All. The Baptist took up the work of the prophets, as re- spects their preparation for the universal extension of the divine call (Isa. xlix. 6). His message was to men, without regard to nation, sect, descent, or other considerations.
Through him. John the Baptist.
8. He (éxeivos). Emphatic, “It was not he who was the light.” Compare ii. 21, “‘ He (éxeivos) spake,” bringing out the differ- ence between Jesus’ conception of destroying and rebuilding the temple, and that of his hearers.
That light (76 das). Rev., the light. The emphatic that of the A. V. is unnecessary.
Was sent. Rev., came. Neither in the original text. Lit., “ He was not the light, but in order that (va) he might bear witness.” So in ix. 3. ‘ Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents, but (he was born blind) that the works,” etc. Compare xv. 25.
9. That was the true light, etc. This passage is differ- ently interpreted. Some join coming (épxouevov) with man (4vS$pwrrov), and render every man that cometh, as A. V. Others join coming with light, and render, as Rev., the true light—com- ing into the world. The latter is the preferable rendering, and is justified by John’s frequent use of the phrase coming into the world, with reference to our Lord. See iii.19; vi. 14; ix. 39; xi. 27; xii. 46; xvi. 28; xviii. 37. In iii. 19 and xii. 46, it is used as here, in connection with light. Note especially the latter, where Jesus himself says, “Zam come a light into the world.” Was (jv) is to be taken independently, there was, and not united in a single conception with coming (épydpevov), 80 as to mean was coming. The light was, existed, when the Baptist appeared as a witness. Up to the time of his appearance it was all along coming: its permanent being conjoined with a slow, progressive coming, a revelation “at sundry times and in divers manners” (Heb. i. 1). “ From the first He was on His way to the world, advancing toward the incarnation by pre-