John 1:12

“But as many as received him, etc.] This is explained, in the latter part of the text, by believing in his name; for faith is a receiving him as the word, and Son of God, as the Messiah, Saviour, and Redeemer; a receiving grace out of his fulness, and every blessing from him, as a justifying righteousness, pardon of sin, and an inheritance among them that are sanctified; for though the generality rejected him, there were some few that received him: to them gave he power to become the sons of God; as such were very early called, in distinction from the children of men, or of the world; (see <010602> Genesis 6:2,4). To be the sons of God is a very special favour, a great blessing, and high…”

“But as many--individuals, of the "disobedient and gainsaying people." gave he power--The word signifies both authority and ability, and both are certainly meant here. to become--Mark these words: Jesus is the Son of God; He is never said to have become such. the sons--or more simply, "sons of God," in name and in nature. believe on his name--a phrase never used in Scripture of any mere creature, to express the credit given to human testimony, even of prophets or apostles, inasmuch it carries with it the idea of trust proper only towards GOD. In this sense of supreme faith, as due to Him who "gives those that believe in Himself power to become sons of God," it is manifestly used here.”

“To as many as received him - The great mass; the people; the scribes and Pharisees rejected him. A few in his lifetime received him, and many more after his death. “To receive him,” here, means to “believe” on him. This is expressed at the end of the verse. Gave he power - This is more appropriately rendered in the margin by the word “right” or “privilege.” Compare Acts 1:7; Acts 5:4; Rom 9:21; 1 Corinthians 7:37; 1Co 8:9; 1 Corinthians 9:4-5. Sons of God - Children of God by adoption. See the notes at Matthew 1:1. Christians are called sons of God: Because they are “adopted” by Him, 1 John 3:1. Because they are “like Him;” they resemble Him and have His spirit. They are united to the Lord…”

“But as many as received him - Jews or Gentiles; that believe on his name - That is, on him. The moment they believe, they are sons; and because they are sons, God sendeth forth the Spirit of his Son into their hearts, crying, Abba, Father. John 1:13”

“1:12 Only through divine renewal can people follow the light and enter God’s family (3:1-17). • Individuals must believe in Christ to become children of God (12:35-36).”

“received: Mat 10:40, Mat 18:5; Col 2:6 to them: Isa 56:5; Jer 3:19; Hos 1:10; Rom 8:14; Co2 6:17, Co2 6:18; Gal 3:26, Gal 4:6; Pe2 1:4; Jo1 3:1 power: or, the right, or privilege even: Joh 2:23, Joh 3:18, Joh 20:31; Mat 12:21; Act 3:16; Jo1 3:23, Jo1 5:12 John 1:13”