King James Bible
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"
This phrase emphasizes the universal offer of salvation to all who welcome Christ, contrasting with verse 11's rejection by his own people. 'Received' implies an active acceptance and personal embrace of Jesus as the Word made flesh. Those who receive Christ are granted divine authority or right (Greek: exousia) to enter God's family as adopted children. This transformative status represents a new spiritual birth and intimate relationship with the Father, not merely improved moral standing. John clarifies that receiving Christ means trusting in his name—his revealed character and divine identity. This parallel construction shows that faith, not ethnic heritage or human effort, is the sole requirement for becoming God's children.