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John 1

51 verses

TL;DR

John 1 introduces Jesus as the eternal Word and Light, presents John the Baptist’s testimony and baptism, and records the first disciples following Him.

Summary

The chapter opens with a cosmic prologue: the Word—God Himself—was with God and was God, and through Him all things were made. It then explains that the Word became flesh and dwelt among humanity, revealing God’s glory. John the Baptist is introduced as a witness to the Light, baptizing in water while proclaiming Jesus as the true Light, the Lamb of God, and the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Jesus invites the first disciples—Andrew, Simon (Peter), Philip, and Nathanael—to follow Him, and He reveals His divine identity and mission. The narrative combines divine revelation, human testimony, and the call to discipleship, establishing the foundations of the Gospel.

Outline
  1. Prologue: the Word, Light, and Life
  2. John the Baptist’s testimony and baptism
  3. Jesus calls the first disciples
Themes
The Word as God and CreatorLight versus DarknessBaptism and Spiritual RevelationIdentity of Jesus as Messiah
Keywords
WordLightLifeGodChristBaptizeSpiritLamb of GodMessiahDiscipleIncarnationGraceTruth
People
John the BaptistJesus ChristMosesthe Prophetsthe PhariseespriestsLevitesthe JewsAndrewSimon PeterCephasPhilipNathanaelElijah (Elias)Godthe Fatherthe Holy Ghost
Places
BethabaraJordanJerusalemBethsaidaGalileeNazarethIsraelthe world
Things
WordLightLifeGodJesusLamb of GodSpiritdoveHoly GhostBaptismSon of GodSon of Man
Key Verses
  • John 1:1: Defines the eternal Word as God and the agent of creation.
  • John 1:14: Reveals the incarnation—Word made flesh.
  • John 1:12: Shows the promise that believers become children of God.
  • John 1:29: John identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away sin.
  • John 1:38: Jesus calls the first disciples to follow Him.
Questions
  • What does it mean that the Word was with God and was God in the beginning?
  • How does John’s testimony shape our understanding of Jesus’ identity?
  • Why is the theme of Light versus Darkness important in this chapter?
  • What significance does the call to discipleship hold for believers today?
  • How do the concepts of grace and truth contrast with the law given by Moses?
Sentiment

mixed
Positive portrayal of Christ and the promise of salvation, tempered by rejection and skepticism among some.