In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.

John testified [repeatedly] about Him and has cried out [testifying officially for the record, with validity and relevance], “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I and has priority over me, for He existed before me.’”

It is He [the preeminent One] who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie [even as His slave].”

This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I and has priority over me, for He existed before me.’

Nathanael said to Jesus, “How do You know [these things about] me?” Jesus answered, “Before Philip called you, when you were still under the fig tree, I saw you.”

You yourselves are my witnesses that I stated, ‘I am not the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed),’ but, ‘I have [only] been sent ahead of Him [as His appointed forerunner and messenger to announce and proclaim His coming].’

The royal official pleaded with Him, “Sir, do come down [at once] before my child dies!”

Do not think that I [am the One who] will accuse you before the Father. There [already] is one who accuses you: Moses, [the very one] in whom you have placed your hope [for salvation].

What then [will you think] if you see the Son of Man ascending to [the realm] where He was before?

Nicodemus (the one who came to Jesus before and was one of them) asked,

Now the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery. They made her stand in the center of the court,

They listened [to His reply], and they began to go out one by one, starting with the oldest ones, until He was left alone, with the woman [standing there before Him] in the center of the court.

Jesus replied, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, before Abraham was born, I Am.”

Then he answered, “I do not know whether He is a sinner [separated from God]; but one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”

When he has brought all his own sheep outside, he walks on ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice and recognize his call.

All who came before Me [as false messiahs and self-appointed leaders] are thieves and robbers, but the [true] sheep did not hear them.

Now the Passover of the Jews was approaching, and many from the country went up to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves [ceremonially, so that they would be able to participate in the feast].

Six days before the Passover, Jesus went to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom He had raised from the dead.

Even though He had done so many signs (attesting miracles) right before them, yet they still did not believe and failed to trust Him—

Now before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that His hour had come [and it was time] for Him to leave this world and return to the Father. Having [greatly] loved His own who were in the world, He loved them [and continuously loves them with His perfect love] to the end (eternally).

From now on I am telling you [what will happen] before it occurs, so that when it does take place you may believe that I am He [who I say I am—the Christ, the Anointed, the Messiah].

Jesus answered, “Will you [really] lay down your life for Me? I assure you and most solemnly say to you, before a rooster crows you will deny and completely disown Me three times.

I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does take place, you may believe and have faith [in Me].

“If the world hates you [and it does], know that it has hated Me before it hated you.

Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory and majesty that I had with You before the world existed.

Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given to Me [as Your gift to Me], may be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

So when Pilate heard this said, he was [even] more alarmed and afraid.