“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love toward man appeared.” The A. V. rather fails in that it merges the philanthropy of God in His kindness; whereas, by a distinct article to each, the two things are presented separately, however closely associated otherwise. Next, God's love toward man is a single word φιλανθρωπία, whereas the absence of the article in the English makes its natural meaning to be His kindness toward man as well as His love. Now this is not really the thought expressed by the apostle, which appears to be as I have endeavored to represent it.
It is a blessed and full statement of what God is in His kindness in contrast with all that we were in our folly and evil aforetime. Corruption, violence, disobedience, and error described ourselves. God, Who is holy and of inflexible righteousness, is also the God of gracious goodness in His own nature, and has most especial love towards man. This is no longer hidden, no longer a manifestation to be waited for; it has appeared so completely that God Himself could not add to the expression of His love. “The law was given by Moses; grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” It is true that no man has seen God at any time, but this has in no way hindered the activity of His kindness and the proof of His love to man; on the contrary, it has given occasion for its richest possible display. “The only begotten Son, Who is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” Nothing could match this. It was beyond all thought of creature. The angels were lost in admiration; men, in stupid unbelief, think nothing about it, else their hard hearts would melt before the wonders of such love. The mind of man is incapable of fathoming grace, and therefore retreats into its own dark selfishness. And no wonder, if he judge as he is ever apt to judge of God by himself. Not one that ever was born would have had the heart for such a thing, even if he could. He sent His only Son to die for His enemies! To die for a good man, or for a dear friend, is what some rare man might do, as it has been done; to die for one's enemies is an impossibility for man. But this is the very way in which the kindness of God and His love toward man appeared. Being characteristically divine it can only be received by faith. Those who believe their own thoughts, and judge from their own feelings, refuse to receive it, give the lie to God, and are therefore lost, and this most justly. For this is the rejection of God, alike in His grace and truth. Now, whatever may be the compassion of God toward foolish disobedient man, as we who were so once can but testify, God cannot pass by deliberate and persistent contempt of His love in the presence of His revealed light. And it is the true light of God which is now shining. Such is the gospel of Christ, in which more than in all else put together the kindness of God and His love toward man appeared. He sent it forth to every creature as the sun shines for every land.
It was not so with the law, however capable of dealing in a righteous way with every heart that takes it up. Still the law was given to Israel, and they only were formally and by divine authority placed under the law. According to the scriptures the Gentiles were without law, and on this ground will they pass under God's judgment, as we are told in Rom. 2. But now even they, who were nothing but sinners, and had nothing but the conscience to accuse or excuse, have the unspeakable privilege of the gospel preached to them. As the Jews were without excuse in rejecting their Messiah when He came to them in love and ample attestation, so the Gentiles are yet more inexcusable if they shut their eyes and ears to that Christ, Who lifted up draws all men unto Him. It was a wonder for God in His love to humble Himself and come down to man in the person of His Son become a man. It was a wonder infinite that a man Who was God incarnate died as a sacrifice for sinners on the cross. He now is raised from the dead and received up in glory, exalted to give repentance and remission of sins, not to Israel only, but to any poor sinner who believes in Him to the ends of the earth.
“This is love, not that we loved God [which was what law asked but did not get], but that He loved us and gave His Son [this is the gospel] as a propitiation for our sins.” Thus did the kindness of God and His love toward man appear. It is matchless, full of comfort, deliverance, and blessing to every soul believing in Christ; but he who despises it, as he dishonors God in His deepest grace, so he incurs God's vengeance and everlasting judgment. In the solemn words of our Lord Jesus Himself, “He that believeth (obeyeth) not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.”