The purpose of the letter: to bring you into relationship with God.
- (1-2) John begins with the center of relationship: Jesus Christ.. That which was from the beginning, which we have...
- (3) An invitation to relationship.. That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have...
- (4) The result of relationship.. And these things we write to...
Full Answer
Will you please explain John 1?
The beginning of Genesis 1:1 is simple: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The beginning of John 1:1 is profound: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John takes us back to this time in eternity past, to meet this One which was from the beginning.
What is the meaning behind 1 John 1?
What does John 1:1 mean? [⇑ See verse text ⇑] The first verse of John establishes several important facts, and introduces an important term. Jesus is referred to as "The Word," from the Greek word logos. Christ is the Logos, the definition, the meaning, the "Word" of God. This is the first of John's seven names for Jesus: "The Word."
What is the story with 1 John 1?
The book of 1stJohn is a General Epistle (Apostolic Letter). It is written by the Disciple/Apostle John around 85-95 A.D. probably from Ephesus. The key personalities are the Apostles Peter and Paul. Its purpose was to warn about the increasing threat of false teachings and to reassure Christians of their faith and love in Jesus Christ.
Why do we need 1 John 1?
This is what we need — the miracle of spiritual life created in our hearts. And the reason we need it is that we are spiritually dead — that is, we are unable to see or feel or grasp the beauty and worth of Christ for who he really is.
What is the meaning of John Chapter 1?
As the prologue to the Gospel of John, the first chapter teaches about the premortal divinity of Jesus Christ, emphasizes His role as the messenger of the Father, emphasizes that He is the only way to return to the Father, and highlights the impact of personal testimony in bringing others to follow Jesus Christ.
What can we learn from 1 John?
Themes. John stressed the seriousness of sin, and while he acknowledged that Christians still sin, he presented the love of God, proven through the sacrificial death of his son Jesus, as the solution to sin. Christians must confess, ask forgiveness, and repent.
What does John 1 tell us about God?
John says that Jesus is the “true light” and that He “gives light to everyone.” In other words, if we can see, know, or understand truth, it is because He has given light to us. Jesus is not only the truth but also the way to know the truth. We all must respond to the light He brings.
What is the purpose of First John?
The First Letter of John was apparently addressed to a group of churches where “false prophets,” denounced as Antichrist, denied the Incarnation of Jesus and caused a secession so substantial that the orthodox remnant was sadly depleted.
What is the promise in John Chapter 1?
I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
How do you study John Chapter 1?
13:0117:08John 1 - Daily Bible Study - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut we can never make it with law and what we all need is grace and truth and here in this chapterMoreBut we can never make it with law and what we all need is grace and truth and here in this chapter he says that this Jesus comes and he is full of grace. And truth.
What is the main message of the Gospel of John?
In the Gospel of John, the central theme is the divine Logos, the word that was with God and that was God. This Logos became flesh and dwelt among men in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. John says nothing of a supernatural birth.
What does the light shines in the darkness mean?
We can spread this light by embracing it, by becoming lights ourselves: the lights of the world. Christ is the light that shines in the darkness, the true light that has come to enlighten all people. We can approach it, embrace it, set ourselves alight with it, and shine hope into the lives of anyone who is seeking it.
Who is the prophet in John 1?
Analysis. The prophecy of Malachi (4:5, 6) states, "Behold, I send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord come." This Elijah, who had been taken up into heaven, was believed to precede the coming of the Messiah.
What are the two main sections of 1 John?
The three main sections can be associated with the Father, Son and Spirit respectively.
How does the book of 1 John encourage Christians to love?
Love is evidence of our regeneration God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. We must love because it is evidence of our salvation; it's evidence we walk in the light (1 John 2:9-10), we are children of God (1 John 3:10) and that we have passed out of death into life (1 John 3:14).
What word is used to describe God in the first chapter of 1 John?
"In the beginning (archē) was the Word (logos)" may be compared with: Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created heaven, and earth." The opening words of the Old Testament are also "In the beginning".
What is the meaning of John chapter 1?
John chapter 1. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, ...
What did Jesus say to Simon?
Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, 'Your name is Simon, son of John--but you will be called Cephas' (which means 'Peter'). 43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, 'Come, follow me.' 44 Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter's hometown.
What is the meaning of the word "God"?
The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
Who was Simon Peter's brother?
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), 42 and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, “You are Simon, son of John.
What does 1 John 1 mean?
1 John 1. – Fellowship with God. Most people understand that the important things in life are not things at all – they are the relationships we have. God has put a desire for relationship in every one of us, a desire He intended to be met with relationships with other people, but most of all, to be met by a relationship with Him.
What is the Word of Life in John 1:1?
The Word of Life: John identified this eternally existent being, who was physically present with John and others (note the repetition of our, and not “my”), as the Word of Life. This is the same Logos spoken of in John 1:1. i.
What does the word "with" mean in the Bible?
g. Was with the Father: The word with indicates that this being, who is eternal, and is eternal life Himself, is distinct from the Father. John builds the New Testament understanding of the Trinity – that one God exists as three Persons, equal and one, yet distinct in their person. i.
What is the idea of fellowship in the letter of John?
It is the ancient Greek word koinonia, which speaks of a sharing, a communion, a common bond and common life. It speaks of a living, breathing, sharing, loving relationship with another person. i.
What does the Bible say about fellowship?
We are naturally together with Him in fellowship. c. We have fellowship with one another: We would have expected John to say, “We have fellowship with God.”.
How to say God is perfect?
Another way of saying that God is perfect is to say that God is light. ii. “LIGHT is the purest, the most subtle, the most useful, and the most diffusive of all God’s creatures; it is, therefore, a very proper emblem of the purity, perfection, and goodness of the Divine nature.” (Clarke) iii.
What does the Bible say about light?
John declares this on the simple understanding that God Himself is light; and light by definition has no darkness at all in it; for there to be darkness, there must be an absence of light. i.
What does John 1:1 mean?
John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”. In contrast to (1 John 1:1), where John used a similar phrase (from the beginning), to refer to the starting point of Jesus’ ministry and gospel preaching, this phrase parallels (Genesis 1:1), where the same phrase is used.
Why did John choose the word "word"?
John chose this concept because both Jews and Greeks were familiar with it. There are two kinds of Word. One is the written Word which is the Bible. This written Word is God breathed.
What does the word "was" mean in the Bible?
The verb “was”, highlights the eternal pre-existence of the Word, “i.e. Jesus Christ”. Before the universe began, the Second Person of the Trinity always existed meaning He always was. This word is used in contrast with the verb “came into being” (in verse 3), which indicates a beginning in time. Because of John’s theme ...
How did God give life to man?
In (Genesis 2:7), we read how God gave life to man, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”. Man was but a clay doll until the breath of life was breathed in to it. Then he became alive. The Word (Jesus), made him alive.
How many times does John use the word "darkness"?
John uses the term “darkness” 14 times (8 times in the gospel and 6 times in 1 John), out of its 17 occurrences in the New Testament, making it almost an exclusive Johannine word. In John, “light” and “life” have their special significance in relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Word.
What does the Bible say about God?
God here is taken from a word which means supreme Divinity or supreme God. This Logos (Word). was not only with God but was God, as well. (Proverbs 8:23), speaks of this Divine Intelligence as Wisdom. This Eternal Existence is difficult for man to comprehend, but it is true.
What is the contrast in the Gospel of John?
John introduces the reader to contrastive themes that occur throughout the gospel. “Life” and “light” are qualities of the Word that are shared not only among the Godhead, but also by those who respond to the gospel message regarding Jesus Christ.
What does John 1:1-18 mean?
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 identical to God, and co-creator with God. These verses summarize Jesus’ ministry and mission on Earth.
What does the first chapter of John introduce Jesus as?
The first chapter of John introduces Jesus as “the Word,” from the Greek Logos. This chapter clearly describes Jesus as identical to God.
What is the Bible study question in John 1?
John 1 Bible Study Questions (Handout) JOHN 1:1-3 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him not even one thing was made that has been made. What five claims are being made above about the “Word” (John 1:1)?
What does John 1:6-8 mean?
JOHN 1:6-8 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
What does "did not understand" mean in the Bible?
It should be noted that ου κατελαβεν (ou katelaben), the original Greek words translated “did not understand” (John 1:5), could also mean “did not overcome,” in which case the “darkness” would refer to Satan's dominion, which could not overcome the “Light” (John 1:5) that penetrated it. JOHN 1:6-8 6 There was a man sent from God, ...
What does John chapter 1 mean?
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father ...
What is the book of John about?
Rather than re-state these facts, John is concerned with building confidence in Christian believers. At the same time, his words encourage believers to examine their own lives for signs of their relationship with Christ.
What does John 1:1 say about God?
To be God and with God implies a separation from God, yet also a sharing of the same nature of God, as John 1:1 says “the Word with God and the Word was God.”. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
Why is it problematic that John 1:1 says the word "with God"?
This is problematic because it implies polytheism. He was in the beginning with God. This hints at the Trinity due to the word being God and yet with God. At the very least this is a plurality within the Godhead. Notice the distinguishing between the “He” and “with God”. Yet, John 1:1 already said the “Word was God.”.
What is the source of all creation?
John the apostle is telling us that the Word, which later became flesh, ( John 1:14) is the source of all creation. Notice “through him.”. This shows the work of God through the Word. Yet, the “Word was God.”. Some might say that God used the pre-incarnate Christ as the conduit through whom creation was made.
How many times does the word "testify" appear in the Gospel of John?
The function of John the Baptist was to bear witness of the light, being Jesus. John was sent from God (v. 6). The word “testify” occurs 33 times in the gospel of John.
How many times does the word "life" appear in the Bible?
In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The first appearance of the word “life” is in this verse. The word “life” occurs 47 times in 39 verses in the New American Standard Bible. Life : Jesus, as the creator, provides physical life as well as spiritual life.
What is the meaning of the word "in the beginning"?
THE WORD. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”. The word “word” was familiar to the Greeks who understood it to be the rational principle that governed the universe. The Jews understood the word to mean God. 1.
Who sent Jesus to the Father?
Jesus was sent by God the Father . Jesus says “sent me” in reference to God the Father 33 times in the Gospel of John, in the NASB. John 6:39, “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.”.
What is the meaning of John 1:1?
And the Word was with God, and the Word was God: With this brilliant statement, John 1:1 sets forth one of the most basic foundations of our faith - the Trinity. We can follow John's logic: - There is a Being known as the Word . - This Being is God, because He is eternal ( In the beginning )
What did John say about the Word of God?
ii. The Jews had a generally prohibitive view of God; to them, John says the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The Jews had a hard time accepting that the great God revealed in the Old Testament could take on human form. John says to the Jewish thinkers, "the Word of God became flesh .".
What are the themes of John's Gospel?
The remainder of John's gospel will deal with the themes introduced here: the identity of the Word, life, light, regeneration, grace, truth, and the revelation of God the Father in Jesus the Son. 1. ( Jhn 1:1-2) The origin of the Word (Logos).
How many miracles does John show us?
John shows us who Jesus is by highlighting seven signs (miracles) of Jesus. Six of these miracles are not mentioned in the first three gospels. b. John shows us who Jesus is by allowing Jesus to speak for Himself in seven dramatic I Am statements.
What is the purpose of the Gospel of John?
John is a gospel written for a specific purpose: that we might believe. A key verse for understanding the Gospel of John is found at the end of the book: But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name ( John 20:31 ). a.
What are the major events in the ministry of Jesus?
There are significant events in the ministry of Jesus that Matthew, Mark, and Luke include that John leaves out, including Jesus' birth, baptism, temptation in the wilderness, the Last Supper, the agony in Gethsemane, the Ascension, demonic confrontations, and parables. c.
What does it mean when God says "in the beginning"?
He was in the beginning with God. a. In the beginning refers to the timeless eternity of Genesis 1:1: In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth. John essentially says, "When the beginning began, the Word was already there. " That is, that the Word predates time or creation.
B. Prologue to The Gospel of John.
- This remarkable, profound portion is not merely a preface or an introduction. It is a summation of the entire book. The remainder of John’s Gospel deals with the themes introduced here: the identity of the Word, life, light, regeneration, grace, truth, and the revelation of God the Father i…
C. The Testimony of John The Baptist.
- 1. (19-22) Religious leaders from Jerusalem question John the Baptist.
Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answe… - 2. (23-28) John explains his identity to the religious leaders.
He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the LORD,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John ans…
D. The Testimony of The First disciples.
- 1. (35-39) Two of John’s disciples begin to follow Jesus.
Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Hi… - 2. (40-42) Andrew brings his brother, Simon Peter to Jesus.
One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “Y…