John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 1:7
The same came for a witness ,.... The end of his being sent, and the design of his coming were, to bear witness of the light : by which is meant, not the light of nature, or reason; nor the light of the Gospel: but Christ himself, the author of light, natural, spiritual, and eternal. This was one of the names of the Messiah with the Jews; of whom they say F21 Echa Rabbati, fol. 50. 2. , נהירא שמו , "light is his name"; as it is said in Daniel 2:22 and the light dwelleth with... read more
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 1:6
There was a man sent from God ,.... John the Baptist: he was not the Logos, or word; nor was he an angel, but a man; yet an extraordinary one, in his conception of a barren woman, and in being born when both parents were stricken in years; and whilst he was in the womb, he leaped for joy at the salutation of Mary; and as soon as born was filled with the Holy Ghost; and when he was grown up, and appeared in public, it was in an uncommon manner: his dress and his diet were both out of the... read more