gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God sent not the Son … that they have been wrought in God.” Concerning the italicised passage Westcott says “It contains the reflections of the evangelist and is not a continuation of the words of the Lord.” Alford says that this view—although held by many commentators—is “as inconceivable as the idea of St Matthew having combined into one the insulated sayings of his Master.” Westcott maintains