Genesis 1:1 Commentary

Henry emphasizes that 'the beginning' refers to the start of everything, and God is the sole, eternal Creator. He stresses that creation wasn't accidental but a deliberate act of God's will and power, bringing order out of nothing.

“God's existence and creative power are the foundational truths, not requiring proof but accepted by faith.”

Calvin focuses on God as the singular, uncaused cause of all things, highlighting the absolute sovereignty of His creative act. He asserts that creation points to God's incomprehensible power and wisdom, which precedes and sustains all existence.

“The creation of the universe is the first witness to God's incomprehensible majesty and authority.”

Spurgeon presents this verse as a foundational pillar of faith, emphasizing God's direct and powerful involvement in bringing the universe into being. He sees it as a clear statement of monotheism and the absolute necessity of a Creator.

“All existence starts with God; He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.”

Barnes interprets 'in the beginning' as the start of God's work, before anything else existed, establishing God as the eternal and unchangeable Creator. He argues that the verse clearly teaches the existence of one God who intentionally created the universe.

“This verse is proof of the existence of one God, who is the author and sustainer of all things.”

Wesley understood 'in the beginning' to signify God's first act of creation, prior to time itself, underscoring His eternal nature. He saw this as an undeniable declaration of God's supreme power and wisdom in fashioning the cosmos.

“The creation of the world is a clear demonstration of God's infinite power and eternal being.”