Origins of New Testament Christology - An Introduction to the Traditions and Titles Applied to Jesus

The early followers of Jesus used Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions and titles to understand and articulate who Jesus was. This book explores the eleven most significant titles for Jesus in the New Testament, tracing their history in the Old Testament, Second Temple literature, and Greco-Roman literature. It argues that the titles point to an understanding of Jesus as God and helps readers appreciate the biblical witness to his person.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2023
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Early followers of Jesus sought to understand and articulate who he was by drawing from Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions and titles. This comprehensive book offers a valuable insight into the Christology of the first century by exploring the eleven most significant titles for Jesus in the New Testament. The authors trace the historical origins of each title in the Old Testament, Second Temple literature, and Greco-Roman literature, examining the context in which the New Testament writers retrieved these traditions to convey their understanding of Christ. The result is a rich and detailed portrait that is closely linked to the sacred traditions of Israel and holds new significance in light of Jesus Christ. This accessible and timely exegetical study advocates for an early high Christology and posits that the titles of Jesus invariably point to an understanding of him as God. By delving into these titles, readers will gain a deeper appreciation of the biblical witness to the person of Jesus.

Introduction:
The early followers of Jesus sought to understand and articulate who he was by drawing from Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions and titles. This comprehensive book offers a valuable insight into the Christology of the first century by exploring the eleven most significant titles for Jesus in the New Testament. The authors trace the historical origins of each title in the Old Testament, Second Temple literature, and Greco-Roman literature, examining the context in which the New Testament writers retrieved these traditions to convey their understanding of Christ. The result is a rich and detailed portrait that is closely linked to the sacred traditions of Israel and holds new significance in light of Jesus Christ. This accessible and timely exegetical study advocates for an early high Christology and posits that the titles of Jesus invariably point to an understanding of him as God. By delving into these titles, readers will gain a deeper appreciation of the biblical witness to the person of Jesus.

The Titles of Jesus:
1. Lord:
The title "Lord" is one of the most significant titles for Jesus in the New Testament. It is derived from the Old Testament concept of Yahweh, the God of Israel, who was known as the Lord of hosts. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate Lord, the one who has ultimate authority.
2. Son of Man:
The title "Son of Man" is another important title for Jesus in the New Testament. It is derived from the Old Testament prophetic tradition that speaks of a messianic figure who will come to save Israel and establish God's kingdom. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the Son of Man, who came to fulfill this prophetic role and establish God's kingdom.
3. Messiah:
The title "Messiah" is another significant title for Jesus in the New Testament. It is derived from the Hebrew word "mashiach," which means "anointed one." In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the Messiah, the one who was anointed by God to bring salvation to Israel and the world.
4. Prophet:
The title "Prophet" is another important title for Jesus in the New Testament. It is derived from the Old Testament concept of a prophet, who was someone who spoke for God and delivered his message to the people. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the Prophet, the one who spoke for God and delivered his message of salvation.
5. Suffering Servant:
The title "Suffering Servant" is another significant title for Jesus in the New Testament. It is derived from the Old Testament prophetic tradition that speaks of a messianic figure who will suffer and be rejected by the people, but who will ultimately be vindicated by God. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the Suffering Servant, who suffered and was rejected by the people, but who was ultimately vindicated by God.
6. Son of God:
The title "Son of God" is another significant title for Jesus in the New Testament. It is derived from the Old Testament concept of the Son of God, who was the divine being who created the world and who was also the savior of Israel. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the Son of God, who came to save the world from sin and death.
7. Last Adam:
The title "Last Adam" is another significant title for Jesus in the New Testament. It is derived from the Old Testament concept of the Last Adam, who was the first human being created by God and who was also the representative of all humanity. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the Last Adam, who came to redeem all humanity from sin and death.
8. Passover Lamb:
The title "Passover Lamb" is another significant title for Jesus in the New Testament. It is derived from the Old Testament concept of the Passover Lamb, which was a sacrificial animal that was slaughtered and eaten to commemorate the Exodus from Egypt. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the Passover Lamb, who was sacrificed and eaten to commemorate the Exodus from sin and death.
9. Savior:
The title "Savior" is another significant title for Jesus in the New Testament. It is derived from the Greek word "soter," which means "savior." In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the Savior, the one who came to save humanity from sin and death.
10. Word:
The title "Word" is another significant title for Jesus in the New Testament. It is derived from the Greek word "logos," which means "word." In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the Word, the one who was with God in the beginning and who came to bring God's message to the world.
11. High Priest:
The title "High Priest" is another significant title for Jesus in the New Testament. It is derived from the Old Testament concept of the High Priest, who was the priest who represented the people before God and who offered sacrifices for their sins. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the High Priest, who offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of all humanity and who now sits at the right hand of God.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the titles of Jesus in the New Testament are significant and hold great meaning for Christians. These titles point to an understanding of Jesus as God, the ultimate Lord, the Son of Man, the Messiah, the Prophet, the Suffering Servant, the Son of God, the Last Adam, the Passover Lamb, the Savior, the Word, and the High Priest. By exploring the historical origins and contexts of these titles, readers can gain a deeper appreciation of the person of Jesus and his role in salvation history. This comprehensive exegetical study provides a valuable resource for scholars and students of the Bible, helping them to understand the significance of these titles and their role in shaping Christian doctrine and practice.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780801098710