John 1:16 declares that all have received grace after grace through God and Jesus.
John 1:16John 1:16 commentary declares that we have received the fullness of Jesus as well as grace upon grace. There is no apparent parallel Gospel account of John 1:16John 1:16 commentary.
In John 1:14-15John 1:14-15 commentary, commentary we saw John the Baptizer’s testimony supporting his claim that Jesus was God become human, who dwelt among us in His glory full of grace and truth. Now, the Gospel writer turns to discussing the fullness of Jesus,
For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace (v 16).
This short verse consists of two distinct but related thoughts which are connected through the conjunction and.
The first thought is the statement: For of His fullness we have all received grace.
The second thought is the rhetorical amplification: grace upon grace.
FOR OF HIS FULLNESS WE HAVE ALL RECEIVED GRACE
For of His fullness we have all receivedgrace can stand on it its own as a complete sentence.
The conjunction—For—connects the thought of John 1:16John 1:16 commentary to what preceded it, in this case the thoughts expressed in John 1:14John 1:14 commentary, commentary that Jesus became human and dwelt among us, which was just before the Baptizer’s testimony (John 1:15John 1:15 commentary).
The pronoun—His—refers to Jesus—God (the Word/Logos) as human (John 1:1John 1:1 commentary, 1:141:14 commentary).
The phrase: of His fullness, then refers to “the fullness of God” which was made visible or tangible in the human existence of Jesus of Nazareth. Directly or indirectly, this testimony was given to all of humanity.
The Greek word translated as fullness is πλήρωμα (G4138—pronounced: “plē-rō-ma”). “Plērōma” conveys the idea of totality or completeness.
Jesus was and is fully God (John 1:1John 1:1 commentary, commentaryJohn 1:14John 1:14 commentary).
Jesus told Philip His disciple: “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9John 14:9 commentary).
Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature (Hebrews 1:3Hebrews 1:3 commentary)
John states that what all we have received from Christ’s fullness is grace.
The Greek term for grace, is χάρις (G5485—pronounced: “khar-ece” or “charis”). It means favor or kindness. Favor is a disposition or expression of love, goodwill, or blessing. Kindness is a quality or action characterized by benevolence, compassion, and care toward others—often at one’s own expense. Much more will be said about grace in a moment when we discuss John’s amplification—grace upon grace.
We in the phrase we have all received grace could have four possible meanings.
We could be a reference to all humanity.
We could be a reference to all the Jews.
We could be a reference to all of Jesus’s followers.
We could be intended to capture any of these references, depending on the individual reader.
1. First, we could mean all humanity.
The Gospel of John was written for believers and unbelievers (John 20:31John 20:31 commentary), Jews and Gentiles. We could generally be applied to any and all of his readers and therefore everyone. We could be an invitation for all people to consider how they are beneficiaries of Jesus, who is God. This is consistent with John 20:31John 20:31 commentary.
2. We could refer to the Jews.
John, the author of this Gospel, was a Jew. John lived and served in Judea for roughly fifty years until he relocated to the city of Ephesus. His use of we could be an appeal to his fellow Jews to examine how they have been blessed by Jesus and consider how He is their God and Messiah.
John may be identifying with his Jewish roots here in verse 16 before he makes the overtly Jewish claim, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17John 1:17 commentary). If so, all the world is invited to be blessed through this testimony. If this is the case, then the invitation to the Gentiles would be inferred through the testimony of the Jews concerning Jesus, the Messiah, Son of David.
3. We could refer to all the followers of Jesus.
The third sense in which the pronoun—we—can be understood is as a reference to all the followers of Jesus. If this is what John meant by we, then it is an invitation to everyone to join him and all the followers of Jesus in partaking of the blessings they have received from believing in Him as God and following His teachings.
4. We could refer to each of the above.
Finally, it is possible that all of these meanings are intended by John. If so, John wrote this in such a way that it invited his audience to read their own circumstances into the text and personally apply its meaning to their lives.
It is consistent with the way John’s prologue is written using language that fits both the Jewish and the Greek perspectives for John to intend we to include the Jews, Gentiles, and the disciples. This is also consistent with his self-explanation for his rationale of writing this gospel, which is intended to apply to all people (John 20:31John 20:31 commentary).
The verb received means “to accept,” “lay claim to,” “take hold of” or “possess” something that came from someone else. When a person receives something, it becomes their own. In the context of John 1:16John 1:16 commentary, commentaryreceived is inherently beneficial.
The phrase For of His fullness we have all received speaks to the abundant nature of God’s fullness as manifested in Jesus Christ that has benefited all people.
In Jesus, the fullness of God, including His grace (and truth—John 1:14bJohn 1:14b commentary) are not only revealed but are lavished upon all humanity and upon all believers.
In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, the functional equivalents of the statement For of His fullness we have all received are the angelic proclamations:
“for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20b-21Matthew 1:20b-21 commentary)
“for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10b-11Luke 2:10b-11 commentary)
But where the angels’ statements are predictive of the gospel blessings describing what Jesus will do for His/all the people, John’s testimony is descriptive of the blessings that have been receivedof His fullness.
The single best term to describe the benefits and blessings that we have all received through Jesus is grace.
This phrase appears to be a rhetorical amplification of the otherwise complete sentence: For of His fullness we have all received.
The Greek text of this expression literally reads “grace anti grace.” This phrasing appears to be some sort of idiom meaning “grace against grace,” or “grace in place of grace.”
The expression grace upon grace conjures up the notion of unending or ceaseless grace. Like the waves of an ocean, the grace of God is relentless and unending. We have and will receive endless wave of grace after wave of grace after wave of grace…into eternity. In Jesus, believers will receive grace upon grace forever.
Jesus’s supply of grace will never run out. It is impossible for too many people to receive Jesus and experience His mercy and grace. Hisgrace is infinite. All and as many people who do receive Him will experience the gospel’s blessings (John 1:12-13John 1:12-13 commentary).
Rather than running out, Hisgrace seems to increase as grace upon grace is given by Him and received by those who receive Him.
The gospel’s supply of grace is unlimited. Infinite grace is part of what makes the gospel such good news. As the Apostle Paul asserted, “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20Romans 5:20 commentary).
The Old Testament praises the infinite abundance of the LORD’s mercies and compassions here described as lovingkindness—i.e. His grace.
The psalms bid all to “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting” (Psalm 136:1Psalm 136:1 commentary).
The prophet Jeremiah comforts Israel with the truth that:
"The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23aLamentations 3:22-23a commentary)
As mentioned previously, the Greek term for grace means “favor” or “kindness.” Favor is a disposition or expression of love, goodwill, or blessing. Kindness is a quality or action characterized by benevolence, compassion, and care toward others—often at one’s own expense.
Grace is both a reflection of God’s nature and a practical expression of His love (John 1:14bJohn 1:14b commentary)
Context determines who is dispensing the grace, to whom it is being offered, and the basis for which it is bestowed. Grace from God is always chosen by Him. Grace is never coerced or given out of obligation, “otherwise grace is no longer grace” (Romans 11:6Romans 11:6 commentary).
Sometimes God’s grace is undeserved in the recipient. Undeserved grace is bestowed upon one who lacks personal worthiness to receive it. In some cases, instead of grace or favor, the recipients of undeserved grace deserve its opposite—wrath and condemnation.
Biblical examples where undeserved grace was gifted to unworthy recipients include:
The LORD’s calling of Israel to be His people (Deuteronomy 7:7-8Deuteronomy 7:7-8 commentary, commentaryIsaiah 41:8-9Isaiah 41:8-9 commentary)
The LORD’s deliverance of Israel from their slavery in Egypt (Deuteronomy 4:32-34Deuteronomy 4:32-34 commentary, commentaryMicah 6:4Micah 6:4 commentary)
The LORD’s steadfast faithfulness to Israel despite their persistent wickedness (Hosea 11:1-4Hosea 11:1-4 commentary)
The sacrificial love of the Father in giving His only begotten Son (John 3:16John 3:16 commentary, commentary1 John 4:101 John 4:10 commentary)
Jesus willingly laying down His life for His enemies (Romans 5:8Romans 5:8 commentary)
The Gift of Eternal Life is the most significant example of undeserved grace.
The Gift of Eternal Life is offered of God to everyone on the basis of God’s grace and nothing more. The Gift of Eternal Life is so undeserved in ourselves that it is sometimes called “free grace,” because it costs us nothing to receive it by faith.
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12John 1:12 commentary)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9Ephesians 2:8-9 commentary)
The Apostle Paul explained to the Roman believers how those who receive Jesus by faith are “justified [declared righteous and saved from death] as a gift by His grace” (Romans 3:24Romans 3:24 commentary). Other English translations of Romans 3:24Romans 3:24 commentary render “gift” as “freely,” that believers are “justified freely by His grace.” Paul is adamant that no one receives the Gift of Eternal Life on the basis of their own righteous behavior (Romans 3:28Romans 3:28 commentary).
Sometimes God’s grace or favor is founded or deserved and given to a recipient who have proved themselves worthy.
Founded/deserved grace is where favor is granted when God finds approval and/or delights in another’s character and/or behavior—often during a difficult circumstance or trial. One of the first mentions of founded grace is when “Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8Genesis 6:8 commentary).
In the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures, the word translated as “favor” in Genesis 6:8Genesis 6:8 commentary is “charis”(χάρις) . This is the same term used in the Greek New Testament that is translated as grace.
God states in multiple scriptures that certain choices will gain His approval.
Other Biblical examples of founded/deserved grace/favor of actions:
Keeping the Law and Commandments of God (Psalm 119:58Psalm 119:58 commentary)
The many faithful examples of Hebrews 11Hebrews 11 commentary who gained God’s favor and approval through faith (Hebrews 11:39aHebrews 11:39a commentary)
Persevering to do God’s will under trials (James 1:2-4James 1:2-4 commentary, 1:121:12 commentary, 1 Peter 1:4-71 Peter 1:4-7 commentary)
Context determines whether God’s grace or favor is deserved or undeserved.
When speaking of God, all grace (whether it is deserved and/or undeserved in the recipient) is always judged by and founded in Him. God’s grace or favor is always received on the basis of faith in Him (Hebrews 11:6Hebrews 11:6 commentary). There is no measure by which His favor can be demanded. If there were, it would be payment, and no one can obligate God.
The Gift of Eternal Life is an example of undeserved grace granted by God upon those who are wholly unworthy to receive it and were even previously hostile toward Him (Romans 5:10Romans 5:10 commentary, commentaryColossians 1:21Colossians 1:21 commentary). The Gift of Eternal Life, God’s grace is given freely and is received entirely through faith in Jesus and what He did for us on the cross.
The Prize of Eternal Life, is an example of founded/deserved grace. With the Prize of Eternal Life, God’s grace is granted to those who by faith overcome life’s trials.
To be clear—we do not win the Prize of Eternal Life by, in, or through our own wisdom or strength. We win the Prize of Eternal Life by trusting God in our decisions to let His grace work in our lives. We inherit/win/obtain the Prize of Eternal Life and enter the kingdom through believing God’s word, adopting His perspective, trusting His plan, and relying on His strength to do His will (Matthew 7:21Matthew 7:21 commentary).
To inherit the Prize of Eternal Life and enter God’s kingdom, we must have a living faith that is put into good practice (James 2:14James 2:14 commentary, 2626 commentary). Paul describes this as walking by faith (2 Corinthians 5:72 Corinthians 5:7 commentary) and/or that we work out our faith with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12Philippians 2:12 commentary). To walk in God’s ways is to renew our minds, to adopt His perspectives, and be transformed to be separated from the world (Romans 12:1-2Romans 12:1-2 commentary). To walk in God’s ways is to walk in His Spirit, choosing the indwelling Spirit over our old nature, the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17Galatians 5:16-17 commentary).
How have we all received grace upon grace through Jesus Christ, the fullness of God?
This question will be considered according to each of the three meanings of the pronoun—we.
1. We—all humanity—have received grace upon grace through Jesus Christ.
Everyone, believers and unbelievers have allreceived grace upon grace because of Jesus, our Creator. Here is a short list of the gracewe have all received:
the grace of physical life, (John 1:4aJohn 1:4a commentary)
the grace of a habitable planet with food, air, and water, (Genesis 8:22Genesis 8:22 commentary, commentaryJohn 1:10aJohn 1:10a commentary, Colossians 1:16-17Colossians 1:16-17 commentary, commentaryHebrews 1:30Hebrews 1:30 commentary)
the grace of being uniquely and wonderfully made in God’s image. (Genesis 1:26-27Genesis 1:26-27 commentary, commentaryPsalm 139:13-18aPsalm 139:13-18a commentary)
These things and similar blessings are sometimes called “common grace” because they are common to all people, regardless of whether or not they receive Jesus and the Gift and the Prize of Eternal Life. (To learn more about the Gift or the Prize of Eternal Life, either use these links or continue reading this commentary). Concerning the common graces, Jesus said:
“He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:45Matthew 5:45 commentary)
And while only those who receive Jesus by faith receive the Gift of Eternal life (John 1:11-13John 1:11-13 commentary, 3:163:16 commentary), all people have beenoffered the graceof Jesus’s forgiveness of our sins (1 John 2:21 John 2:2 commentary) and eternal life through Him (1 Timothy 2:41 Timothy 2:4 commentary). Paul mentions the universality of God’s gracious offer in his letter to his disciple, Titus:
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in this present age.” (Titus 2:11-12Titus 2:11-12 commentary)
Existence, physical life, a habitable planet, being made in the image of God which endows each person with divine dignity, purpose, value, and worth, and the incredible opportunity of redemption and eternal life in Him are but some examples of the grace upon grace all human beings have received through Jesus, our Creator.
2. We—all the Jews—have received grace upon grace through Jesus Christ.
The Jews had received all the common grace humanity has received from Jesus. All the Jews had also received additional grace that was particular to them through Jesus Christ.
Jesus was the long promised and prophesied Christ (Messiah) who would redeem Israel from her shame and restore her to great glory.
He was the King in the Line of David whose kingdom would be without end. (2 Samuel 7:12-132 Samuel 7:12-13 commentary, commentaryMatthew 21:4-5Matthew 21:4-5 commentary)
He was the LORD’s Servant who would be crushed for Israel’s iniquities and justify His people through His death. (Isaiah 53:4-12Isaiah 53:4-12 commentary, commentaryMatthew 20:28Matthew 20:28 commentary)
As the Word of God, Jesus delivered the Law to Moses who gave it to the people (John 1:17John 1:17 commentary).
The Law was an expression of His grace because His commandments yielded life to Israel (Deuteronomy 30:15-20Deuteronomy 30:15-20 commentary, commentaryPsalm 19:7-11Psalm 19:7-11 commentary, commentaryPsalm 119Psalm 119 commentary).
Moreover, Jesus fulfilled the Law and opened the fullnessof its blessing upon Israel (Matthew 5:17Matthew 5:17 commentary). And it will ultimately be through Jesus that “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26Romans 11:26 commentary).
3. We—all of Jesus’s Followers—have received grace upon grace through Him.
All believers in Jesus have received the common grace that is available to all humanity—existence, physical life, a habitable world, being made in the image of God, and the opportunity to receive eternal life through Him.
But in addition, believers in Jesus have all received additional grace upon grace through Him.
All believers have received the Gift of Eternal Life. The Gift of Eternal Life is by His grace and is received through faith in Jesus as God and Messiah. The Gift of Eternal Life includes:
Being born into God’s eternal family. (John 1:12-13John 1:12-13 commentary, 3:5-63:5-6 commentary, 14-1614-16 commentary, 1 John 3:11 John 3:1 commentary)
Avoiding spiritual death apart from God and being raised to an immortal life. (John 3:16John 3:16 commentary, commentaryJohn 11:25John 11:25 commentary, commentaryRomans 6:23Romans 6:23 commentary, commentary1 Corinthians 15:51-571 Corinthians 15:51-57 commentary, commentary2 Timothy 1:102 Timothy 1:10 commentary, 2:112:11 commentary)
Having harmony with God—i.e. being justified/receiving His righteousness. (Romans 3:22-23Romans 3:22-23 commentary, 5:15:1 commentary,Galatians 2:16Galatians 2:16 commentary, commentary2 Corinthians 2:52 Corinthians 2:5 commentary, commentaryTitus 3:7Titus 3:7 commentary)
The opportunity to obtain/inherit the Prize of Eternal Life. (Romans 8:17-19Romans 8:17-19 commentary, commentary2 Timothy 2:122 Timothy 2:12 commentary, commentaryRevelation 3:21Revelation 3:21 commentary)
All believers in Jesus as the Son of God and the Christ have received the grace upon grace of the Gift of Eternal Life. In receiving this gift, they have been born into God’s family and are His child (John 3:5John 3:5 commentary). Also in receiving this gift, they are grafted into the olive tree that is Israel, and are spiritual children of Abraham (Romans 11:17Romans 11:17 commentary, commentaryGalatians 3:7Galatians 3:7 commentary).
All believers in Jesus who follow Him by faith as faithful witnesses also receive the Prize of Eternal Life.
The Prize of Eternal Life is an inheritance of grace to those who are faithful in their walk and witness for Jesus.
Present Blessings (in this life) of the Prize include:
Knowing God by faith (in this life). (John 17:3John 17:3 commentary)
Living the abundant life. (Mark 10:29-30Mark 10:29-30 commentary, commentaryJohn 10:10bJohn 10:10b commentary)
Liberty from our slavery to sin/our flesh because we choose to obey God rather than continue in sin. (Romans 6:16-22Romans 6:16-22 commentary, commentaryGalatians 5:13-16Galatians 5:13-16 commentary, commentaryEphesians 4:17-24Ephesians 4:17-24 commentary, commentary1 Peter 1:41 Peter 1:4 commentary)
Avoiding the soul-corruption of sin when we choose to obey God rather than continue in sin. (Ephesians 4:17-23Ephesians 4:17-23 commentary; 1 Peter 1:41 Peter 1:4 commentary)
Rest from having to follow a set of legalistic rules and win the world's approval, knowing we are fully accepted by God through Jesus. (Matthew 11:28-30Matthew 11:28-30 commentary)
Future/Eternal Blessings (in the next life) of the Prize include:
Being approved by Christ at our judgment for having lived as a faithful witness. (Matthew 10:32Matthew 10:32 commentary; Luke 12:8Luke 12:8 commentary; 1 Corinthians 3:12-141 Corinthians 3:12-14 commentary, commentary2 Corinthians 5:9-102 Corinthians 5:9-10 commentary, commentary2 Timothy 4:82 Timothy 4:8 commentary, commentaryJames 1:12James 1:12 commentary, commentaryRevelation 3:21Revelation 3:21 commentary)
Entering His kingdom when we have walked in His ways. (Matthew 7:21Matthew 7:21 commentary; 2 Peter 1:10-112 Peter 1:10-11 commentary)
Inheriting the fullest experience of eternal life for having lived as a faithful witness. (Mark 10:17-23Mark 10:17-23 commentary; Romans 2:7Romans 2:7 commentary, 8:17-188:17-18 commentary; 1 Corinthians 2:91 Corinthians 2:9 commentary)
Followers of Jesus who win the Prize of Eternal Life will receive grace upon grace in Him by obtaining a reward that is beyond our capacity to comprehend (1 Corinthians 2:91 Corinthians 2:9 commentary).
The thoughts of John 1:16John 1:16 commentary are further developed in John 1:17John 1:17 commentary—“For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.”
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John 1:16 meaning
John 1:16John 1:16 commentary declares that we have received the fullness of Jesus as well as grace upon grace. There is no apparent parallel Gospel account of John 1:16John 1:16 commentary.
In John 1:14-15John 1:14-15 commentary, commentary we saw John the Baptizer’s testimony supporting his claim that Jesus was God become human, who dwelt among us in His glory full of grace and truth. Now, the Gospel writer turns to discussing the fullness of Jesus,
For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace (v 16).
This short verse consists of two distinct but related thoughts which are connected through the conjunction and.
The first thought is the statement: For of His fullness we have all received grace.
The second thought is the rhetorical amplification: grace upon grace.
FOR OF HIS FULLNESS WE HAVE ALL RECEIVED GRACE
For of His fullness we have all received grace can stand on it its own as a complete sentence.
The conjunction—For—connects the thought of John 1:16John 1:16 commentary to what preceded it, in this case the thoughts expressed in John 1:14John 1:14 commentary, commentary that Jesus became human and dwelt among us, which was just before the Baptizer’s testimony (John 1:15John 1:15 commentary).
The pronoun—His—refers to Jesus—God (the Word/Logos) as human (John 1:1John 1:1 commentary, 1:141:14 commentary).
The phrase: of His fullness, then refers to “the fullness of God” which was made visible or tangible in the human existence of Jesus of Nazareth. Directly or indirectly, this testimony was given to all of humanity.
The Greek word translated as fullness is πλήρωμα (G4138—pronounced: “plē-rō-ma”). “Plērōma” conveys the idea of totality or completeness.
Jesus was and is fully God (John 1:1John 1:1 commentary, commentary John 1:14John 1:14 commentary).
Jesus told Philip His disciple: “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9John 14:9 commentary).
The Apostle Paul wrote how:
(Philippians 2:6Philippians 2:6 commentary)
(Colossians 1:15Colossians 1:15 commentary)
(Colossians 1:19Colossians 1:19 commentary)
The author of Hebrews wrote that:
(Hebrews 1:3Hebrews 1:3 commentary)
John states that what all we have received from Christ’s fullness is grace.
The Greek term for grace, is χάρις (G5485—pronounced: “khar-ece” or “charis”). It means favor or kindness. Favor is a disposition or expression of love, goodwill, or blessing. Kindness is a quality or action characterized by benevolence, compassion, and care toward others—often at one’s own expense. Much more will be said about grace in a moment when we discuss John’s amplification—grace upon grace.
We in the phrase we have all received grace could have four possible meanings.
1. First, we could mean all humanity.
The Gospel of John was written for believers and unbelievers (John 20:31John 20:31 commentary), Jews and Gentiles. We could generally be applied to any and all of his readers and therefore everyone. We could be an invitation for all people to consider how they are beneficiaries of Jesus, who is God. This is consistent with John 20:31John 20:31 commentary.
2. We could refer to the Jews.
John, the author of this Gospel, was a Jew. John lived and served in Judea for roughly fifty years until he relocated to the city of Ephesus. His use of we could be an appeal to his fellow Jews to examine how they have been blessed by Jesus and consider how He is their God and Messiah.
John may be identifying with his Jewish roots here in verse 16 before he makes the overtly Jewish claim, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17John 1:17 commentary). If so, all the world is invited to be blessed through this testimony. If this is the case, then the invitation to the Gentiles would be inferred through the testimony of the Jews concerning Jesus, the Messiah, Son of David.
3. We could refer to all the followers of Jesus.
The third sense in which the pronoun—we—can be understood is as a reference to all the followers of Jesus. If this is what John meant by we, then it is an invitation to everyone to join him and all the followers of Jesus in partaking of the blessings they have received from believing in Him as God and following His teachings.
4. We could refer to each of the above.
Finally, it is possible that all of these meanings are intended by John. If so, John wrote this in such a way that it invited his audience to read their own circumstances into the text and personally apply its meaning to their lives.
It is consistent with the way John’s prologue is written using language that fits both the Jewish and the Greek perspectives for John to intend we to include the Jews, Gentiles, and the disciples. This is also consistent with his self-explanation for his rationale of writing this gospel, which is intended to apply to all people (John 20:31John 20:31 commentary).
The verb received means “to accept,” “lay claim to,” “take hold of” or “possess” something that came from someone else. When a person receives something, it becomes their own. In the context of John 1:16John 1:16 commentary, commentary received is inherently beneficial.
The phrase For of His fullness we have all received speaks to the abundant nature of God’s fullness as manifested in Jesus Christ that has benefited all people.
In Jesus, the fullness of God, including His grace (and truth—John 1:14bJohn 1:14b commentary) are not only revealed but are lavished upon all humanity and upon all believers.
In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, the functional equivalents of the statement For of His fullness we have all received are the angelic proclamations:
“for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
(Matthew 1:20b-21Matthew 1:20b-21 commentary)
“for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
(Luke 2:10b-11Luke 2:10b-11 commentary)
But where the angels’ statements are predictive of the gospel blessings describing what Jesus will do for His/all the people, John’s testimony is descriptive of the blessings that have been received of His fullness.
The single best term to describe the benefits and blessings that we have all received through Jesus is grace.
AND GRACE UPON GRACE
The second thought of John 1:16John 1:16 commentary is grace upon grace.
This phrase appears to be a rhetorical amplification of the otherwise complete sentence: For of His fullness we have all received.
The Greek text of this expression literally reads “grace anti grace.” This phrasing appears to be some sort of idiom meaning “grace against grace,” or “grace in place of grace.”
The expression grace upon grace conjures up the notion of unending or ceaseless grace. Like the waves of an ocean, the grace of God is relentless and unending. We have and will receive endless wave of grace after wave of grace after wave of grace…into eternity. In Jesus, believers will receive grace upon grace forever.
Jesus’s supply of grace will never run out. It is impossible for too many people to receive Jesus and experience His mercy and grace. His grace is infinite. All and as many people who do receive Him will experience the gospel’s blessings (John 1:12-13John 1:12-13 commentary).
Rather than running out, His grace seems to increase as grace upon grace is given by Him and received by those who receive Him.
The gospel’s supply of grace is unlimited. Infinite grace is part of what makes the gospel such good news. As the Apostle Paul asserted, “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20Romans 5:20 commentary).
The Old Testament praises the infinite abundance of the LORD’s mercies and compassions here described as lovingkindness—i.e. His grace.
"The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.”
(Lamentations 3:22-23aLamentations 3:22-23a commentary)
As mentioned previously, the Greek term for grace means “favor” or “kindness.” Favor is a disposition or expression of love, goodwill, or blessing. Kindness is a quality or action characterized by benevolence, compassion, and care toward others—often at one’s own expense.
Grace is both a reflection of God’s nature and a practical expression of His love (John 1:14bJohn 1:14b commentary)
Context determines who is dispensing the grace, to whom it is being offered, and the basis for which it is bestowed. Grace from God is always chosen by Him. Grace is never coerced or given out of obligation, “otherwise grace is no longer grace” (Romans 11:6Romans 11:6 commentary).
Sometimes God’s grace is undeserved in the recipient. Undeserved grace is bestowed upon one who lacks personal worthiness to receive it. In some cases, instead of grace or favor, the recipients of undeserved grace deserve its opposite—wrath and condemnation.
Biblical examples where undeserved grace was gifted to unworthy recipients include:
(Deuteronomy 7:7-8Deuteronomy 7:7-8 commentary, commentary Isaiah 41:8-9Isaiah 41:8-9 commentary)
(Deuteronomy 4:32-34Deuteronomy 4:32-34 commentary, commentary Micah 6:4Micah 6:4 commentary)
(Deuteronomy 4:7-8Deuteronomy 4:7-8 commentary, commentary Nehemiah 9:13-14Nehemiah 9:13-14 commentary, commentary Romans 3:1-2Romans 3:1-2 commentary)
(Deuteronomy 4:37-38Deuteronomy 4:37-38 commentary, 9:4-69:4-6 commentary)
(Hosea 11:1-4Hosea 11:1-4 commentary)
(John 3:16John 3:16 commentary, commentary 1 John 4:101 John 4:10 commentary)
(Romans 5:8Romans 5:8 commentary)
The Gift of Eternal Life is the most significant example of undeserved grace.
The Gift of Eternal Life is offered of God to everyone on the basis of God’s grace and nothing more. The Gift of Eternal Life is so undeserved in ourselves that it is sometimes called “free grace,” because it costs us nothing to receive it by faith.
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”
(John 1:12John 1:12 commentary)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
(Ephesians 2:8-9Ephesians 2:8-9 commentary)
The Apostle Paul explained to the Roman believers how those who receive Jesus by faith are “justified [declared righteous and saved from death] as a gift by His grace” (Romans 3:24Romans 3:24 commentary). Other English translations of Romans 3:24Romans 3:24 commentary render “gift” as “freely,” that believers are “justified freely by His grace.” Paul is adamant that no one receives the Gift of Eternal Life on the basis of their own righteous behavior (Romans 3:28Romans 3:28 commentary).
Sometimes God’s grace or favor is founded or deserved and given to a recipient who have proved themselves worthy.
Founded/deserved grace is where favor is granted when God finds approval and/or delights in another’s character and/or behavior—often during a difficult circumstance or trial. One of the first mentions of founded grace is when “Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8Genesis 6:8 commentary).
In the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures, the word translated as “favor” in Genesis 6:8Genesis 6:8 commentary is “charis”(χάρις) . This is the same term used in the Greek New Testament that is translated as grace.
God states in multiple scriptures that certain choices will gain His approval.
Other Biblical examples of founded/deserved grace/favor of actions:
(Psalm 119:58Psalm 119:58 commentary)
(Proverbs 8:35Proverbs 8:35 commentary)
(Proverbs 12:2Proverbs 12:2 commentary)
(Matthew 10:32Matthew 10:32 commentary)
(Matthew 7:21Matthew 7:21 commentary, 25:20-2125:20-21 commentary)
(Acts 7:55-56Acts 7:55-56 commentary)
(Matthew 19:29Matthew 19:29 commentary, commentary Romans 8:17-18Romans 8:17-18 commentary, commentary 1 Corinthians 3:11-151 Corinthians 3:11-15 commentary, commentary 2 Corinthians 5:102 Corinthians 5:10 commentary, commentary 1 Peter 5:51 Peter 5:5 commentary)
(Philippians 3:14Philippians 3:14 commentary)
(Hebrews 11:39aHebrews 11:39a commentary)
(James 1:2-4James 1:2-4 commentary, 1:121:12 commentary, 1 Peter 1:4-71 Peter 1:4-7 commentary)
(Revelation 2:7Revelation 2:7 commentary, 2:112:11 commentary, 2:172:17 commentary, 2:26-282:26-28 commentary, 3:53:5 commentary, 3:123:12 commentary, 3:213:21 commentary)
Context determines whether God’s grace or favor is deserved or undeserved.
When speaking of God, all grace (whether it is deserved and/or undeserved in the recipient) is always judged by and founded in Him. God’s grace or favor is always received on the basis of faith in Him (Hebrews 11:6Hebrews 11:6 commentary). There is no measure by which His favor can be demanded. If there were, it would be payment, and no one can obligate God.
The Gift of Eternal Life is an example of undeserved grace granted by God upon those who are wholly unworthy to receive it and were even previously hostile toward Him (Romans 5:10Romans 5:10 commentary, commentary Colossians 1:21Colossians 1:21 commentary). The Gift of Eternal Life, God’s grace is given freely and is received entirely through faith in Jesus and what He did for us on the cross.
The Prize of Eternal Life, is an example of founded/deserved grace. With the Prize of Eternal Life, God’s grace is granted to those who by faith overcome life’s trials.
To be clear—we do not win the Prize of Eternal Life by, in, or through our own wisdom or strength. We win the Prize of Eternal Life by trusting God in our decisions to let His grace work in our lives. We inherit/win/obtain the Prize of Eternal Life and enter the kingdom through believing God’s word, adopting His perspective, trusting His plan, and relying on His strength to do His will (Matthew 7:21Matthew 7:21 commentary).
To inherit the Prize of Eternal Life and enter God’s kingdom, we must have a living faith that is put into good practice (James 2:14James 2:14 commentary, 2626 commentary). Paul describes this as walking by faith (2 Corinthians 5:72 Corinthians 5:7 commentary) and/or that we work out our faith with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12Philippians 2:12 commentary). To walk in God’s ways is to renew our minds, to adopt His perspectives, and be transformed to be separated from the world (Romans 12:1-2Romans 12:1-2 commentary). To walk in God’s ways is to walk in His Spirit, choosing the indwelling Spirit over our old nature, the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17Galatians 5:16-17 commentary).
How have we all received grace upon grace through Jesus Christ, the fullness of God?
This question will be considered according to each of the three meanings of the pronoun—we.
1. We—all humanity—have received grace upon grace through Jesus Christ.
Everyone, believers and unbelievers have all received grace upon grace because of Jesus, our Creator. Here is a short list of the grace we have all received:
(John 1:3John 1:3 commentary)
(John 1:4aJohn 1:4a commentary)
(Genesis 8:22Genesis 8:22 commentary, commentary John 1:10aJohn 1:10a commentary, Colossians 1:16-17Colossians 1:16-17 commentary, commentary Hebrews 1:30Hebrews 1:30 commentary)
(Genesis 1:26-27Genesis 1:26-27 commentary, commentary Psalm 139:13-18aPsalm 139:13-18a commentary)
These things and similar blessings are sometimes called “common grace” because they are common to all people, regardless of whether or not they receive Jesus and the Gift and the Prize of Eternal Life. (To learn more about the Gift or the Prize of Eternal Life, either use these links or continue reading this commentary). Concerning the common graces, Jesus said:
“He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
(Matthew 5:45Matthew 5:45 commentary)
And while only those who receive Jesus by faith receive the Gift of Eternal life (John 1:11-13John 1:11-13 commentary, 3:163:16 commentary), all people have been offered the grace of Jesus’s forgiveness of our sins (1 John 2:21 John 2:2 commentary) and eternal life through Him (1 Timothy 2:41 Timothy 2:4 commentary). Paul mentions the universality of God’s gracious offer in his letter to his disciple, Titus:
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in this present age.”
(Titus 2:11-12Titus 2:11-12 commentary)
Existence, physical life, a habitable planet, being made in the image of God which endows each person with divine dignity, purpose, value, and worth, and the incredible opportunity of redemption and eternal life in Him are but some examples of the grace upon grace all human beings have received through Jesus, our Creator.
2. We—all the Jews—have received grace upon grace through Jesus Christ.
The Jews had received all the common grace humanity has received from Jesus. All the Jews had also received additional grace that was particular to them through Jesus Christ.
Jesus was the long promised and prophesied Christ (Messiah) who would redeem Israel from her shame and restore her to great glory.
(Deuteronomy 18:15-19Deuteronomy 18:15-19 commentary, commentary Matthew 5:1 - 7:29Matthew 5:1 - 7:29 commentary)
(2 Samuel 7:12-132 Samuel 7:12-13 commentary, commentary Matthew 21:4-5Matthew 21:4-5 commentary)
(Isaiah 53:4-12Isaiah 53:4-12 commentary, commentary Matthew 20:28Matthew 20:28 commentary)
As the Word of God, Jesus delivered the Law to Moses who gave it to the people (John 1:17John 1:17 commentary).
Moreover, Jesus fulfilled the Law and opened the fullness of its blessing upon Israel (Matthew 5:17Matthew 5:17 commentary). And it will ultimately be through Jesus that “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26Romans 11:26 commentary).
3. We—all of Jesus’s Followers—have received grace upon grace through Him.
All believers in Jesus have received the common grace that is available to all humanity—existence, physical life, a habitable world, being made in the image of God, and the opportunity to receive eternal life through Him.
But in addition, believers in Jesus have all received additional grace upon grace through Him.
All believers have received the Gift of Eternal Life. The Gift of Eternal Life is by His grace and is received through faith in Jesus as God and Messiah. The Gift of Eternal Life includes:
(John 1:12-13John 1:12-13 commentary, 3:5-63:5-6 commentary, 14-1614-16 commentary, 1 John 3:11 John 3:1 commentary)
(John 3:16John 3:16 commentary, commentary John 11:25John 11:25 commentary, commentary Romans 6:23Romans 6:23 commentary, commentary 1 Corinthians 15:51-571 Corinthians 15:51-57 commentary, commentary 2 Timothy 1:102 Timothy 1:10 commentary, 2:112:11 commentary)
(Romans 3:22-23Romans 3:22-23 commentary, 5:15:1 commentary,Galatians 2:16Galatians 2:16 commentary, commentary 2 Corinthians 2:52 Corinthians 2:5 commentary, commentary Titus 3:7Titus 3:7 commentary)
(Romans 5:5Romans 5:5 commentary, commentary 1 Corinthians 3:161 Corinthians 3:16 commentary, commentary Ephesians 1:13-14Ephesians 1:13-14 commentary)
(Romans 8:17-19Romans 8:17-19 commentary, commentary 2 Timothy 2:122 Timothy 2:12 commentary, commentary Revelation 3:21Revelation 3:21 commentary)
All believers in Jesus as the Son of God and the Christ have received the grace upon grace of the Gift of Eternal Life. In receiving this gift, they have been born into God’s family and are His child (John 3:5John 3:5 commentary). Also in receiving this gift, they are grafted into the olive tree that is Israel, and are spiritual children of Abraham (Romans 11:17Romans 11:17 commentary, commentary Galatians 3:7Galatians 3:7 commentary).
All believers in Jesus who follow Him by faith as faithful witnesses also receive the Prize of Eternal Life.
The Prize of Eternal Life is an inheritance of grace to those who are faithful in their walk and witness for Jesus.
Present Blessings (in this life) of the Prize include:
(John 17:3John 17:3 commentary)
(Mark 10:29-30Mark 10:29-30 commentary, commentary John 10:10bJohn 10:10b commentary)
(Romans 6:16-22Romans 6:16-22 commentary, commentary Galatians 5:13-16Galatians 5:13-16 commentary, commentary Ephesians 4:17-24Ephesians 4:17-24 commentary, commentary 1 Peter 1:41 Peter 1:4 commentary)
(Romans 6:23Romans 6:23 commentary, 7:24-257:24-25 commentary; 8:6-108:6-10 commentary; Galatians 5:19-20Galatians 5:19-20 commentary)
(Ephesians 4:17-23Ephesians 4:17-23 commentary; 1 Peter 1:41 Peter 1:4 commentary)
(Matthew 11:28-30Matthew 11:28-30 commentary)
Future/Eternal Blessings (in the next life) of the Prize include:
(Matthew 10:32Matthew 10:32 commentary; Luke 12:8Luke 12:8 commentary; 1 Corinthians 3:12-141 Corinthians 3:12-14 commentary, commentary 2 Corinthians 5:9-102 Corinthians 5:9-10 commentary, commentary 2 Timothy 4:82 Timothy 4:8 commentary, commentary James 1:12James 1:12 commentary, commentary Revelation 3:21Revelation 3:21 commentary)
(Matthew 7:21Matthew 7:21 commentary; 2 Peter 1:10-112 Peter 1:10-11 commentary)
(Mark 10:17-23Mark 10:17-23 commentary; Romans 2:7Romans 2:7 commentary, 8:17-188:17-18 commentary; 1 Corinthians 2:91 Corinthians 2:9 commentary)
(Matthew 6:1Matthew 6:1 commentary, 19-2019-20 commentary; 1 Corinthians 3:12-141 Corinthians 3:12-14 commentary, commentary 1 Peter 5:41 Peter 5:4 commentary, commentary Revelation 2:7Revelation 2:7 commentary, 2:10-112:10-11 commentary, 2:172:17 commentary, 2:262:26 commentary, 3:53:5 commentary, 3:123:12 commentary, 3:213:21 commentary)
(Matthew 19:28Matthew 19:28 commentary, commentary Romans 8:17bRomans 8:17b commentary, 2 Timothy 2:122 Timothy 2:12 commentary, commentary Hebrews 2:9-10Hebrews 2:9-10 commentary, commentary Revelation 3:21Revelation 3:21 commentary, 5:105:10 commentary)
Followers of Jesus who win the Prize of Eternal Life will receive grace upon grace in Him by obtaining a reward that is beyond our capacity to comprehend (1 Corinthians 2:91 Corinthians 2:9 commentary).
The thoughts of John 1:16John 1:16 commentary are further developed in John 1:17John 1:17 commentary—“For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.”
The Bible Says commentary continues by looking at John 1:17John 1:17 commentary. The end of its commentary over John 1:17John 1:17 commentary considers the meaning of John 1:16-17John 1:16-17 commentary together.