Welcome to the initial post of our new series on the Gospel of John. We will be looking at the first two verses of Chapter 1. This passage is perhaps the most beloved and most quoted by inerrancy scholars who point to the vivid language used by the Beloved Apostle. In this passage we see the Word Preexistent, we see the Word Coexistent, and finally we see the Word Divine. Most reputable scholars agree that John the Apostle authored this Gospel. There is little to no evidence to support authorship by John the Elder.
John 1
The Eternal Word
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
I. The Word Preexistent (vs. 1) The verse in the Greek begins, En arche‘ en ho logos i.e. In the beginning (a fixed position) was the Word. The word logos here means that the entire idea is embodied by this one word. In other words, the fact that Jesus is the Word, that entire concept is expressed in this word. The fixed position of arche’ means that Jesus was in fact preexistent before the world as stated in Genesis 1:1-5.
a. Eternal — Looking at Micah 5:2, we see that the One to be Ruler of Israel was to come out of Bethlehem and that he was from everlasting. The existent Jesus was from the beginning.
b. Enormous — Colossians 1:17 shows us that Jesus immense nature. In and through Him all things exist.
Jesus Deity is placed at a high premium in John’s Gospel. We see constant reference to the “I AM” statements… we see John the Baptist’s response upon seeing Jesus:
29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
John recognized that the object of his preaching was now walking the earth. Theologically, this emphasis on Jesus as Christ is called high Christology.
It is my desire that those who read this blog will come to a greater understanding of God’s Word. It is my desire that those who don’t know Him will come to place their trust in Him.
