John 1:1-3, 14.
- “In the beginning was the Word.” He existed before creation.
- “The Word was with God.” Face to face. In the ancient world, that phrase implied equal standing.
- “The Word was God.” The Greek puts God first for emphasis. It describes what the Word is. It does not support “a god”.
John identifies the Word with Jesus (1:14). So you can read it straight through. In the beginning was Jesus. Jesus was with God. Jesus was God.
He is the Creator
All things were made through him (John 1:3) and for him (Col 1:16).
That contradicts early Gnostic-type teaching. It held that angels or lesser beings made the material world, and that Christ was one more of them.
The Word became flesh
He dwelt among us, full of grace and truth (1:14). Literally, he pitched his tent. It echoes the tabernacle.
The same name appears at the end
Revelation 19:13. The rider on the white horse wears a robe dipped in blood. His name is The Word of God.
John’s gospel opens with that title, and his Revelation closes with it.