The Bible Says Commentary on John 1

John begins the prologue to his Gospel with a sublime statement about Jesus’s divine identity. It reflects fundamental principles from the Genesis account of creation expressed in terms taken from the Arché Principle of Greek philosophy. 

John reaffirms and elaborates the core truths from the previous verse, namely that the Word was in the beginning from the beginning and that He is the Creator of all things.

John’s prologue and introduction of the Word/Logos continues. But John 1:4 also introduces two core themes of his gospel account-life and light. John reveals their intimate connection to the Word. The Word as the source of life. And the Word is the Light of men-the World’s Messiah, and the source of truth and goodness for humanity.

John states the Messiah’s mission and the profound struggle between divine truth and the forces of spiritual darkness with his proclamation: “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” Jesus is the Light/Messiah who brings life and truth to humanity. This verse sets the tone for the gospel’s message, emphasizing the unstoppable power of Christ’s Light to illuminate and overcome the darkness of sin and ignorance.

The gospel prologue pivots from eternal truths about the Logos/Word to a specific moment in human history. John introduces John the Baptizer, a divinely sent witness tasked with testifying about the Light so that all might believe. Though not the Light himself, John’s mission was to prepare hearts and point people to the true Light, which was coming into the world. This Light, the ultimate source of life and enlightenment, shines universally, offering hope and truth to every person.

John states two dramatic ironies:  1. The Creator came into the world He had made, but was not recognized by the world.  2. The Messiah came to His own people, but was not received by them.

John 1:15 contains the testimony of John the Baptizer, who declares the preeminence of Jesus. By stating that Jesus "existed before me," despite Jesus being born after him, John the Baptizer emphasizes Jesus’s eternal nature and divine origin. This verse supports the central theme of John’s gospel: Jesus is not merely a great teacher or prophet but the eternal Word who surpasses all others.

John 1:16 declares that all have received grace after grace through God and Jesus.

John 1:17 demonstrates the surpassing greatness of Jesus Christ in relation to Moses and the Law. While the Law was delivered through Moses, its foundation of grace and truth originated with the Logos, Jesus Himself.

John 1:18 concludes the prologue of John’s gospel by declaring that Jesus uniquely reveals God to humanity. As the only begotten Son who is in the closest relationship with the Father, Jesus makes the invisible God known. Through Jesus, the fullness of God’s nature and character is perfectly displayed, providing humanity a glimpse of God’s heart as a human.