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John 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.

And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.

And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

What does John 1:28 mean?

Explanation

The verse John 1:28 is a brief narrative that sets the geographical scene for the ministry of John the Baptist.

The "Bethabara beyond Jordan" is mentioned as the location where John was performing baptisms.

This passage is part of the larger context where John the Baptist is introducing and testifying about Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God.

The literal meaning of this verse is straightforward; it serves as a historical marker, specifying where these events took place.

The deeper meaning underscores the importance of John's role in preparing the way for Jesus and signifies the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

During the time of this verse, the region of Bethabara, "house of crossing," was thought to be a location on the eastern banks of the Jordan River.

It was a site of significant traffic and travel, where people often crossed the river.

Historically and culturally, the Jordan River had profound importance to the Jewish people as a symbol of entry into the Promised Land.

The fact that John chose this place for baptizing holds significant meaning, not only as a symbolic gesture of spiritual cleansing but also as an echo of the Israelite's crossing into Canaan.

Theological Insights

John's baptizing in Bethabara raises theological themes about purification and preparation.

From a Christian perspective, baptism represents the cleansing of sin and a preparatory step for the coming of Jesus.

This passage highlights John's role as the forerunner of Christ, fulfilling prophecies from the Old Testament that spoke of a voice crying out in the wilderness, paving the way for the Lord.

Some theological viewpoints might consider this geographical detail as a means to link Jesus' ministry with the history and prophecies of Israel.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by recognizing the importance of preparation and setting the stage for significant events or personal growth.

John's act of baptizing in a historical and spiritually symbolic location reminds believers to be mindful of their own environments and how they can be conducive to spiritual renewal or significant life changes.

Cross-References

Matthew 3:1: "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,"
Matthew 3:6: "And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins."
Mark 1:4: "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."
Luke 3:3: "And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;"

Language Study

The key words in this verse, in the original Koine Greek, include "Bethabara" (Βηθαβαρᾶ), which is a transliteration of a Hebrew name meaning "house of crossing," and "baptizing" (βαπτίζων), which comes from the root "baptizo," meaning "to immerse or submerge." The connection between the name of the place and the act being performed there (baptizing) would have been more apparent to a Greek-speaking audience of that time, emphasizing the symbolism of crossing from one state or identity into another.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient religious practices and myths, rituals of water immersion were not uncommon.

Many ancient cultures had practices involving water for purification or religious rites, including the Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Greco-Roman societies.

While these practices varied greatly in meaning and form, the concept of a physical action symbolizing spiritual renewal or transformation is a common thread.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the act of baptism in a river, such as the Jordan, draws attention to the historical use of natural bodies of water for communal rituals.

While the verse itself does not delve into any scientific discourse, geographical studies might contribute to our understanding of Bethabara's location and how environmental features of the region supported its role as a significant site for such events.

Commentaries

Commentaries on John 1:28 often discuss the significance of the location mentioned.

Some believe that "Bethabara" may actually refer to "Bethany beyond the Jordan," due to confusion in textual traditions or translation errors over time.

Commentators afford particular importance to the notion of the Jordan River as a place of new beginnings, echoing the Israelites’ entry into the Promised Land, and now John baptizing as an inauguration of the messianic age.

Furthermore, experts suggest that this verse, by specifying the location, assures the historical reliability of the Gospel account and provides a context for the unfolding public ministry of Jesus.

John 1

John 1

What does John 1:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 1:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?