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JOHN 1:6 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
John 1:5John 1:7
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.”
There was a man sent from God whose name was John — the transition from Logos theology to historical narrative introduces John the Baptist, whose sole function is testimonial. The phrase "sent from God" (apostellō) establishes John's role as witness rather than savior, clarifying the Baptist's ministry in light of the Prologue's cosmic claims. Unlike Matthew and Luke, John's Gospel defers biographical detail about the Baptist, immediately subordinating him to his witness-bearing role.

Church Fathers on John 1:6

What is said above, refers to the Divinity of Christ. He came to us in the form of man, but man in such sense, as that the Godhead was concealed within Him. And therefore there was sent before a great man, to declare by his witness that He was more than man. And who was this? He was a man.

Augustine · 4th century

Not an Angel, as many have held. The Evangelist here refutes such a notion.

Theophylact · 11th century

After this esteem nothing that he says as human; for he speaks not his own, but his that sent him. And therefore the Prophet calls him a messenger, I send My messenger, for it is the excellence of a messenger, to say nothing of his own. But the expression, was sent, does not mean his entrance into life, but to his office. As Esaias was sent on his commission, not from any place out of the world, but from where he saw the Lord sitting upon His high and lofty throne; in like…

Chrysostom · 4th century
Read all 13 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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John 1:6 — Community Reflections | HolyStudy