It truly deserves much more recognition, significant time and effort has been devoted to this.
1:1 "In the beginning" This reflects Genesis 1:1 and is also used in 1 John 1:1 as a reference to the incarnation. It is possible that 1 John was a cover letter to the Gospel. Both deal with Gnosticism. John 1:1-5 is an affirmation of Jesus Christ's divine pre-existence before creation (cf. John 1:15,30; 8:56-59; 16:28; 17:5,24; Phil. 2:6-7; Col. 1:17).
In the NT Jesus is described as
- a new creation, not marred by the Fall (i.e., Gen. 3:15 fulfilled for mankind)
- a new conquest (Promised Land)
- a new exodus (fulfilled prophecy)
- a new Moses (law giver)
- a new Joshua (cf. Heb. 4:8)
- a new water miracle (cf. Hebrews 3-4)
- new manna (cf. John 6)
- new temple
- new priest
and so many more, especially in Hebrews.
SPECIAL TOPIC: ARCHĒ
SPECIAL TOPIC: FROM THE BEGINNING
▣ "was" (thrice) This is an IMPERFECT TENSE (cf. John 1:1,2,4,10) which focuses on continual existence in past time. This TENSE is used to show the Logos' pre-existence (cf. John 8:57-58; 17:5,24; Col. 1:17). It is contrasted with the AORIST TENSES of John 1:3 (i.e., creation), 6 (i.e., John the Baptist, and 14 (i.e., the incarnation).
▣ "the Word" The Greek term
logos referred to a message, not just a single word. In this context it is a title which the Greeks used to describe "world reason" and the Hebrews as analogus with "Wisdom." John chose this term to assert that God's Word is both a person and a message. See Contextual Insights, D.
▣ "with God" "With" could be paraphrased "face to face." It depicts intimate fellowship. It also points toward the concept of one divine essence and three personal eternal manifestations. The NT asserts the paradox that Jesus is separate from the Father, but also that He is one with the Father.
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE TRINITY
▣ "the Word was God" This VERB is IMPERFECT TENSE as in John 1:1a. There is no ARTICLE (which identifies the SUBJECT, see F. F. Bruce,
Answers to Questions, p. 66) with
Theos, but
Theos is placed first in the Greek phrase for emphasis. This verse and John 1:18 are strong statements of the full Deity of the pre-existent Logos (cf. John 5:18; 8:58; 10:30; 14:9; 17:11; 20:28; Rom. 9:5; Heb. 1:8; 2 Pet. 1:1). Jesus is fully divine (i.e., the grammatical rule related to two NOUNS with a linking VERB and only one PRONOUN. One must assume the ARTICLE makes both defiite, "Sharp's Rule"), as well as fully human (cf. 1 John 4:1-3). He is not the same as God the Father, but He is the very same divine essence as the Father.
SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM
SPECIAL TOPIC: DEITY OF CHRIST FROM THE OT
The NT asserts the full Deity of Jesus of Nazareth, but protects the distinct personhood of the Father. The one divine essence is emphasized in John 1:1; 5:18; 10:30,34-38; 14:9-10; and 20:28, while their distinct persons are emphasized in John 1:2,14,18; 5:19-23; 8:28; 10:25,29; 14:11,12,13,16.