“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:”
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — the turning point: despite rejection, reception remains possible and grants transformation. The "right" (exousia) to become children involves genuine adoption into God's family, not mere metaphor. "Believed in his name" indicates not intellectual assent but trust in Jesus' complete identity and authority. Receiving the Word effects regeneration, reorienting one's entire existence toward God.
Church Fathers on John 1:12
When He said that the world knew Him not, he c referred to the times of the old dispensation, but what follows H has reference to the time of his preaching; He came to his own.
By his own, understand either the world, or Judea, which He had chosen for His inheritance.
But if none at all received, none will be saved. For no one will be saved, but he who received Christ at His coming; and therefore he adds, As many as received Him.
Read all 14 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!