In the beginning. Greek. en (App-104.) arche. Occurs four times in the N.T. (Compare Genesis 1:1). The context will always supply the dependent word (where it is not expressed). Here, and in John 1:2, supply "[of the aions = ages "]; for the Logos then "was", and the aims were prepared by Him (Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 11:3). In Acts 11:15 supply "[of our ministry" (John 2:4)]. In Philippians 4:15 supply "[the proclamation of] the Gospel". For the combination of arche, with other prepositions, see notes on John 6:64 ("ex arches"); on John 8:44 (" ap' arches"); on Hebrews 1:10 ("kat' arches").
was. was [already pre-existent]. Creation is not mentioned till John 1:3. "The Word had no beginning". See John 1:3; John 17:5; 1 John 1:1.Ephesians 1:4.Proverbs 8:23.Psalms 90:2. Compare John 8:58. Not the same "was "as in John 1:14.
the Word. Greek. Logos. As the spoken word reveals the invisible thought, so the Living Word reveals the invisible God. Compare John 1:18.
and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton. App-6. with. Greek. pros. App-104. Implying personal presence and relation. Compare John 1:18.
God. With the Art.. the revealed God of the Bible. App-98.
the Word was God. This is correct. The Art. designates "the Word" as the subject. The order of the words has to do only with the emphasis, which is thus placed on the predicate, while "the Word "is the subject.
was God. Here "God "is without the Art., because it denotes the conception of God as Infinite, Eternal, Perfect, Almighty, &c. Contrast John 4:24.