Prologue of John

Exploring John 1:1-18

The opening verses of the Gospel of John, often referred to as the Prologue (John 1:1-18), stand out as one of the most profound passages in the New Testament. These verses introduce us to key themes that will unfold throughout the Gospel, providing a foundation for understanding who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish. In this post, we’ll explore the richness of this passage and consider how it can deepen our faith and understanding of Jesus.

The Eternal Word (John 1:1-5)

John begins with a powerful declaration: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). This verse echoes the opening of Genesis, signaling that what follows is a new creation narrative. The “Word” (Greek: Logos) is not just a spoken word or a concept, but a person—Jesus Christ. John affirms the preexistence of Jesus, declaring that He was with God from the beginning and that He Himself is divine.

• Key Points:
  • Jesus’ Divinity: Jesus is not merely a prophet or a good teacher; He is God in the flesh.
  • Jesus as Creator: John 1:3 tells us that all things were made through Him. Jesus is the agent of creation, involved in bringing everything into existence.
  • Light and Life: John 1:4-5 presents Jesus as the source of life and light, which shines in the darkness. This light is not overcome by darkness, symbolizing the victory of Jesus over sin and death.

The Witness of John the Baptist (John 1:6-8)

John shifts from the cosmic to the earthly by introducing John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. John the Baptist’s role was to bear witness to the light, pointing people to Jesus.

• Key Points:
  • Role of a Witness: John the Baptist’s life challenges us to consider our role as witnesses. Just as he pointed others to Christ, so are we called to reflect and share the light of Christ in our lives.
  • Not the Light: John the Baptist makes it clear that he himself is not the light but was sent to testify about the light. This distinction reminds us that our mission is not to draw attention to ourselves, but to direct others to Jesus.

The Word Became Flesh (John 1:9-14)

In one of the most remarkable statements in all of Scripture, John writes, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). This verse captures the mystery of the Incarnation—God becoming human in the person of Jesus Christ.

• Key Points:
  • Incarnation: The eternal Word took on human flesh and lived among us. This is the heart of the Christian faith—God fully entering into our experience.
  • Glory Revealed: In Jesus, we see the glory of God, “full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 emphasizes that Jesus perfectly reveals God’s character and His love for humanity.
  • Rejection and Reception: Although Jesus is the true light, John 1:10-11 reveals that the world did not recognize Him, and His own people did not receive Him. Yet, to those who did receive Him, He gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12-13).

📖 Word Study: Dwelling

The term “dwelling” carries rich theological significance throughout Scripture, symbolizing God’s desire to be intimately present with His people. The concept evolves from the physical presence of God in specific locations in the Old Testament to a more spiritual and personal indwelling in the New Testament.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for “dwelling” is “mishkan” (מִשְׁכָּן), which refers to a tabernacle or dwelling place. This was first seen in the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God’s presence dwelled with Israel during their journey through the wilderness:

• Exodus 25:8: “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.”

Here, God’s dwelling was a physical place—first the Tabernacle, later the Temple—where His presence would reside among His people. It symbolized God’s nearness and covenant relationship with Israel.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the Greek word “skēnoō” (σκηνόω) is used to describe dwelling. The shift from a physical structure to a more intimate, spiritual concept is profound, culminating in the incarnation of Jesus Christ:

• John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
  Here, the term “dwelt” literally means “tabernacled” or “pitched His tent” among us. Jesus became the new and ultimate dwelling place of God, embodying God’s presence with humanity.

Spiritual Dwelling: The Holy Spirit

In the New Testament, “dwelling” extends beyond Jesus’ physical presence to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers:

• 1 Corinthians 3:16: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”

Believers themselves become the dwelling place of God, a living temple where His presence is continually manifest through the Holy Spirit. This indwelling is personal and transformative, signifying God’s desire to be with His people not only externally but also within their hearts.

Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ (John 1:15-18)

The Prologue concludes by highlighting the grace and truth that come through Jesus. John contrasts Jesus with the law given through Moses, showing that Jesus offers something far greater—grace upon grace.

• Key Points:
  • Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus does not abolish the law but fulfills it, bringing a new covenant of grace and truth.
  • Revelation of God: John 1:18 states that no one has ever seen God, but Jesus, the one and only Son, has made Him known. In Jesus, we see the fullness of God’s revelation.
  • Grace upon Grace: The phrase “grace in place of grace already given” (John 1:16) suggests an ongoing and abundant outpouring of God’s favor through Jesus.