The same was in the beginning with God.The three propositions of John 1:1 are here reduced to a single declaration and re-affirmed. As Hovey said:This emphatic repetition of the first verse prepares the way for the statement that follows in verse third; and the practice of repeating an important truth for the sake of emphasis, or of preparing the mind for connected truth, is characteristic of this evangelist's style.[7] read more
All things were made through him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made.Other New Testament passages which attribute the creation of the universe to Jesus Christ are as follows:For in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him; and he is before all things, and in him all things consist (Colossians 1:16-17).... read more
John 1:2. The same was in the beginning with God.— The Socinians, who have laboured hard to subvert the authority of this stubborn portion of scripture, most perversely understand this passage of Christ's being taken up into heaven after his baptism, in order to be instructed in the will of God; for which they think they have Christ's own testimony, John 3:13. But they mistake the meaning of that passage (see the note). Besides, the evangelist is here describing the existence of the Word before... read more
John 1:3. All things were made by him;— Although the word make is capable of an extensive sense, yet, as in other passages Jesus is said to have created all things, Col 1:16 we cannot doubt that St. John uses the word εγενετο in the sense of creation, a meaning which it often has in the Jewish scriptures. It is true, this and the other passages which speak of Christ's making all things, are by some explained of his erecting the Christian dispensation. But let it be observed here, once for all,... read more
2. The same, &c.—See what property of the Word the stress is laid upon—His eternal distinctness, in unity, from God—the Father ( :-). read more
3. All things, c.—all things absolutely (as is evident from John 1:10 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16; Colossians 1:17; but put beyond question by what follows). without Him was not any thing—not one thing. made—brought into being. that was made—This is a denial of the eternity and non-creation of matter, which was held by the whole thinking world outside of Judaism and Christianity: or rather, its proper creation was never so much as dreamt of save by the children of revealed religion. read more
A. The preincarnate Word 1:1-5John began his Gospel by locating Jesus before the beginning of His ministry, before His virgin birth, and even before Creation. He identified Jesus as co-existent with God the Father and the Father’s agent in providing creation and salvation. read more
I. PROLOGUE 1:1-18Each of the four Gospels begins with an introduction to Jesus that places Him in the historical setting of His earthly ministry. Matthew connected Him with David and Abraham. Mark associated Him directly with John the Baptist. Luke recorded the predictions of His birth. John, however, declared Him to be the eternal Son of God. Many writers have referred to John’s prologue as a theological prologue because this evangelist stressed Jesus’ connection with the eternal God.As with... read more
The Word was in the beginning with God. This statement clarifies further that Jesus was with God before the creation of the universe. It is a further assertion of Jesus’ deity. He did not come into existence. He always existed. Moreover Jesus did not become deity. He always was deity. John 1:2 clarifies the revelation of John 1:1 that is so concise and profound (cf. Genesis 1:1-2). [Note: See David J. MacLeod, "The Eternality and Deity of the Word: John 1:1-2," Bibliotheca Sacra 160:637... read more
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E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - John 1:3
All things. Referring to the infinite detail of creation. ' were made = came into being. Not the same word as in John 1:1 . by = through. Greek. dia. App-104 .John 1:1 . As in Romans 11:36 . Colossians 1:16 . Hebrews 1:2 . and without , &c. Note the Figure of speech Pleonasm. App-6 . without = apart from. was = came into being. Not the same word as in John 1:1 . not any thing = not even one thing. Greek oude, compound of ou. App-105 . was made = hath come into being. read more