The Beginning 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. 4In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcomea it. The Witness of John 6There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. 8He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. 9The true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. 11He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God. The Word Became Flesh 14The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.b We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Sonc from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’” 16From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God andd is at the Father’s side,e has made Him known. The Mission of John the Baptist 19And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” 20He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” 21“Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” 22So they said to him, “Who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”f 24Then the Pharisees who had been sent 25asked him, “Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26“I baptize withg water,” John replied, “but among you stands One you do not know. 27He is the One who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” 28All this happened at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. Jesus the Lamb of God 29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is He of whom I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’ 31I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.” 32Then John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and resting on Him. 33I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.h” The First Disciples 35The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37And when the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38Jesus turned and saw them following. “What do you want?” He asked. They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are You staying?” 39“Come and see,” He replied. So they went and saw where He was staying, and spent that day with Him. It was about the tenth hour.i 40Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s testimony and followed Jesus. 41He first found his brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated as Christ). 42Andrew brought him to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter). Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael 43The next day Jesus decided to set out for Galilee. Finding Philip, He told him, “Follow Me.” 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter. 45Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46“Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. 47When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.” 48“How do You know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” 49“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50Jesus said to him, “Do you believe just because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” 51Then He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”j Footnotes: 5 a Or comprehended 14 b Or and tabernacled among us 14 c Or the Only Begotten or the Unique One 18 d Or but the only begotten God, who; BYZ and TR but the only begotten Son, who 18 e Greek in the Father’s bosom 23 f Isaiah 40:3 (see also LXX) 26 g Or in; also in verse 31 and twice in 33 34 h SBL the Chosen One of God 39 i That is, about four in the afternoon 51 j See Genesis 28:12. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  John 1 Summary The Word Became FleshVerses 1–5 – The Eternal Word Verses 6–8 – The Witness Verses 9–13 – The True Light and Our Response Verses 14–18 – The Word Became Flesh Verses 19–28 – John the Baptist’s Testimony Verses 29–34 – Behold the Lamb of God Verses 35–42 – First Disciples Seek Jesus Verses 43–51 – Philip and Nathanael John 1 serves as a profound introduction to the Gospel of John, presenting the preexistence of Jesus Christ as the Word, His role in creation, and His incarnation as the Light and Life of mankind. Through this chapter, we also explore the testimony of John the Baptist and the calling of the first disciples. The Word and Creation • Genesis 1:1 starts “In the beginning,” and John echoes it deliberately. • Colossians 1:16-17 affirms, “For in Him all things were created… and in Him all things hold together.” • Hebrews 1:2-3 says God made the universe through the Son and sustains it “by His powerful word.” Taken together, Scripture shows the pre-existent Word as active Agent in creation and ongoing Sustainer of every atom. Light Versus Darkness • Light in Scripture often means life, purity, and God’s presence (Psalm 27:1). • Darkness pictures ignorance and evil (Isaiah 60:2). • John insists darkness “has not overcome” the light, offering hope that evil will never snuff out God’s life-giving presence. John the Baptist in Historical Context • John likely ministered near the Jordan River around A.D. 26-29. • His camel-hair clothing, desert diet, and bold preaching match descriptions of first-century prophetic figures. • Josephus, a Jewish historian, confirms John’s widespread influence and eventual imprisonment by Herod Antipas. Archaeological Insights: Bethany Beyond the Jordan • Excavations at Al-Maghtas in modern Jordan reveal first-century pools, channels, and churches honoring the baptism site. • Pilgrim writings from the 4th–6th centuries mention the same location, underscoring long-standing tradition that this stretch of the Jordan is where John baptized. The Lamb of God and Sacrifice • Passover lamb (Exodus 12): blood spared Israel’s firstborn. • Daily temple sacrifices (Exodus 29:38-42) required lambs “without blemish.” • Isaiah 53 foretells a suffering servant led “like a lamb to the slaughter.” Calling Jesus “the Lamb of God” fuses these images—He would shed His own blood to free people from sin and death (1 Peter 1:18-19). Names and Titles of Jesus in John 1 Word (v. 1) God (v. 1) Life (v. 4) Light (v. 4) Son of God (v. 34, 49) Lamb of God (v. 29, 36) Rabbi/Teacher (v. 38, 49) Messiah/Christ (v. 41) King of Israel (v. 49) Son of Man (v. 51) Grace and Truth • The Law given through Moses set out God’s standards (Exodus 20). • Jesus embodies grace—God’s generous favor—and truth—the reliable revelation of who God is. • Unlike a written code, grace and truth walk, teach, heal, die, and rise for us in Jesus. Becoming Children of God • Not by ancestry: “Not of blood.” • Not by human effort: “Nor of the will of the flesh.” • Not by family decision: “Nor of the will of man.” • Solely “born of God” (John 3:3-8 expands this idea of being born from above). Discipleship Path in John 1 1. Hear a witness (John the Baptist points to Jesus). 2. Take a step (“They followed Jesus”). 3. Spend time (“They went and saw where He was staying and spent that day with Him”). 4. Share the discovery (Andrew tells Simon; Philip tells Nathanael). Personal encounter overflows into invitation. Old Testament Echoes • “The Word” and Genesis 1 creation. • “Tabernacled among us” recalls God’s glory filling the wilderness tent (Exodus 40:34-35). • “Behold the Lamb” pulls in Passover and sacrificial imagery. • “Angels ascending and descending” mirrors Jacob’s ladder dream (Genesis 28:12), now centered on Jesus. Applications for Today • Trust the sufficiency of Jesus—the true Light still shines in every dark place. • Let testimony flow naturally; John simply pointed to Someone greater. • Welcome people’s honest questions (priests, Levites, Nathanael) and point them to firsthand experience: “Come and see.” • Remember identity: those who receive Jesus are God’s children, not distant strangers. • Expect greater things—Jesus promises ongoing revelation to those who follow Him. Key Scripture Remembered “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14) Connections to Additional Scriptures Genesis 1:1-3 – The creation account and the presence of the Word in creation.Colossians 1:16-17 – Jesus as the Creator and sustainer of all things. Hebrews 1:1-3 – Jesus as the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. Philippians 2:5-8 – The humility and incarnation of Christ. 1 John 1:5-7 – Walking in the light as He is in the light. Teaching Points The Eternal WordIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) Jesus is eternal, existing before creation. The Word (Logos) signifies Jesus as the divine reason and creative order. The Creator Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. (John 1:3) Jesus is the agent of creation. All of creation is dependent on Him. The Light of Men In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. (John 1:4) Jesus is the source of spiritual life and enlightenment. His light overcomes the darkness of sin and ignorance. The Incarnation The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. (John 1:14) Jesus took on human nature to dwell among us. This act demonstrates God's love and desire for relationship with humanity. The Witness of John the Baptist He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. (John 1:7) John the Baptist's role was to prepare the way for Jesus. His testimony points others to the true Light. Grace and Truth For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17) Jesus fulfills and surpasses the law with grace and truth. His coming marks a new covenant with humanity. Practical Applications Embrace Jesus as the eternal Word and center your life around His teachings.Recognize Jesus as the Creator and honor Him by stewarding His creation responsibly. Allow the light of Christ to illuminate areas of darkness in your life, leading to transformation. Reflect on the incarnation and seek to embody Christ's love and humility in your interactions with others. Be a witness like John the Baptist, sharing the truth of Jesus with those around you. Live in the grace and truth of Jesus, extending grace to others and standing firm in His truth. People 1. The Word (Logos)Described as being with God in the beginning and being God (John 1:1). The Greek term "Logos" is used, which signifies the pre-existent Christ, the divine reason, and creative order. 2. God Referred to in relation to the Word, indicating the divine nature and relationship within the Trinity (John 1:1-2). 3. John the Baptist A man sent from God to bear witness to the Light, so that through him all might believe (John 1:6-8). He is not the Light but came to testify about the Light. 4. Moses Mentioned in the context of the Law being given through him, contrasting with grace and truth coming through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). 5. Jesus Christ Referred to as the Word made flesh, who dwelt among us, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). He is the one who reveals God to humanity. 6. The Jews Mentioned as those who sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to question John the Baptist about his identity (John 1:19). 7. Priests and Levites Sent by the Jews to inquire of John the Baptist whether he is the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet (John 1:19-21). 8. Elijah Referenced in the questioning of John the Baptist, who denies being Elijah (John 1:21). 9. The Prophet Another figure the priests and Levites ask John the Baptist about, which he also denies being (John 1:21). 10. Isaiah Quoted by John the Baptist as he identifies himself as "the voice of one calling in the wilderness" (John 1:23), fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah 40:3. 11. The Pharisees A group that questions John the Baptist about his baptizing if he is not the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet (John 1:24-25). 12. Andrew One of the two disciples of John the Baptist who follows Jesus after John identifies Him as the Lamb of God (John 1:40). 13. Simon Peter Andrew's brother, whom Andrew brings to Jesus. Jesus gives him the name Cephas, which is translated as Peter (John 1:41-42). 14. Philip Called by Jesus to follow Him, from the town of Bethsaida, the same as Andrew and Peter (John 1:43-44). 15. Nathanael Brought to Jesus by Philip, initially skeptical but then acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel after Jesus reveals His knowledge of Nathanael's character and actions (John 1:45-49). Places 1. BethanyJohn 1:28 states, "All this happened at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing." This Bethany is distinct from the Bethany near Jerusalem and is located east of the Jordan River. The Greek term used here is "Βηθανίᾳ" (Bethania), which refers to a place of crossing or ford, indicating its geographical significance as a location for baptisms. 2. Nazareth In John 1:45-46, Philip finds Nathanael and tells him, "We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael responds, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" The Greek term "Ναζαρέτ" (Nazaret) refers to a small town in Galilee, which was relatively obscure and not highly regarded at the time. 3. Galilee John 1:43 mentions, "The next day Jesus decided to set out for Galilee." The Greek term "Γαλιλαία" (Galilaia) refers to the region in northern Israel where Jesus conducted much of His ministry. It was known for its diverse population and was a significant area for Jesus' early activities. Events 1. The Word in the Beginning"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) This verse introduces the concept of the "Logos" (Greek: Λόγος), emphasizing the pre-existence and divinity of Christ. 2. The Word as Creator "Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made." (John 1:3) This highlights the role of the Word (Christ) in creation, affirming His divine authority and power. 3. The Light of Men "In Him was life, and that life was the light of men." (John 1:4) The life and light metaphor signifies spiritual illumination and salvation brought by Christ. 4. The Light Shines in Darkness "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5) This portrays the victory of Christ's light over the darkness of sin and evil. 5. John the Baptist's Witness "There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John." (John 1:6) John the Baptist is introduced as a witness to testify about the Light, preparing the way for Christ. 6. The True Light "The true Light who gives light to every man was coming into the world." (John 1:9) This emphasizes Christ as the genuine source of spiritual enlightenment for all humanity. 7. The Word Became Flesh "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." (John 1:14) The incarnation of Christ is central, where "flesh" (Greek: σάρξ) signifies His full humanity. 8. John's Testimony about Jesus "John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, 'This is He of whom I said, "He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me."'" (John 1:15) John the Baptist acknowledges the preeminence and eternal nature of Christ. 9. Grace and Truth through Jesus Christ "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) This contrasts the Mosaic Law with the grace and truth brought by Christ, highlighting the new covenant. 10. No One Has Seen God "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known." (John 1:18) This underscores the unique revelation of God through Jesus, who is in intimate relationship with the Father. Topics 1. The Word and CreationJohn 1:1-3 introduces the concept of "the Word" (Greek: "Logos"), emphasizing its divine nature and role in creation. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This passage establishes the pre-existence and deity of Christ, affirming that all things were made through Him. 2. The Light of Men John 1:4-5 describes the Word as the source of life and light for humanity. "In Him was life, and that life was the light of men." The light shines in the darkness, symbolizing the revelation and truth brought by Christ, which the darkness cannot overcome. 3. The Witness of John the Baptist John 1:6-8 introduces John the Baptist as a witness to the Light. "He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe." John the Baptist's role is to prepare the way for Christ and to testify to His coming. 4. The True Light John 1:9-13 speaks of the true Light that gives light to every man. "The true Light who gives light to every man was coming into the world." Despite being in the world, the world did not recognize Him, yet those who received Him were given the right to become children of God. 5. The Word Became Flesh John 1:14-18 highlights the incarnation of the Word. "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." This passage underscores the full humanity and divinity of Christ, who is full of grace and truth, and reveals God to humanity. 6. The Testimony of John the Baptist John 1:19-28 records the testimony of John the Baptist regarding his identity and mission. When questioned, he denies being the Christ and identifies himself as "the voice of one calling in the wilderness," preparing the way for the Lord. 7. Behold the Lamb of God John 1:29-34 describes John the Baptist's declaration of Jesus as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." This identifies Jesus as the sacrificial lamb, fulfilling Old Testament typology and foreshadowing His atoning death. 8. The First Disciples John 1:35-42 narrates the calling of the first disciples, including Andrew and Simon Peter. Andrew, after hearing John the Baptist, follows Jesus and brings his brother Simon to Him, who is then named Cephas (Peter). 9. Philip and Nathanael John 1:43-51 recounts the calling of Philip and Nathanael. Jesus finds Philip, who then brings Nathanael to Jesus. Nathanael's initial skepticism turns to belief when Jesus demonstrates His divine knowledge, leading Nathanael to declare, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel." Themes 1. The Preexistence of the WordJohn 1:1 states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This theme emphasizes the eternal existence of the Word (Logos in Greek), affirming the divinity and preexistence of Christ before creation. 2. The Word as Creator John 1:3 declares, "Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made." This highlights the role of the Word in creation, underscoring the belief that Jesus is the divine agent through whom God created the universe. 3. The Word as Life and Light John 1:4-5 states, "In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." This theme presents Jesus as the source of spiritual life and enlightenment, bringing hope and truth to a darkened world. 4. The Incarnation of the Word John 1:14 reveals, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." This theme focuses on the incarnation, where the divine Word took on human form, emphasizing the belief in Jesus' full divinity and humanity. 5. The Testimony of John the Baptist John 1:6-8 introduces John the Baptist as a witness to the Light, stating, "He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe." This theme highlights the role of John the Baptist in preparing the way for Jesus and pointing others to Him. 6. Rejection and Acceptance of the Word John 1:11-12 notes, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." This theme contrasts the rejection of Jesus by some with the acceptance and transformation of those who believe in Him. 7. Grace and Truth through Jesus Christ John 1:17 states, "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." This theme contrasts the old covenant of the Law with the new covenant of grace and truth brought by Jesus, emphasizing the fulfillment and surpassing of the Law through Christ. 8. Revelation of God through the Son John 1:18 concludes, "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known." This theme underscores the unique role of Jesus in revealing the nature and character of God to humanity. Answering Tough Questions 1. Does John 1:1 imply multiple gods since “the Word” is both with God and is God? 2. How can “the Word” become flesh (John 1:14) without contradicting known laws of nature? 4. Why does John 1:15 say Jesus existed before John the Baptist, when historically John was older? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the concept of Jesus as the Word expand your understanding of His nature and mission? 2. What does the narrative of John the Baptist's testimony teach about humility and purpose? 3. How does the description of the Word becoming flesh challenge your understanding of God? 4. In what ways does Jesus being referred to as the "Lamb of God" shape your understanding of His role in salvation? 5. How can the calling of the first disciples inspire your personal journey of discipleship? 6. How does Jesus as the "Light of all mankind" provide guidance in your daily living? 7. What does John's refusal to claim titles (Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet) teach about identity and mission? 8. How does the idea of Jesus dwelling among us affect your perception of God's presence in the world? 9. How can you embody the attributes of the first disciples in your walk with Jesus? 10. How does the Incarnation influence your understanding of God's love and closeness to humanity? 11. How does Nathanael's encounter with Jesus challenge your perceptions of faith and skepticism? 12. How does understanding Jesus as Creator deepen your appreciation of the natural world? 13. In what ways does the relationship between John the Baptist and his disciples shed light on spiritual mentorship? 14. How does Jesus' knowledge of Nathanael before meeting him impact your view of God's omniscience? 15. How does the opening proclamation of the Word's role in creation inform your understanding of the cosmos? 16. In what ways can we witness about Jesus, following the example of John the Baptist? 17. How does the title "Lamb of God" deepen your understanding of sacrifice in the Christian faith? 18. How can you invite others to "come and see" Jesus as Andrew did with Simon Peter? 19. What does it mean to you that the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us? 20. How does the mystery of the Incarnation inspire you in your spiritual journey? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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