2. This verse is parenthetical. Compare, for similar inter- ruptions of the construction, ver. 3; John i. 14; iii. 16, 31; xix. 35
And (cai). See on John i. 10; viii. 20.
The Life (7 fw). The Word Himself who is the Life.* Compare John xiv. 6; v.26; 1 John v. 11,12. Jéfe expresses the nature of the Word (John i. 4). The phrase, the Life, besides being equivalent to the Word, also indicates, like the Truth and the Light, an aspect of His being.
Was manifested (é€favepoIn). See on John xxi. 1. Corre- sponding with the Word was made flesh (John i. 14). The two phrases, however, present different aspects of the same truth. The Word became flesh, contemplates simply the historic fact of incarnation. The life was manifested, sets forth the unfold- ing of that fact in the various operations of life. The one de- notes the objective process of the incarnation as such, the other the result of that process as related to human capacity of re- ceiving and understanding it. “The reality of the incarnation would be undeclared if it were said, ‘The Word was mani- fested;’ the manifoldness of the operations of life would be circumscribed if it were said, ‘The Life became flesh. The manifestation of the Life was a consequence of the incarnation of the Word, but it is not coextensive with it ” (Westcott).
Have seen—bear witness—shew. Three ideas in the apostolic message: experience, testimony, announcement.
Bear witness. See on John i. 7%.
Shew (dzrayyédAouev). Better, as Rev., declare. See on John xvi. 25. So here. The message comes from (amo) God.
* The student should consult, on John’s use of the term Life, Canon West- cott’s ‘‘additional note” on 1 John v. 20. ‘‘Commentary on the Epistles of John,” p. 204.