace; his love and favour to the sons of men; his mind and will concerning the salvation of his people: he has made, and delivered a fuller revelation of these things, than ever was yet; and to which no other revelation in the present state of things will be added. Somewhat like this the Jews (n) say of the Messiah, "there is none that can declare the name of his Father, and that knows him; but this is hid from the eyes of the multitude, until he comes, "and he shall declare him". He is come, and has declared him: so Philo speaks of the "Logos", or word, as the interpreter of the mind of God, and a teacher of men (o), (n) R. Moses Haddarsan in Psal. 85. 11. apud Galatin. de Arcan, Cathol. ver. l. 8. c. 2. (o) De nominum mutat. p. 1047.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:18 Moses was denied his desire to see God directly (Exod 33:18-20). Only Jesus has seen the Father, so he alone completely knows him and can tell us about him (John 3:32-35; 14:9-10). • But the unique One, who is himself God: The Son, who sees the Father, is himself God—not simply a messenger who knows something about God. John explicitly affirms Christ’s deity. Jesus shares the substance of God’s being.
John 1:18
The Word Became Flesh
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
(John - Part 9): The Word Made Flesh: The Mystery of It
By A.W. Tozer5.4K53:23ExpositionalMAT 9:20JHN 1:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the revelation of God's being, love, grace, mercy, and redemptive intention through Jesus Christ. The preacher highlights the miraculous works of Jesus, such as casting out demons, calming the storm, and raising the dead, as evidence of His divine power and compassion. The preacher also discusses the tenderness and kindness displayed by Jesus in healing the sick and delivering the afflicted. The sermon emphasizes the uniqueness of Jesus as the only one who has truly revealed God to humanity.
Just the Name We Need
By Warren Wiersbe4.2K36:13MAT 1:18MRK 16:20JHN 1:18JHN 20:28ACT 20:28ROM 9:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence in the sorrows of life. He encourages listeners to trust in God as their shepherd and not fear the future or present. The preacher also highlights the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, where for a moment, God was not with him, but ultimately brought about salvation. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God is with believers in their service for the Lord, fulfilling a purpose in their lives.
(Exodus) Exodus 3:3-8
By J. Vernon McGee3.9K04:49ExodusEXO 3:2EXO 3:7JHN 1:18EPH 2:5In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the encounter between Moses and God at the burning bush. He highlights the significance of Moses being instructed to take off his shoes as a lesson in recognizing the holiness of God. The preacher also emphasizes that Jesus, as the Lord, called out to Moses, revealing his divinity. The sermon emphasizes the redemption aspect of God's plan, as he promises to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and bring them into a good land. The preacher connects this to the broader concept of redemption, where God not only saves us from sin but also calls us to live a holy life.
Christ, the Secret of God, the Image of God, and the Redeemer and Reconciler
By Lance Lambert2.4K1:24:59Secret of GodGEN 3:8GEN 18:1GEN 32:30EXO 33:18JHN 1:18COL 1:15REV 5:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses a vision from the book of Revelation where a scroll with seven seals represents the will and inheritance of God. The speaker recalls a personal experience of witnessing a plane stunt that captivated thousands of people and compares it to the awe-inspiring events that will occur when God fulfills His will. The vision reveals that the lion of Judah, who is Jesus, has overcome and is seen as a slain lamb taking the scroll from God's hand. This act of redemption not only applies to humanity but also to the entire natural creation. The speaker emphasizes that God's plans and actions are far from boring and that understanding His heart and mind is crucial for avoiding lukewarmness and apathy in our faith.
A Light to Others
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:06:15ExampleMAT 5:14MAT 6:33MAT 13:57LUK 15:20JHN 1:18ACT 1:82TI 4:5In this video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing the truth of God's word with others. They encourage young people to take on the responsibility of being a light to those around them, whether through preaching, writing letters, or engaging in short conversations. The speaker highlights the purpose of light, stating that just as the sun and moon were created to give light to the earth, believers are called to shine their light and share the love of God with those who are spiritually lost. They urge listeners to not wait until they are perfect, but to start serving God and reaching out to others, trusting that God will expand their influence and use them to bring rivers of living water to those in need.
The Difference Mercy Makes
By Brian Chesemore1.8K58:57MercyLUK 6:36JHN 1:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of showing mercy to others, just as God has shown mercy to us. He encourages the audience to pray for the harvest and to share the love of Christ with those in their neighborhoods. The speaker then focuses on the passage from Luke 6:36-38, where Jesus instructs his followers to be merciful, not to judge or condemn others, to forgive, and to give generously. He explains that extending mercy at every opportunity and addressing sin starting within ourselves are the two ways to be a living expression of God's mercy.
(Church Leadership) 3. Our Primary Calling
By Zac Poonen1.6K58:03EXO 33:15MAT 6:33MAT 7:7JHN 1:18COL 3:172TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes two important aspects that the church should demonstrate: that God is a loving Father and that Jesus is alive. The Holy Spirit is believed to have come to demonstrate these truths. The speaker criticizes the idea that church services should be long in order to be considered spiritual, stating that this is not biblical. He also highlights the importance of presenting God in an exciting and simple way, rather than making the Bible and the subject of God boring and complicated. The speaker challenges churches to evaluate whether they are truly showing people what God is like and if young people are finding excitement in knowing God.
(Genesis) 33 - Abraham Visited by His Friend; or the Intimacies of the Divine Fellowship
By S. Lewis Johnson1.5K55:06AbrahamGEN 17:1MAT 6:33JHN 1:18JHN 3:16In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of prayer and petitioning to God. He then turns to the story of Genesis chapter 18, focusing on the visit of a heavenly company to Abraham. The speaker highlights the significance of this incident in the history of Abraham and the development of divine revelation. He also mentions a personal anecdote about a man named Mr. Hyde who had a powerful encounter with God during prayer. The sermon concludes with a prayer for confession, forgiveness, and salvation, and a plea for God's grace to live a pleasing life.
Incarnation - Fact and Mode
By John Murray1.2K49:54IncarnationISA 53:2JHN 1:18ROM 8:3COL 1:151TI 6:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of Jesus Christ's incarnation. He argues that the popular sentimental portrayals of Jesus do not align with the biblical depiction of him. The speaker highlights the contrast between the divine attributes of God and the human attributes of man, emphasizing the significance of God becoming man. He concludes by stating that the incarnation of God as man is a profound and humbling event that should be appreciated and desired by believers.
Nature of Incarnation - Hypostatical Union
By John Murray1.2K52:36IncarnationMAT 6:33MAT 24:36JHN 1:18ROM 8:3PHP 2:6COL 2:9HEB 1:3The sermon transcript provided is not a video, but rather a written transcript of a sermon. The transcript includes various announcements and prayers, as well as references to a lecture on the nature of the incarnation. The speaker mentions the title of the lecture and discusses the importance of understanding the intimate relationship between Jesus and God. The transcript also includes reminders about upcoming exams and assignments related to the course. Overall, the transcript does not provide a clear summary of a specific sermon or message.
Being a Godly Father
By Zac Poonen1.2K59:46MAL 4:5MAT 18:19JHN 1:18EPH 6:4JAS 1:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of being a godly father, highlighting the need for good examples in a world where such examples are scarce. It delves into John 1:18, showcasing Jesus' role in revealing God as a father and the responsibility fathers have to represent Christ to their children. The sermon also explores the significance of discipline, instruction, and the balance between kindness and severity in parenting, urging fathers to be filled with the Holy Spirit for guidance. It addresses the restoration of relationships between fathers and children, the impact of single mothers, and the power of seeking wisdom from God in parenting.
New Covenant - Jesus Revealed Father - Part 5
By Zac Poonen1.2K09:38JHN 1:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God as our Father through Jesus Christ, highlighting how Jesus came to reveal the Father to us. It discusses the significance of understanding God's care for even the smallest details of our lives, like the hairs on our head, and challenges believers to trust in God's knowledge and provision for every situation. The message addresses the root of anxiety and insecurity as a lack of knowledge of the Father and encourages a faith-filled claim to our identity as privileged sons and daughters of God.
Godliness Without Power
By Major Ian Thomas1.2K45:23Last DaysMAT 6:33LUK 1:34JHN 1:14JHN 1:18PHP 2:51TI 3:16HEB 2:11In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the miraculous birth of Jesus and the role of the angel Gabriel in delivering God's message to Mary. The speaker emphasizes the incredulity and natural reaction of Mary to the unnatural word of God. The sermon also highlights the importance of the word of God and its power to bring about extraordinary events. The speaker then references the book of Philippians, emphasizing the need for believers to have the mind of Christ and to recognize his divinity.
God as Father
By Art Katz1.1K42:01Character Of GodPRO 3:11MAT 6:9MAT 27:46JHN 1:18JHN 14:6COL 1:15HEB 12:6In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a young Palestinian man who was building his home above his parents' house. The man needed $2,000 to complete his kitchen before he could marry. The speaker's wife suggested giving him a loan, and the speaker was amazed by the spacious apartment the man showed him. The speaker then discusses the importance of recognizing God the Father as an integral part of the Trinity and warns against extracting the Spirit or the Son from the Father. He emphasizes the significance of understanding and embracing the concept of God the Father in our lives.
The Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
By Erlo Stegen1.1K46:00DivinityJHN 1:18HEB 1:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that everything in the world is under God's control. He explains that even if someone were to hold a gun to our head, it would only go off if God allowed it. The preacher highlights the importance of hearing God's voice, as he speaks to us through his Son, Jesus. He urges listeners to fear and worship God, making Him the priority in their lives. The sermon references Hebrews 1:1 and 1 John 18 to emphasize that God has spoken to us through his Son, who is the heir of all things and the creator of the world.
God's Secret Plan
By Major Ian Thomas1.1K45:23PlanMAT 6:33LUK 1:34JHN 1:14JHN 1:18PHP 2:51TI 3:16HEB 2:11In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the miraculous birth of Jesus and the role of the angel Gabriel in delivering God's message to Mary. The speaker emphasizes the incredulity and natural reaction of Mary to the unnatural word of God. The sermon also highlights the importance of the word of God and its power to bring about extraordinary events. The speaker then references the book of Philippians, emphasizing the need for believers to have the mind of Christ and to recognize his divinity.
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.
Week of Meetings 01 the Love of God
By Benard Fell89340:08LovePSA 22:16MAT 6:33JHN 1:18JHN 13:23ROM 5:8HEB 13:14REV 22:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the person of Jesus Christ and His love, rather than being consumed by the negative conditions of the world. The preacher describes the love of God in three aspects: its manifestation, measure, and manner. The love of God is wide, embracing the whole world, and deep, demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The ultimate expression of God's love is seen in the promise of eternal life and being with Christ in heaven. The preacher encourages the audience to meditate on the dimensions of God's love and to find comfort and hope in it.
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.
What Is Spiritual Fullness
By Stephen Kaung8171:21:44MAT 11:27JHN 1:18ROM 11:33EPH 1:23EPH 3:19EPH 4:13COL 1:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the fullness of God's grace and truth through Jesus Christ. He highlights how Jesus demonstrated mercy, love, grace, and truth during his time on earth, forgiving sinners and performing miracles. The preacher also warns about the increasing sinfulness and rebellion in the world, suggesting that judgment may be imminent. He references biblical stories such as the flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of God's judgment on sinful cities. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be prepared for the coming redemption and to trust in God's love and mercy.
Purpose in Building
By Stephen Kaung7751:11:19ISA 14:24MAT 6:33MAT 13:44LUK 24:47JHN 1:18GAL 4:4EPH 3:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the purpose of God and how it relates to the building of the church. The speaker emphasizes that God never does anything without exercising His will and always has a clear purpose in mind. The sermon explores the idea that God restored the ruined earth to make it habitable because He created man in His own image. The speaker also highlights the importance of the revelation of the Father in knowing the Son, and how Jesus came to deliver humanity from the boundaries of the law and bring about sonship.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 43
By Zac Poonen61625:41PRO 3:5ISA 55:8MAT 11:25MAT 16:17JHN 1:18JHN 14:9ROM 8:162PE 1:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, simplicity, and trust in understanding spiritual truths and receiving revelation from God. It contrasts the pride of clever and intelligent individuals with the humility of babes, highlighting the need for a childlike faith and openness to God's truth. The message stresses the significance of revelation in salvation, partaking of God's nature, and building a unified church as the body of Christ.
Visions of God - Part 1
By David Adams57030:36GEN 1:11SA 3:21EZK 1:1MAT 5:8JHN 1:18REV 1:1REV 22:4In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story of a man who was persecuted for holding religious gatherings in his home. The man was taken away in the middle of the night, leaving his wife and nine children with very little. He was sentenced to five years of forced labor, during which he had no knowledge of his family's well-being. Despite the hardships, the man remained steadfast in his faith and continued to do God's work. The preacher then discusses the concept of seeing God, both through hearing His voice and through the vision of His person, emphasizing the importance of seeking and experiencing God's presence.
Wrestling With God
By Thaddeus Barnum19526:34GodEXO 3:14ZEC 4:6MAT 6:33JHN 1:18ROM 8:37PHP 4:13In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob wrestling with a man at the Jabbok. Jacob, known for his striving and winning, experiences a pivotal moment of surrender in this encounter. The speaker reflects on how many people come to him broken and remorseful, yet struggle to fully surrender to God. Jacob's surrender occurs when he sees the face of the man in the morning light. The speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering ourselves to God and the transformative power of blessing that comes through breaking and complete surrender.
A Messenger
By Thomas Bradbury0JOB 1:21JOB 33:23PSA 40:7PSA 51:4ISA 61:1JHN 1:14JHN 1:18ROM 5:21ROM 10:31CO 2:111TI 1:14Thomas Bradbury preaches on the remarkable book of Job, highlighting God's care for and interest in Job's education and discipline, despite the opinions of men. Job's unwavering faith and humility in the face of extreme trials showcase his righteousness in God's eyes. The sermon delves into the interactions between Job and his friends, emphasizing the need for grace-filled ministry over legalistic judgment. Elihu's role as an interpreter and daysman mirrors Jesus Christ's grace and truth, offering spiritual instruction and revealing God's righteousness to the convicted sinner.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
No man hath seen God at any time - Moses and others heard his voice, and saw the cloud and the fire, which were the symbols of his presence; but such a manifestation of God as had now taken place, in the person of Jesus Christ, had never before been exhibited to the world. It is likely that the word seen, here, is put for known, as in Joh 3:32; Jo1 3:2, Jo1 3:6, and Jo3 1:11; and this sense the latter clause of the verse seems to require: - No man, how highly soever favored, hath fully known God, at any time, in any nation or age; the only begotten Son, (see on Joh 1:14 (note)), who is in the bosom of the Father, who was intimately acquainted with all the counsels of the Most High, he hath declared him, εξηγησατο, hath announced the Divine oracles unto men; for in this sense the word is used by the best Greek writers. See Kypke in loco. Lying in the bosom, is spoken of in reference to the Asiatic custom of reclining while at meals; the person who was next the other was said to lie in his bosom; and he who had this place in reference to the master of the feast was supposed to share his peculiar regards, and so be in a state of the utmost favor and intimacy with him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
No man--"No one," in the widest sense. hath seen God--by immediate gaze, or direct intuition. in the bosom of the Father--A remarkable expression, used only here, presupposing the Son's conscious existence distinct from the Father, and expressing His immediate and most endeared access to, and absolute acquaintance with, Him. he--emphatic; As if he should say, "He and He only hath declared Him," because He only can.
John Gill Bible Commentary
No man hath seen God at any time,.... That is, God the Father, whose voice was never heard, nor his shape seen by angels or men; for though Jacob, Moses, the elders of Israel, Manoah, and his wife, are said to see God, and Job expected to see him with his bodily eyes, and the saints will see him as he is, in which will lie their great happiness; yet all seems to be understood of the second person, who frequently appeared to the Old Testament saints, in an human form, and will be seen by the saints in heaven, in his real human nature; or of God in and by him: for the essence of God is invisible, and not to be seen with the eyes of the body; nor indeed with the eyes of the understanding, so as to comprehend it; nor immediately, but through, and by certain means: God is seen in the works of creation and providence, in the promises, and in his ordinances; but above all, in Christ the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person: this may chiefly intend here, man's not knowing any thing of God in a spiritual and saving way, but in and by Christ; since it follows, the only begotten Son; the word that was with God in the beginning. The Jerusalem Targum on Gen 3:22 says almost the same of the word of the Lord, as here, where it introduces him saying, "the word of the Lord God said, lo, the man whom I created, the only one in my world, even as I am, "the only one", (or, as the word is sometimes rendered, "the only begotten",) in the highest heavens. And to the same purpose the Targum of Jonathan, and also Jarchi, on the same place. The Syriac version here renders it, "the only begotten, God which is in the bosom of the Father"; clearly showing, that he is the only begotten, as he is God: the phrase, which is in the bosom of the Father, denotes unity of nature, and essence, in the Father and Son; their distinct personality; strong love, and affection between them; the Son's acquaintance with his Father's secrets; his being at that time, as the Son of God, in the bosom of his Father, when here on earth, as the son of man; and which qualified him to make the declaration of him: he hath declared him. The Persic and Ethiopic versions further add, "to us"; he has clearly and fully declared his nature, perfections, purposes, promises, counsels, covenant, word, and works; his thoughts and schemes of grace; his love and favour to the sons of men; his mind and will concerning the salvation of his people: he has made, and delivered a fuller revelation of these things, than ever was yet; and to which no other revelation in the present state of things will be added. Somewhat like this the Jews (n) say of the Messiah, "there is none that can declare the name of his Father, and that knows him; but this is hid from the eyes of the multitude, until he comes, "and he shall declare him". He is come, and has declared him: so Philo speaks of the "Logos", or word, as the interpreter of the mind of God, and a teacher of men (o), (n) R. Moses Haddarsan in Psal. 85. 11. apud Galatin. de Arcan, Cathol. ver. l. 8. c. 2. (o) De nominum mutat. p. 1047.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:18 Moses was denied his desire to see God directly (Exod 33:18-20). Only Jesus has seen the Father, so he alone completely knows him and can tell us about him (John 3:32-35; 14:9-10). • But the unique One, who is himself God: The Son, who sees the Father, is himself God—not simply a messenger who knows something about God. John explicitly affirms Christ’s deity. Jesus shares the substance of God’s being.