1. Why did John use the phrase "The Word"? Some think John used the term “Word” for Jesus as a response to the Gnostics and their philosophical appeal. Some think his use of the word is based on Hebrew, points to the wisdom of Proverbs, and shows Christ as the fulfillment. Some believe it refers to Jesus as the Word of God and is consistent with the over twelve hundred times in the Old Testament where God or God’s man gives a word.
2. What key words of John are used in this section? John uses the words believe, life, Father, witness, knowing, and truth.
3. Why does John include the rejection of Christ in verse 11? By expressing Him as rejected, John is showing Jesus’ personality and is speaking about a person. In other places in Scriptures, these words can refer to a thing or to a person. John is also describing the life of rejection which Christ led.
4. What are the five meanings of "flesh"? Flesh can refer to (1) the skin, (2) the physical body, (3) the old man and sin nature, (4) the lust for sin, and (5) the entire person.
5. What is the connection between the words "tabernacle" and "incarnation"? By incarnation, Jesus assumed a physical body and dwelt among men. John used the Greek word for this which means tabernacle. John is the only New Testament writer to use this word.
6. What is included in John the Baptist’s witness of Jesus (1:15-18)? They show what John the Baptist thought of Jesus and how he viewed himself in relation to the Lord.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
Lesson 3 - Christ - The Will of God
Send email to: tlee6040@aol.com