SPECIAL TOPIC: The Phrase "From the Beginning" (in John's Writings)

The phrase "from the beginning" is used in two distinct ways in John's writings.

1. referring to creation, or even before
   1. Jesus' pre-existence (cf. John 1:1,15.30; 2:13,14; 3:13; 8:56-58; 2 Cor. 8:9; Phil. 2:6-7; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 1:3)
   2. the devil sinning from the beginning (cf. John 3:8; 8:44; also note Rev. 12:9; 20:2)
2. referring to the beginning of Jesus' ministry (cf. 1 John 1:1-3,5; 2:24; 3:11)
3. possibly from the giving of the Mosaic revelation (cf. 1 John 2:7)

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