Part 2 01 — The Prologue
The Prologue and Calling of the First Disciples
Section titled “The Prologue and Calling of the First Disciples”(1:1-51)
The Gospel of John opens with the Prologue (1:1-18) and the calling of the first disciples, establishing Jesus’ divine identity as the Word and His mission to reveal the Father. These opening scenes are not merely historical introductions but theological signposts that frame the entire narrative. They reveal that Jesus is fully divine and fully human and invite readers to respond in faith.
By presenting the first disciples’ decision to follow Him, the Gospel calls every reader to a similar commitment: to trust Jesus wholeheartedly and live in obedient discipleship. The Prologue lays the foundation for understanding salvation and the transformative relationship with Christ.
The Gospel opens by presenting Jesus as the eternal Word who was with God and was God, the source of life and the light that shines in the darkness. The chapter moves from affirming His divine nature to revealing His mission in the world. Through the witness of John the Baptist, who testifies to the Light, and the calling of the first disciples, it shows how ordinary people are drawn into God’s extraordinary purposes through faith and obedience.
John 1
John 1 presents Jesus as the eternal Word and the light shining in the darkness. The chapter moves from affirming His divine identity to revealing His earthly mission, highlighting the testimony of John the Baptist and the calling of the first disciples. It shows how ordinary people are drawn into God’s extraordinary purposes through faith and obedience.
Places and People Profile
Section titled “Places and People Profile”Place Profile
Section titled “Place Profile”- Bethany: Name means “house of unripe figs.”
- Bethsaida: Name means “house of fishing.” Located by the Sea of Galilee close to Capernaum.
People Profile
Section titled “People Profile”- Andrew: The name means “manly.” Son of Jonas, brother of Simon Peter. Friend of Philip, who was also from Bethsaida.
- John the Baptist: Born six months before Jesus to Zachariah and Elizabeth. Jesus’ cousin beheaded by Herod Antipas.
- Simon Peter: Simon was his original name. Peter (rock) was a name given by Jesus. A fisherman from Bethsaida. The only disciple we know was married (Mark 1:30; 1 Cor. 9:5). With James and John, part of Jesus’ “inner circle” (Mark 5:37; 9:2; 14:33). Leader of the Jerusalem church in the early chapters of Acts.
- Philip: The name means “lover of horses.” Philip the apostle of the Gospels should not be confused with Philip the evangelist of Acts 6, 8, and 21. Probably the first disciple of John the Baptist.
- Nathaniel: The name means “God has given.” Praised by Jesus for his integrity. Also known as Bartholomew.
The Prologue (1:1-18)
Section titled “The Prologue (1:1-18)”The Word became flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
The Prologue of John’s Gospel functions like an overture to an opera, introducing the major themes and displaying the majesty of Christ. It prepares readers for the unfolding narrative of revelation, rejection, redemption, and glory that shapes the Gospel. Jesus is portrayed as the eternal Word who was with God and became flesh to reveal God.
The passage contrasts light and darkness, belief and unbelief, and introduces John the Baptist as a witness to the Light. Its central message is that true life and salvation are found in Jesus, the Light of the world.
Structurally, the Prologue may be viewed as a chiasm, with its focal point in v. 12b, where those who believe are granted the right to become children of God.