Word. Now he goes on to the Word’s personal character in relation to the Father. Not only did the Word exist “in the beginning,” but he existed in the closest possible connection with the Father. The expression does differentiate between the two. Perhaps John is by implication refuting any idea that the Word is an emanation from God, quite distinct from the Godhead. The Word and God are not identical. But they are one. The high point is reached in the third affirmation: “the Word was God.” Nothing