25- GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN. Barnes' New Testament

Verse 1. In the beginning. This expression is used also in Genesis 1:1. To that place John evidently has allusion here, and means to apply to "the Word" an expression which is there applied to God. In both places it clearly means "before creation," "before the world was made," "when as yet there was nothing." The meaning is, that the Word had an existence before the world was created. This is not spoken of the man Jesus, but of that which became a man, or was incarnate, John 1:14. The Hebrews, by expressions like this, commonly denoted eternity. Thus the eternity of God is described (Psalms 90:2): Before the mountains were brought forth, &c.; and eternity is commonly expressed by the phrase, before the foundation of the world. Whatever is meant by the term "Word," it is clear that it had an existence before creations. It is not, then, a creature or created being, and must be, therefore, uncreated and eternal. There is but one Being that is uncreated, and Jesus must be therefore divine. Compare the Saviour's own declarations respecting himself in the following places:

John 8:58- (I-AM.htm /W/BBD) (SP* 1)   ; 17:5; 6:62; 3:13; 6:46; 8:14; 16:28.

brought forth, defined in

Prov8-22 open each

Theology -and Theology-of GOD.

 in Harmony from 1:26 3:22   Prov8-22 to Rev 1:1 11:1

Rev22-16-21.htm

Heb 13:8.Matt 28:18 .

EternalSonOfGod.htm

TheEternalOneGod.htm

Was the Word. Greek, "was the Logos." This name is given to him who afterward became flesh, or was incarnate (John 1:14)--that is, to the Messiah. Whatever is meant by it, therefore, is applicable to the Lord Jesus Christ. There have been many opinions about the reason why this name was given to the Son of God. Those opinions it is unnecessary to repeat. The opinion which seems most plausible may be expressed as follows:

1st. A word is that by which we communicate our will; by which we convey our thoughts;

2nd. The Son of God may be called "the Word," because he is the medium by which God promulgates his will and issues his commandments. See Hebrews 1:1-3.Open Heb1-3.htm defined/W/BBD 

3rd. This term was in use before the time of John.

(a) It was used in the Chaldee translation of the Old Testament, as, e.g., Isaiah 45:12: "I have made the earth, and created man upon it." In the Chaldee it is, "I, by my word, have made," &c. Isaiah 48:13: "Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth." In the Chaldee, "By my word I have founded the earth." And so in many other places.

(b) This term was used by the Jews as applicable to the Messiah. In their writings he was commonly known by the term "Mimra "--that is, "Word;" and no small part of the interpositions of God in defence of the Jewish nation were declared to be by "the Word of God." Thus, in their Targum on Deuteronomy 26:17,18

 it is said, "Ye have appointed THE WORD OF GOD a king over you this day, that he may be your God." (GOD defined/W/BBD (SP* 1)   )

 GODorgod defined/W/BBD (SP* 1)   

(c) The term was used by the Jews who were scattered among the Gentiles, and especially those who were conversant with the Greek philosophy.

(d) The term was used by the followers of Plato among the Greeks, /W/BBD  to denote the second person of the Trinity. AFact.htm defined/W/BBD  (SP* 1)  The term nous, or mind, was commonly given to this second person, but it was said that this nous was the word or reason of the first person. The term was therefore extensively in use among the Jews and Gentiles before John wrote his Gospel, and it was certain that it would be applied to the second person of the Trinity by Christians, whether converted from Judaism or Paganism. It was important, therefore, that the meaning of the term should be settled by an inspired man, and accordingly John, in the commencement of his Gospel, is at much pains to state clearly what is the true doctrine respecting the Logos, or Word. It is possible, also, that the doctrines of the Gnostics had begun to spread in the time of John. They were an Oriental sect, and held that the Logos or Word was one of the AEons that had been created, and that this one had been united to the man Jesus. If that doctrine had begun then to prevail, it was of the more importance for John to settle the truth in regard to the rank of the Logos or Word. This he has done in such a way that there need be no doubt about its meaning.

Was with God. This expression denotes friendship or intimacy. Comp. Mark 9:19. John affirms that he was with God in the beginning-- that is, before the world was made. It implies, therefore, that he was partaker of the divine glory; that he was blessed and happy with God. It proves that he was intimately united with the Father, so as to partake of his glory and to be appropriately called by the name God. He has himself explained it. See John 17:5: And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self, with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. See also John 1:18: No man hath seen God at any time, the only-begotten Son, which IS IN THE BOSOM OF THE FATHER, he hath declared him. See also John 3:13: The Son of man, which is in heaven. Comp. Philippians 2:6,7. John5-26-30CommentaryNote.htm defined/W/BBD  (SP* 1)  

Was God. In the previous phrase John had said that the Word was with God. Lest it should be supposed that he was a different and inferior being, he here states that he was God. There is no more unequivocal declaration in the Bible than this, and there could be no stronger proof that the sacred writer meant to affirm that the Son of God was equal with the Father; for,

1st. There is no doubt that by the Logos is meant Jesus Christ.

2nd. This is not an attribute or quality of God, but is a real subsistence, for it is said that the Logos was made flesh--that is, became a man.

3rd. There is no variation here in the manuscripts, and critics have observed that the Greek will bear no other construction than what is expressed in our translation-that the Word was God.

4th. There is no evidence that John intended to use the word God in an inferior sense. It is not "the Word was a god," or "the Word was like God," but the Word was God. He had just used the word God as evidently applicable to Jehovah, the true God; and it is absurd to suppose that the would in the same verse, and without any indication that he was using the word in an inferior sense, employ it to denote a being altogether inferior to the true God.

5th. The name God is elsewhere given to him, showing that he is the supreme God.

 (2 Cor.Open  4:4 NASB ) the god /W/BBD (SP* 1)   , image of God.- GOD defined/W/BBD (SP* 1)   

 ( Image of God defined/W/BBD (SP* 1)   

See Romans 9:5; Hebrews 1:8,9,10-12; 1 John 5:20; John 20:28.

 (Open John 20:28 defined /W/BBD (SP* 1)   --- JOHN1onePLUS.htm defined /W/BBD (SP* 1)

 The meaning of this important verse may then be thus summed up:

1st. The name Logos, or Word, is given to Christ in reference to his becoming the Teacher or Instructor of mankind; the medium of communication between God and man.

2nd. The name was in use at the time of John, and it was his design to state the correct doctrine respecting the Logos.

3rd. The Word, or Logos, existed before creation--of course was not a creature, and must have been, therefore, from eternity. EternalSonOfGod.htm defined/W/BBD  (SP* 1)  (Trindirty  defined/W/BBD  (SP* 1)  

4th. He was with God--that is, he was united to him in a most intimate and close union before the creation; and, as it could not be said that God was with himself, it follows that the Logos was in some sense distinct from God, or that there was a distinction between the Father and the Son. When we say that one is with another, we imply that there is some sort of distinction between them.

5th. Yet, lest it should be supposed that he was a different and inferior being--a creature--he affirms that he was God--that is, was equal with the Father. This is the foundation of the doctrine of the Trinity: (Trindirty defined/W/BBD  (SP* 1)  

1. That the second person is in some sense distinct from the first.

2. That he is intimately united with the first person in essence, so that there are not two or more Gods.

3. That the second person may be called by the same name; has the same attributes; performs the same works; and is entitled to the same honours with the first, and that therefore he is "the same in substance, and equal in power and glory,"

 with God. 1John5-9.htm defined/W/BBD (SP* 1)   

{a} "In the beginning" Proverbs 8:22-31; Colossians 1:16,17; 1 John 1:1-----GODorgod.htm---- Prov8-22 Col1-15.htm

Eph4-4-6 context.htm


{b} "the Word" Revelation 19:13--DenyingJesusLife.htm/W/BBD    (SP* 1)  


{c} "with God" John 17:5-----------------------------
Oneness.htm    ALL defined/W/BBD  (SP* 1)  


KingJesusHasSPOKEN -- Rev3-14.htm/W/BBD  -- Theology(SP* 1)  

 

(10) in http://simplebibletruths.net/ 

Matthew Henry's Commentary OPEN 21.htm

Excellent Commentary On John1.1 For Trinitarian/Oneness Believers and Unitarians with excess to Cross References of Bibles and Verses Included. OPEN 21.htm

·                     Check Out the dates of these Commentaries in    sword searcher

·                     Sbt is the helper for the needed updates. OpenTheNo. (1)

·                     Open -http://www.swordsearcher.com/resources.html

{d} " BottomLine in CommentaryNote.htmPlus what is Valid in Theology

Theology in Harmony from Gen 1:26 3:22 Prov8-22 to Rev 1:1 --11:1 --Rev22-16-21 and Heb 13:8.Matt 28:18 .

was God" \\Php 2:6 Heb 1:8-13 1Jo 5:7\\and 1Tim3-16.htm defined/W/BBD 

Read CommentaryPhp2-6  Who’s Testimony is Right ***Jesus’*** CommentaryPhp2-6.htm defined

or The Trinitarian/Oneness Commentaries. defined/W/BBD 

Compare Jesus’ Jn 6:38 Jn 6:39 Jn 5:36-Jn 14:28-Jn 10:29 Jn 5:20 Jn 5:26 Jn 17:5 Jn 3:34 Jn1.1 Theology and 2 Cor5:21

More About the AntiChrist.htm plus TheEVILSideOFTheTRINITY.htm defined/W/BBD 

Do The Php 2-6 Test for a good taste of Nicene Creed Bias

Read Verses 5 thru 13 then Read the Searchgodsword Commentary and Others in Commentaries.htm defined

See how it measures up to clear Translating

Php 2-5-13

5 Keep this attitude in you that the Anointed One Jesus had: 6 Although he once existed in the same shape as God, he didn’t consider trying to make himself equal to God. 7 Rather, he emptied himself into the shape of a slave and became a man. 8 And when he found himself shaped as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient until his death… yes, death on a pole. 9 This is why God promoted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the title that is over all others. 10 So, in the name of Jesus, every knee in heaven, on earth, and under the ground should bend, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus the Anointed One is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 So, my loved ones, in the same way that you have always obeyed (not just when I’m there but also while I’m away), keep working toward your salvation as you tremble with fear. 13 For God is the One who provides the will and the way, if you have the desire

http://www.2001translation.com/Jesus.html  

Matthew Henry's Commentary

2 Thessalonians /W/BBD (SP* 1)   
Chapter 2 Introduction:
Cautions against the error that the time of Christ's coming was just at hand. There would first be a general apostacy from the faith, and a revealing of the antichristian man of sin. (1-4) His destruction, and that of those who obey him. (5-12) The security of the Thessalonians from apostacy; an exhortation to stedfastness, and prayer for them. (13-17)

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4
If errors arise among Christians, we should set them right; and good men will be careful to suppress errors which rise from mistaking their words and actions. We have a cunning adversary, who watches to do mischief, and will promote errors, even by the words of Scripture. Whatever uncertainty we are in, or whatever mistakes may arise about the time of Christ's coming, that coming itself is certain. This has been the faith and hope of all Christians, in all ages of the church; it was the faith and hope of the Old Testament saints. All believers shall be gathered together to Christ, to be with him, and to be happy in his presence for ever. We should firmly believe the second coming of Christ; but there was danger lest the Thessalonians, being mistaken as to the time, should question the truth or certainty of the thing itself. False doctrines are like the winds that toss the water to and fro; and they unsettle the minds of men, which are as unstable as water. It is enough for us to know that our Lord will come, and will gather all his saints unto him. A reason why they should not expect the coming of Christ, as at hand, is given. There would be a general falling away first, such as would occasion the rise of antichrist, that man of sin. There have been great disputes who or what is intended by this man of sin and son of perdition. The man of sin not only practises wickedness, but also promotes and commands sin and wickedness in others; and is the son of perdition, because he is devoted to certain destruction, and is the instrument to destroy many others, both in soul and body. As God was in the temple of old, and worshipped there, and is in and with his church now; so the antichrist here mentioned, is a usurper of God's authority in the Christian church, who claims Divine honours.
2 Thessalonians 2:5-12
Something
hindered or withheld the man of sin. It is supposed to be the power of the
Roman empire, which the apostle did not mention more plainly at that time. Corruption of doctrine and worship came in by degrees, and the usurping of power was gradual; thus the mystery of iniquity prevailed. Superstition and idolatry were advanced by pretended devotion, and bigotry and persecution were promoted by pretended zeal for God and his glory. This mystery of iniquity was even then begun; while the apostles were yet living, persons pretended zeal for Christ, but really opposed him. The fall or ruin of the antichristian state is declared. The pure word of God, with the Spirit of God, will discover this mystery of iniquity, and in due time it shall be destroyed by the brightness of Christ's coming. Signs and wonders, visions and miracles, are pretended; but they are false signs to support false doctrines; and lying wonders, or only pretended miracles, to cheat the people; and the diabolical deceits with which the antichristian state has been supported, are notorious. The persons are described, who are his willing subjects. Their sin is this; They did not love the truth, and therefore did not believe it; and they were pleased with false notions. God leaves them to themselves, then sin will follow of course, and spiritual judgments here, and eternal punishments hereafter. These prophecies have, in a great measure, come to pass, and confirm the truth of the Scriptures. This passage exactly agrees with the system of popery, as it prevails in the Romish church, and under the Romish popes. But though the son of perdition has been revealed, though he has opposed and exalted himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; and has spoken and acted as if he were a god upon earth, and has proclaimed his insolent pride, and supported his delusions, by lying miracles and all kinds of frauds; still the Lord has not yet fully destroyed him with the brightness of his coming; that and other prophecies remain to be fulfilled before the end shall come.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-15
When we hear of the apostacy of many, it is a great comfort and joy, that there is a remnant according to the election of grace, which does and shall persevere; especially we should rejoice, if we have reason to hope that we are of that number. The preservation of the saints, is because God loved them with an everlasting love, from the beginning of the world. The end and the means must not be separated. Faith and holiness must be joined together as well as holiness and happiness. The outward call of God is by the gospel; and this is rendered effectual by the inward working of the Spirit. The belief of the truth brings the sinner to rely on Christ, and so to love and obey him; it is sealed by the Holy Spirit upon his heart. We have no certain proof of any thing having been delivered by the apostles, more than what we find contained in the Holy Scriptures. Let us then stand fast in the doctrines taught by the apostles, and reject all additions, and vain traditions.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
We may and should direct our prayers, not only to God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, but also to our Lord Jesus Christ himself.

 (Sbt-Note John4-24.htm defined/W/BBD  ) (John4-20-26.htm defined/W/BBD  ) And we should pray in his name unto God, not only as his Father, but as our Father in and through him. The love of God in Christ Jesus, is the spring and fountain of all the good we have or hope for. There is good reason for strong consolations, because the saints have good hope through grace. The free grace and mercy of God are what they hope for, and what their hopes are founded on, and not any worth or merit of their own. The more pleasure we take in the word, and works, and ways of God, the more likely we shall be to persevere therein. But, if we are wavering in faith, and of a doubtful mind, halting and faltering in our duty, no wonder that we are strangers to the joys of religion.

PlusOthers.htm

Plus Others-are Apologetics-- And Christian Institutions --Here is a Very important note.

Always Keep In Mind That Most all If Not all Proclaimed Christian Groups and individuals Base their Statement of Faith (s) and/or Beliefs *from* the Bible Translations They Rely Upon *for *Truth.There

are Two Types of Christian Bibles Open BiblesTwoTypes.htm defined/W/BBD  And BiblePublishersAccountableToWho.htm defined/W/BBD 

SBT-NOTE -The above is a nice commentary-- but the commentator doesn’t use his own (preaching) commentary

consistently. Henry Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible

 And Neither do any of the Trinitarian/Oneness Commentaries listed in The  Trinitarian/Oneness Commentaries.htm

page ---Check it out and Compare it With what written in  Sbt Gives You Access To Many Other Sources. defined/W/BBD  . Open PlusOthers.htm and The GWGPNC Rule.htm defined/W/BBD (SP* 1)   

Check These words and statements in the following discourse

 –(1)-eternal Son—Study First EternalSonOfGod.htm/W/BBD 

–(2)- as prevails in the Romish church and supported his delusions, by lying miracles and all kinds of frauds;

–(3)-Signs and wonders, visions and miracles, are pretended; but they are false signs to support false doctrines;

These are quotes from above underline.

Compare FirstBorn.htm defined/W/BBD 

Most Important Note-Commentaries ---Rely on Accurate

Bible Translations—to make their Commits and Conclusions

SBT Believes It Can Get The Truth Out Of Any Bible—

Only Because Of a Trained Eye—And Applying It To

 Good Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopedias—AND New Translators Notes Plus

Historical Facts About Early Original Manuscripts

-For Accuracy !!!

2 Cor.Open  4:4 NASB ) the god /W/BBD (SP* 1)   , image of God.- GOD defined/W/BBD (SP* 1)  

About The Jn 1:1 Commentaries.htm above

All the Trinitarian/Oneness Commentaries (And Bibles Used) on this Page are Bias to The

Nicene Creeds and are presented to you to Match –and the word was God

without even a courtesy Foot-Note about the Truth in Theology.htm defined/W/BBD 

GOD defined/W/BBD (SP* 1)  

Open Preface.htm defined

REVIEW/W/BBD  ALL below