In the beginning - 16 August 2010 |
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I’m quite sure this has been noted before, probably many times. But like all biblical beauty it’s worth seeing – and saying – again.
The opening words of John 1:1, “In the beginning,” are a conscious allusion to Genesis 1:1, which invites us to read the account of creation in Genesis alongside the opening section of John. Once you start doing this, you notice that John 1-2 contains a number of chronological markers (”the next day” in John 1:29, 35, 43; “on the third day” in John 2:1) that suggest a correspondence between sections of John and the days of Genesis 1. Assuming that John 2:1 marks the third day after the events of John 1:43-51, the opening sections of John correspond to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 7th days of creation.
Now look at what happens on each of the days (some are more obviously compelling than others, and more could doubtless be added):
| Day | Genesis | John |
| 1 | Creation of light; separation of light from darkness. | 4 In him was life and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. |
| 2 | Creation of the expanse to separate the heavens from the earth, and the waters above from the waters below. | The Holy Spirit poured out on earth from heaven, re-joining heaven and earth; John commissioned to pour out water (from heaven?) on earth. |
| 3 | The creation of land as the foundation for humanity; the creation of fruit and seed to feed humanity. | Peter revealed as the rock, the foundation for the church; the disciples chosen as the seeds (?) of the church, to proclaim the word to the church (?). |
| 4 | The creation of heavenly lights to rule the day and the night. | The revelation of Jesus as “the Son of God … the King of Israel” (1:49). |
| 7 | The consummation of creation: Rest in the presence of God. | The wedding in Canaan; the revelation of the the glory of the Son. |
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Posted by Steve Jeffery · Topics: Bible, Minister's Blog