Understanding the Concept of 'The Word Was God' in the Gospel of John
The phrase 'the word was God' from the Gospel of John is a cornerstone of Christian theology, often misunderstood or misinterpreted. It is crucial to understand this verse in the context of the broader teachings of the Bible and the historical and philosophical context within which it was written.
Interpreting John 1:1
The Gospel of John begins with powerful words: 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.' (John 1:1, King James Version). This verse, and the subsequent chapters, lay the foundation for the reverence of Jesus as the Word of God, a concept central to both Christian theology and philosophy.
However, it is important to note that the New World Translation, used by Jehovah's Witnesses, misinterprets this text as 'The Word became God,' altering the original meaning. This translation can be misleading and is not in line with the traditional understanding of John 1:1. The concept of 'the Word was God' refers to the fact that from the beginning, Jesus was not a created being but an eternal and co-eternal Being, a concept deeply rooted in Christian theology.
Theological and Biblical Context
Throughout the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as 'the Word of God.' This concept is further reinforced in other passages such as Philippians 2:6 and 7, where it is stated, 'Though he was in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.' (New International Version).
Additionally, in Isaiah 9:6, Jesus is referred to as 'the Mighty God' (New International Version), highlighting the divine nature of Jesus and the concept that he and God are one in essence, yet separate in personhood. This dual nature is a fundamental aspect of the doctrine of the Trinity.
Prayer and Worship
Another key aspect highlighted in the Gospel of John is the distinction between Jesus and the Father. Jesus prayed to his Father and taught his disciples to do the same. For example, in John 20:17, Jesus says to Mary Magdalene, 'Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers and tell them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”' This shows the relationship between Jesus and God the Father.
Biblical Evidence of Jesus' Divinity
The Bible also speaks about the creation of man, where God says, 'Let Us make man in Our image' (Genesis 1:26, King James Version). This is often interpreted as indicating that God and Jesus were involved in the act of creation. Furthermore, in Matthew 19:4, Jesus affirms the creation of man as male and female at the beginning, adding another layer to the understanding of the relationship between God, Jesus, and creation.
In summary, the concept 'The Word was God' in John 1:1 is a profound statement affirming the eternal nature of Jesus. It is crucial to understand this concept within the broader theological and biblical context to grasp its true meaning. This understanding is not only important for Christians but also for the study of early Christian thought and the development of Christian philosophy.