(43-01a)
A note about this study series
If you haven’t yet looked over the information about this study course, now would be a good time to do so. You’ll find it all in one place HERE.
A note about Bible references
- The Bible is a library of 66 books.
- Each book has one or more chapters.
- Each chapter has several verses.
- To find a place in the Bible, we use a reference like this:
John 3:16-18 - That refers to the book of John, chapter 3, verses 16 through 18.
- A list of the books of the Bible can be found at the front of your Bible, in the Table of Contents. Chapter and verse numbers are imbedded within the text of each book.
For this week’s study:
- Read John 1:1-5 several times using your Bible, and the two translations provided below, to understand the boundaries, content and flow of the passage.
- Then, explore the “Study Guide” and “Study Resources” provided below.
Read the Passage
Berean Standard Bible
(BSB)
The Beginning
(cp. Genesis 1:1–2;
Hebrews 11:1–3)
<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, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. <4>In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. <5>The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome1 it.
Word Come Alive
(WCA)
(An extended translation)*
The Word of God, Jesus Christ
<1>What I’m about to tell you is the most exciting story, the most dramatic event, in the whole of human history. Before time began, the Word, Jesus Christ, already existed. In fact, he has always existed in the closest presence of God the Father. Jesus Christ himself, fully God, is the Word of God. He perfectly expresses and reveals God’s mind. <2>The Word, Jesus Christ, is distinct from the Father. I cannot say it too often, he has always existed from eternity in the intimate and joyful presence of God. <3>Everything was made by him; nothing that has been made was made without him. He is the reason behind all we can see and all we cannot see. <4>The full, overflowing life of God has always been present in the Word of God. He gives and sustains every kind of life, both physical and spiritual. His life has lit up all humanity. <5>The light continues to shine out brightly in this world’s darkness, even though people refuse to accept the light. The darkness cannot put the light out or dim it at all.
*Words in italics are not translated from the original Greek text. They have been added to explain and at times apply the text, much as a preacher does on a Sunday or notes do at the foot of the page in a study Bible. These additions are integrated with the text itself, and are in italics, so readers can see what has been explained, changed or added.
Study the Passage
Study Guide
Explore the Study Resources provided on this web page.
► What does this passage teach about the relationship the Word has with:
- God? (Verses 1-2)
- Creation? (Verse 3)
- People? (Verses 4-5)
► What do you think God does or doesn’t want you to know, feel, think, say or do based on this passage?
Study Resources
The following resources provide information related to our study passage, John 1:1-5. Explore them to gain insight into the message of the passage for people today. Pay attention not only to what these resources tell us about the passage, but notice how they come to their conclusions. From their example you will learn how to study the Bible.
► Use the commentary at BibleRef.com like this:
- Go to: https://www.bibleref.com/John/1/John-1-1.html
- On the right side of the webpage, under the Context Summary section, click on the “Expand” button and read the commentary there.
- Then, on the left side of the webpage, under the word VERSE, click on each of the verse numbers in this lesson, one at a time (1-5), and read the article “What does [this verse] mean?” on the right side of the webpage. (Click on the button “Expand” under each article to see the whole article.)
►See articles at GotQuestions.org relevant to John 1:1-5.
Thessalonian Faith 