John 1:1

John 1:1 NKJV: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” [5]

Commentary

John 1:1 is a profound verse that establishes the preexistence, divinity, and distinctness of Jesus Christ, referred to as “the Word” (Logos). This verse is foundational to the understanding of Christ.

1. Preexistence: “In the beginning was the Word” suggests that the Word (Jesus Christ) existed before the creation of the world, affirming His eternal nature [15].
2. Divinity: “The Word was God” unequivocally states Christ’s deity. It affirms the Christian belief in Jesus Christ’s divinity, aligning with the understanding of the Trinity [15].
3. Distinctness: “The Word was with God” indicates that while Jesus (the Word) is fully God, He is also distinct from God the Father. This supports the concept of the Trinity, where the Father, the Son (Word), and the Holy Spirit are distinct yet one [15].

Application to Modern Christian Living

John 1:1 has profound implications for modern Christian living:

1. Understanding Christ’s Nature: Recognising the preexistence and divinity of Christ deepens our understanding of His nature and His work of salvation [1].
2. Relationship with God: Knowing that Jesus is both with God and is God encourages us to seek a personal relationship with Him [1].
3. Sharing the Gospel: As believers, we are called to share the good news of Jesus, the Word made flesh, with others [1].

Bibliography

1. “Life Application Commentary — 1 John 1:1-4 – Center for Biblical Counseling – Moscow Idaho”  [1]
2. “Application Of 1 John 1:1-10 In Our Lives | William Hemsworth – Patheos”  [2]
3. “Divine Origins: Exploring Jesus’ Identity in John 1:1 — Bible Lyfe”  [4]
4. “John 1:1 – Reformed Bible Study”  [15]
5. “Bible Gateway passage: John 1:1 – New King James Version”  [5]

1. Bible Gateway passage: John 1:1 – New King James Version
2. John 1:1 – Reformed Bible Study
3. Life Application Commentary — 1 John 1:1-4 – Center for Biblical …
4. Application Of 1 John 1:1-10 In Our Lives | William Hemsworth – Patheos
5. Divine Origins: Exploring Jesus’ Identity in John 1:1 — Bible Lyfe
6. Life Application Commentary — 1 John 1:1-4 – Center for Biblical …
7. John 1 | NKJV Bible | YouVersion
8. John 1 NKJV – Bible Hub
9. John 1:1-3 – Bible.com
10. Bible Gateway passage: John 1 – New King James Version
11. Enduring Word Bible Commentary John Chapter 1
12. Enduring Word Bible Commentary 1 John Chapter 1
13. John 1 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) – Christianity
14. John 1:1-7:1 – Concordia Commentary – Concordia Publishing House
15. Commentary on John 1:1-18 – Working Preacher from Luther Seminary
16. John 1:1 – 21st Century Reformation
17. Redemptive-History and Dogmatics in 1 John – Reformed Forum
18. 1 John – ESV Reformation Study Bible – Bible Gateway
19. John 1:1 – Wikipedia
20. en.wikipedia.org