In John 1:1, the Logos is presented as pre-existent and divine.1 The evangelist writes, "Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος, καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν πρὸς τὸν θεόν, καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος." This statement establishes a foundational theme for the entire Gospel. The relationship between the Logos and God is one of both distinction and identity.
The phrase "In the beginning" (Ἐν ἀρχῇ) immediately recalls Genesis 1:1, linking the creative work of God with the person of the Logos. Unlike the created order, the Logos "was" in the beginning, indicating eternal preexistence. This concept is further reinforced in John 1:15 and John 17:5.2
The implications are profound. If the Logos is co-eternal with God, then He is not a created being but shares in the divine nature. This challenges Arian interpretations and establishes a high Christology from the outset.
1 See D.A. Carson, The Gospel According to John (PNTC), 116-119.
2 Andreas J. Köstenberger, A Theology of John's Gospel and Letters, 221.