AOeuaoeu

John 1:1 presents a profound introduction to the Gospel of John, emphasizing the preexistence and divinity of Jesus Christ. The verse states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This opening echoes Genesis 1:1, highlighting the timeless existence of "the Word" (Logos), which is identified with Jesus. The concept of the "Word" serves as a bridge between Jewish and Greek thought. In Jewish tradition, "the Word" was seen as God's creative power and wisdom, while in Greek philosophy, Logos represented reason or the organizing principle of the universe【4:0†source】.

John Commentary

The phrase "In the beginning was the Word" asserts the eternal nature of Christ, indicating His existence before creation itself. This establishes the foundation for understanding Jesus not as a created being but as eternal, existing from the very beginning with God. The use of "Word" signifies communication and revelation, suggesting that Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s will and character【4:6†source】. In theological terms, this underscores the pre-incarnate Christ's role in the divine plan, foreshadowing His incarnation as the means through which God reveals Himself to humanity【4:7†source】.

maps

The continuation, "and the Word was with God, and the Word was God", affirms the intimate relationship between Jesus and God, introducing the concept of the Trinity. Here, John emphasizes both the distinct personhood and the full deity of Christ, crucial to Trinitarian doctrine. This relationship is not merely one of proximity but of unity in essence, suggesting that Jesus is fully divine, sharing in the same substance as God the Father【4:8†source】. This theological insight is foundational for Christian beliefs about the nature of Christ and His role in creation and redemption.

https://staging.thebiblesays.app/en/bible/gen+2:1