As we continue our journey to understand the concept of the Logos from John 1:1, we turn our attention to Philo, a first-century Jewish philosopher from Alexandria, Egypt.

Alexandria was a significant city, and Philo was a distinguished scholar, philosopher, and statesman.

In his doctrine of God, Philo extensively writes about the Logos – the emanation of God's mind that extends into finite creation.

Join us today as we explore some of Philo’s writings and compare them with the Prologue of John’s Gospel.

Scholars have found many similar characteristics in both Philo’s description of the Logos and John’s Prologue, indicating that these thoughts about the Logos were well-developed and circulating throughout first-century Jewish thought.

Don't miss this enlightening lesson as we delve deeper into the historical and philosophical context of John's Gospel and its profound connection to Philo's teachings.

Lesson Handouts: 

Philo Quotes

Daniel Boyarin - Logos, A Jewish Word

Join us in this exploration of the profound connection between the Hebrew concept of "Word" (Dabar) and "Wisdom" (Chokmah) and the Greek Logos, as presented in the Gospel of John.
 
While the Gospel of John is written in Greek and uses the term Logos to describe the "Word," it is essential to understand the rich Jewish heritage that shapes John's portrayal of Jesus as the pre-existent "Word" and "Wisdom."

In this video, we delve into the Hebrew Bible, revealing how both the Word and Wisdom were present at the beginning of creation. 

The Word of God not only creates but also heals, saves, and accomplishes the divine will. Similarly, Wisdom is depicted as holding sway over the nations, bringing order to the cosmos.

Discover how John, with his Jewish background, uses the concept of Logos to bridge the infinite, transcendent God with finite creation, portraying Jesus as the divine intermediary present from the beginning. 

This video provides a deeper understanding of the biblical narrative and enriches your comprehension of how the Hebrew Bible's presentation of Word and Wisdom informs John's theological framework.

Download Class Handout - HERE