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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 1:33 mean?

Explanation

John 1:33 is a declaration made by John the Baptist concerning the identity of Jesus Christ and the divine revelation that he received about the Messiah.

In this verse, John explains that he did not know Jesus personally as the Messiah before this revelation.

It was the One who sent him to baptize with water, referring to God, who told him the sign by which he would recognize the Messiah.

The sign was that the Holy Spirit would descend upon Jesus and remain with Him.

This descending and remaining of the Spirit would indicate that Jesus is not only the Messiah but also the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit, a higher baptism than that of water, signifying a deeper spiritual transformation.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

John 1:33 is grounded in first-century Judaism, within the broader context of Second Temple Judaism.

Baptism was a common practice, ritually signifying purification and repentance.

John the Baptist's role was that of a prophet preparing the way for the Messiah by calling the Jewish people to repentance.

In a time of messianic expectation, John's testament carried significant weight for those who witnessed the events described, demonstrating a direct link between Heaven's acknowledgment of Jesus' divine mission and His earthly ministry.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, John 1:33 underscores two key points: the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and the introduction of baptism with the Holy Spirit.

This verse aligns with the concept of the Trinity, illustrating the Holy Spirit's active role in the earthly life of Jesus.

When discussing the Holy Spirit, denominational perspectives vary considerably, but generally, this verse is seen as prophetic evidence of Jesus' divine mission and an affirmation of His role in imparting the Holy Spirit to believers, which is often associated with Pentecostal and Charismatic theological views.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, the implications of John 1:33 can be found in the Christian practices of baptism and the pursuit of spiritual transformation. It encourages believers to look beyond mere ritual and seek a more profound experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

The verse also speaks about recognizing God's work in others and the world, even before it becomes apparent, thereby emphasizing the value of spiritual discernment and trust in divine revelation.

Cross-References

Matthew 3:11: "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire."
Acts 1:5: "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."
Acts 2:38: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Language Study

The Greek word for "knew" (ἔγνων, egnōn) in this context means to know by experience or recognition.

The term for "sent" (ἀπέσταλκεν, apestalken) indicates one being commissioned, oftentimes with a specific task or message.

The reference to the "Spirit" translates to πνεῦμα (pneuma), used here to indicate the Holy Spirit.

When John says the Spirit was "descending, and remaining" upon Jesus, the original language conveys a continuing presence rather than a one-time event, emphasizing a permanent anointing of the Spirit on Jesus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a spiritual force descending and remaining on a divine or royal figure is not unique to Christianity. In various ancient religions and mythologies, gods often bestowed power or presence upon individuals, marking them for a special purpose.

However, the distinct Christian claim in this verse is that the Holy Spirit's descent is a unique event signifying Jesus' divine authority to baptize with the Holy Spirit, setting Him apart from other historical or mythological figures.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the description of the Holy Spirit descending and remaining on Jesus is a supernatural event outside the scope of scientific inquiry.

Such a phenomenon is a matter of faith and not subjected to empirical evidence or measurement.

Science does not have the tools to verify or refute theological claims of spiritual descent or divine anointing.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars offer various interpretations of John 1:33.

Some emphasize the historical significance of the event as a turning point in the recognition of Jesus' ministry and authority. Others focus on the theological implications for understanding baptism, especially relating to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Many commentaries point to this verse as an essential scriptural proof-text for the Trinity doctrine, highlighting Jesus' unique relationship with the Holy Spirit and His divine mandate to sanctify believers.

John 1

John 1

What does John 1:33 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 1:33 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?