places himself at the initial point of creation, and, looking back into eternity, describes that which was already in existence when creation began. “The Word was in the beginning.” In the words “from the beginning,” the writer looks back to the initial point of time, and describes what has been in existence from that point onward. Thus, “7m the beginning” charac- terizes the absolute divine Word as He was before the founda- tion of the world and a¢ the foundation of the world. “ From the beginning” characterizes His development in time. Note the absence of the article both here and in Johni.1. Not the beginning as a definite, concrete fact, but as apprehended by man ; that to which we look as “ beginning.”
Have heard—have seen (aenxoapev—éwpdxapev). Both in the perfect tense, denoting the still abiding effects of the hear- ing and seeing.
With our eyes. Emphasizing the direct, personal experi- ence in a marvellous matter.
Have looked upon (é9cacdueIa). Rev., correctly, beheld. The tense is the aorist ; marking not the abiding effect of the vision upon the beholder, but the historical manifestation to special witnesses. On the difference between this verb and éwpdxapev, we have seen, see on John i. 14, 18.
Have handled (éydddncav). The aorist tense. Rev., handled. For the peculiar force of the verb see on Luke xxiv. 39. The reference is, probably, to handle me (Luke xxiv. 39), and to John xx. 27. This is the more noticeable from the fact that John does not mention the fact of the Resurrection in the Epistles, and does not use the word in his own narrative of the Resurrection. The phrase therefore falls in with the numerous instances in which John assumes the knowledge of certain his- toric facts on the part of his readers.
Of the Word (epi rod Noyod). Better, as Rev., concerning
the Word. Vou. I1.—20