16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.
16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
16 And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
16 We all live off his generous bounty, gift after gift after gift.
16 And
16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.
34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.
34 "The One that God sent speaks God's words. And don't think he rations out the Spirit in bits and pieces.
34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.
34 For he is sent by God. He speaks God's words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit.
(Read John 3:22-36)
John was fully satisfied with the place and work assigned him; but Jesus came on a more important work. He also knew that Jesus would increase in honour and influence, for of his government and peace there would be no end, while he himself would be less followed. John knew that Jesus came from heaven as the Son of God, while he was a sinful, mortal man, who could only speak about the more plain subjects of religion. The words of Jesus were the words of God; he had the Spirit, not by measure, as the prophets, but in all fulness. Everlasting life could only be had by faith in Him, and might be thus obtained; whereas all those, who believe not in the Son of God, cannot partake of salvation, but the wrath of God for ever rests upon them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 1:16
Commentary on John 1:15-18
(Read John 1:15-18)
As to the order of time and entrance on his work, Christ came after John, but in every other way he was before him. The expression clearly shows that Jesus had existence before he appeared on earth as man. All fulness dwells in him, from which alone fallen sinners have, and shall receive, by faith, all that renders them wise, strong, holy, useful, and happy. Our receivings by Christ are all summed up in this one word, grace; we have received "even grace," a gift so great, so rich, so invaluable; the good will of God towards us, and the good work of God in us. The law of God is holy, just, and good; and we should make the proper use of it. But we cannot derive from it pardon, righteousness, or strength. It teaches us to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour, but it cannot supply the place of that doctrine. As no mercy comes from God to sinners but through Jesus Christ, no man can come to the Father but by him; no man can know God, except as he is made known in the only begotten and beloved Son.