Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 1

“In the beginning” recalls the opening words of Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The expression does not refer to a particular moment of time but assumes a timeless eternity. “Word” (logos; GK 3364) has several meanings. Ordinarily it refers to a spoken word, with emphasis on the meaning conveyed. Logos, therefore, is an expression of personality in communication. Scripture also tells us that it is creative in its power: “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth” (Psalms 33:6). To the Hebrew “the word of God” was the self-assertion of the divine personality; to the Greek the formula denoted the rational mind that ruled the universe. John is asserting that the “Word” is the source of all that is visible and antedates the totality of the material world.

The use of logos implies that John was endeavoring to bring out the full significance of the Incarnation to the Gentile world as well as to the Jewish people. While not adopting the Greek concept in its entirety, he indicates that Jesus had universal rather than local significance and that he spoke with ultimate authority. He was preexistent, involved in the act of creation, and therefore superior to all created beings. This presentation lifts Christ above the materialistic, pagan concept of deities just as the Incarnation brings the Hebrew concept of God into everyday life.

The preposition “with” (GK 4639) in the phrase “the Word was with God” indicates both equality and distinction of identity along with association. The phrase can be rendered “face to face with.” It therefore suggests personality and coexistence with the Creator, and yet is an expression of his creative being.

The three statements of v.1 bring out three different aspects of the nature of the Word. The first speaks of his preexistence, the second of his distinctiveness, and the third of his deity.

John succinctly reemphasizes the great truths of v.1. The Word’s preexistence, distinctiveness, and deity are brought out in the statement “he was with God in the beginning.”

The word “made” (GK 1181) means “became” rather than “constructed.” The visible universe with all its complexity owes its origin to the creative mind and power of God. Apart from his Word, existence is impossible (Hebrews 1:2).

The term “life” (GK 2437, occurring thirty-six times in John) is uniformly used throughout the gospel. Wherever it appears, it refers either to the principle of physical life or, more often, to spiritual life. Frequently it is coupled with the adjective “eternal” (GK 173) to denote the quality and power of the believer’s life. The life was embodied in Christ, who demonstrated perfectly what eternal life is by his career (cf. 14:6; 17:3). Christ is the “life” that is the “light of men.” In him God’s purpose and power are made available to human beings. He is their ultimate hope.

The metaphorical contrast between light and darkness as representing the powers of good and evil was common in John’s day. A better translation of v.5b here is “The darkness did not overcome it” (see NIV note; cf. the use of this same verb in 12:35).