John 1:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

NIV: Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--

NASB: But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name,

CSB: But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name,

NLT: But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

KJV: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

NKJV: But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

John 3:16 may be the most famous verse in the Bible. It is certainly the most-memorized piece of Scripture. However, John 1:12 is also an excellent summary of the gospel. All who receive Christ, through faith, become children of God. This is described using the Greek term exousia, often translated as a "right," or an entitlement. There are spiritual honors given to all believers, simply on the basis of being part of that family. However, this word also implies the power to do something. Becoming a child of God doesn't simply result in privileges, but spiritual power. A name, in literature, legal documents, and conversation, is a symbol of that person. The "name" of Jesus is not a magical formula, or a voodoo incantation. "Faith in the name of Jesus" means trust in His person, His sacrifice, and His salvation. This is not for absolutely everyone, however. This verse specifies that this power (or right) is only extended to those who "receive" Him.

John 1:1–18 is a poetic introduction of Jesus Christ. Jesus is referred to using the Greek word Logos, meaning “The Word.” This passage clearly describes Jesus as identical to God, and co-creator with God. These verses summarize Jesus’ ministry and mission on Earth. The passage also explains how John the Baptist (a different John from the author of this gospel) was sent ahead of Christ to prepare for His arrival.

The first chapter of John introduces Jesus as “the Word,” from the Greek Logos. This chapter clearly describes Jesus as identical to God. After this prologue, the chapter describes Jesus recruiting the first of His disciples, as well as a conversation between John the Baptist and the Pharisees. There are seven names for Christ in this chapter, including “The Son of God,” “The Word,” and “The King of Israel.”

The first chapter of the gospel of John equates Christ with God, and introduces John the Baptist. The Baptist specifically points to Jesus as the Promised One. Jesus collects the first five of His disciples. In this chapter, Jesus is given seven descriptive names, including “The Word,” “The Son of God,” and “The King of Israel.” This chapter sets the stage for the rest of the gospel, by giving the reader a sense of who Jesus truly is, and why He has come. The rest of the gospel is an exploration of the claims made in this initial passage.

The gospel of John was written by the disciple John, decades later than the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The author assumes that a reader is already familiar with the content of these other works. So, John presents a different perspective, with a greater emphasis on meaning. John uses seven miracles—which he calls “signs”—in order to prove that Jesus is, in fact, God incarnate. Some of the most well-known verses in all of the Bible are found here. None is more famous than the one-sentence summary of the gospel found in John 3:16.

Accessed 5/7/2024 2:31:26 PM