John 1:3 Study Bible: All things were made through him, and apart from him nothing was made that has been made.

◄ John 1:3 ►

Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.

Through Him
This phrase emphasizes the agency of Christ in creation. The Greek word "δι' αὐτοῦ" (di' autou) indicates that Jesus, the Word, is the divine agent through whom God created the universe. This aligns with the conservative Christian belief in the pre-existence of Christ, affirming His divinity and active role in creation. It echoes the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, where wisdom is personified as a co-creator with God (Proverbs 8:27-30).

all things
The Greek term "πάντα" (panta) signifies the totality of creation. This includes everything in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible. From a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the sovereignty and omnipotence of Christ. It reflects the Genesis account of creation, where God speaks the universe into existence, affirming that nothing exists outside of His creative will.

were made
The verb "ἐγένετο" (egeneto) is in the aorist tense, indicating a completed action. This suggests that creation was a definitive act, accomplished through Christ. It highlights the distinction between the Creator and the created, reinforcing the belief in a transcendent God who is distinct from His creation. This counters any pantheistic views that equate God with the universe.

and without Him
This phrase, "καὶ χωρὶς αὐτοῦ" (kai choris autou), emphasizes the indispensability of Christ in the creative process. It asserts that nothing came into being apart from His involvement. This is a profound statement of Christ's essential role in the cosmos, affirming His divine nature and authority over all creation.

nothing was made
The Greek "οὐδὲ ἕν" (oude hen) translates to "not even one thing," underscoring the comprehensive scope of Christ's creative work. This phrase negates any possibility of creation occurring independently of Christ, reinforcing the doctrine of His omnipotence and omnipresence.

that has been made
The phrase "ὃ γέγονεν" (ho gegonen) refers to all that exists. It serves as a concluding affirmation of the preceding statements, encapsulating the totality of creation as the work of Christ. This aligns with the conservative Christian view that all of creation is a testament to the glory and power of God, as revealed through Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ (The Word)
The central figure in this verse, referred to as "Him," through whom all creation came into being. The Word (Logos in Greek) is a title that emphasizes His divine nature and role in creation.

2. Creation
The event of bringing the universe and all within it into existence. This verse highlights the comprehensive scope of creation, affirming that everything was made through Jesus.

3. The Apostle John
The author of the Gospel of John, who provides this theological insight into the nature of Christ and His role in creation.

Teaching Points

The Divine Nature of Christ
Jesus is not merely a part of creation; He is the Creator. This affirms His divinity and eternal existence, which is foundational to Christian belief.

The Sovereignty of Christ in Creation
Recognizing Jesus as the Creator should lead us to worship Him as sovereign over all things. This understanding calls us to trust in His power and authority in our lives.

The Purpose and Order of Creation
Since all things were made through Christ, creation has purpose and order. This should encourage us to seek His will and purpose in our own lives, knowing we are part of His divine plan.

Dependence on Christ for Sustenance
Just as creation depends on Christ for its existence, we too must depend on Him for our spiritual and physical sustenance. This reliance should be reflected in our daily walk with Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding Jesus as the Creator impact your view of His authority in your life?

2. In what ways can recognizing the purpose and order in creation influence your daily decisions and actions?

3. How does the connection between John 1:3 and Genesis 1 enhance your understanding of the continuity of Scripture?

4. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate your dependence on Christ in your everyday life?

5. How can the truth of Christ's sovereignty over creation provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty or difficulty?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1
The creation account in Genesis parallels John 1:3 by affirming that God is the Creator of all things. John 1:3 emphasizes that Jesus, as the Word, was the agent of creation.

Colossians 1:16-17
These verses reinforce the idea that all things were created through and for Christ, and that He holds all creation together, echoing the themes of John 1:3.

Hebrews 1:2-3
This passage speaks of Jesus as the heir of all things and the one through whom God made the universe, further supporting His divine role in creation.

Sermons

And Truly Our Fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son	Hugh Binning	John 1:3
Christ the Creator	Cornelius a Lapide.	John 1:3
Christ's Creative Knowledge	H. C. Trumbull, D. D.	John 1:3
Christ's Presence in His Creation	Luther.	John 1:3
Creation the Work of God	D. Thomas, D. D.	John 1:3
Divine Designs Open to Us in Creation	H. W. Beecher.	John 1:3
God in Nature	H. W. Beecher.	John 1:3
The Christian Doctrine of Creation	Lange.	John 1:3
The Christian Features in All Things	Lange.	John 1:3
The Confidence Inspired by Christ's Creatorship	Hengstenberg.	John 1:3
The Creation in Christ	George MacDonald	John 1:3
The Creative Power of the Word	A. H. Moment.	John 1:3
The Creator Must be Divine	T. Guthrie, D. D.	John 1:3
The Greatness of the Universe a Testimony to the Greatness of Christ	J. Culross, D. D.	John 1:3
The Relation of Christ to the Created Universe	Van Doren.	John 1:3
The Universal Creatorship of Christ	Van Doren.	John 1:3
The Universe a Revelation of Christ	J. Culross, D. D.	John 1:3
What was Not, and What was Made by Christ		John 1:3
A Notable Conversion	J. J. Van Oosterzee, D. D.	John 1:1-5
Christ and God	D. Thomas, D. D.	John 1:1-5
Christ is God		John 1:1-5
Christ the True God		John 1:1-5
Christ the Word of God	J. Cumming, D. D.	John 1:1-5
Controversy About Christ	Bp.Ryle.	John 1:1-5
God not Solitary	J. Cynddylan Jones, D. D.	John 1:1-5
On Books	Charles Kingsley, M. A.	John 1:1-5
Practical Reflections	Bp. Ryle.	John 1:1-5
The Deity of Christ an Impossible Invention	Canon Liddon.	John 1:1-5
The Divine Father and Son	Arrowsmith.	John 1:1-5
The Divinity of Christ Revealed in the Gospel of John	Dr. Pentecost.	John 1:1-5
The Heavenly Analogy of the Connection of Speech with Reason	Dean Goulburn.	John 1:1-5
The Nature of Christ Perfectly Similar and Equal to that of the Eternal Father	J. F. Denham.	John 1:1-5
The Origin of the Term Logos, or Word	T. Whitelaw, D. D.	John 1:1-5
The Relation of This Revelation with that of Genesis 1	J. Culross, D. D.	John 1:1-5
The Resemblance Between the Written and the Personal Word	Dean Goulburn.	John 1:1-5
The Term Word Applicable to Christ	G. Steward.	John 1:1-5
The Word	J. Cynddylan Jones, D. D.	John 1:1-5
The Word	W. Denton, M. A., Beaux Amis.	John 1:1-5
The Word Made Flesh	W. Perkins.	John 1:1-5
The Word of Scripture Concerning the Beginning	Lange., Lange.	John 1:1-5
What is Gained by Defending the Eternal Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ	J. Cynddylan Jones, D. D.	John 1:1-5

People

Andrew, Cephas, Elias, Elijah, Esaias, Isaiah, Jesus, John, Jona, Jonah, Jonas, Joseph, Levites, Nathanael, Peter, Philip, Simon

Places

Bethany Beyond Jordan, Bethsaida, Galilee, Jordan River, Nazareth

Topics

Anything, Apart, Existence, Exists, Nothing, Received

Dictionary of Bible Themes

John 1:3

     1165   God, unique
     1325   God, the Creator
     2066   Christ, power of
     2303   Christ, as creator
     4006   creation, origin
     4203   earth, the
     4287   universe
     4915   completion
     5302   education

John 1:1-3

     2018   Christ, divinity
     4026   world, God's creation
     5627   word

John 1:1-9

1436 reality

John 1:1-18

8474 seeing God

John 1:3-4

1170 God, unity of

John 1:3-9

2203 Christ, titles of

Library

Grace
Eversley. 1856. St. John i. 16, 17. "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." I wish you to mind particularly this word GRACE. You meet it very often in the Bible. You hear often said, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Now, what does this word grace mean? It is really worth your while to know; for if a man or a woman has not grace, they will be very unhappy people, and very disagreeable …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

June 25 Morning
When he shall appear, we shall be like him; we shall see him as he is.--I JOHN 3:2. As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.--Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 20 Morning
His name shall be called Wonderful.--ISA. 9:6. 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.--Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. They shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.--JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. All men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.--God . . . hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 24 Evening
Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.--II COR. 8:9. 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.--Thou are fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips.--All bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. Ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.--He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.--We speak that we do know, …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 21 Morning
Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.--JOHN 1:16. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.--Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. His Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things.--If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. I and my Father are one. The Father is in me, and I in him.--My Father, and your …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 12 Morning
The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.--NUM. 6:25,26. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.--The brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person.--The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 21 Evening
His dear Son.--COL. 1:13. Lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.--Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth.--The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins. …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 23 Morning
The blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.--HEB. 12:24. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.--The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.--It is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 28 Morning
Behold the Lamb of God.--JOHN 1:29. It is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God.--He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 29 Morning
The life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.--LEV. 17:11. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.--The blood of the Lamb.--The precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.--Without shedding of blood is no remission.--The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. By his own blood he entered in once into …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 16 Evening
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.--REV. 1:19. Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.--That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 19 Evening
Fellowship in the gospel.--PHI. 1:5. As the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.--That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 15 Morning
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.--I COR. 1:9. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.--God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.--Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.--Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 8 Morning
Thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.--ISA. 38:17. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 20 Morning
The entrance of thy words giveth light.--PSA. 119:130. This . . . is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.--God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.--The Word was God. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.--If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 11 Evening
Hallowed be thy name.--MATT. 6:9. Thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?--Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.--I saw . . . the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 26 Morning
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.--LAM. 3:40. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.--Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.--I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments.--Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 24 Evening
I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face.--HOS. 5:15. Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, your sins have hid his face from you.--My beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: . . . I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.--I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on forwardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him.--Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 12 Morning
Godly sorrow worketh repentance not to be repented of.--II COR. 7:10. Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.--If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.--The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 23 Morning
Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me.--ISA. 27:5. I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil.--There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked. In Christ Jesus ye who sometime were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace. It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell: and having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself.--Christ Jesus: …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 24 Evening
Master, where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see.--JOHN 1:38,39. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.--To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne. Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 15 Morning
Who can say, I have made my heart clean?--PROV. 20:9. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.--They that are in the flesh cannot please God. To will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.--We are all as an …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

The Son of Thunder
ST. JOHN i. 1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. We read this morning the first chapter of the Gospel according to St. John. Some of you, I am sure, must have felt, as you heard it, how grand was the very sound of the words. Some one once compared the sound of St. John's Gospel to a great church bell: simple, slow, and awful; and awful just because it is so simple and slow. The words are very short,--most of them of one syllable,--so that even a child …
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

'Three Tabernacles'
'The Word ... dwelt among us.'--JOHN i. 14. '... He that sitteth on the Throne shall dwell among them.'--REV. vii. 15. '... Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them.'--REV. xxi. 3. The word rendered 'dwelt' in these three passages, is a peculiar one. It is only found in the New Testament--in this Gospel and in the Book of Revelation. That fact constitutes one of the many subtle threads of connection between these two books, which at first sight seem so extremely unlike …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

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