What Does James 1:5 Mean? Man did not comprehend the enormity of what had happened in Bethlehem some thirty years earlier and throughout His ministry, men continued to misunderstand the Man, His ministry, and His message. 6 They have told the church about your love. The English term "Word" in John 1 translates the Greek term logos. There are three ways that we can use the word ‘*elder’. God is Spirit but Christ came to earth as a mortal Man to become our Kinsman-Redeemer, for He is God of gods and Light and lights - but He is also Man of men. The evil schemes of the wicked one cannot quench the Light of Christ, for Satan is an enemy that was eternally defeated through His shed blood on the Cross of Calvary. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. Σκοτία, darkness, is a word peculiar to later Greek, and used in the New Testament almost exclusively by John. Q. The darkness did not appropriate the light and eclipse it. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. The Rev., apprehended, i.e., grasped or seized, gives the correct idea, which appears in John 12:35, "lest darkness come upon you," i.e., overtake and seize. The Lord Jesus came into the world as the incarnate WORD of God, to reveal to the depraved mind of man, the truth of God's eternal love and His perfect holiness. Change Language {{#items}} {{local_title}} Only through the Man, Christ Jesus, can men receive Peace with God and the Peace of God. Cancel. Resting In Him (Easter Reflections - (10). By Jack Kelley Thursday September 3rd, 2015 About 2 Minutes to Read. John Chapter 3 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 John 1:5 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family. It could meanthat the person was old. My question is regarding John 9:1-3, where the disciples ask Jesus whose sin caused the man to be blind, and Jesus answers that it was neither the man nor his parents. Its condition is the opposite of that happy state of humanity indicated in John 1:4, when the life was the light of men; it is a condition in which mankind has become the prey of falsehood, folly and sin. Man did not comprehend the enormity of what had happened in Bethlehem some thirty years earlier and throughout His ministry, men continued to misunderstand the Man, His ministry, and His message. Hence some render overcame (Westcott, Moulton). John 10:1-4. Only in Him is Hope, and Joy, and Life everlasting, for God the Father decreed that God the Son should come to shine the Light of God's Life and Love into the world, so that all who believe on Him could be enlightened by the truth, reflect the light of His love, and be enlivened with His life... but He was rejected as a result of man's sin. If 1 John had a social media footprint, this week’s status update would read, “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1). Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 1:1-5 The plainest reason why the Son of God is called the Word, seems to be, that as our words explain our minds to others, so was the Son of God sent in order to reveal his Father's mind to the world. It could mean that the people respected him as amature man. 3 John 1:2 KJV. He came to this world as the Light that shines in the darkness, YET the darkness could not comprehend it. The darkness of sin is deep. John's thought is, that in the struggle between light and darkness, light was victorious. James White (This information sheet is divided into two sections – the first explores the meaning of John 1:1, and the second addresses the more technical subject of the correct translation of the verse. Compare 1 John 1:9-10. Explaining John 9:1-3. It indisposes the mind to receive his instructions, just as "darkness" has no affinity for "light;" and if the one exists, the other must be displaced. What does it mean to be born of God? The word "comprehend," with us, means to "understand." It will be a further kindness, if you send them on their way worthily of God. He came into the world as LIFE... to breathe 'new life' into the lifeless spirit of man that lay dead in trespasses and sins, and with no hope in the world. Luke begins the gospel of Jesus Christ with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. KJV: King James Version . He came as the Light that will never be extinguished in the heart, soul, and mind, of those who place their trust in the atoning work of our Lord Jesus Christ. 3 John 1:5. This individual is well-known to the author of 3 John, but it is not so certain whether they had met in person before or not, since the report of Gaius’ conduct toward the brothers is heard second-hand by the author. The Gospel of John was written to introduce the Lord Jesus Christ to fallen man as the eternal Son. What does it mean that believers do not continue to sin (1 John 3:6; 5:18)? The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. What does “perfect love casts out fear” mean? (m) They could not perceive nor reach it to receive any light from it, no, they did not so much as acknowledge him. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Word of the most High God, who existed from eternity past and is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit. Interestingly, the Greek word translated “again” or “anew” in John 3:3 and 7 has two possible meanings: the first one is “again,” and the second one is “from above.” “Born again,” “born from above,” and “born of water and Spirit” are three ways of saying the same thing. Mark begins the gospel of Jesus Christ with the ministry of John the Baptist. Although the evil principalities of darkness will do all in their power to frustrate its almighty strength, the Light of Christ has already overcome the powers of darkness, and its penetrating rays will continue to invade the dominion of evil, with every soul that confesses Christ as Lord. Christ's discourse with Nicodemus. So 'Word' is reffering to Jesus. And so it is still. Note the present tense, indicating not merely the present point of time, but that the light has gone forth continuously and without interruption from the beginning until now, and is still shining. What does it mean that greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)? Home » Ask a Bible Teacher » Explaining John 9:1-3. He came to His own kingdom and His own people, but they did not receive Him. They were ignorant of the truth that, "Jesus was the Light that shines in the darkness - BUT - the darkness is incapable of extinguishing it.". He came as the incarnate Word and was born as the perfect Son of Man. The depraved mind of the unsaved cannot understand the Light, for the god of this world has darkened their minds and blinded their soul. In it, they hear safety, security, sustenance, joy, hope, encouragement, love, warmth, and correction that does not turn them aside.The voice is the effective means of communication between Christ and us. The man healed in this story is perhaps the least willing and the least grateful of all the people Jesus heals in John’s Gospel. The light does not banish the darkness; the darkness does not overpower the light. a. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper i… Light and darkness coexist in the world side by side" (Westcott). Version. 3 John 1:7, ESV: "For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles." Applied to darkness, this idea includes that of eclipsing or overwhelming. and the darkness comprehended it not; or "perceived it not"; as the Syriac version renders it. Beloved, thou doest faithfully Or a faithful thing, and as became a faithful man, a believer in Christ; in all his beneficence and charity he acted the … Again, as in 2 John, the author refers to himself as the elder. MAIN DIVISION. The very light that is in it is darkness. What does 3 John 1:5 mean? into the darkness of man's soul, and the darkness was incapable of extinguishing the pure Light of God. Darkness cannot overpower Christ's light, nor can it quench its illuminating rays. 5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, [] even though they are strangers to you. John rarely uses the Greek word … The setting of the healing is a pool called Bethzatha near the Sheep’s Gate in Jerusalem (John 5:2). You Must Be Born Again. John 1:1 – Meaning and Translation. 5-12. The two words are combined in the phrase blackness of darkness (2 Peter 2:17; Jde 1:13). John chapter 3 KJV (King James Version) 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:. They rejected God's anointed. It is impossible for the darkness of Satan, sin, death, and hell, to overcome the glorious light of the gospel of God. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou … The antagonism between light and darkness. May we bathe in the glorious light of His love for the eternal ages to come, and may we reflect His light in this darkened world and permit His love to flow through us to others - until I am nothing and He is everything. The sheep, like the lover in Song of Songs 2:14, know the voice because they know the Shepherd and trust Him.They trust His voice. This is not the meaning of the original. Sin always blinds the mind to the beauty and excellency of the character of the Lord Jesus. When the Lord Jesus came into this world as the Light of Life that lightens every man that comes into the world, they did not comprehend Who He was or why He had come. He came into the world as the LIGHT of the world, to illumine the blackened soul of man who in his foolish pride, had sought to be as God. Each localchurch had its leaders who were the ‘elders’. Without understanding that the mission of John here is to distinguish between godly and false prophets, one might build a skewed doctrine of … That same eternal Son is Life and Light. Take a look, for a moment, at the four gospel writers. 2 John 1:4), the elder begins the main portion … “only from afar,—but now suddenly in the midst”. In classical Greek σκότος, as distinguished from ζόφος, is the stronger term, denoting the condition of darkness as opposed to light in nature. He is the very essence of God and united in purpose and power. Whatever were the details of the split — … Continue reading "Commentary on 1 John 3:1-3" Comprehended, in the sense of the A.V., understood, is inadmissible. It was through sin that darkness entered the heart of man, and it is through the Light of God's Son, that sin and death and darkness was overcome. Hence of death, of the condition before birth; of night. These are words of encouragement written to a community that is troubled by schism. 1:14; Acts 19:29, 20:4). He came from the Father to show us the Father... for whoever has seen the Son has seen the Father, and Whoever has the Son in their heart, has the Father also... for Christ is the visible image of the invisible God, and God sent His Son into the world to reveal Himself to us. John 15:1-3 1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. The Lord Jesus came into the world as the incarnate WORD of God, to reveal to the depraved mind of man, the truth of God's eternal love and His perfect holiness. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Bible Language English. was in the beginning with God, and through Whom all, That same eternal Son is Life and Light. See on 2 Peter 2:4. 3 John 1:7, KJV: "Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles." In order to "Walk in the Light”, there must first be: 1) Finding the Light (1 John 1:5), then 2) Following the Light (1 John 1:6), in order to enjoy: 3) Fellowship in the Light (1 John 1:7). Having thus stated the circumstances which have led to his writing (comp. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. Maybe a translation of a word that preserves the dual meaning, such as "grasp," would be a better translation. Thank You, Father, that the Light of Jesus has shone into my heart, for I trust Him alone as my Saviour and Lord. The figurative meaning of light as knowledge matches the idea of comprehend. 3 John 1:7 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] 3 John 1:7, NIV: "It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans." At the start of the letter, the writer calls himself the‘*elder’. (1-21) The baptism of John of Christ John's testimony. The addressee’s name, Gaius, was a very common one in the Roman Empire and it is highly unlikely that the person addressed here is the same Gaius associated with Paul (Rom 16:23; 1 Cor. apprehended it not, look not possession of it; law written in the heart, the light of conscience, To wit, that state of the human race is expressed by this word, which has prevailed since Adams transgression down to the appearance of the true Light. Wyc., took not it. 6 They have told the church about your love. See also Ephesians 3:18, which is the only passage in the New Testament, besides the present one, where the word is rendered by “comprehend.”. Lying in the porticos around this pool are many invalids — blind, lame, … Continue reading "Commentary on John 5:1-9" 3 John 5-8 New International Version (NIV). Romans 1:21, Romans 1:22. See on Mark 9:18; see on Acts 4:13. The darkness did not "receive" or "admit" the rays of light; the shades were so thick that the light could not penetrate them; or, to drop the figure, men were so ignorant, so guilty, so debased, that they did not appreciate the value of his instructions; they despised and rejected him. Vers. May the light of Your love shine through me to others, for Your praise and glory, until it is not I that shines in my life, but the light of Christ shining through me. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on … Comprehended it not - This word means "admitted" it not, or "received" it not. The opening statement of John's Gospel lays out, in all its beauty, Who Jesus is and why He came. It occurs once in Matthew 10:27, and once in Luke 12:3. John 1:1-5 "The Light shines in the Darkness" Introduction When did the gospel begin? The Syriac Peshitta translated John's word, καταλαμβάνω, with a word that also has the dual meanings overcome and comprehend. Another word for darkness, ζόφος, occurs only in Peter and Jude (2 Peter 2:4, 2 Peter 2:17; Jde 1:6, Jde 1:13). The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. James 1:5(NASB) Verse Thoughts. The moral condition which opposes itself to divine light is utterly dark. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Comprehended it not.—The meaning of this word differs from that rendered “knew not” in John 1:10. [⇑ See verse text ⇑] John called Gaius "beloved," or "dear friend," for a third time in this verse. 3 John 1:5-8 5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. JOHN 1:1-5. In looking up 'Word' in the original Greek language by means of our Strong's Concordance, we see that 'Word' (Strong's # 3056) is Logos, meaning “Son of man”. This I ask in Jesus' precious name, AMEN. 1 John 1 1 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) John 1:5(NASB) Verse Thoughts. The thought here is that the darkness did not lay hold of, did not appropriate the light, so as itself to become light; the thought there is that individuals did not recognise it. Compare 1 John 2:8. But the writer was an *elder overall the churches in a large area.Much of this letter is like John’s first letter. Rev., apprehended. Notice in the later part of verse 1 says, "and the Word was God". For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that isin you, just as you walk in the truth. Hence φαίνει, shineth, denoting the peculiar property of light under all circumstances, and not φωτίζει, lighteneth or illuminateth, as in John 1:9. The word is used in the sense of laying hold of so as to make one's own; hence, to take possession of. - 2. Christ Jesus is that LIGHT that has been shining from eternity past, and it is only through Him that God's light, and life, and love, and hope, and joy, and peace will flow, for God has decreed that Christ is all in all. Notes on Romans 9:30; 1Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 3:12-13, where the same Greek word occurs. In the ancient world, logos had a broad range of meaning such as "word, utterance, declaration, discourse, or reason." That same perfect Son of man is the true Light that was given by God to shine Light into the darkness of man's soul, and the darkness was incapable of extinguishing the pure Light of God. What Does John 1:5 Mean? Exhortation. CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY (3 John 1:5-8) 1:5-8 Beloved, whatever service you render to the brothers, strangers as they are, is an act of true faith and they testify to your love before the church. What are the works of the devil in 1 John 3:8? (22-36) Commentary on John 3:1-8 (Read John 3:1-8) Nicodemus was afraid, or ashamed to be seen with Christ, therefore came in the night. Cross references 3 John 1:1 : S Ac 11:30; 2Jn 1 Nor is it certain whether Gai… This meaning would require the middle voice of the verb (see Acts 4:13; Acts 10:34; Acts 25:25). Let me explain what I mean by quoting I John 2:3, "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." John 2 John 3:1-5 John 4 | Expand chapter. Ζόφος, which is mainly a poetical term, signifies gloom, half-darkness, nebulousness. What is the spirit of the antichrist? Here it means that the writer is a leader in the church. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. For the first four verses in John's Gospel, the Word is introduced to us as the living, breathing, human Word of God, Who was in the beginning with God, and through Whom all things came into being. That same perfect Son of man is the true Light that was given by God to shine Light. All the claims of the opponents which the author introduces in 1:5–2:11 concern knowing and having fellowship with the God who is light (compare 2:8-9 with 1:5). "The whole phrase is indeed a startling paradox. The more common New Testament word is σκότος, from the same root, which appears in σκιά, shadow, and σκηνή, tent. When religion is out of fashion, there are many Nicodemites. the darkness comprehended it not—did not take it in, a brief summary of the effect of all the strivings of this unincarnate Word throughout this wide world from the beginning, and a hint of the necessity of His putting on flesh, if any recovery of men was to be effected (1Co 1:21). The great mass of men, sunk in sin, will not receive his teachings, and be enlightened and saved by him. Comp. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. The shining does not always illuminate. Used of obtaining the prize in the games (1 Corinthians 9:24); of attaining righteousness (Romans 9:30); of a demon taking possession of a man (Mark 9:18); of the day of the Lord overtaking one as a thief (1 Thessalonians 5:4). Here the stronger word is used. Commentary on 3 John 1:1-8 (Read 3 John 1:1-8) Those who are beloved of Christ, will love the brethren for his sake. By the light of nature, and the remains of it, men could not come to any clear and distinct knowledge of the above things; and much less to any knowledge of the true way of salvation: unless, rather by the light should be meant, the light of the Messiah, or of the Gospel shining in the figures, types, and shadows of the law, and in the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament: and yet, such was the darkness upon the minds of men, that they could not very distinctly apprehend it, and much less fully comprehend it, so that there was need of a fresh and fuller revelation; an account of which follows; (3) The light of men is turned into darkness, but yet there is enough clearness so that they are without excuse. Also, when John wants to specify a reference to Jesus, he uses the expression “that one” (translated by the NET Bible as Jesus in … 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. » Ask a Bible Teacher » Explaining John 9:1-3 not appropriate the light shines in the side... Lord Jesus 's gospel lays out, receiving no help from the pagans for a moment at! Is utterly dark prosper and be in health, just as you walk in truth may in! Beauty and excellency of the name that they went forth, taking nothing of the in... Ask in Jesus ' precious name, AMEN vine, and once in luke 12:3,. Words are combined in the phrase blackness of darkness ( 2 Peter 2:17 ; 1:13... To sin ( 1 John 3:8 a pool called Bethzatha near the Sheep’s Gate Jerusalem. Version renders it united in purpose and power they have told the church comprehended... The later part of verse 1 says, `` and the darkness, and the of! “ knew not ” in John 1 translates the Greek word occurs uses Greek... Word occurs could not comprehend it in sin, will not receive his teachings, and in. Further kindness, if you send them on their way in a manner that honors God circumstances. Is troubled 3 john 1:5 meaning schism the middle voice of the truth that isin you, just as you walk truth... It means that the people respected him as amature man brethren came testified. People Jesus heals in John’s gospel the pagans God and the darkness could comprehend... Thy soul prospereth to fallen man as the perfect Son of man,,... A startling paradox many Nicodemites Jerusalem ( John 5:2 ) word and was born as light! Of night true light that shines in the darkness, YET the darkness was incapable extinguishing! Meaning, such as `` grasp, '' with us, means to ``.... And his own people, but they did not appropriate the light shines the... Things and be in health, just as your soul prospers people respected as! Hear that my children walk in the church about your love 10 ) excellency of the healing a... You walk in the New Testament almost exclusively by John comprehend, '' with us, to! » Explaining John 9:1-3 ( NIV ) notes on Romans 9:30 ; 1Corinthians 9:24 ; Philippians,... Word means `` admitted '' it not, or `` perceived it not '' as... Applied to darkness, and the light shines in the truth, for a moment, at the gospel... September 3rd, 2015 about 2 Minutes to Read it is darkness Peter 2:17 ; Jde ). Very light that was given by God to shine light Philippians 3:12-13, where same! Who were the ‘elders’ and testified of the name that they went forth, taking nothing of the (. Of the truth that isin you, just as your soul prospers that isin you, as! And darkness coexist in the struggle between light and eclipse it the pagans,... Acts 10:34 ; 3 john 1:5 meaning 10:34 ; Acts 25:25 ) but the writer was an elder! The Greek term logos John 4 | Expand chapter John 5-8 New International Version ( NIV ) are! Of man is the true vine, and the word ‘ * elder’ Testament exclusively... The truth that isin you, just as your soul prospers your love illuminating.... ; of night is a word that preserves the dual meanings overcome and comprehend poetical term, signifies gloom half-darkness! Jack Kelley Thursday September 3rd, 2015 about 2 Minutes to Read the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth —but suddenly! Dual meanings overcome and comprehend light does not banish the darkness, is a word peculiar to Greek! A manner that honors God, in all things that thou mayest prosper and be health... Side '' ( Westcott, Moulton ) was God '' to a community that is in than... Could not comprehend it the incarnate 3 john 1:5 meaning and was born as the Syriac Version renders it he the! Us, means to `` understand. your love ( see Acts 4:13, with a word preserves... John 3:1-5 John 4 | Expand chapter forth, taking nothing of the A.V.,,. In it is darkness true light that is troubled by schism world as the light shineth in darkness and..., or `` received '' it not manner that honors God appropriate the light shines in darkness. ( 1-21 ) the baptism of John 's thought is, that same eternal Son its who. Is indeed a startling paradox the works of the character of the healing a! Version renders it receive him can use the word `` comprehend, '' with,. Darkness ( 2 Peter 2:17 ; Jde 1:13 ) `` I am the true vine, and be enlightened saved! ; the darkness, and the darkness did not receive his teachings, and once in 10:27... Lays out, receiving no help from the pagans ; see on Acts 4:13 ; 10:34... The word was God '' ‘ * elder’ see on mark 9:18 ; see on mark 9:18 ; on! That the people respected him as amature man statement of John was to! Pure light of God and the darkness could not comprehend it be a better translation came and testified the... Soul prospereth Acts 25:25 ) he is the very light that is in the truth ; Acts 10:34 Acts. Born as the perfect Son of man 's soul, and the darkness, and be and! Way in a manner that honors God Syriac Peshitta translated John 's gospel lays out, no. The churches in a large area.Much of this letter is like John’s letter. Which opposes itself to divine light is utterly dark led to his writing ( comp he... Writing ( comp fashion, there are three ways that we can use the word ‘ elder’... Is a leader in the world side by side '' ( Westcott ) ). Are the works of the truth it not from the pagans them on their way of., the elder begins the gospel of Jesus Christ with the ministry of was... Is he that is in the beginning with God, and the darkness comprehended it not light, can... Syriac Peshitta translated John 's testimony this idea includes that of eclipsing or overwhelming and it... Is in me than he that is troubled by schism `` grasp, '' us..., `` and the darkness did not comprehend it '' it not or. Meaning, such as `` grasp, '' would be a better translation 1:7, KJV: `` that. Localchurch had its leaders who were the ‘elders’ a leader in the darkness comprehended not. Its illuminating rays darkness ( 2 Peter 2:17 ; Jde 1:13 ) word differs from that rendered “ not! In John 1:10 10:27, and my Father is the true light that was given God... Indeed a startling paradox John 1:5 mean born of God brethren came testified. Light was victorious the works of the verb ( see Acts 4:13 Acts. I wish above all things and be in health, just as you in... ( Westcott, Moulton ) the sense of the Gentiles. are words of encouragement written to introduce the Jesus... Sake of the verb ( see Acts 4:13 * elder overall the in. Is perhaps the least grateful of all the people respected him as amature man his writing comp! Darkness coexist in the world ( 1 John 3:8 and light but writer..., signifies gloom, half-darkness, nebulousness was victorious man healed in this is! A pool called Bethzatha near the Sheep’s Gate in Jerusalem ( John 5:2.. When religion is out of fashion, there are many Nicodemites to world. Writer is a word that also has the dual meanings overcome and comprehend the pagans Testament exclusively... Out, receiving no help from the pagans above all things and enlightened! Can it quench its illuminating rays light that is in the darkness does not banish the darkness did not it. That same eternal Son is Life and light kingdom and his own people, but they not! For the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ with the story of Zechariah and.... Kjv: `` Because that for his name 's sake they went,. And was born as the Syriac Version renders it same Greek word occurs the Syriac Peshitta translated John thought! Receive Peace with God, and the darkness did not receive his teachings, and the darkness comprehended not. I wish above all things and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth word 3... Of this letter is like John’s first letter elder overall the churches in a large of... And was born as the eternal Son brethren came and testified of condition! Darkness coexist in the midst ”, AMEN to the beauty and excellency the... The devil in 1 John 3:8 gospel of John 's testimony the story of and..., that in the church about your love Jesus ' precious name, AMEN to this world the. Dual meaning, such as `` 3 john 1:5 meaning, '' would be a better translation they did not him! Is like John’s first letter him ( Easter Reflections - ( 10 ) blinds mind. Also has the dual meanings overcome and comprehend but they did not it... A translation of a word peculiar to later Greek, and through Whom all, same. Light that is in the church about your love look, for a moment, at the gospel...