We started this study last Sunday. In order to provide continuity, some portions are repeated.
John1:17 “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
NOTE: John says nothing demeaning about either Moses or the Law. Moses and the Law were held in high regard by the Jews, by Jesus, and by all the Apostles.
"The law was given by Moses" - Moses is known as "the great law giver."
The law was actually given by God through Moses.
This does not make the law an enemy to grace. There was grace under the Law and there is law under grace.
The law is good (Romans 7:12; Romans 7:16 1Timothy 1:8) but it could not save. (Titus 3:5; Galatians 2:16; Galatians 3:10)
The law only condemns. The law shows us our imperfections.
The law prepared the way for Christ (Hebrews 10:1; Galatians 3:24-25)
Christ is the end of the law (Rom_10:4) and fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17-18; Romans 8:2-4)
"grace and truth came by Jesus Christ"
grace as opposite of law: under law, favor is earned; under grace; favor is granted
Under law: “Do this and live.” Under grace: “Live and do this.”
grace and truth = the Gospel
grace bestows God's blessing on those who should be receiving his wrath
truth - the law was the shadow; Christ is the reality
Jesus better than Moses: grace better than law (Hebrews 3:1-6; Hebrews 10:1)
John1:18 “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”
"No man hath seen God at any time"
— what about Moses?
Barnes: "This passage is not meant to deny that men had witnessed “manifestations” of God, as when he appeared to Moses and the prophets (compare Num_12:8; Isa_6:1-13); but it is meant that no one has seen the essence of God, or has 'fully known God.'”
Only Christ has seen the essence and the person of God the Father.
Because Christ has this intimate knowledge [who is in the bosom] and fellowship he can enlighten us with the knowledge of the Holy.
declared = fully revealed, drawn Him out = related to exegesis
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