John 1:1

Commentary on John 1:1 (NKJV)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

John 1:1 is one of the most theologically rich and significant verses in Scripture. It establishes key doctrines foundational to Christian faith, including the deity of Christ, the pre-existence of Christ, and the unity of the Godhead. Christianity which emphasises biblical authority and the centrality of Christ, draws out profound theological insights from this passage.

Theological Insights from John 1:1

Eternal Pre-Existence of Christ

The phrase “In the beginning” echoes Genesis 1:1, connecting the person of Christ with the act of creation. This points to the eternal nature of Christ. The Word (Greek: Logos) existed before all creation. The concept of Logos reveals Christ as the eternal source of all wisdom, purpose, and existence.

Application:

In modern Christian living, believers are reminded of Christ’s lordship over all time and creation. This eternal perspective encourages trust in His sovereign plan, especially amidst life’s uncertainties.

The Word’s Relationship with God

The clause “the Word was with God” implies a distinct personhood within the Trinity while maintaining unity. The Logos enjoys intimate communion with the Father. Christianity underscores the personal nature of God, refuting any notion of an impersonal deity.

Application:

Believers are called to seek a personal relationship with God through Christ, reflecting the relational nature inherent within the Godhead.

The Deity of Christ

“And the Word was God” unequivocally declares the full deity of Christ. This verse establishes the foundation for the Trinitarian doctrine, which Christians hold as essential. Christ is not a created being; He is co-eternal and co-equal with the Father.

Application:

The deity of Christ underlines His sufficiency as the Saviour. Modern Christians are called to worship Him wholeheartedly and rely on His divine power for salvation and daily living.

The Word as Revelation

The Word (Logos) is God’s ultimate self-revelation. As John 1:14 later elaborates, the Word became flesh, revealing God’s glory and truth in the person of Jesus Christ. This incarnational reality is central to the gospel message.

Application:

For Christians today, Christ as the Word challenges us to ground our lives in Scripture, the written Word of God, and embody its truth in a world longing for hope and meaning.

Christ-Centred Application for Modern Christian Living

The exaltation of Christ as both God and the divine Logos compels believers to live with a Christ-centred worldview. From this verse, modern Christians derive principles of:

Worship: Adoring Christ as the eternal God.

Trust: Resting in His sovereign rule over time and creation.

Evangelism: Proclaiming Christ as the ultimate revelation of God’s redemptive purposes.

Scriptural Authority: Affirming the sufficiency and authority of Scripture as the written Word inspired by the living Word.

John 1:1 shapes the believer’s identity and mission, calling them to align their lives with the eternal truths of the gospel.