Pentecostal Commentary on John Chapter 1

John 1:1-5 – The Eternal Word and Light

1:1 – "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This foundational verse proclaims the eternal pre-existence of Jesus Christ, the Logos (Word). From a Pentecostal perspective, this is not just a theological abstraction but a revelation of the living Christ, who continues to speak to His people today through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is not a created being but eternally God Himself, co-equal and co-existent with the Father and the Spirit.

1:2 – "He was with God in the beginning." Jesus was present at creation, actively participating with the Father and the Spirit, reinforcing His divine nature. Pentecostal theology recognizes the Trinity as fully active in creation, redemption, and ongoing ministry.

1:3 – "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." Jesus is the creative force behind all existence. The Pentecostal experience understands that the creative power of Christ continues today—bringing new life, healing, and miracles through the Spirit.

1:4 – "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind." Jesus's life is eternal (salvation) and abundant (John 10:10). In Pentecostal belief, this light dispels spiritual darkness through the Holy Spirit's power, bringing deliverance from sin and spiritual bondage.

1:5 – "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." The darkness of the world—sin, Satan, and spiritual blindness—cannot overcome the power of Christ's light. A Pentecostal reading emphasizes the victory of Jesus over every form of oppression, affirmed through signs, wonders, and spiritual gifts in the Church today.

John 1:6-13 – John the Baptist's Witness and Authority to Become Children of God

1:6-8 – "There was a man sent from God named John..." John the Baptist serves as a Spirit-anointed forerunner, embodying the Pentecostal emphasis on prophetic calling and preparation for revival. His ministry of repentance mirrors the call for personal holiness and readiness for the outpouring of the Spirit.

1:9 – "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." This verse reflects the universal offer of salvation and enlightenment through Christ. In Pentecostal understanding, the Spirit brings personal revelation of Christ's light to each believer.

1:10-11 – "He was in the world... but his own did not receive him." The tragedy of rejection highlights humanity's resistance to God's Spirit. Pentecostals see this as a call for Spirit-filled evangelism that boldly proclaims Christ despite societal rejection.

1:12-13 – "Yet to all who did receive him... he gave the right to become children of God." Receiving Christ leads to spiritual rebirth, a key Pentecostal theme. This new birth involves forgiveness and empowerment through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, equipping believers for ministry.

John 1:14-18 – The Word Became Flesh: The Incarnation

1:14 – "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." The Incarnation is central to Pentecostal theology—it represents God's willingness to dwell intimately with humanity. This also prefigures the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every believer.

1:15-16 – "John testified concerning him... Out of his fullness, we have all received grace instead of already given." Grace upon grace speaks to the continuous outpouring of God's favor, which Pentecostals experience through Spirit-led revival and personal sanctification.

1:17 – "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." A shift from the law to grace is seen here, fulfilled and magnified through the New Covenant. Pentecostal believers live in the fullness of this grace, expecting miraculous manifestations as confirmation of God's presence.

1:18 – "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son... has made him known." Jesus reveals the Father, and the Holy Spirit continues this revelation today, guiding believers into all truth (John 16:13).

John 1:19-34 – John the Baptist's Testimony of Jesus

1:19-23 – John's humility reflects the Pentecostal understanding of faithful prophetic ministry: to exalt Christ, not self. He prepared the way for the Spirit's more extraordinary outpouring, just as Pentecostals anticipate end-time revival.

1:24–28— The focus on baptism underscores the Pentecostal emphasis on both water baptism and Spirit baptism as distinct but complementary experiences.

1:29 – "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" This declaration emphasizes the atonement. Pentecostals proclaim Jesus' blood as powerfully effective today for salvation, healing, and deliverance.

1:30-34—John's testimony of the Spirit descending like a dove upon Jesus is foundational to Pentecostal teaching on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is seen as a separate, empowering work distinct from salvation.

John 1:35-51 – The Calling of the First Disciples

1:35-39 – Jesus' call to the disciples mirrors how Pentecostals understand calling: intimate, Spirit-led, and transformative.

1:40–42— Andrew brings Peter to Jesus, highlighting the role of personal witness, which remains a key focus in Pentecostal evangelism.

1:43-46 – Philip's invitation to Nathanael reflects the Spirit-empowered boldness of believers sharing their faith.

1:47–51— Jesus' supernatural knowledge of Nathanael points to prophetic gifts active in Pentecostal circles today. Jesus promises His followers will see even greater things, foreshadowing the miracles, visions, and Spirit-led works demonstrated in the Book of Acts and expected in Pentecostal practice.

Conclusion: A Pentecostal View of John 1

John Chapter 1 lays the groundwork for understanding Christ's divinity, the power of the Spirit, and the believer's calling. Pentecostal theology draws out the living, dynamic interaction of the Word-made flesh and the present-day movement of the Holy Spirit, encouraging believers to walk in boldness and compassion, filled with grace and truth.