This isn't meant to be a holistic study of every facet of Johns Letter nor a developed commentary but a developing conversation on the fourth Gospel. I'll attempt to note other sources both when necessary and when I simply remember to do so but it's safe to say that any original sounding ideas I may toss in the mix will have already been said by more brilliant men and women through history!
Thoughts on Authorship: John the Apostle. Check this out - Irenias, a disciple of Polycarp, a disciple of John testified that 'the disciple whom Jesus loved' (21:20), this very John the Apostle, is the author of the Text. Ah the power of intentional disciple-making.
Purpose of Letter: 'But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.' John 20:31
Text / John 1:1-18
Opening Themes
Jesus' Eternal nature
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God. (:1-3, 15)
Jesus' Divine nature
And the Word was God. (:1-5, 10-18)
Jesus' Saving-Relational nature
To those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. (:12-14)
Testimony to Jesus' nature
There came a man who was sent from God...He came as a witness to testify concerning [the] Light. (:6-9, 15)
Key Points / Here are a couple of points of interest on this go around in John.
First, the word 'Word' or in the Greek 'logos' - its use stirs up all sorts of thoughts and reflections on the ancient world and the authors intention. Two thoughts:
- The Greek philosopher Heraclitus called the logos the 'ordering principle of the universe' - the 'divine logic'. He connected this logos to fire and that human reason was born of fire and word. The Stoics developed this concept onward.
- Contemporary Jewish Targums on Genesis 1 used the Aramaic word 'memra' or speak, to denote the creative work of God as He used words to speak all of creation into existence from nothing. God spoke, life took shape.
The Jewish world was not only Roman occupied but Helenized in general. The Greco-Roman way of life and thought was everywhere and influencing nearly every aspect of life. For John to utilize this simple word 'logos', which carried such profound implications for his mixed audience, he must have chosen his own words very intentionally (even being carried along by the Spirit in the process 2 Peter 1:19-21).
Second, 'To those who believed in His name.' Not of natural descent, human decision or mans will but belief alone in Christ as Messiah is the key to invitation into Gods family (read 1:13).
- What are some major implications in various systems of thought and belief as it pertains to salvation?
- Who decides who becomes a child of God, a co-heir to the throne? Do we ourselves decide to follow Christ? Do our parents decide for us as a 'family religion'? Do we marry into Gods family or birth into it? Does God reach down and open our hearts and minds to Him or do we truly stumble across Him in our own desperate time?
- Is the act of believing a work or is it a response?
Some thoughts and phrases taken from the Archeological Study Bible notes on John 1.