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how might john's readers in the first century have understood 'the word' (logos) in their world view?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it.

The Gospel of John opens with a poetic and philosophical prologue, introducing its central themes. It presents Jesus, referred to here as 'the Word' (Logos in Greek), as intimately connected with God and fundamental to the creation and ongoing existence of the universe.

How does the idea of an active, creative 'Word' shape your understanding of the world's origin and purpose?

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Read alongside it

  • Genesis 1:1-3

    This describes God creating the world through spoken word, providing a significant Old Testament background to John's 'Word'.

  • Colossians 1:15-17

    Paul also describes Jesus as the one through whom all things were created and held together, echoing John's theme.

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