John 1:12

Berean Standard Bible
But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—
 
King James Bible
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:
 
NET Bible
But to all who have received him--those who believe in his name--he has given the right to become God's children
 
Greek Text:
ὅσοι δὲ ἔλαβον αὐτόν, ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἐξουσίαν τέκνα Θεοῦ γενέσθαι, τοῖς πιστεύουσιν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ,
 
Transliteration:
hosoi de elabon auton, edōken autois exousian tekna Theou genesthai, tois pisteuousin eis to onoma autou,
 
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Study Bible:
 
But to all who did receive Him
The phrase "receive Him" is pivotal in understanding the personal nature of faith. The Greek word for "receive" is "λαμβάνω" (lambanō), which implies an active acceptance or taking hold of something offered. This suggests that faith is not passive but involves a conscious decision to accept Christ. Historically, this reflects the early Christian community's emphasis on personal conversion and commitment to Jesus as the Messiah, contrasting with mere intellectual assent or cultural affiliation.
 
to those who believed in His name
The term "believed" comes from the Greek "πιστεύω" (pisteuō), meaning to have faith or trust. This belief is not merely intellectual acknowledgment but involves a deep trust and reliance on Jesus. "In His name" signifies more than just the literal name of Jesus; it encompasses His character, authority, and the entirety of His being. In the Jewish context, a name represented the essence of a person, thus believing in His name means trusting in all that Jesus is and represents.
 
He gave the right
The word "right" is translated from the Greek "ἐξουσία" (exousia), which can also mean authority or power. This indicates that becoming a child of God is not a natural birthright but a divine privilege granted by God. It underscores the transformative power of God's grace, which bestows upon believers a new identity and status.
 
to become children of God
The phrase "children of God" is profound, indicating a new familial relationship with God. The Greek word "τέκνα" (tekna) refers to children born into a family, emphasizing the intimate and personal relationship believers have with God. This concept is rooted in the Jewish understanding of God as Father, but it is expanded in the New Testament to include all who believe in Christ, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. This reflects the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, breaking down barriers and inviting all into God's family.
 
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Commentary:
 
Context and Background:
 
The Gospel of John begins with a majestic prologue that describes the preexistence of the Word (Logos), who is identified as Jesus Christ. This section (John 1:1-18) is a theological masterpiece that sets the tone for the entire Gospel.
 
John 1:12 falls within this prologue and contrasts the rejection of Jesus by the world and His own people with the reception of Him by believers.
 
Key Phrases:
 
"But to all who did receive him": This phrase indicates a turning point or contrast. Despite widespread rejection, there are those who accept Jesus. Receiving Jesus implies more than just acknowledging His existence; it means welcoming Him into one's life and embracing His teachings and salvation.
 
"Who believed in his name": To believe in someone's name in biblical terms means to trust in the person's character, authority, and reputation. Belief in Jesus' name means trusting in who He is (the Son of God) and what He has done (His redemptive work).
 
"He gave the right to become children of God": This is a profound statement of the believer's new status. Through faith in Christ, individuals are granted the right or authority to become children of God, which implies a new relationship with God based on adoption and intimate fellowship.
 
Theological Implications:
 
Adoption as Children of God: This verse underscores the doctrine of adoption, where believers are not just saved from sin but are brought into a familial relationship with God. This new identity comes with privileges, responsibilities, and an intimate relationship with the Father.
 
Faith and Reception: The verse highlights that becoming a child of God is contingent upon receiving Jesus and believing in His name. It emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or heritage.
 
Universal Offer of Salvation: The phrase "to all who did receive him" indicates the universal offer of salvation. Regardless of background, ethnicity, or past, anyone who believes in Jesus can become a child of God.
 
Practical Applications:
 
Assurance of Salvation: Believers can have confidence in their salvation and identity as God's children, knowing it is based on faith in Christ and not on their performance.
 
Relationship with God: Understanding our status as God's children should deepen our relationship with Him, fostering trust, intimacy, and reliance on Him as our loving Father.
 
Witnessing and Evangelism: This verse motivates believers to share the gospel, knowing that the offer of becoming children of God is available to everyone who believes in Jesus.
 
Comparison with Other Scriptures:
 
Romans 8:14-17: Paul also speaks about believers being children of God and heirs with Christ, emphasizing the intimate relationship and the inheritance we have in Him.
 
Galatians 3:26-27: Paul states that all who are in Christ Jesus are children of God through faith, reinforcing the message in John 1:12.
 
John 1:12 is a verse that encapsulates the heart of the Gospel: the invitation to enter into a transformative relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. It's a reminder of the profound changes that come with believing in His name—changes that affect our identity, our relationship with God, and our eternal destiny.