The Word - John 1:1-2

Today we begin a study of the fourth Gospel of the New Testament. Information points to the apostle John as the author of this book Although his name is not put forth at the introduction. Several historians and writers of the first centuries of this era quote from John’s writings and give him credit.

The date most often ascribed to his Gospel is around 90 A.D. The Gospel was soon followed by his three epistles and the book of Revelation.

The first three books of the New Testament – the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke present an account of the history and events of those years in which Jesus ministered here on earth. They closely relate to each other; thus, they are called the Synoptic Gospels.

In contrast, John is distinct in that he gives attention to the relationships Jesus had and to His character. He gives a clear and a true record of the revelation of Jesus Christ to be the Son of God, divine in nature, and the promised Messiah who came to be the atoning sacrifice. John records more information on relationships and conveys more feelings from people than found in the Synoptic Gospels.

The purpose of the Gospel of John is clearly stated in chapter 20, verses 30 and 31. They say: “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name

The key word in John’s Gospel is “believe.” In john, faith is not used as a noun but the verb forms are used to stress the need for an active, continuous trust in Jesus.

The first two verses say:

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

We first notice the phrase “In the beginning…” These are the same words with which the Bible text begins in Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning…” This phrase refers to the beginning of the dimension of time on earth – before creation. Our dimension of time does not extend to heaven. Before God created the heavens and the earth there was a heavenly kingdom, but time was not measured there.

So before creation, the One called the “Word” was a viable entity in the heavenly realm. This is the timeless, infinite eternity before the earth and the heavens, mankind, beast and all beings were created.

Notice the verb is the word “was,” so the One called the “Word” was an actual reality; already a member of that heavenly society.

Therefore, that first verse establishes the fact that the One called the “Word” was present with God the Father in the heavenly realm when the beginning of time took place.

The next phrase gives us insight into a great, eternal truth. It says: “The Word was God.” So the One who is called by the title the “Word” was actually united with God, was identified as God.

The Greek term from which “Word” is translated is “Logos.” Dr. Vine, a language specialist, recognizes this expression as a title for Jesus, the Son of God. He is recognized as the personal manifestation of the Deity of God.

The human mind cannot explain the Trinity God. One problem is that God the Father has no body, so we struggle to comprehend the full meaning of Trinity God. We cannot visualize the full concept. There is no parallel in our realm of being.

Verse two emphasizes that the Word was with God in the beginning. This assures us that this One was not put together at the beginning. He already had history. He already was fully related to the Father. His being reached back into the stretches of eternity. He was pre-existent.

John will unfold more truth for us in our coming studies.