John chapter 1 starts, “In the beginning (arché) was the
word (logos). Now these words John used are significant, especially
significant to the cultural understanding of the time - and to the philosophers
of the time - and the way that they conceptualized about the beginning of the
world. The word arché was used to refer to origins – the origins of
the universe. This word logos was also a common word and concept used in
ancient Greek philosophy as well.
I remember, before I studied the
biblical Greek, I would read the passage in John 1, and I would think it’s so
beautifully written – it’s like perfect poetry with perfect rhythm. But the underlying
word for “the Word?” What is that
about? I immediately picture a word on a page in a book—maybe on a page of the
Bible itself—or maybe the spoken words of a teacher or preacher or, yes, from
God maybe like in a word bubble – going out from the one who is speaking? But when John uses logos in his Gospel,
he's pointing to something much deeper than words spoken or words on a page. So,
what exactly did logos mean to the people back then, and how does that
change how we read this verse today? In Greek thought and biblical theology, logos
carried layers of significance in the context in which it is used in the first
chapter of John.
The
Roots of Logos
So here is some background. In Greek
philosophy in the time of Jesus and his disciples, logos when used in
this context with origins (like it is being used here – arche (origins) and logos
–it was referring to a principle - whatever it was - that was the organizing
principle of the universe. Think of it as the force and reasoning behind
creation—that holds everything together. Logos was used in this manner
going back at least to Heraclitus, 500 years BC, who used it to refer to the
order and sustaining of the cosmos. Logos continued to be used in this way
across the centuries and it was present in writings Philo – a Jewish
philosopher – who lived at the same time of Jesus and his disciples. One of the
definitions of logos in a more general sense meant the “expression of
thought,” and it conveys purposeful, active, organizational thinking and
reasoning, and planning.
So clearly, when John was using this
language, he was intentionally using this philosophical language. Then later – in
verse 14 John goes on to explain that the Logos became a person. John
1:14 say, “The Word – the logos -
became flesh and dwelt among us.” The logos put on flesh – became human –
and came to live with us. And this is who Jesus was, and
is.
So, when John says, “In the
beginning was the Logos,” he’s teaching us that Jesus is the very expression
of God. The living embodiment of who God is. As Hebrews 1:3 puts it, Jesus is
“the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being,
sustaining all things by the power of his word.” (Interestingly – the Greek underlying
“word” in that passage is a different word that means utterance or command).
Closing Thoughts
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| Study the Words and Teachings of Jesus |
In closing, this idea of logos has a profound impact on how we live and think. This idea of Jesus being the Logos compels us to listen to what He teaches. Logos is not just a concept to admire or to analyze – it’s a reality to live by. Just as the concept of the logos was that of the organizing principle of the universe, Jesus – as the logos gives us the instruction and representation of how we are to organize our lives -- not to organize our lives so that He controls us; but to organize our lives in a manner that allows us to flourish while we are here. And yes – I use that word flourish intentionally – so hold on for that; because I will explain more in my next blogpost and cast which should be next week and will also be on more of this passage in John chapter 1.
So, as we think about the meaning of
logos, especially around this Christmas season when we are celebrating
the fact that the Logos came and was born in flesh as a baby – let’s ask
ourselves: If Christ is the reason behind all that exists; how much is he the
reason underlying everything that we do? Are we sharing the truth of the logos
with others? Are we letting His Word shape our thoughts and guide our steps?
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