Lesson 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
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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
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John 1:2
2He was with God in the beginning.
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?