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In the beginning. Greek. en (App-104.) arche. Occurs four times in the N.T. (Compare Gen_1:1). The context will always supply the dependent word (where it is not expressed). Here, and in Joh_1:2, supply "[of the aions = ages "]; for the Logos then "was", and the aims were prepared by Him (Heb_1:2; Heb_11:3). In Act_11:15 supply "[of our ministry" (Joh_2:4)]. In Php_4:15 supply "[the proclamation of] the Gospel". For the combination of arche, with other prepositions, see notes on Joh_6:64 ("ex arches"); on Joh_8:44 ("ap' arches"); on Heb_1:10 ("kat' arches").
was = was [already pre-existent]. Creation is not mentioned till Joh_1:3. "The Word had no beginning". See Joh_1:3; Joh_17:5. 1Jn_1:1. Eph_1:4. Pro_8:23. Psa_90:2. Compare Joh_8:58. Not the same "was "as in Joh_1:14.
the Word. Greek. Logos. As the spoken word reveals the invisible thought, so the Living Word reveals the invisible God. Compare Joh_1:18.
and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton. App-6. with. Greek. pros. App-104. Implying personal presence and relation. Compare Joh_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 Joh_4:24.