John 1:6-13

 “A man came, sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that everyone might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was created by him, but the world did not recognize him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not receive him. But to all who have received him – those who believe in his name – he has given the right to become God’s children – children not born by human parents or by human desire or a husband’s decision, but by God.”

— ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭13‬‬

Obviously talking about John the Baptist. His mission was to testify or near witness about Jesus/the Light/the Word.

Witness is a huge theme in John, both as a verb and noun. (“Testify”, bear witness)

John likes to throw around that word “all, everyone,” which would make us much more comfortable if it was qualified. He does sort of qualify it in v 12 and other verses like 3:16. 

Gives light to everyone—so apparently this can’t be life. Must be something like spiritual enlightenment or a chance to believe. Would have to trace the theme throughout John to see how he develops it, but to say Jesus gave light to everyone is bold.

“Who is coming into world” could modify the everyone or the light (even grammar could make a case for both.) See NET note for why they have chosen to modify light. Comes down to other uses in John with periphrastic constructions (verb + participle) and the context of the passage. In v 9 and following Jesus is in the world. (Again, incarnation is actually here, and in v. 14. Repetition there is for purpose of Jesus’ coming, and provides a name. He is revelation of God-the ultimate revelation as human).

NET also has good note on meaning of “world.” Rarely means universe or physical earth. More often humans and human affairs. Contrasts with not only the future age (John says this world at times) but also the heavenly world. Jesus is the connection between all the worlds.

World did not recognize their maker. But then he comes to his own “things.” Probably territories. And his own people may or may not have recognized him. But they didn’t welcome or accept him. This is far worse.

Receive is defined in v. 12. Believe as noun (faith) is never found in John, though the verb is all over the place. No one knows why. Some think John didn’t want to be confused with similar terms of proto-Gnosticism. But the verb with eis as preposition is his preferred phrase. NET suggests it has a more Jewish style, emphasizing not just believing a creed but having a personal connection to a person or idea, basically.

Right/authority, different words for power, ability. This is accurate of course.

See NET note for their translation on these three phrases in v 13. Bloods is probably related to conception and birthing process. Plural noun may be bc of two parents. Other two are similar, and may be related to priority of patriarchy in Jewish culture…difficult to prove.

Will of flesh is sexual desire but not evil. Will of man/husband is probably desire for an heir.