JOHN 1:1 NKJV

 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

(John 1:1 NKJV)

John 1:1 In the beginning: Genesis 1:1 starts with the moment of creation and moves through time to the creation of humanity. John 1:1 commences with the beginning of creation and contemplates eternity past. Before the creation of a material universe there was the Word (Gk. logos). The Word was preexistent (note the contrast with v. 14, where the eternal Word “became” flesh). The term Word means “that which is spoken, a statement, a speech.” In the Jewish translation of the OT into Aramaic, this term was used for God. It was also used in Greek intellectual circles to denote the controlling reason of the universe, the all-pervasive mind which ruled and gave meaning to all things. John has the OT concept in mind. The Word here is the expression or the manifestation of God (1:14, 18). John is obviously referring to Jesus Christ (John 1:14, Rev. 19:13). Thus, this Gospel begins with the thought that Jesus, the Word, the unique manifestation of God, was already continuously in existence when the material universe was created. The fact that the Word was with God suggests a face-to-face relationship. In the ancient world, it was important that persons of equal station be on the same level, or face-to-face, when sitting across from one another. Thus the word with indicates a personal relationship, but also implies equal status. The Word, Jesus Christ Himself, is an active Person in communication with the Father (1 John 1:2). Moreover, the Word was God. The Greek construction emphasizes that the Word was of the very quality of God while still retaining His personal distinction from the Father. If John had used the definite article before God, He would have taught a unitarianism of the Father rather than plurality in the Godhead. Thus, the Gospel of John opens with a simple, single sentence affirming the preexistence (eternality), personality and deity of the Logos, Jesus Christ. He is distinct from God and yet is God.