THE PROLOGUE: See Introduction. JOHN 1:1. THE WORD IN RELATION TO GOD AND CREATION. The references to the language and thought of _Genesis 1_ are clear. At the time of creation, if the phrase may be allowed, the Word was, eternally existent, in active communion with God, and Divine. The truth about... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PREPARATION FOR THE FINAL MANIFESTATION. The way was prepared for the final revelation by the work of John. The author takes the opportunity of asserting John's true position as against the extravagant claims apparently made for him, either by his own followers, or the Jews in general. His duty... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WORK OF THE LIGHT BEFORE THE INCARNATION. But in truth the light, which lighteth every man, was always coming into the world. Possibly John 1:9 means that when John was witnessing, the true light was on the point of coming and was actually in the world, which He had created, though men knew Him... [ Continue Reading ]
THE FULL AND FINAL REVELATION. The work of the Logos culminated in what alone could give to men a complete and intelligible revelation, so far as man can grasp it, of the nature and being of God. The Divine Logos, who, as God, has the knowledge of God which none else can have, entered into the life... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BAPTIST'S WITNESS ABOUT HIMSELF. Instead of recounting the work and mission of the Baptist, as the other gospels, the writer selects incidents which show him as the Witness. These incidents are certainly told in terms which reflect later Christian thought. But they contain much that does not obv... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BAPTISTS WITNESS TO HIMSELF. The baptism of Jesus has apparently taken place. John points to Him as the greater one of whom he had spoken. His own work of baptism, which has not been described but is assumed to be known, is, he says, preparatory to the manifestation of Messiah to Israel. Like ot... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BAPTIST'S DISCIPLES AND JESUS. On the morrow to two of his disciples John bears similar witness. The account in its details suggests the recollections of one to whom the incident bad been the turning-point of his life. The tenth hour, four o-' clock, if true or traditional, may have suggested to... [ Continue Reading ]