Enduring Word Bible Commentary John (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning of the John 1? ›

John 1:1–18 is a poetic introduction of Jesus Christ. Jesus is referred to using the Greek word logos, meaning "the Word." This passage clearly describes Jesus as God, and co-creator with God the Father. These verses summarize Jesus' ministry and mission on Earth.

John 1:1-18 is full of creedal elements, from the Logos language that speaks more light, new light into the creation, to the promise that in the fullness of Christ, God and God's will for us is made known, which is that through faith we are given power to become children of God, to John the Baptists confession that ...

John 1:12–13 Reminds Us We Were Ransomed

The reality that in Christ for all who receive Christ to believe in his name, we are children of God. We're born spiritually, not of blood or the will of the flesh or the will of man, but born of God.

If we are truly walking with God, we will live consistently with our beliefs, offering evidence of a life changed by God. Even saved believers have a choice whether or not to walk with God in the light, or apart from Him in the darkness.

Love is a central theme of John's First Epistle. John emphasized that those who say they love God but do not in turn love those around them are liars (see 1 John 4:20–21).

John's Gospel teaches us the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus. Throughout our lives, Jesus wants us to pray to Him, talk with Him, and put our trust in Him.

The “who” here refers to the many who did receive Him. The word “born” means to beget or to be born. The Greek indicates that God caused our spiritual birth. It also shows that we were born spiritually at one point in time, the time when we believed in Jesus.

The Greek phrasing could be translated as "grace upon grace," or "grace in place of grace." This implies a constant, overflowing gift. As believers, we are constantly being inundated with the grace of God, on behalf of Jesus Christ. This begins with God reaching out to us for salvation.

But to all who believed [Jesus, the Word] and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn — not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

Chapter 5 emphasizes the believer's ability to "overcome" the world (1 John 5:1–5) through the power of Christ. John gives testimony regarding Jesus as the Son of God (1 John 5:6–12). This passage also reassures believers, telling them they can know they have eternal life (1 John 5:13–21).

What is the meaning of 1 John 1-10? ›

Verse 10 denies our sinful actions: “If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” This claim is not only self-deception, but it also makes God out to be a liar. Truth is: there is no lie or deception in God at all. God is faithful, righteous and truthful.

To walk in the light is not to live without sin: otherwise, the blood of Jesus would not be needed to cleanse us while we are walking in the light. All the verbs in this verse are present tense. The force seems to be that while we are walking in the light the blood of Jesus is cleansing us from our sins.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. "The Word," a translation of the Greek λόγος (logos), is widely interpreted as referring to Jesus, as indicated in other verses later in the same chapter.

What Does 'In the Beginning Was the Word' Mean? Very simply, but profoundly, John explains through this passage that Jesus has always existed with God and in fact, is God.

Almighty God, grant us the grace this day to walk in the light of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we all have forgiveness and life. Forgive us and cleanse us from sin and the works of darkness and grant that we may live wholly in your light. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.