John 1:1-5 — The Logos

Understanding John's Use of the term Logos
The Gospel of John begins with the bold claim: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). This verse introduces Jesus as the “Word,” a translation of the Greek term logos. John used this term, found in both Greek philosophy and Jewish literature, to communicate Jesus’ unique relationship to God and His role in creation and redemption. Understanding the significance of the term logos is crucial for grasping the central message of John's Gospel, which is that Jesus is God and through believing in Him, we can have eternal life.

The Meaning and Usage of Logos
In Greek philosophical thought, logos often referred to the principle of reason that governs the universe and makes thought possible. This principle gave order to the cosmos and provided a framework for understanding the world. However, John’s usage of logos is more rooted in Old Testament thought. In Jewish wisdom literature, like the book of Proverbs, the Word of God is understood as the agent of creation and God's living voice in the world. Proverbs 8:30-31 describes Wisdom as present with God before creation. John drew on this imagery to communicate that Jesus, the Word, was present with God from the very beginning.

John 1:1-5: Logos in Action
John 1:1-5 lays out the theological foundation for understanding Jesus as the Word. John made three significant claims about Jesus as the Word in these verses:

1. Preexistence: The Word existed "in the beginning,” before creation. This statement establishes Jesus’ eternal nature, distinguishing Him from created beings.
2. Relationship with God: The Word “was with God," indicating a close relationship of fellowship within the Godhead.
3. Divinity: The Word “was God,” a clear affirmation of Jesus’ deity. This establishes the foundation for understanding the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.

These verses emphasize that the Lord Jesus is not merely a prophet or a wise teacher, but the eternal Word who is God Himself. As the Word, Jesus is the agent of creation. Through him, “all things were made" (John 1:3). He is the source of both physical life in creation and spiritual life in salvation. He is the “light of men,” shining in the darkness of a sinful world (John 1:4-5).

John intentionally used the term logos for several reasons:

• To communicate to both Jewish and Gentile audiences. The term would resonate with those familiar with Greek philosophy while also connecting to Jewish understanding of God's Word.
• To highlight Jesus' role as the "Living Revealer" of God. Jesus, as the Word, is the perfect expression of God, making the Father known to men (John 1:18).
• To emphasize the divine authority of Jesus' words and actions. As the Word of God, Jesus speaks with the very authority of God.

The Gospel of John is a carefully constructed narrative that presents a portrait of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. By using the term logos, John communicated a profound theological truth: that Jesus is not simply a man, but the eternal Word of God who became flesh to dwell among us. This understanding of logos is essential for comprehending the message of John's Gospel and embracing the life-transforming truth that the Lord Jesus offers.