The Early Christian Belief in the Deity of Jesus: A Skeptical Perspective
Historically, the question of whether early Christians believed that Jesus was the literal son of God has been a subject of intense debate. While proponents argue for the divine nature of Jesus based on numerous scriptural and historical sources, others have hesitated to accept this claim. This skepticism is understandable, especially in light of the historical context and the means by which early Christian beliefs were disseminated and authenticated.
Did Early Christians Believe in the Deity of Jesus?
It has often been argued that early Christians believed Jesus to be the literal son of God, but not God Himself. This belief was rooted in the idea that Jesus was a holy man, but not divine. However, as we delve deeper into the early sources and documents, it becomes evident that many early Christians did indeed worship Jesus as a deity. This is supported by both historical and scriptural evidence.
Historical Evidence from Early Sources
One of the earliest non-biblical sources to mention the worship of Jesus as a deity is Pliny the Younger, a Roman official who wrote to Emperor Trajan around 112 AD. In his letter, Pliny describes how Christians worshipped Jesus as a deity, which is a significant indicator of their beliefs.
Another early source that mentions Jesus’ worship as a deity is Lucian of Samosata, who wrote in the 2nd century. His writings provide further evidence that Christians believed Jesus to be divine.
These early sources, along with subsequent apostolic writings, provide a compelling case for the early belief in the deity of Jesus. The consistency in the teachings of early Christians, as evidenced by the writings of Paul, Peter, and other apostles, further supports this belief.
Scriptural References to the Deity of Jesus
The New Testament contains several verses that affirm the deity of Jesus, including those written by the apostle Paul, Peter, and the author of Hebrews. For instance:
Romans 9:5 - 'Of whom as concerning the flesh [Christ] came] forth.' This verse suggests a divine origin for Jesus.
Titus 2:13 - 'looking for happiness, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.' This verse implies that Jesus is seen as God's savior.
Hebrews 1:8-10 - 'But about the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, a scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions." This passage clearly refers to Jesus as God.
2 Peter 1:1 - 'Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received God's believedfullness.' Here, Peter identifies Jesus as God.
1 John 5:20 - 'We know also that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, that we know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This verse suggests the belief in the divine nature of Jesus.
Apostolic Succession and Consistent Affirmation of Divinity
The apostolic succession, which traces the lineage of bishops from the apostles, further supports the early belief in the deity of Jesus. Key bishops and theologians, such as Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna, and later figures like Eusebius of Caesarea and Athanasius of Alexandria, all consistently affirm the divinity and worship of Jesus.
These bishops and theologians, spanning from the 4th to the 6th century, leave no doubt about the early belief in the deity of Jesus. Their quotes and affirmations, found in their writings and sermons, corroborate this belief.
Validation Through Inter-Textual Quotations
Early church leaders often quoted the Bible to validate their beliefs. Consider Clement of Rome, who quoted Psalm 2:7, and Peter, who affirmed Paul's teachings and showed no indication of rejecting them. Peter, in particular, had high authority within the early Christian church, as evidenced by his actions and the verses in the New Testament attributed to him.
Notably, Peter is often described as having a central role in the early church, with Jesus referring to him as the rock on which the church is built in Matthew 16:18-19. Furthermore, Peter's authority is reflected in his sermons, such as the one on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:14-40, where he preached to the crowds and resulted in the addition of 3,000 people to the church.
Other quotations from the New Testament, such as 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Peter 1:1, and Luke 1:35, further support the belief in the divinity of Jesus. Clement of Rome, as Peter's successor, also emphasized the divinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, the belief in the deity of Jesus was widespread and well-established within early Christianity, supported by both historical evidence and scriptural references. While there may have been debates and variations in interpretation, the overwhelming consensus among early Christians was that Jesus was indeed the literal son of God and a divine being.