Brief Answer

When John writes, “the Word was with God” in John 1:1, he reveals a profound mystery of the Christian faith: Jesus, as the Word, existed in perfect relationship with God the Father from the very beginning. This phrase indicates both the unity and distinct identity within the Trinity, where Jesus is fully God and yet uniquely in relationship with God the Father. This eternal relationship emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature and role in creation, revealing that He is the living Word of God who came to bring life and light to humanity.

Understanding “The Word Was With God” from a Biblical Perspective

The opening of John’s Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” is foundational for understanding Jesus’ divine nature and His relationship with the Father. John refers to Jesus as “the Word” (or Logos in Greek), a term rich in meaning, suggesting divine wisdom, creative power, and revelation. John emphasizes that this Word was both with God and was God, inviting us to contemplate the unique oneness and distinctness within the Trinity.

Key Biblical Concepts of the Word and God

1. The Word as Eternal – John begins with “In the beginning,” echoing Genesis 1:1, to emphasize that Jesus was not a created being but has always existed alongside God, indicating His eternal nature.
2. Intimate Relationship with God – The phrase “with God” suggests a closeness and unity in relationship, where the Son and the Father are together yet distinct, sharing in a divine bond.
3. Revelation and Communication of God – As the Word, Jesus embodies God’s message to humanity. He reveals the Father’s heart, character, and plan, showing that through Jesus, God is fully known.

Historical Context

In the first century, John’s use of the term Logos would have resonated deeply with both Jewish and Greek audiences. For Jewish readers, the “Word” was tied to God’s creative power, as seen in Genesis where God spoke the world into being. The concept of the Word was also associated with divine wisdom and the self-expression of God. For Greek readers, Logos represented the reason or order behind the universe, an idea of divine rationality and order.

By declaring that the Logos “was with God” and “was God,” John bridges these concepts, presenting Jesus as the living, personal expression of God’s creative power and wisdom. Jesus was not just a teacher or prophet; He was the divine Word who has always existed with the Father.

Practical Implications of “The Word Was With God”

Understanding that “the Word was with God” holds important implications for Christians, both in how we view Jesus and how we understand God’s relationship with us.

• Recognizing Jesus as Fully Divine – This phrase emphasizes Jesus’ deity, confirming that He is not merely a part of creation but is fully and eternally God. Worshiping Him means acknowledging His unique role and authority as God’s divine Son.
• Appreciating God’s Desire for Relationship – Jesus’ eternal relationship with the Father shows that relationship is at the core of God’s nature. It assures us that God’s invitation to us is also deeply relational, calling us into the same love and unity that exists within the Trinity.
• Encountering God’s Revelation in Jesus – As the Word, Jesus reveals God to us fully. To know Jesus is to know God, and we are encouraged to seek a deeper understanding of His character, teachings, and actions as the revelation of the Father.

Bible Characters and the Revelation of Jesus as the Word

• John the Baptist – In John 1:6-8, John the Baptist came to “testify concerning that light.” His role highlights Jesus as the revelation of God, preparing the people to recognize and respond to Jesus as the Word who is “with God.”
• The Disciples – As they spent time with Jesus, the disciples gradually understood that He was more than a rabbi; He was the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), fully embodying God’s message and character.

Theological Depth and Insight

This passage offers insight into the nature of the Trinity. John presents Jesus as distinct from the Father yet fully God, establishing a key truth about the Trinity: three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—exist in eternal unity, sharing the same divine essence.

1. The Mystery of Unity and Distinctness – The phrase “with God” reflects Jesus’ distinct identity as the Son, while “was God” affirms His full divinity. This tension between unity and distinctness is essential to understanding the Christian view of the Trinity.
2. God’s Relational Nature – Jesus’ eternal relationship with the Father shows that God’s very essence is relational, existing in perfect love and unity within Himself. This relational nature is the foundation of God’s love for humanity, as God invites us into fellowship with Himself through Christ.

The doctrine of the Trinity, though mysterious, reveals a God who is deeply personal and relational, making Himself known through Jesus and inviting us into this divine fellowship.

Broader Biblical Themes Related to “The Word Was With God”

Several biblical themes emerge from this phrase in John 1:1, reflecting the broader story of God’s work and revelation throughout Scripture.

• Creation and the Power of God’s Word – Just as God spoke creation into being, Jesus, the living Word, is central to the work of creation. “Through him all things were made” (John 1:3), reinforcing Jesus’ authority over all life.
• Light and Life – John describes Jesus as the “true light” and the source of life for all humanity (John 1:4-5). This aligns with God’s role as the giver of life and underscores that true life is found in relationship with God.
• God’s Revelation to Humanity – Throughout the Bible, God reveals Himself in various ways—through the prophets, the law, and creation. In Jesus, however, this revelation reaches its fullness; He is “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

While John 1:1 focuses on Jesus, the Holy Spirit also plays a role in revealing and making known the Word. The Spirit opens our hearts to understand Jesus as the revelation of God, guiding us into all truth and helping us grasp the depth of Jesus’ divine relationship with the Father. Through the Spirit, we are drawn into a closer relationship with Jesus, experiencing Him as the living Word in our lives.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

Understanding that “the Word was with God” invites us to see Jesus as the very heart of God’s plan for us, reflecting His desire to connect with us deeply and personally.

• Grounding Our Faith in Jesus’ Divinity – This phrase encourages us to view Jesus as fully divine, worthy of our worship, and essential to our understanding of God.
• Finding God’s Presence in Relationship – Just as Jesus is in perfect relationship with the Father, we are invited to experience God’s presence relationally through Christ. Knowing Jesus opens the way to intimate fellowship with God.
• Embracing Jesus as Our Revelation of God – To know God, we look to Jesus, who is the Word. His teachings, miracles, and love are God’s message to us, inviting us to live in the light of His truth.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

John 1:1 reveals God’s love by showing that Jesus, the Word, came to dwell among us. In Jesus, God entered human history to make His love known personally. Jesus’ relationship with the Father is a model of love and unity, showing that God’s heart is always for connection, healing, and reconciliation with His people. Through Jesus, we see a God who is close, loving, and committed to restoring us to Himself.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does understanding Jesus as “the Word” deepen your relationship with Him?
2. In what ways does Jesus’ eternal relationship with the Father encourage you in your own faith journey?
3. How does seeing Jesus as the full revelation of God impact your understanding of who God is?
4. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to grow in knowledge and experience of Jesus, the living Word?

The phrase “the Word was with God” is a beautiful reminder of Jesus’ eternal place with the Father, His role as our divine Savior, and the deep love that God has for each of us. Through Jesus, God has spoken to us clearly and intimately, inviting us to know Him, love Him, and live in the light of His truth. As we reflect on this, we can find assurance in knowing that Jesus, the living Word, is always with us, drawing us closer to the heart of God.