nature to follow the distinction of person, and ascribes to the Word all the attributes of the divine essence. ‘‘ There is some- thing majestic in the way in which the description of the Logos, in the three brief but great propositions of ver. 1, is un- folded with increasing fulness ” (Meyer).
2. The same (odros). Lit., thts one; the one first named ; the Word.
Was in the beginning with God. In ver. 1 the elements of this statement have been given separately: the Word, the eternal being of the Word, and his active communion with God. Here they are combined, and with new force. This same Word not only was coéternal with God in respect of being (iv, was), but was eternally in active communion with Him (in the beginning with God: mpos rev Ocov): “not simply the Word with God, but God with God” (Moulton). Notice that here @edv has the article, as in the second proposition, where God is spoken of absolutely. In the third proposition, the Word was God, the article was omitted because Oeds described the nature of the Word and did not identify his person. Here, as in the second proposition, the Word is placed in personal re- lation to God.
This verse forms the transition point from the discussion of the personal being of the Word to His manifestation in creation. If it was this same Word, and no other, who was Himself God, and who, from all eternity, was in active communion with God, then the statement follows naturally that all things were created through Him, thus bringing the essential nature of the Word and His manifestation in creation into connection. As the idea of the Word involves knowledge and will, wisdom and force, the creative function is properly His. Hence Lis close relation to created things, especially to man, prepares the way for His incarnation and redeeming work. The connection be- tween creation and redemption is closer than is commonly apprehended. It is intimated in the words of Isaiah (xlvi. 4), ““T have made, and I will bear.” Redemption, in a certain sense, grows out of creation. Because God created man in