Commentary on John, Book 1

Origen probably began this work in Alexandria around 231, shortly after completing Peri Archon. Book 1, provided in full here, falls into three main parts. Sections 1–89 constitute a preface to the whole intended commentary. It resembles contemporary prefaces to philosophical commentaries. ¹ In it Origen examines the relationship of the Gospel of John to the other gospels and to the rest of Scripture and argues that an interpreter must have unmediated access to Jesus Christ, who is the gospel embodied. Aside from a brief conclusion (sections 289–92), the remainder of the book examines the two principal words in the initial phrase of verse 1:1. Sections 90–124 deal with “beginning” (Archê) and sections 125–288 with “Word” (Logos). In the former Origen identifies “beginning” with God’s Wisdom. In the latter Origen criticizes those who make “Word” the sole privileged title for the Son, taking its meaning for granted and neglecting all the other titles in Scripture. Arguing the “Word” can only be understood in relation to the rest of these titles, Origen deals with all the Son’s titles in what amounts to his most sustained statement of Christology. Our selections from later books of the Commentary on John show how he consistently follows through these interpretations of the titles.