Matthew Henry Commentary John 1:15-18

"John beareth witness of him, and crieth, saying, This was he of whom I said, He that cometh after me is become before me: for he was before me. For of his fulness we all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him]." — John 1:15-18 (ASV)

As to the order of time and entrance on His work, Christ came after John, but in every other way He was before him. This expression clearly shows that Jesus had existence before He appeared on earth as man. All fullness dwells in Him, from whom alone fallen sinners have received, and will receive, by faith, all that renders them wise, strong, holy, useful, and happy.

What we receive from Christ is all summed up in this one word, grace; we have received even grace, a gift so great, so rich, so invaluable: the goodwill of God toward 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 pardon, righteousness, or strength from it. It teaches us to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior, but it cannot supply the place of that doctrine. Since no mercy comes from God to sinners except through Jesus Christ, no one can come to the Father except by Him; no one can know God, except as He is made known in the only-begotten and beloved Son.