Notes on The Gospel of John: Chapter 1

Inspired by the decision of my church, Canterbury United Methodist, to focus its fall studies on the Gospel of John, I am working through a study of my own. I am preparing to co-lead my Sunday School class in a discussion of this Gospel.

For the next weeks, I will be sharing my thoughts and notes in this space regarding my studies.

Let's begin at the beginning -- literally and figuratively.

John 1:1-2 -- "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." Beautiful, yes. Obtuse, absolutely.

Who was God before God? God. Word. Jesus. God existed before existence. Why Word and not Words?

John's theme? Jesus is the Christ. The Son of Man. The Son of God. The Lamb of God.

"He came to that which was his own but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him..." Why the seeming contradiction?