This study deals with the structural and exegetical relationship between pre-existence and
incarnation in the dynamics of John's Prologue (John 1:1-18). It discusses the point in the
narrative at which the shift from the pre-existent Logos to the incarnate Christ takes place
and therefore the perspective from which the individual parts of the passage (vss. 1-5 vss.
6-13 vss. 14-18) should be interpreted. By making a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the
text and evaluating all contrasting views on the subject the book shows the essential
chronological order of the narrative whose climax (vss. 14-18) is not the announcement of the
incarnation proper but rather a profound theological reflection on the significance of that
event based on the covenantal traditions of the exodus story and later prophetic expectations.
