In The Beginning Was the Word

Translating and Interpreting
the Book of John: Chapter 1:1 – 5

By: Tracy-Phillip: Osborne © 2017

In John 1:1-5, the Apostle John states the summation that expresses, and unfolds in the rest of his Book. This prologue, and indeed this entire gospel, reflects words used in Genesis One; But, its use is in emphasizing a “new creation” that began with the ministry of Yeshúa – from its beginning unto its fullness in the “the bosom of the Father” at verse 18.
Most have assumed that these verses about the “beginning”, described in verses one and two (1) definitely refer to the beginning of creation in Genesis 1:1. Maybe, maybe not. (2) A few have proposed that both verses are speaking of the beginning of the gospel ministry of Yeshúa. I think this is possible also and I may include my commentary arguments for that theory at a later date. I have at times vacillated in my opinion. (3) I propose another possibility, namely: that verse one speaks of the beginning of creation and verse two speaks of the beginning of the gospel ministry of Yeshúa. Obviously, these alternatives will challenge most other translations and presuppositions.
One should be aware of their own programming and give fair consideration to an alternate one. This is one of those verses that most Christians view all Scriptures through. It does not teach what they think it does. It does not say, In the beginning was Jesus and Jesus was God. To be lovingly blunt, its beauty is lost in their dogma. The bold lettering are the actual words and the [brackets] and footnotes give the reader the orientation that will unroll as we proceed. I will add “only true” to “The God” below so as to reflect the confession Yeshua’s confession in John 17:3 “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God…”

1a In the beginning [of creation] was the spoken-word
1b and the spoken-word was [manifested] before the only true God^[1]In Greek, here, and in verse two, the presence of the definite article, The God. Sandwiched in between them is simply, God, without a definite article. In context, the clear contrast … Continue reading [in a 7-day sequence]
1c and the spoken-word was Godly [Divine; Supernal; Elohit]^[2]The word was Divine, for it proceeded out of the mind of the-God]. The word proceeds from the mind of The-God, The One and Only Source of All; And thus, “the word” is of divine origin—out … Continue reading
2 The same [divine-spoken-word] was before^[3]πρὸς is a strengthened form of πρὸ = before, as in before the face of, or, in the sight of. This verse normally translated as “with God”. But, the normal word … Continue reading the only true God^[4]Again the definite article! in the beginning [of the ministry of Yeshúa]^[5]Verse 2 is a redundancy of verse 1, and unnecessary unless it speaks of a beginning distinct from verse 1. For, otherwise, verse 2 could be skipped and nothing is gained or lost!
—3—through it [through that divine-word] all that transpired [in his ministry]
took place, and apart from it, not one event ensued that happened
—4—in it [in that divine-spoken-word] was life and that [abundant] life was the light of Adam.
5 And in the darkness, light is shining, even so, the darkness did not conquer it.

NOTICE TWO SEPERATE BEGINNINGS

These two beginnings are testified of in the gospels.
The beginning of CREATION & the beginning of the GOSPEL MINISTRY of Yeshúa.

(Jn 1:1) In the beginning [of creation] was the spoken-word…
[We can delve into the question of “What preceded Creation?”]

(Jn 1: 2) The same [divine-spoken-covenantal-word] was [active]
in the beginning [of Yeshúa’s Ministry]…

(Jn 2:31) This beginning of miracles did [Yeshúa] in Cana of Galilee,
and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

(Jn 6:64) But there are some of you that believe not.
For [Yeshúa] knew from the beginning [of his ministry]
who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

(Jn 8:25) Then said they to him, Who are you? And [Yeshúa] said to them,
Even the same that I said to you from the beginning [of my ministry].

(Jn 15:27) And you also shall bear witness,
because you have been with me from the beginning [of my ministry].

(Jn 16:4) But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come,
you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not to you
at the beginning [of my ministry] because I was with you.

(Mk 1:1) The beginning of the gospel of [Yeshúa]…

(Lk 1:2) Even as they delivered them to us,
which from the beginning [of Yeshúa’s ministry]
were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;

(Lk 23:5) And they were the more fierce, saying,
He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry,
beginning from Galilee to this place.

(Acts 1:1) The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus,
of all that [Yeshúa] began both to do and teach,

(Acts 10:37) That word, I say, you know, which was published
throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee,
after the baptism which John preached;

(Acts 11:15) And as I began to speak, the holy spirit fell on them,
as on us at the beginning.

(Heb 2:3) How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation;
which at the first began [in the beginning] to be spoken by the Lord,
and was confirmed to us by them that heard him;

Verses from the AKJV, Bold, Italics, and Brackets Mine

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John 1:1-5: Primary Prologue
The word was the purpose and plan

1a In the beginning [of creation] was the spoken-word; [Genesis 1:1 – 2:3]
1b and the spoken-word was [manifested] before the only true Elohiym, [in a 7-day sequence]
1c and the spoken-word was Elohit [Divine; Supernal];
[“And Elohiym saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” Gen. 1:31].
2 The same [manifested-word] was before the only true Elohiym in the beginning
[of Yeshúa’s ministry, and]
—3—through it [the spoken-word] all that transpired [in his ministry]
took place, and apart from it, not one event ensued that happened;
—4—in it [the spoken-word] was life and that life was the light of Adam.
5 And in the darkness, light is shining, even so, the darkness did not conquer it.
. . . . . . . .
14 And [at his baptismal consecration] the spoken-word [of the prophets] 
was embodied and dwelt among us. And we beheld his glory [at the Transfiguration]^[6]See the fuller account this in The Gospel of the Holy Twelve Chapter 46
–the glory as of a unique one [a firstborn] of a Father, filled with grace and truth.