John 1:16 Study Bible: For of his fullness we all received, and grace upon grace.

◄ John 1:16 ►

From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.

From His fullness
The phrase "From His fullness" refers to the complete and perfect nature of Jesus Christ. The Greek word for "fullness" is "pleroma," which signifies totality and abundance. In the context of the Gospel of John, this fullness is the divine nature and attributes of Christ, who is both fully God and fully man. Historically, this concept counters the Gnostic belief that the divine could not fully inhabit the material world. Instead, John affirms that Jesus embodies the complete presence of God, offering believers access to the divine life and blessings.

we have all received
The phrase "we have all received" emphasizes the inclusivity and universality of the gift offered through Christ. The Greek word "elabomen" (received) suggests an active acceptance, indicating that this is not a passive reception but a willing embrace of what is offered. This reflects the historical context of the early church, which was expanding beyond Jewish boundaries to include Gentiles, thus highlighting the universal scope of Christ's mission.

grace upon grace
The phrase "grace upon grace" is a profound expression of the continuous and overflowing nature of God's grace. The Greek term "charis" (grace) refers to unmerited favor and divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration and sanctification. The repetition "upon grace" suggests an ongoing, layered experience of grace, much like waves upon a shore. This reflects the scriptural theme of God's inexhaustible generosity and the believer's continual need for divine grace. Historically, this would have been a comforting assurance to early Christians facing persecution, reminding them of the ever-present and renewing power of God's grace in their lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this verse, whose fullness is the source of grace. He is the Word made flesh, as described earlier in John 1.

2. John the Apostle
The author of the Gospel of John, who provides a theological reflection on the nature and work of Christ.

3. The Believers
Those who have received "grace upon grace" from the fullness of Christ. This includes the original audience of John's Gospel and extends to all Christians.

Teaching Points

Understanding Fullness
The Greek word for "fullness" (pl?r?ma) signifies completeness and abundance. In Christ, there is an inexhaustible supply of grace available to believers.

Grace Upon Grace
The phrase "grace upon grace" suggests a continuous and overflowing supply of grace. It emphasizes that God's grace is not a one-time gift but an ongoing provision.

Living in Grace
As recipients of such abundant grace, believers are called to live lives that reflect gratitude and reliance on God's grace in every aspect of life.

Grace in Community
The grace we receive is not just for personal benefit but is meant to be shared within the Christian community, fostering unity and love.

Responding to Grace
Our response to receiving grace should be one of worship, obedience, and a desire to extend grace to others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the "fullness" of Christ impact your view of His sufficiency in your life?

2. In what ways have you experienced "grace upon grace" in your personal walk with Christ?

3. How can the concept of receiving continuous grace influence your daily interactions with others?

4. What are some practical ways you can extend the grace you have received to those around you?

5. How do the additional scriptures (Ephesians 1:7-8, Colossians 2:9-10, Romans 5:17) deepen your understanding of the grace available to you in Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 1:14
This verse speaks of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, full of grace and truth, setting the context for understanding the fullness from which we receive grace.

Ephesians 1:7-8
Paul speaks of the riches of God's grace, which He has lavished upon us, echoing the idea of receiving grace upon grace.

Colossians 2:9-10
Paul writes about the fullness of deity dwelling in Christ and believers being filled in Him, reinforcing the concept of receiving from Christ's fullness.

Romans 5:17
Discusses the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness, which believers receive through Jesus Christ.

Sermons

A Precious Plentitude	C. H. Spurgeon., J. Calvin.	John 1:16
All Fulness in Christ	A. Maclaren, D. D.	John 1:16
Christ's Fulness	C. H. Spurgeon.	John 1:16
Christ's Fulness	A. Beith, D. D.	John 1:16
Christ's Fulness and Our Reception of It	R. Cudworth., Luther.	John 1:16
Christ's Inexhaustible Fulness	C. C. Tittman, D. D.	John 1:16
Fulness of Grace	C. H. Spurgeon.	John 1:16
Grace	Charles Kingsley	John 1:16
Grace for Grace	A. Raleigh, D. D.	John 1:16
Grace for Grace	C. H. Spurgeon.	John 1:16
Grace Obstructed	Samuel Martin.	John 1:16
Grace Preferred to Earthly Honour	J. Cope.	John 1:16
Grace to Receive Grace		John 1:16
How Grace is Received	A. Maclaren, D. D.	John 1:16
The Abundance of Grace the Saints Receive from Christ	W. Bridge, M. A.	John 1:16
The Answerableness of Grace in Every Christian to the Grace of Christ	W. Bridge, M. A.	John 1:16
The Communication of Christ's Fulness	W. Bridge, M. A.	John 1:16
The Fulness of Christ	W. Bridge, M. A.	John 1:16
The Fulness of Christ	S. Martin.	John 1:16
The Fulness of Christ	J. Bates.	John 1:16
The Fulness of Christ		John 1:16
The Fulness of Christ Received	C. H. Spurgeon.	John 1:16
The Fulness of Christ the Treasury of the Saints	C. H. Spurgeon.	John 1:16
The Plenteousness of Grace	Dr. C. Robinson.	John 1:16
The Reception of Christ's Fulness	W. Bridge, M. A.	John 1:16
The Riches of Christ's Grace	C. H. Spurgeon.	John 1:16
The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate	Charles Hadden Spurgeon	John 1:16
Whatsoever Grace the Saints have They have it from Jesus Christ	W. Bridge, M. A.	John 1:16
Christ Pre-Eminent	Bp. Ryle.	John 1:15-18
Face to Face with Jesus Christ	A. B. Grosart, D. D.	John 1:15-18
John's Self-Effacement	S. A. Bosanquet.	John 1:15-18
Public Attention Drawn to Christ	J. Culross, D. D.	John 1:15-18
The Effectiveness of the Baptist's Ministry	F. Godet, D. D.	John 1:15-18
The Pre-Eminence of Christ	A. Beith, D. D.	John 1:15-18

People

Andrew, Cephas, Elias, Elijah, Esaias, Isaiah, Jesus, John, Jona, Jonah, Jonas, Joseph, Levites, Nathanael, Peter, Philip, Simon

Places

Bethany Beyond Jordan, Bethsaida, Galilee, Jordan River, Nazareth

Topics

Blessing, Full, Fullness, Fulness, Grace, Measure, Over-against, Receive, Received

Dictionary of Bible Themes

John 1:16

     4942   fulness
     5845   emptiness
     6512   salvation, necessity and basis
     8261   generosity, God's
     8349   spiritual growth, means of

John 1:1-18

8474 seeing God

John 1:9-18

1444 revelation, NT

John 1:14-18

1441 revelation, necessity

John 1:16-17

     1055   God, grace and mercy
     2027   Christ, grace and mercy
     6668   grace, and Christ

Library

Grace
Eversley. 1856. St. John i. 16, 17. "Of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." I wish you to mind particularly this word GRACE. You meet it very often in the Bible. You hear often said, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Now, what does this word grace mean? It is really worth your while to know; for if a man or a woman has not grace, they will be very unhappy people, and very disagreeable …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

June 25 Morning
When he shall appear, we shall be like him; we shall see him as he is.--I JOHN 3:2. As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.--Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 20 Morning
His name shall be called Wonderful.--ISA. 9:6. The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.--Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. They shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.--JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. All men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.--God . . . hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 24 Evening
Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.--II COR. 8:9. The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.--Thou are fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips.--All bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. Ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.--He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.--We speak that we do know, …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 21 Morning
Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.--JOHN 1:16. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.--Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. His Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things.--If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. I and my Father are one. The Father is in me, and I in him.--My Father, and your …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 12 Morning
The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.--NUM. 6:25,26. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.--The brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person.--The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 21 Evening
His dear Son.--COL. 1:13. Lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.--Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth.--The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins. …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 23 Morning
The blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.--HEB. 12:24. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.--The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.--It is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 28 Morning
Behold the Lamb of God.--JOHN 1:29. It is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God.--He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 29 Morning
The life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.--LEV. 17:11. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.--The blood of the Lamb.--The precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.--Without shedding of blood is no remission.--The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. By his own blood he entered in once into …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 16 Evening
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.--REV. 1:19. Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.--That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 19 Evening
Fellowship in the gospel.--PHI. 1:5. As the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.--That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 15 Morning
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.--I COR. 1:9. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.--God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.--Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.--Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 8 Morning
Thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.--ISA. 38:17. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 20 Morning
The entrance of thy words giveth light.--PSA. 119:130. This . . . is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.--God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.--The Word was God. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.--If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 11 Evening
Hallowed be thy name.--MATT. 6:9. Thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?--Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.--I saw . . . the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 26 Morning
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.--LAM. 3:40. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.--Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.--I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments.--Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 24 Evening
I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face.--HOS. 5:15. Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, your sins have hid his face from you.--My beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: . . . I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.--I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on forwardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him.--Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 12 Morning
Godly sorrow worketh repentance not to be repented of.--II COR. 7:10. Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.--If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.--The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 23 Morning
Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me.--ISA. 27:5. I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil.--There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked. In Christ Jesus ye who sometime were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace. It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell: and having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself.--Christ Jesus: …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 24 Evening
Master, where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see.--JOHN 1:38,39. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.--To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne. Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 15 Morning
Who can say, I have made my heart clean?--PROV. 20:9. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.--They that are in the flesh cannot please God. To will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.--We are all as an …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

The Son of Thunder
ST. JOHN i. 1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. We read this morning the first chapter of the Gospel according to St. John. Some of you, I am sure, must have felt, as you heard it, how grand was the very sound of the words. Some one once compared the sound of St. John's Gospel to a great church bell: simple, slow, and awful; and awful just because it is so simple and slow. The words are very short,--most of them of one syllable,--so that even a child …
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

'Three Tabernacles'
'The Word ... dwelt among us.'--JOHN i. 14. '... He that sitteth on the Throne shall dwell among them.'--REV. vii. 15. '... Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them.'--REV. xxi. 3. The word rendered 'dwelt' in these three passages, is a peculiar one. It is only found in the New Testament--in this Gospel and in the Book of Revelation. That fact constitutes one of the many subtle threads of connection between these two books, which at first sight seem so extremely unlike …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Links

John 1:16 NIV
John 1:16 NLT
John 1:16 ESV
John 1:16 NASB
John 1:16 KJV

John 1:16 Commentaries

Bible Hub