Day 22: John 1:1
John 1:1
The Blueprint — The Verse
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Memorization Practice
Click words to hide them and test your memory.
Without looking, enter the book, chapter, and verse for this passage.
Rate your recall:
Scripture quotations marked NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Context — The History
John wrote his Gospel for both Jewish and Gentile readers in the late first century, when Greek philosophy spoke of a divine 'Logos' as reason and order. John redefines this concept, declaring that the eternal Word became flesh in Jesus.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
John opens his Gospel with a cosmic prologue echoing Genesis 1. Before narrating Jesus' ministry, he establishes that the Word existed before creation, was with God, and was fully God — the foundation for everything that follows.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
-
John 1:2
The same was in the beginning with God.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (John 1:2) to continue the passage.
Discussion
-
Why does John begin with 'In the beginning' instead of a birth narrative?
-
What does it mean that the Word was both with God and was God?
-
How does this verse shape your understanding of who Jesus is?
Places — Map this passage
Locations mentioned in this lesson passage. Switch to Whole book or Journey mode on the map for a broader view.
Places list
Geographic data © OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0)