(43-02a)
For this week’s study:
- Any time you read or study the Bible, always start with prayer, asking God to guide you, so you understand God’s message and learn His methods for living.
- Read John 1:6-13 several times using your Bible, and the two translations provided below, to understand the boundaries, content and flow of the passage.
- Then, explore and respond to the “Study Guide” and “Study Resources” provided below.
Read the Passage
Berean Standard Bible
(BSB)
The Witness of John
<6>There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. <7> He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. <8> He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.
<9>The true Light who gives light to every man was coming into the world. <10> He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. <11> He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
<12> But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— <13> children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.
Word Come Alive
(WCA)
(An extended translation)*
<6>Let me tell you how this light came to be known in our time. A man was sent by God. His name was John; he was later known as John the Baptist. <7>John was entrusted by God to declare the truth about what he knew and experienced of the light. He did this in order to bring everyone to know Jesus personally and trust in him for themselves. <8>John was not the light; his role was to tell people the truth about the light.
The incredible privilege of becoming God’s own children
<9>This real and perfect light—Jesus himself, who gives light to every person who has ever lived—was coming into the world. <10>Although he lived in the world and the world came into being through him, the world refused to acknowledge him. <11>Even when he came to his own people, they did not welcome him. <12>Some people, however, did welcome him. All who accepted him for themselves—those who trusted in him, all he is and all he has done—could enjoy the incredible privilege of becoming God’s own children, personally affirmed by God himself. <13>This means they do not owe their spiritual status as God’s children to human descent or decision, but only to God himself.
*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
► There are a few people in the Bible named “John”. Which one is this? (Find out HERE.)
► Did this John write the book of John?
► What was John sent to do?
► What did he hope to accomplish?
► What do these verses teach us about the Light that John was testifying about?
Study Resources
For a deeper study of John 1:6-18, read the commentary on each verse, beginning at https://www.bibleref.com/John/1/John-1-6.html. (Also read the Context Summary and the Chapter Summary.)
If you have any unanswered questions about the passage, type your question in the search box in the top-left corner of https://www.gotquestions.org/.
Thessalonian Faith 