Study Mode & Commentaries
Browse public domain Matthew Henry commentaries, Strong's Concordance, and Apostolic Fathers historical contexts.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Public Domain Pastoral Exposition
Matthew Henry writes: 'The Word is spoken of as a Person distinct from the Father, yet one with Him in divine essence. The creation of all things is attributed to Him. He is the author of all life, natural and spiritual. The darkness of human ignorance and sin could not extinguish or overpower the uncreated light of the Logos.'
Strong's Greek & Hebrew Concordance
Original Language Roots & Lexicon
Λόγος (Logos)
Divine expression, speech, reason, the essential Word of God embodied in Jesus Christ.
Ἀρχή (Archē)
Origin, active cause, sovereignty, first place in time and order.
Φῶς (Phōs)
Luminous radiance, divine illumination, moral and intellectual purity.
Apostolic Fathers Early Church Reference
Ignatius of Antioch (circa 110 AD, Letter to the Magnesians VIII) quotes this passage emphasizing that Jesus Christ is God's eternal Word who proceeded not out of silence, but manifested the invisible Father. Polycarp of Smyrna echoed this christology in his witness to the churches of Asia Minor.
Archaeological & Historical Context
Written in Ephesus late in the 1st century, the Gospel of John addressed both Jewish diaspora communities and Greco-Roman philosophical circles who revered the concept of the 'Logos' as the rational ordering principle of the cosmos.
My Devotional Notes
Personal commentary for John 1:1-5. Saved to your account across all devices.
Saved Account Highlights (0)
No highlights recorded yet.