Who is the Logos?

In John 1:1-18, we have the epilogue of John’s Gospel and matter in fact the epilogue to how the Word become flesh. In most Bibles the word “Logos” is translated as Word despite “Logos” having a multitude of definitions and meaning in the time is was written. From idea to principle to even the origin. Though in the context of John’s gospel it is nice to Investigate what is the Word and what is it to God.

In Verses 1 and 2, the Word is identified to be with or in the presence of God at the beginning, but then we are introduced to the idea that the Word was God in the beginning. In these two verses, the author presents a relationship that seems to have existed at a point in time called “in the beginning” and is in the past. At this point, “the Word” existed along with “God,” but “the Word” was also identifiable with “God” and could be said to be the same being. If that is the case, the author has introduced a being that exists as two identifiable people in a companionship relationship while only one is present. Therefore, by definition, a relationship by human standards isn’t possible despite the author using the language to describe the Word and God being with each other and then later saying they are one. The relationships or connection has then to be inferred that the Word is one in unity with God and isn’t a separate being but a representation of God’s creative process or essence of being as the “word” in Greek would be Logos(speech, thought, reason). We can also say if the “In the beginning” refers to the beginning of all, then both the Word and God are eternal/ or existing since the beginning and connect these 2 “characters” as being “coeternal”. In verses 1-2, the connections I see between the Word and God are one where each other is in unity with each other and yet separate and in the presence of each other, a relationship where there is unity and a dyad. Then verses 3-5, the Word is established to be a creative power, and since the target audience of the text would be Jewish or Greek Christians, this would be giving the Word the characteristics of God and connecting them to be the same being you created creation through himself, therefore connected the the already idea of “God” being uncreated with the Word also being uncreated because all created came through him, excluding him from all things. I also see a parallel in making a connection between the Word and the God of the Genesis story, in which the God of Genesis brings Order from chaos, and chaos does not overcome his creation. A similar attribute is given to the Word in which the life in him is light, and this light shined in darkness, and the darkness did not overtake the light. I see this as a connection of the Word having the same nature as God, which both bring order/light from chaos/darkness. The Word is identified as light and life and can be accepted and able to give something in return for those accepting him. For example, in verses 10-13, I see the connection of the Word being able to provide something to God, sort of a servant to him or a partner who gives power to those who reside in him, the power to be “children” to God. So, by accepting the Word, you are giving power, and in turn, the Word offers something to God/ returns you to God. The Word can be seen as the redemptive power for/ from God. In Verses 14-18, we see the Word has become flesh, therefore saying he wasn’t before, and then his glory is that of a father’s only Son. We now see that the Word is a son to a father; it is not explicitly said that the Father is God, but it can be inferred by telling the story that the Word is a son to God, who is his Father. This is not literal because the author did say “as of a father’s only son,” describing his “glory” as similar to that of a son to his Father. Then, in verse 18, the last connection is made to wrap all other connections before it. The Word, now identifiable as a son, is now referred to as “Son” and God as “the Father,” and the author tells us the Son is the one who reveals God/the Father, who has not even been seen, to all because he is close to the Father’s heart. To summarize, the connections and relationship between the Word and God are they are in Unity, Separate/In communion with each other, uncreated, the Word works for God, both share creative power exclusive to that of the Jewish God, the Word is the Light and Life of the world which belongs to him and God, redeeming power to God, are in a relationship of Son to Father, the Word is divine/like God and became flesh/not of God nature, and the Word is the one who reveals God.