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John 1:6

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There was a man sent from God, whose name [was] John.

There was {G1096} a man {G444} sent {G649} from {G3844} God {G2316}, whose {G846} name {G3686} was John {G2491}.

There was a man sent from God whose name was Yochanan.

There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John.

There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John.

Commentary

John 1:6 introduces a pivotal figure in the Gospel narrative: John the Baptist. After a profound theological prologue that establishes the deity and pre-existence of Jesus Christ as "the Word," this verse shifts focus to a specific historical person whose ministry was essential for preparing the way for the Messiah.

Context

The Gospel of John begins by declaring Jesus as the eternal Word who was with God and was God. Immediately following this cosmic declaration, the narrative introduces John the Baptist, emphasizing his distinct, yet divinely appointed, role. He is presented not as the Light himself, but as a witness to the Light, setting him apart from Jesus and clarifying his purpose. This serves to counter any potential misconceptions among early readers who might have elevated John beyond his true prophetic function.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment: The phrase "sent from God" is crucial. It signifies that John's ministry was not self-initiated or a product of human ambition, but a direct commission from the Almighty. This divine sending underscores the legitimacy and authority of his message, echoing the call of Old Testament prophets. His miraculous birth, too, was foretold by an angel, as seen in Luke 1:13.
  • The Forerunner: John's primary role was to prepare the way for Jesus, fulfilling prophecies such as Malachi 3:1. He was the voice crying in the wilderness, calling people to repentance and pointing them to the true Light who was coming.
  • Witness to the Light: As explicitly stated in the subsequent verse, John 1:7, John's purpose was "to bear witness of the Light." He was a signpost, directing attention away from himself and towards Jesus Christ. This distinction is vital, as John 1:8 clarifies he "was not that Light."

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "sent from God" is apestalmenos para Theou (ἀπεσταλμένος παρὰ Θεοῦ). The verb apostellō means "to send forth, send away," often implying a special commission or authority, from which we get the word "apostle." This emphasizes John's role as a divinely appointed messenger with a specific, authoritative task. It highlights that his message was not his own, but God's.

Practical Application

John the Baptist's humility and unwavering focus on his divine mission offer a powerful lesson. His life reminds us that God often uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Our calling may not be to be "the Light," but to be a faithful witness to Christ, pointing others to Him. Just as John prepared hearts for Jesus' first coming, believers today are called to share the Gospel and prepare others for Christ's glorious return. We are to decrease so that He may increase, fulfilling our God-given purpose in His grand redemptive plan.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Malachi 3:1 (15 votes)

    ¶ Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • John 3:28 (12 votes)

    Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

  • Isaiah 40:3 (12 votes)

    ¶ The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

  • Isaiah 40:5 (12 votes)

    And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

  • John 1:33 (10 votes)

    And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

  • Acts 13:24 (9 votes)

    When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

  • Luke 1:76 (9 votes)

    And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;