Jesus Called the Word in John 1:1 - Christology
John 1:1 states, "From the first he was the Word, and the Word was in relation with God and was God" (BBE) [1]. This verse introduces a central theological concept in the Gospel of John: Jesus Christ as the "Word" (Greek: Logos). This designation is unique to John's writings, appearing in the Gospel, 1 John, and Revelation [3].
The opening of John's Gospel echoes Genesis 1:1, establishing a connection between creation and the "Word" [6]. The prologue to John's Gospel (1:1-18) is often considered a hymn or poem that prepares readers for the narrative that follows, introducing themes such as light, rejection, and new life through belief [6].
The term "Word" (Greek: Logos) in this context refers to Jesus Christ, emphasizing his divine nature and his role as the revealer of God [3, 5]. John Gill notes that the description of the Word as being "in the beginning," "with God," and "God" himself, along with the attribution of creation to him, clearly points to Jesus Christ as the essential Word of God [5]. As the Word, Christ's office is to make God known, as stated in John 1:18: "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him" [3].
The phrase "was in the beginning" signifies the eternity of the Word, indicating that Christ existed before creation [3, 5, 8]. The statement "the Word was with God" highlights a distinct personal relationship between the Word and God, while "the Word was God" asserts the full deity of the Word [1, 3, 5]. This affirmation is central to the Gospel's message, establishing Jesus Christ not only as a revealer of God but as God himself [6].
The concept of the "Word" is also found in 1 John, where the apostle refers to "That which was from the beginning" (1 John 1:1). While some might interpret this as referring to the Gospel message, commentators like John Gill argue that it refers to Jesus Christ himself, who existed as a divine person from the beginning [7]. Matthew Henry notes that in 1 John, the Mediator's person is represented as the "Word of life," emphasizing his role as the foundation of faith and hope [9]. The apostle John, in both his Gospel and his first epistle, aims to declare this "Word of life" to foster communion with God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ [2, 4].
The use of "Word" (Logos) in John's writings has significant Christological implications. It designates the divine nature of Christ, asserting his pre-existence, his co-eternity with God, and his identity as God [3]. This understanding is crucial for comprehending the incarnation, where "the Word became flesh" (John 1:14) [3]. The prologue thus sets the stage for the entire Gospel, presenting Jesus as the divine agent of creation and salvation, through whom new life is given to believers [6].
Sources
- John “John 1:1 (BBE) — From the first he was the Word, and the Word was in relation with God and was God.”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: John, The First Epistle General Of — There can be no doubt that the apostle John was the author of this epistle. It was probably written from Ephesus, and most likely at the close of the first century. In the introduction, ch. (1 John 1:1-4) the apostle states the purpose of his epistle: it is to declare the word of life to those whom he is addressing, in order that he and they might be united in true communion with each other, and with God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. His lesson throughout is that the means of union with God are, on the part of Christ, his at”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Word, The — (Gr. Logos), one of the titles of our Lord, found only in the writings of John (John 1:1-14; 1 John 1:1; Rev. 19:13). As such, Christ is the revealer of God. His office is to make God known. "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him" (John 1:18). This title designates the divine nature of Christ. As the Word, he "was in the beginning" and "became flesh." "The Word was with God " and "was God," and was the Creator of all things (comp. Ps. 33: 6; 107:20; 119:89; 147:18; Isa. 40:8).”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: John, First Epistle of — The fourth of the catholic or "general" epistles. It was evidently written by John the evangelist, and probably also at Ephesus, and when the writer was in advanced age. The purpose of the apostle (1:1-4) is to declare the Word of Life to those to whom he writes, in order that they might be united in fellowship with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. He shows that the means of union with God are, (1) on the part of Christ, his atoning work (1:7; 2:2; 3:5; 4:10, 14; 5:11, 12) and his advocacy (2:1); and (2), on the part of man, holiness (1:6”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 1 (introduction): John 1:1 joh 1:1 joh 1:1 joh 1:1In the beginning was the word,.... That this is said not of the written word, but of the essential word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, is clear, from all that is said from hence, to Joh 1:14 as that this word was in the beginning, was with God, and is God; from the creation of all things being ascribed to him, and his being said to be the life and light of men; from his coming into the world, and usage in it; from his bestowing the privilege of adoption on believers; and from his incarnation; and also there is a particular ap”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 1:1: 1:1-18 The beginning of this prologue (1:1-5) might be a poem or hymn sung by the earliest Christians. The prologue’s themes—the coming of the light into the world, the rejection of the light, and its gift of new life to believers—prepares readers for the story that follows. 1:1 Echoing Gen 1:1, John’s Gospel introduces Jesus Christ, through whom God created everything (John 1:3); Jesus also creates new life in those who believe (1:12-13). The Gospel opens with its central affirmation, that Jesus Christ, the Word (Greek logos), not only revealed God but was God. In G”
- 1 John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 John 1:1: That which was from the beginning,.... By which is meant not the Gospel, as if the apostle's design was to assert the antiquity of that, and clear it from the charge of novelty; for though that is called the word, and the word of life, and is the Spirit which gives life, and is the means of quickening dead sinners, and brings the report of eternal life and salvation by Christ, yet the seeing of it with bodily eyes, and handling it with corporeal hands, do not agree with that; but Jesus Christ is here intended, who in his divine nature was, really existed as a divine pe”
- John (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on John 1 (introduction): The eternity of the Divine Logos, or Word of God, the dispenser of light and life, Joh 1:1-5. The mission of John the Baptist, Joh 1:6-13. The incarnation of the Logos or Word of God, Joh 1:14. John's testimony concerning the Logos, Joh 1:15-18. The priests and Levites question him concerning his mission and his baptism, Joh 1:19-22. His answer, Joh 1:23-28. His farther testimony on seeing Christ, Joh 1:29-34. He points him out to two of his disciples, who thereupon follow Jesus, Joh 1:35-37. Christ's address to them, Joh 1:38, Joh 1:39. Andrew invites his”
- 1 John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 John 1:1: The apostle omits his name and character (as also the author to the Hebrews does) either out of humility, or as being willing that the Christian reader should be swayed by the light and weight of the things written rather than by the name that might recommend them. And so he begins, I. With an account or character of the Mediator's person. He is the great subject of the gospel, the foundation and object of our faith and hope, the bond and cement that unite us unto God. He should be well known; and he is represented here, 1. As the Word of life, Jo1 1:1. In the gosp”