John states that the Word (Jesus) was God. The past tense is consistent with John’s reference to the “beginning”. It does not mean that Jesus once was God and that He no longer is. Rather, it means that Jesus was God in the beginning and still is.

Verse 1 also state that Jesus was “with” God. The Greek preposition translated “with” is pros which emphasizes the closeness in relationship. John did not use meta, which would have simply meant that Jesus was in the presence of God. There is an important point here. Jesus is God, but is distinct from God the Father in a unique way. How this works is a mystery which is beyond our understanding. So rather than try to explain it from a human perspective, it is best to accept it as something which is not completely knowable, because we’re not God.

Verses 2 and 3 show that Jesus is the Creator, which is a role only God can perform. Although this is outside the scope of this article, it is accurate to say that the creation of all things is an act of the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). The Father and the Spirit are active in creation in Genesis 1:1-3.

Jesus is God in the flesh.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

The Word was made flesh. He was not originally flesh. This parallels what we see in Isaiah 9:6.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

The eternal Son was “given”. That’s Jesus divinity. The child was “born”. That’s Jesus’ humanity. The Word had to become flesh and reflect the glory of the Father.

John 1 is a powerful testament to the divinity of Jesus Christ.