John 1:1-18
Chapter 1
Prologue
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came into being through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be,
through him was life;
And this life was the light of all people,
light that shines in darkness,
light that darkness could not overcome.
A man came, sent by God; his name was John.
He came to bear witness, as a witness to introduce the light, so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but a witness to introduce the light;
for the light was coming into the world,
the true light that enlightens everyone.
He was in the world
and through him, the world was made,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
yet his own people did not accept him.
But to all who received him,
he empowers to become children of God,
for they believe in his name.
These are born, but not of blood
or the will of the flesh, nor by the will of man,
but of God.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us;
and we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.
John bore witness to him openly saying, “This is the one who comes after me, but he is already ahead of me, for he was before me.”
From his fullness we have all received,
grace upon grace.
For God had given us the law through Moses,
but grace and truth
came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God,
The only Son, God,
who is at the Father’s side,
has made him know.
Commentaries
Prologue.
The Gospel of John begins with a solemn introduction that highlights the theological centerpiece of the book: Jesus Christ, the mystery of the incarnation, revealing God’s glory. It also shares the Johannine community’s testimony of faith in their Lord.
Pre-existence and Creative Activity of the Logos (1-3). These first three verses affirm the pre-existence, transcendence, and eternity of the Logos (Word): Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father. His divinity is also confirmed (1), which, along with Thomas’ confession – “My Lord and my God” (20:28) – creates an inclusion. Therefore, the Gospel begins and ends with the declaration of Jesus’ divinity.
Revelation and Rejection (4-11). The logos is the source of life that shines and reveals itself: it is light. But the revelation of light is opposed by darkness, meaning those who reject his saving work. There is great drama in the history of salvation: the Word of salvation entered the world, but his own people did not accept him (11). For John, rejection is the greatest tragedy of humanity.
Revelation and Acceptance (12-18). Those who embrace and accept the revelation of light gain the power to become children of God. Divine sonship is a gift. Verse 14 is the core of the prologue: “The Word became flesh”: in the person of Jesus, divinity shines through physically. God dwells among us. The body of Jesus has become God’s sanctuary for humanity. The divine presence, once connected to the tent in the desert, then to the temple in Jerusalem, now resides in the person of Jesus Christ. In him lives all the goodness and mercy of God, and these are stable, enduring, and everlasting.