Father and the Spirit from the Godhead, for the words being thus placed in apposition

would have become exclusive.

We have already mentioned the importance of noting the distinction between the verb

"to be" and the verb "to become." In verses 1 and 2 we have the verb "to be" (en),

meaning "was," but in verse 3 we have the verb "to become" (egeneto), meaning

"became." The English obscures this distinction, but a consideration of the use of these

two verbs in one or two other passages will help us to see how complete the testimony is

that "the Word was God."

In verse 17 we read, "The law through Moses was given (edothe), but grace and truth

became (egeneto) through Jesus Christ." Thus by a comparison of verse 3 and 17 we

find that both in the creation of the universe, and in the spiritual sphere of grace and truth,

all things "were made," or "became," through Him. When the incarnation is the subject,

this same verb is used, the Word became flesh; but not so when speaking of the essential

deity of the Word--the Word WAS God. He BECAME flesh. This distinction is clearly

seen in John 8: 58, Prin Abraam genesthai, ego eimi. "Before Abram became (or was

made), I, I am." If the Lord merely intended to say that He had an existence before

Abram, He would surely have said, "Before Abram was made, I was." But no, in full

consciousness of His Godhead, He says, "I AM." The words are further emphasized by

the pronoun ego. The Greek verb carries the pronoun with it; thus eimi means "I am."

Hence, if we add ego we must read, "I am," or "I, I am." Those who can refer to the

Septuagint will find further suggestive thought by comparing the words Ego eimi ho on

of Exod. 3: 14 with John 8: 58, and 3: 13.

Space will not allow our going further with this subject. Abundant evidence is in the

Scriptures to disprove on the one hand the statement that "the Word was a God," while

everywhere it joyfully renders to the Son the same homage as to the Father, confessing

that He is the true God and eternal life. It will be observed that we have kept to the task

of expounding the Scriptures, and not attempted to "search out God unto perfection." It

is not our task to endeavour to be wise above that which is written. Mathematics or

philosophy can render no tangible illustration or confirmation of the mystery of the

Godhead. Suffice it for us that we believe that there is one God, and that there is revealed

for our faith the transcendent fact, that, whilst we own one God, we are also called upon

to worship God the Father, through our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, as we are

quickened and led by God the Holy Spirit.

May we be kept faithful to the Lord and His truth, and believe and rejoice in the fact

that the Word who was made flesh and tabernacled among us, was nevertheless the One

of whom it is written, THE WORD WAS GOD.