Orthodox NT, Christ's Deity, N.T Wright, and Bible Verisions on the Deity of Christ
I will cite what I deem to be the clearest and most explicit references to the fact of Christ being YHWH God Almighty who became a human being. All emphasis will be mine.
Synoptic Gospels
“‘She will give birth to a son and you shall give him the name Jesusd because he will be the one to save his people from their sins.’ Now, all this happened so that what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bring forth a son. They shall call his name Emmanuel; which means, ‘with us [is] God.’e” Matthew 1:21-23
d “Jesus” (Yeshua) means “God saves” or in short “salvation”– Cf. Ps. 130:3-4, 7-8
“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, wise menh from the east came to Jerusalem, saying: ‘Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and we have come to express adoration toi him.’ When King Herod heard about this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ a would be born. They replied, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is written through the prophet: You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah: for out of you shall come forth a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.b” Matthew 2:1-6
b Micah 5:2
“‘For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then, he will render to everyone according to their deeds. Amen, I tell you: some are standing here who will not have tasted death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.’h” Matthew 16:27-28 – Cf. 25:31-46; Ps. 62:12; Prov. 24:12; Isa. 40:10; 62:11; Joel 3:1-2, 11-12
“As they went to tell his disciples,d behold, Jesus met them, saying, ‘Rejoice!’ They came forward and took hold of his feet, and expressed adoration to him… The eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they expressed adoration [toc him], d but theye doubted.f Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all the things that I have commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ <Amen! >g” Matthew 28:9, 16-20
“But Jesus remained silent and answered nothing. Again, the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Christ,a the Son of the Blessed?’ Jesus replied, ‘I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of the sky.’” Mark 14:61-62 – Cf. Ps. 110:1; Dan. 7:9-10, 13-14
“Then, they reached the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, a man from the town who had had demons for a long time came to meet him.c This man wore no clothes, and he did not live in a house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him. With a loud voice, he said, ‘What do you want from me,d Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me!’ (For Jesus was commanding the unclean spirit to come out of the man). The unclean spirit had often seized the man and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and fetters. [But he had been] breaking the chains and was driven by the demon into deserted places. Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ He replied, ‘Legion,’ for many demons had entered into him. And they begged him not to command them to go into the abyss… ‘Return to your house and proclaim what great things God has done for you.’ So the man went on his way, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:26-31, 39
John
“In the beginning was the Word,a and the Word was with God, and the Word was {what} Godb {was}. This one was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him, nothing came into being that has come into being.c In him was life, life that was the light of mankind… The true light who enlightens everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world had come into existence through him, and the world did not recognizee him… The Word became flesh and made his dwellingb among us. We beheld his glory, glory as a Father’s only-begottenc son, full of grace and truth. John testified about him; he cried out, saying, ‘This was the one of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”’… No one has seen God at any time! The uniquef Song who is in the bosom of the Father,h he has explained him.” John 1:1-4, 9-10, 14, 18
a The Greek word Logos (logos) is traditionally translated as “Word.” French translations sometimes use “Verb” which has a dynamic quality. The English “Message” or “Expression of the Mind” may also be appropriate attempts to convey the nuance of the Greek concept. The Jewish-Alexandrian theologian and philosopher Philo wrote extensively about the Logos in ways that are reminiscent of NT theology. For instance, his teaching that “For the Logos of the living God being the bond of every thing, as has been said before, holds all things together, and binds all the parts, and prevents them from being loosened or separated” echoes Colossians 1:17.
b En arche een ho logos, kai ho logos een pros ton theon, kai theos een ho logos This second theos could also be translated ‘divine’ as the construction indicates a qualitative sense for theos. The Word is not God in the sense that he is the same person as the theos mentioned in 1:1a; he is not God the Father (God absolutely as in common NT usage) or the Trinity. The point being made is that the Logos is of the same uncreated nature or essence as God the Father, with whom he eternally exists. This verse is echoed in the Nicene Creed: “God (qualitative or derivative) from God (personal, the Father), Light from Light, True God from True God… homoousion with the Father.” – Cf. Gen. 1-2; Pss. 33:6; 36:9; 27:1; 104:1-4
“John said, ‘I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness,i “Make straight the way of the Lord,”j as Isaias (Isaiah) the prophet said.’… John answered them, ‘I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you do not know.a He is the one who comes after me, who is ranked before me,b whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.’ These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day, Johnc saw Jesus coming to him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one of whom I said, “After me comes a man who is ranked before me, because he was before me.” I did not know him, but for this reason I came baptizing in water: so that he would be revealed to Israel.’ John bore witness, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven and remain on him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize in water said to me, “Upon whom you will see the Spirit descending and remaining, this is he who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.” Moreover, I myself have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.’d Again, the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. He looked at Jesus as he was walking by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’” John 1:23, 26-36 – Cf. Isa. 40:3-5, 9-11
“Jesus answered and responded to them, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up!’e The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this sanctuary, and you will raise it up in three days?’ (But he was speaking of the sanctuary of his body). When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.Now, when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many began to believe in his Name, observing the signs which he was performing. But Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew everyone, and because he did not need a witness about human nature, for he himself knew what was in man.” John 2:19-25
“Jesus replied and said, ‘You are the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things? Amen, amen, I tell you; we speak of what we know, and [we] bear witness to what we have seen, and you do not receive our testimony. If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you [about] heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven, except for the one who came down out of heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven.d And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, likewise, the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone believing in him should not perish bute have eternal life. Indeed, God so loved the world that he gave his only-begottenf Son, so that everyone who believesg in him should not perish but have eternal life. Certainly, God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world should be savedh through him. Anyone who believes in him is not judged, but whoever does not believe has already been judged, because such a person has not believed in the Name of the only-begotten a Son of God.” John 3:10-18
“The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. For this reason, the Jews persecuted Jesus <and sought to kill him>a because he did these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is still working, and I am also working.’ Because of this, the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, not only because he broke the Sabbath, but also because he called God his own Father,b making himself equal with God. Accordingly, Jesus answered them, ‘Amen, amen, I tell you; the Son can do nothing of himself, but [only] what he sees the Father doing. Indeed, whatever the Fatherc does, the Son also does likewise. For the Father has deep affectiond for the Son, and shows him all things that he himself does. And the Fathere will show him greater works than these, so that you may be astonished. For [just] as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, likewise the Son also gives life to whom he desires. As it is, the Father judges no one, but he has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son even as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him! Amen, amen, I tell you; the one who hears my word and believes in him who sent me has eternal life and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. Amen, amen, I tell you; the hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will come to life. For as the Father has life in himself, so has he given to the Son to have life in himself. He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is Son of Man.f Do not be astonished at this, because the hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. I can do nothing of myself. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous because I do not seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.’” John 5:15-30
“‘All that the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who is coming to me I will in no way reject.d For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but [to do] the will of the one who sent me. This is the will of my Father who sent me: that of all he has given me, I should lose nothing, but raise ite up on the last day. This is the will of the one who sent me: that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and this onef I will raise up on the last day.’ At this, the Jews began to murmur concerning him, because he had said, ‘I am the bread which came down out of heaven.’ They said, ‘Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then does he say, ‘I have come down out of heaven?”’ Therefore, Jesus answered them, ‘Do not murmur among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and this one I will raise up on g the last day.… The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day… What then if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?’” John 6:37-44, 54, 62
“Jesus said to them, ‘You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you therefore that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I amb {the one},c you will die in your sins.’… So Jesus said to them, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am {he}.e I do nothing of myself, but as my Father taught me, this is what I proclaim. The one who sent me is with me. The Father has not left me alonef because I always do the things that are pleasing to him.’… They answered him, ‘Our father is Abraham!’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now, you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God! Abraham did not do this. You do the works of your father.’ They replied to him, ‘We were not born of sexual immorality! We have one father, God.’ Therefore, Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your father, you would love me, for I issue forth [from God] and have come from God.c Indeed, I have not come of myself, but he has sent me… Jesus replied, ‘I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. However, I do not seek my own glory. There is one who seeks and judges. Amen, amen, I tell you; whoever keeps my word will never see death.’ At this, the Jews said to him, ‘Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, and [so did] the prophets; and [yet] you say, ‘whoever keeps my word will never see death.’ Are you greater than our father, Abraham, who died? The prophets died [as well]. Who do you claim to be?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is our God. You have not known him, but I know him. If I said, ‘I do not know him,’ I would be like you, a liar. But I [do] know him, and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it, and was glad!’ At this, the Jews said to him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and you have seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Amen, amen, I tell you; before Abraham came into existence, I am.a’ Therefore, they took up stones to throw at him, but Jesus was hidden, and <having gone through their midst and so passing by>,b he went out of the temple.” John 8:23-24, 28-29, 39-42, 49-59
a The sentence ends with the Greek ego eimi which may be connected with Isaias (Isaiah) 41:4 and 46:4. However, the connection with Exodus 3:13-15 (LXX) is unlikely since the expression is ego eimi o` on; where ego eimi simply introduces the predicate o `on (The Being, The Existing One). Since there are many other verses which clearly apply the Divine Name YHWH to Jesus Christ, the icon of the Savior always has the letters O` ON in the halo. Apart from these theological considerations, this construction is also fairly idiomatic (John 14:9; 15:27) and could be properly translated as “I have been [in existence] before Abraham was [even] born” – (see also 9:9 and compare with Micah 5:2). – Cf. Gen. 15:1-6; 18:1-33; 19:24-29; Ps. 90:2
“Jesus heard that they had thrown out the man born blind,b he found him and said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of God?’ The man answered, ‘Who is he, Sir,c that I may believe in him?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking with you.’ Then the man said, ‘Sir,d I believe!” and he expressed adoration toe Jesus.” John 9:35-38
“Jesus therefore said to them again, ‘Amen, amen, I tell you; I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate! Anyone who enters in by me will be saved, and go in and out, and will find pasture. The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that people may have life, and have it in abundance. I am the good shepherd!c The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The one who is a hired hand, not a shepherd, and who does not own the sheep, leaves the sheep and flees when he sees the wolf coming. Then the wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them. The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand and does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd! I know my own, and I am known by my own; even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, which are not of this fold.d I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. And there will be one flock one shepherd. Therefore, the Father loves me, because I lay down my life,e so that I may take it again. No one takes my lifef away from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.g I received this commandment from my Father.’” John 10:7-18 – Cf. Pss. 23; 80:1; Isa. 40:11
“‘My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give eternal life to them; they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.’ Again, the Jews picked up rocks to stone him. Jesus told them, ‘I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of those do you stone me?’ The Jews answered him, “We do not stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy: because you, being a man, make yourself God.’b Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your law, “I said, you are gods?”c If he called them gods, (those to whom the word of God came, and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of him whom the Father has consecratedd and sent into the world, “You blaspheme,” because I said, “I am the Son of God?” If I do not do the works of my Father, do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may recognizee and believe that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.’ They sought again to seize him, but he escaped out of their hand.” John 10:27-39 – Cf. Deut. 32:39; 1 Sam. 2:2, 6; Ps. 95:6-7; Isa. 43:13
“Then, when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary stayed in the house. Therefore, Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died! Even now, I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.’ Jesus replied, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life! The one who believes in me, even though he dies, will live! Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She answered, ‘Yes, Lord! I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who comes into the world.’” John 11:20-27
“Jesus therefore said to them, ‘The light is with you a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, so that darkness may not overtake you. Whoever walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.’ After Jesus had said this, he left and hid from them. Still, even though he had performed so many signs in front of them, they did not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaias (Isaiah) the prophet: Lord, who has believed our report?a To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?b For this reason, they could not believe, for Isaias (Isaiah) said elsewhere: He has blinded their eyes and he hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and would turn, and I would heal them.c Isaias (Isaiah) said these things when he saw his glory and spoke of him.d However, even many among the rulers believed in him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess it [openly], so that they would not be put out of the synagogue, for they loved human praise more than God’s praise. Jesus cried aloud, ‘Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in the one who sent me! Whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I have come as a light into the world, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in the dark.’” John 12:35-46
“Jesus replied to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and you have seen him.’ Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us!’ Jesus answered, ‘I have been with you for such a long time, and still, do you not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father! How can you say, “Show us the Father?” Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words that I tell you, I do not speak from myself, but the Father who lives in me accomplishes his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and that the Father is in me; or else believe on account of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I tell you; whoever believes in me will also accomplish the works that I accomplish and will do [even] greater works than these, because I am going to my Father. Whatever you will ask in my Name is what I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my Name, I will accomplish it.’… Jesus answered him, ‘The one who loves me will keep my word; my Father will love and WE shall come to him and make a homeb in him.” John 14:6-14, 23
“Now, Father, glorify me with yourself with the glory I had with you before the world existed… Father, I desire that those whom you have given me would be with me where I am, so that they may see my glory which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:5, 24
“Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” John 20:28 – Cf. Ps. 35:23
Acts
“As they were stoning Stephen, he called in prayer, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’b Kneeling down, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them!’ Having said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:59-60
b This may be the first recorded instance of a prayer addressed directly to Jesus Christ as the Risen Lord. – Cf. Ps. 31:5; Eccl. 12:7
“As they went on the way, they arrived to [a place with] some water, and the eunuch said, ‘Behold, here is water! What is keeping me from being baptized?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God!’c He commanded the chariot to stand still, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch did not see him any more and went on his way rejoicing.” Acts 8:35-39
“Now, a certain disciple named Ananias lived in Damascus. In a vision, the Lord said to him, ‘Ananias!’ Ananias answered, ‘Behold, it is me, Lord!’ The Lord said to him, ‘Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judahd for someone named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying, and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him, so that he might receive his sight.’ But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard about this man from many, how much evil he has done to YOUR saints at Jerusalem. Here, he has authority from the chief priests to bind all those who call upon YOUR Name!’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Be on your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear MY Name before nations and kings, and to the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for MY Name’s sake.’ Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me, so that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit!’ At once, something like scales fell from Saul’sa eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized, and after taking some food, he was strengthened. After staying for several days with the disciples who were at Damascus, Saul immediately went in the synagogues to proclaim that Christ is the Son of God. All who heard him were amazed, and asked, “Is this not the man who did such damage in Jerusalem to those who called on THIS Name? And had he not come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests?’” Acts 9:10-21 – Cf. Gen. 12:8; 21:33; Deut. 4:7; Pss. 99:6-8; 116:1-4, 13, 17; 145:18
“Therefore, keep watch over yourselves and over the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers! Be shepherds of the Church of the Lorda and of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.b” Acts 20:28
a CT omits “of the Lord and”
b CT reads “with his own blood [son]” – Cf. Ps. 74:1-2
Pauline Epistles
“What the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God has accomplished by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin. Thus he condemned sin in the flesh;… However, you are not in the flesh but in the spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. But {surely} a anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. And so, brethren, we are not in debt to the flesh that we should live after the flesh. For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, then you will live! As many as are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. You did not receive the spirit of bondage to [live in] fear again. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption through which we cry, ‘Abba!b Father!’ The Spirit himselfc testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; and if [we are] children, then [we are] heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, so that we may also be glorified with him… He who did not spare his own Son but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also give us all things with him freely?” Romans 8:3, 9-17, 32
“From them are the fathers and Christ according to the flesh who is over all: God blessed forever.b Amen.” Romans 9:5
b Or “…flesh: God who is over all be blessed forever.” This doxology seems to apply to Christ (here called God), as is indicated by a similar structure in Romans 1:25 and 2 Corinthians 11:31.
“If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart, one believes, resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made, resulting in salvation. As the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.’ij Indeed, there is no distinction between Jew and Greek because the same Lord is Lord of all, and he is generousk to all who call on him. For, ‘Whoever will call on the Name of the Lord will be saved.’l” Romans 10:9-13
l Joel 2:32
“to the Church of God which is at Corinth. [You are] those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all those who call upon the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father AND the Lord Jesus Christ… And so, you lack no gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ; who will also confirm you until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship a of his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:2-3, 7-9
“Yet, to us, there is one God the Father, from whom are all things; and we [are] for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ through whom are all things, and we live through him.” 1 Corinthians 8:6
“Now, I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, that our forefathers were all under the cloud: all passed through the sea; and they were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink. They drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ… Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak [to you] as to people that have common sense. Judge what I say: The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a sharingc in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is not it a sharingd in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf of bread, we, who are many, are one body because we all partake of the one loaf of bread. Consider Israel according to the flesh: is it not true that those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? What am I saying then: that something sacrificed to idols is meaningful, a or that an idol is anything? [No], but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and also from the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and of the table of demons as well. Or do we [want to] provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?” 1 Corinthians 10:1-4, 14-22 – Cf. Deut. 32:4, 15-20, 30-31, 39; Mal. 1:6-14
“Therefore, I want you to understand that no one speaking by God’s Spirit can says, ‘Jesus is accursed.’ No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit. Now, there are various kinds of gifts, but it is the same Spirit. There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. There are various kinds of works, but it is the same God who works all things in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:3-6
“If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed.a Maranatha!b May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love is with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.” 1 Corinthians 16:22-24
“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, so that he might redeem those who were under the law and so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent forth the Spirita of his Son into your hearts, crying, ‘Abba,b Father!’ Now, you are no longer slaves, but children; and if [you are] children, then [you are] heirs of God through Christ.” Galatians 4:4-7
“May you also experiencea the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to his power and might which he accomplished in Christ, when he raised him from the dead and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places. Yes, Christ now sits ABOVE ALL rule, authority, power, dominion, and EVERY NAME that can be named, not only in this age, but also in the age to come. God put ALL THINGS in subjection under his feet and granted him to be head over ALL THINGS for the sake of the Church, which is his body, the fullness of himb who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:19-23
“one Lord, one faith, one baptism… But grace has been granted to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, Goda says, ‘When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.’b Now, what does ‘he ascended’ mean, if not that he first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the [same] one who also ascended FAR ABOVE all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.” Ephesians 4:5, 7-10 – Cf. Ps. 68:18; Jer. 23:23-24
“Let the following be in your mind, which was also in [the mind of] Christ Jesus. He who existed in the formc of God did not consider equality with God as something to be taken by force.d Instead, he emptiede himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to [the point of] death, even death on the cross! Therefore, God highly exalted him, and gave him the Name which is above every name; so that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven, on earth, and under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 – Cf. Pss. 97:9; 113:5; 148:13; Isa. 45:23
“He is the imagea of the invisible God, the firstbornb of all creation. For in him, all things were created, in the heavens and on earth, things visible and invisible, thrones, dominions, principalities and powers; all things have been created through him, and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.c He is the head of the body, the Church; [he is] the first cause, d the firstborn from the dead, so that in all [things] he might have the first place.e For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things to himself, both earthly and heavenly, having made peace through the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:13-20 – Cf. Neh. 9:6; Isa. 43:6-7, 20-21; 44:24
“Yes, I struggle so that their hearts may be comforted and for them to be united in love, obtaining the treasure that is in the full assurance of understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God the Father and of Christ.a In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge!… Be careful not to let anyone rob you through philosophy and vain deceit, according to human tradition and the basic things of the world, and not after Christ. For in him all the fullness of deity dwells bodily, and in him who is the head of all principality and power, you are made full.” Colossians 2:2-3, 8-10
“I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because he has considered me faithful and has appointed me to [this] ministry,e even though I used to be a blasphemer, a persecutor and disrespectful. Nevertheless, I obtained mercy because I did those things in ignorance and unbelief; and so the grace of our Lord overflowed [onto me along] with faith and love in Christ Jesus. This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the first.a This is how I obtained mercy, so that in me as ‘the first,’ Jesus Christ might show all his patience as an example for those who would believe in him for eternal life. Now, to the eternal King, b immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory unto ages of ages.c Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:12-17
“For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. Therefore, do not be ashamed to be a witness of our Lord or ashamed of me his prisoner. Share in my tribulations for the sake of the Good News, by the power of God. He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal.b This has now been revealed by the manifestationc of our Savior Christ Jesus who abolished death and brought to light [both] life and immortality through the Good News. For this, I was appointed as a herald, apostle and teacher of the Gentiles. That is why I am suffering as I am! Yet I am not ashamed because I know him in whom I have believed and I am persuaded that he is able to protectd what I have committed to him until that Day.” 2 Timothy 1:7-12
“Before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge the living and the dead at HIS appearing and HIS Kingdom, I charge you… From now on, the crown of righteousness f is reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all those who have loved HIS appearing… At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them! Still, the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and heard by all the Gentiles. I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion and the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for HIS heavenly Kingdom. To HIM be the glory now and unto ages of ages! Amen… May the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit! Grace be with you. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:1, 8, 16-18, 22
“waiting for the blessed hope: the appearingb of the glory of our great God and Saviorc Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us in order to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:13-14
c This is the preferred liturgical expression. Some translations have “of our Great God and [of the] Savior Jesus Christ” which is also possible and consistent with the similar construction in 1:4. St. John Chrysostom makes explicit reference to this text to establish that Christ is indeed called theos (PNF Volume 13, p. 207).
Hebrews
“At the end of these days, he has spoken to us in his Son whom he has appointed heir of all things and through whom he [had] made the ages. His Son is the radiance of his glory, the exact counterpart a of his person,b upholding all things by the word of his power.c When he had by himselfd made purification for our sins,e he sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become much betterf than the angels as the Name he has inheritedg is superior to theirs… Also, when he brings the firstborn into the world, Godj says: ‘Let all the angels of God express adoration tok him.’l… but of the Son he says: Your throne O Godc is unto ages of ages! The scepter of justice is the scepter of your Kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your companions.d And: You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands. They will perish, but you continue. They all will grow old as a garment,e As a mantle, you will roll them up, and they will be changed; but you are the same. Your years will not fail.f” Hebrews 1:2-4, 6, 8-12
c There are instances where ho theos means “O God” (Heb. 10:7), which is why this verse can properly be translated as indicated. St. John Chrysostom does argue that the Son is called ho theos in this verse (PNF Vol. 14, p. 376). However, it should be noted that the most statistically and linguistically probable reading is “Your throne is God, is unto ages of ages.”
e NT agrees with LXX against MT
f Psalms 102:25-27
2 Peter
“Simon Peter, a servant a and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a precious faith like ours, with us, in the righteousness of our God and Saviorb Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord… Thus, you will be richly granted the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:1-2, 11
“If, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome [by it], their last state has become worse than the first!” 2 Peter 2:20
“that you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets and the commandments of us who are the apostles of the Lord and Savior… Instead, grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, both now and unto ages of ages. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:2, 18
Jude
“Indeed, there are certain men who have secretly crept in, people whose condemnation was announced long ago. They are ungodly men who turn the grace of our God into indecency, and they deny our only Master, God,d and Lord, Jesus Christ… About these people, Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied, saying:b Behold, the Lord is coming with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him… But you, beloved, keep on building yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ [that leads] to eternal life.” Jude 1:4, 15-16, 20-21
d Other ancient manuscripts read “our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ”
Revelation
“John, to the seven Churches that are in Asia [Minor]: May grace and peace be with you from God,c [the one] who isd and who was and who is to come; AND FROM the seven spiritse who are before his throne; AND FROM Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us, washed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priestsf to his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion unto the ages. Amen. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. It shall be so! Amen! ‘I am the Alpha and the Omegag,h’ says the Lord God,i ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’J… I John, your brother and partner with you in oppression, in the Kingdom, and in perseverance in Christ Jesus, a was on the island called Patmos because of God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ.b I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s dayc and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet saying, ‘d What you see, write [it] in a book and send [it] to the seven Churches;e to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.’
“I turned around to see the voice that had spoken to me. Having done so, I saw seven golden lampstands,f and among the seven g lampstands was someone like a son of man,h clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sashi around his chest. His head and his hair were as white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like fine brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters. He had seven stars in his right hand and out of his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.
“When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid! I am the first and the last, and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive unto ages of ages!j Amen;k I have the keys of death and of hades.’” Revelation 1:4-18
c CT and TR read “from the one” instead of “from God”
d In Greek ho on which can also mean “the Existing One” (God’s name in Exodus 3:14) and which is placed in the halo in all the icons of Christ.
e Sometimes capitalized as “Spirits” ‘’
f TR reads “kings and priests” – Exodus 19:6; Isaias (Isaiah) 61:6
g Greek ᾿Εgo εimi τo Α καὶ τo Ω
h TR adds “the Beginning and the End”
i TR omits “God”
j Greek ho `pantokrator
d TR adds “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last” – Cf. Isa. 6:1-5; 41:4; 44:6; 48:12; Ezek. 1:24-28; 8:1-4; 43:1-9; Dan. 7:9-10, 13-14; 10:1-6; Zech. 12:10
“To the angel of the Church in Thyatira, write: The Son of God, whose eyes are like a flame of fire, whose feet are like fine brass, says these things: ‘I know your works, your love, faith, service, patient endurance and I know that your last works are more abundant than the first ones. But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel who calls herself a prophetess. She seduces my servants by teaching them to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. Behold, I will throw her into a bed [of pain] and I will throw those who commit adultery with her into great suffering, unless they repent of her works. I will kill her children with death and all the Churches will know that I am the one who searches the minds and hearts. I will render to each one of you according to your deeds.’” Revelation 2:18-23 – Cf. Jer. 17:10; 11:20; 29:23
“When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four presbyters fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp and golden bowls full of incense, d which are the prayers of the saints. They sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the book, and to open its seals: because you were slain, and redeemed e us for God with your blood, out of every tribe, language, people, and nation. You have made us kings and priests to our God, and theyf will reign on g earth.’ I saw and I heard something like the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures and the presbyters. The number of those speaking was ten thousands h of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands. They were saying with a loud voice: ‘Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!’ I heard EVERY CREATURE in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and EVERYTHING IN THEM, saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, unto ages of ages!’ The four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’, and the twenty-four presbyters fell down and expressed adoration.ij” Revelation 5:8-14
I proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo)
J TR adds “to the one living unto ages of ages”
“After these things I looked, and behold, there was a great multitude which no one could number, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages. They were standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They cried with a loud voice, saying: ‘Salvation [belongs] to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb!’ All the angels were standing around the throne, along with the presbyters and the four living creatures. They fell on their faces before his throne and expressed adoration tob God, saying: ‘Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, be to our God unto ages of ages! Amen.’ Then one of the presbyters spoke and asked me, ‘Who are these who are arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?’ I told him, ‘My lord, you know!’c He said to me, ‘These are those who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, they are before the throne of God and they offer divine service d to him day and night in his sanctuary. He who sits on the throne will tabernacle e with them. They will never be hungry or thirsty any more. Neither heat not sun will ever scorch them, because the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne is their shepherd. He leads them to the springs of the waters of life f and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”” Revelation 7:9-17
“The angel g said to me, ‘These words are faithful and true! The Lord God of the spiritsh of the prophets sent HIS angel to show to his servantsi the things which must happen soon. “Behold, I come quickly! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”’… ‘Behold, I come quickly! My reward is with me, to repay to each one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End!d Blessed are those who observee his commandments,f so that they may have accessg to the tree of life and may enter into the city through the gates. But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. I, Jesus, have sent MY angel to attest these things to you for the Churches. I am the root and the offspring of David; the Bright and Morning Star!’h… He who attests these things says, ‘Yes, I come quickly!’ Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.” Revelation 22:6-7, 12-16, 20-21
N.T. Wright is viewed as a renowned [N]ew [T]estament scholar and authority on the resurrection of Jesus. He has produced a translation of the NT, now in its third edition, titled The New Testament for Everyone, Third Edition, Hardcover: A Fresh Translation, published by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI 2023.
I have, therefore, decided to quote select passages from his translation in order to allow the readers see what this notable scholar believes in respect to the issue of justification and Christ’s Deity.
ON JUSTIFYING FAITH
Wright agrees that the expression pistis ‘Iesou Christou is more properly rendered as “the faithfulness of Jesus Christ”. Wright takes the position that believers are justified by Christ’s faithfulness, i.e., Jesus’ being perfectly faithful in accomplishing God’s will for him to die as a vicarious sacrifice for sinners.
“God’s covenant justice comes into operation through the faithfulness of Jesus the Messiah, for the benefit of all who have faith… God put Jesus forth as the place of mercy, through faithfulness, by means of his blood. He did this to demonstrate his covenant justice, because of the passing over (in divine forbearance) of sins committed beforehand. This was to demonstrate his covenant justice in the present time: that is, that he himself is in the right, and that he declares to be in the right everyone who trusts in the faithfulness of Jesus.”
Romans 3:22, 25-26
“But we know that a person is not declared ‘righteous’ by works of the Jewish law, but through the faithfulness of Jesus the Messiah. That is why we too believed in the Messiah, Jesus: so that we might be declared ‘righteous’ on the basis of the Messiah’s faithfulness, and not on the basis of works of the Jewish law. On that basis, you see, no creature will be declared ‘righteous.’… I have been crucified with the Messiah. I am, however, alive–but it isn’t me any longer, it’s the Messiah who lives in me. And the life I do still live in the flesh, I live within the faithfulness of the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:16, 20
“But the Bible shut up everything together under the power of sin, so that the promise–which comes by the faithfulness of Jesus the Messiah–might be given to those who believe. Before this faithfulness arrived, we were kept under the guard by the law, in close confinement until the coming faithfulness should be revealed. Thus the law was like a babysitter for us, looking after us until the coming of the Messiah, so that we might be given covenant membership on the basis of faithfulness. But now that faithfulness has come, we are no longer under the rule of the babysitter. For you are all children of God, through faith, in the Messiah, Jesus.”
Galatians 3:22-26
“This was God’s eternal purpose, and he’s accomplished it in Messiah Jesus our Lord. We have confidence, and access to God, in him, in full assurance, through his faithfulness.”
Ephesians 3:11-12
“and that I may be discovered in him, not having my own covenant status defined by Torah, but the status which comes through the Messiah’s faithfulness: the covenant status from God which is given to faith.”
Philippians 3:9
ON CHRIST’S DEITY
I now cite what I view to be the most relevant NT passages in establishing the absolute, essential Deity of Christ.
“In the beginning was the Word. The Word was close beside God, and the Word was God. In the beginning, he was close beside God. All things came into existence through him; not one thing that exists came into existence without him. Life was in him, and this life was the light of the human race… The true light, which gives light to every human being, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world did not know him… And the Word became flesh, and lived among us. We gazed upon his glory, glory like that of the father’s only son, full of grace and truth… Nobody has ever seen God. The only-begotten God, who is intimately close to the father–he has brought him to light.”
John 1:1-4, 9-10, 14, 18
“This was Jesus’ response to them. ‘My father,’ he said, ‘is going on working, and so am I!’ So for this reason the Judeans were all the more eager to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath, but spoke of God as his own father, making himself equal to God.”
John 5:17-18
“‘I haven’t got a demon!’ replied Jesus. ‘I am honoring my father, and you are dishonoring me. I’m not looking for my own glory; there is one who is looking after that, and he will be the judge. I’m telling you the solemn truth: anyone who keeps my word will never, ever see death.’ ‘Now we know that you really have got a demon!’ replied the Judaeans. ‘Look here: Abraham died! So did the prophets! And here are you, saying, “Anyone who keeps my word will never, ever taste death.” You’re not suggesting, are you, that you’re greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets! Who are you making yourself out to be?’ ‘If I do give myself glory,’ replied Jesus, ‘my glory is nothing. My father is the one who brings me glory –the one you say is “our God”; and you don’t know him! I know him, though. If I were to say I didn’t know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I keep his word. Your father Abraham celebrated the fact that he would see my day. He saw it and was delighted.’ ‘You’re not yet fifty years old! Responded the Judeans. ‘Have you seen Abraham?’ ‘I’m telling you the solemn truth,’ replied Jesus. ‘Before Abraham existed, I Am.’ So they picked up stones to throw a him. But Jesus hid, and left the Temple.”
John 8:49-59
“‘My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them the life of the coming age. They will never, ever perish, and nobody can snatch them out of my hand. My father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and nobody can snatch them out of my father’s hand. I and the father are one.’ So the Judeans once more picked up stones to stone him. ‘I’ve shown you many fine deeds from the father,’ Jesus replied to them. ‘Which of these deeds are you stoning me for?’ ‘We’re not stoning you for good deeds,’ replied the Judeans, ‘but because of blasphemy! Here you are, a mere man, and you’re making yourself into God!”
John 10:27-33 – Cf. Deut. 32:39; 1 Sam. 2:2, 6; Ps. 95:6-7; Isa. 43:13
“‘My Lord,’ replied Thomas, ‘and my God!’”
John 20:28 – Cf. Ps. 35:23
“So they stoned Stephen. ‘Lord Jesus,’ he cried out, ‘receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and shouted at the top of his voice, ‘Lord, don’t let this sin against them.’”
Acts 7:59-60 – Cf. Ps. 31:5; Eccl. 12:7
“‘Well Lord,’ replied Ananias, ‘I’ve heard about this man from several people…all about how he’s done wicked things to your holy people in Jerusalem…and now he’s come here with authority from the chief priests to tie up everybody who calls on your Name!’… At once he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘This really is the son of God!’ Everyone was astonished, and said, ‘Isn’t this the man who caused havoc to those in Jerusalem who call on this Name? And here he is, coming to tie them up and take them off to the high priest!’”
Acts 9:13-14, 20-21
“‘Just as I was on the way, and getting near to Damascus, suddenly a bright light shone from heaven all around me. It was about midday. I fell down on the ground and I heard a voice, saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” I answered, “Who are you, Master?” And he said to me, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, and you are persecuting me!” The people who were with me saw the light, but they didn’t hear the voice of the person speaking to me. So I said, “What shall I do, Master?” And the Lord said to me, “Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all the things that have been arranged for you to do.” So, as I couldn’t see because of the brightness of that light, the people with me led me by the hand, and I came to Damascus. There was a man named Ananias,” Paul continued. He was a devout, law-keeping Jew, and all the Jews living in Damascus would testify to the fact. He came and stood beside me and said, “Brother Saul, receive your sight.” In that very moment I could see, and I looked at him. This is what he said, “The God of our ancestors chose you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the word from his mouth. This is because you are going to bear witness for him to all people, telling them what you have seen and heard. Now, then, what are you going to do? Get up, be baptized and wash away your sins BY CALLING ON HIS NAME.” After I came back to Jerusalem, and was praying in the Temple, I fell into a trance, and I saw him speaking to me. “Hurry up!” he said. “Leave Jerusalem as quickly as possible! They won’t accept your testimony about me.” “But Lord,” I replied, “they themselves know that in all the synagogues I used to imprison and beat those who believe in you. And when they shed the blood of Stephen, your witness, I was myself standing there and giving approval. I was looking after their cloaks of those who were killing him.” “No,” he said to me. “Go away from here! I’m sending you far away–to the Gentiles!”’”
Acts 22:6-21 – Cf. Gen. 4:26; 12:8; 21:33; Deut. 4:7; Pss. 99:6-8; 116:1-4, 13, 17; 145:18
“‘Watch out for yourselves,’ Paul continued, ‘and for the whole flock, in which the holy spirit has appointed you as guardians, to feed the church of God, which he purchased with his very own blood.”
Acts 20:28
“For God has done what the law (being weak because of human flesh). God sent his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and as a sin-offering; and, right there in the flesh, he condemned sin… But you’re not people of flesh; you’re people of the spirit (if indeed God’s spirit lives within you; note that anyone who doesn’t have the spirit of the Messiah doesn’t belong to him). But if the Messiah is in you, the body is indeed dead because of sin, but the spirit is life because of covenant justice… God, after all, did not spare his own son; he gave him up for us all!”
Romans 8:3, 9-10, 32
“The patriarchs are their ancestors; and it is from them, according to the flesh, that the Messiah has come–who is God over all, blessed forever, Amen!”
Romans 9:5
“because if you profess with your mother that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Why? Because covenant membership comes by believing with the heart, and salvation comes by professing with the mouth. The Bible says, you see, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, since the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich towards all who call upon him. ‘All who call upon the name of the Lord,’ you see, ‘will be saved.’”
Romans 10:9-13 – Cf. Joel 2:32
“to God’s assembly at Corinth, made holy in Messiah Jesus, called to be holy, with everyone who calls on the name of our Lord, Messiah Jesus, in every place–their Lord, indeed, as well as ours! Grace to you and peace from God our father and Messiah Jesus the Lord… so that you aren’t missing out on any spiritual gift as you wait eagerly for our Lord, Messiah Jesus, to be revealed. He will establish you right through to the end, so that you are blameless on the day of our Lord Messiah Jesus. God is faithful! And it is through God that you have been called into fellowship of his son, Messiah Jesus, our Lord.”
1 Corinthians 1:2-3, 7-9
“None of the rulers of this present age knew about this wisdom. If they had, you see, they wouldn’t have crucified the Lord of glory.”
1 Corinthians 2:8
“When you are assembled together in the name of our Lord Jesus, and my spirit is there too with the power of our Lord Jesus, you must hand over such a person to the satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord Jesus.”
1 Corinthians 5:4-5
“But for us There is one God, the father, from whom are all things, and we live to him and for him; and one Lord, Jesus the Messiah, through whom are all things, and we live through him.”
1 Corinthians 8:6
“If anyone doesn’t love the Lord, let them be accursed! Come, Lord, come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Messiah Jesus.”
1 Corinthians 16:22-24
“This is how you should think among yourselves–with the mind that you have because you belong to the Messiah, Jesus: Who, though in God’s form, did not regard equality with God as something he ought to exploit. Instead, he emptied himself, and received the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of humans. And then, having human appearance, he humbled himself, and became obedient even to death. And so God has greatly exalted him, and to him in his favor has given the name which is over all names. That now at the name of Jesus every knee within heaven shall bow–on earth, too, and under the earth; And every tongue shall confess that Jesus, Messiah, is Lord, to the glory of God, the father.”
Philippians 2:5-11
“That is why the Messiah died and came back to life, so that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. You, then, why do you condemn your fellow Christian? Or you: why do you despise a fellow Christian? We must all appear before the judgment seat of God, as the Bible says: As I live, says the Lord, to me every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall give praise to God. So then, we must each give an account of ourselves to God.”
Romans 14:9-12
“For we must all before the judgment seat of the Messiah, so that each may receive what has been done through the body, whether good or bad.”
2 Corinthians 5:10
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness, and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved son. He is the one in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of God, the invisible one, the firstborn of all creation. For in him all things were created, in the heavens and here on earth. Things we can see and things we cannot, –thrones and lordships and rulers and powers–all things were created both through him and for him. And he is ahead, prior to all else and in him all things hold together; and he himself is supreme, the head over the body, the church. He is the start of it all; firstborn from realms of the dead; so in all things he might be the chief. For in him all the Fullness was glad to dwell and through him to reconcile all to himself, through him–yes, things on the earth, also the things in the heavens.”
Colossians 1:13-20
“In him, you see, all the full measure of divinity has taken up bodily residence.”
Colossians 2:9
“I thank Messiah Jesus our Lord, who gave me strength. He regarded me as trustworthy by appointing me to his service–even though I used to say blasphemous things against him, and persecuted his people violently! But I received mercy, because in my unbelief I didn’t know what I was doing. And the grace of our Lord was more than enough for me, with the faith and love that are in Messiah Jesus. Here is a word you can trust, which deserves total approval: ‘Messiah Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ –and I’m the worst of them! But this was why I received mercy: so that in me, precisely as the worst, Messiah Jesus could demonstrate the full scale of his patience, and make me a pattern for those who were going to believe in him and so attain the life of the age to come. To the King of ages, the one and only God, immortal and invisible, be honor and glory to the ages of ages, Amen!”
1 Timothy 1:12-17
“I give you this charge before God who gives life to all things, and Messiah Jesus, who made the noble profession before Pontius Pilate: be undefiled and blameless as you keep the commandment, until the royal appearing of our Lord Messiah Jesus, which the blessed and only Sovereign One, the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at its proper time. He is the only one who possesses immortality; he lives in unapproachable light; no human being has seen him, nor can see him. To him be eternal honor and power, Amen!”
1 Timothy 6:14-16
“So don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me as his prisoner. Rather, suffer for the gospel along with us, in accordance with God’s power. God saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace. He gave us this grace in Messiah Jesus before all time and ages, but has now made it visible through the appearing of our savior Messiah Jesus, who abolished death and, through the gospel, shone a bright light on life and immortality. I was made a herald, apostle and teacher for this gospel; that’s why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one I have trusted, and I’m convinced that he has the power to keep me safe until that day what I have entrusted to him.”
2 Timothy 1:8-12
“This is my solemn change to you, in the presence of God and Messiah Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearance and his kingdom… What do I still have to look for? The crown of righteousness! The Lord, the righteous judge, will give it to me as my reward on that day–and not only me, but also to all who have loved his appearing… The first time my case came to court nobody showed up to support me; they all left me alone. May it not be reckoned against them! But the Lord stood besides me and gave me strength to enable me to complete work as his royal herald, and to make sure that all the Gentiles heard the proclamation; and I was snatched clear of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will snatch me clear from every wicked deed and will save me for his heavenly kingdom. Glory to him for the ages of ages, Amen!”
2 Timothy 4:1, 8, 16-18
“while we wait eagerly for the blessed hope and royal appearing of the glory of or great God and savior, Jesus the Messiah. He gave himself for us so that he could ransom us from all lawless actions and purify for himself a people as his very own would be eager for good works.”
Titus 2:13-14
“In many ways and by many means God spoke in ancient times to our ancestors in the prophets; but at the end of these days he spoke to us in a son. He appointed this son to be heir of all things; through him, in addition, he created the worlds. He is the shining reflection of God’s own glory, the precise expression of his own very being; he sustains all things through his powerful word. He accomplished the cleansing needed for sins, and sat down at the right of the Majesty Supreme. See how much greater he is than the angels: the name he is granted is finer than theirs… Again, when God brings the firstborn son into the world, he says, Let all God’s angels worship him… In relation to the son, however, it says, Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom; you loved justice and hated lawlessness, therefore God, your God, anointed you with the oil of gladness, as superior to your comrades. And again: You established the earth, O Lord, from the beginning and the heavens are the works of your hands; they will be destroyed, but you will remain; all of them will grow old like clothing, you will roll them up like a cloak, and they will be changed like clothing. But you are the same, and your years will never give out.”
Hebrews 1:1-4, 6, 8-12
“James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus the Messiah, to the twelve dispersed tribes: greeting.”
James 1:1
“My brothers and sisters, as you practice the faith of our Lord Jesus, the anointed King of glory, you must do so without favoritism.”
James 2:1
“Look: you cheated the workers who mowed your fields by keeping back their wages, and those wages are crying out! The cries of the farm workers have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived off the fat of the land, in the lap of luxury. You have fattened your own hearts on a day of slaughter. You have condemned the Righteous One and killed him, and he doesn’t resist you. So be patient, my brothers and sisters, for the appearing of the Lord. You know how the farmer waits for the valuable crop to come up from the ground. He is patient over it, waiting for it to receive the early rain and then the late rain. In the same way, you must be patient, and make your hearts strong, because the appearing of the Lord is near at hand. Don’t grumble against one another, my brothers and sisters, so that you may not be judged. Look–the judge is standing at the gates! Consider the prophets, my brothers and sisters, who spoke in the name of the Lord.”
James 5:4-9
“The prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be given to you searched and inquired about this rescue. They asked what sort of time it would be, the time that the Messiah’s spirit within them was indicating when speaking of the Messiah’s sufferings and subsequent glory. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they were ministering these things–things which have now been announced to you by the holy spirit sent from heaven, through those who preached the good news to you. The angels long to gaze on these things.”
1 Peter 1:10-12 – Cf. Gen. 1:2; 41:38; Exod. 31:3; 35:31; Num. 11:16-17, 24-29; 24:2; 2 Sam. 23:2-3; Neh. 9:20, 30; Ps. 51:11; 143:10; Isa. 11:1-2; 32:15; 34:16; 44:3; 48:16; 59:20-21; 61:1; 63:10-11, 14; Ezek. 2:2; 3:24; 11:5; 36:27; 37:14; 39:29; Joel 2:28-29; Hag. 2:5; Mic. 3:8; Zech. 4:6; 7:12
“–if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Come to him, to that living stone. Humans rejected him, but God chose him and values him very highly!… and ‘a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.’”
1 Peter 2:3-4, 8 – Cf. Ps. 34:8; Isa. 8:14
“But if you do suffer because of your righteous behavior, God’s blessing is upon you! ‘Don’t fear what they fear; don’t be disturbed.’ Sanctify the Messiah as Lord in your hearts, and always be ready to make a reply to anyone who asks you to explain the hope that is in you.”
1 Peter 3:14-15 – Cf. Isa. 8:12-13
“Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus the Messiah, to those who have obtained a share of faith equal to ours in the righteousness of our God and savior Jesus the Messiah… That is how you will have, richly laid out before you, an entrance into the kingdom of God’s coming age, the kingdom of our Lord and savior Jesus the Messiah.”
2 Peter 1:1, 11
“Instead, grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus the Messiah. To him be glory both now and in the day when God’s new age dawns. Amen.”
2 Peter 3:18
“Judah, slave of Jesus the Messiah, brother of James, to those who are called, the people whom God loves and whom Jesus the Messiah keeps safe!… Some people have sneaked in among you, it seems, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation–ungodly people, who are transforming God’s grace into licentiousness, and denying the one and only master, our Lord Jesus the Messiah… Enoch, the seventh in line from Adam, prophesied about these people, ‘Look!’ he said, ‘The Lord comes with ten thousand of his holy ones, to perform judgment against all, and to charge every human being with all the ungodly ways in which they have done ungodly things, and with every harsh word which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.’… But you, beloved ones, build yourselves up in your most holy faith. Pray in the holy spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God, as you wait for our Lord Jesus the Messiah to show you mercy which leads to the life of the age to come… –to the one and only God, our savior through Jesus the Messiah our Lord, be glory, majesty, power and authority before all the ages, and now, and to all the ages to come. Amen.”
Jude 1:1, 4, 20-21, 25
“John, to the seven churches in Asia: grace to you and peace from He Who Is and Who Was and Who Is To Come, AND FROM the seven spirits that are before his throne, AND FROM Jesus the Messiah, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth. Glory to the one who loved us, and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and father–glory and power be to him forever and ever. Amen. Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye shall see him; yes, even those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth shall mourn because of him. Yes! Amen. ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, Who Is and Who Was and Who Is To Come, the Almighty.’ I, John, your brother and your partner in the suffering, the kingdom, and the patient endurance in Jesus. I was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet. ‘Write down what you see in a book,’ It said, ‘and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.’ So I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. As I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the middle of the lampstands ‘one like a son of man,’ wearing a full-length robe and with a golden belt across his chest. His head and his hair were white, white like wool, white like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like exquisite brass, refined in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of many waters. He was holding seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword was coming out of his mouth. The sight of him was like the sun when it shines with full power. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though I was dead. He touched me with his right hand. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said, ‘I am the first and the last and the living one. I was dead, and look! I am alive forever and ever. I have the keys of death and Hades.’”
Revelation 1:4-18 – Cf. 1 Kings 22:19-23; Isa. 6:1-5; Ezekiel 1:24-28; Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; 10:1-6; Zech. 12:10-14; Matt. 17:1-2
“Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira. ‘These are the words of the son of God, whose eyes are like flaming fire and whose feet are like exquisite fire. I know what you have done: I know your love, your faith, your service and your patience. I know that your works have been more impressive recently than they were before. But I have something against you: you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet and deceives my servants by teaching them to practice fornication and to eat idol-food. I gave her time to repent, but she had no wish to repent of her immorality. Look! I am going to throw her on a bed, and those who have committed fornication with her will have great distress, unless they repent of the works into which she has led them. I will utterly slaughter her children, and all the churches will know that I am the one who searches minds and hearts. I will give to each of you what your deeds deserve.’”
Revelation 2:18-23 – Cf. Jer. 17:10; 11:20; 29:23
“When he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down in front of the lamb. They each had a harp, and they each had golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s holy people. They sing a new song, which goes like this: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll; you are worthy to open its seals; for you were slaughtered and with your own blood you purchased for God, from every tribe and tongue, from every people and nation and made them a kingdom and priests to our God and they will reign on earth.’ As I watched, I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures and the elders. Their number was ten thousand times ten thousand, thousands upon thousands, and they were declaring in full voice, ‘The slaughtered lamb has now deserved to take the riches and the power, to take the wisdom, strength and honor, to take glory, and the blessing.’ Then I heard EVERY CREATURE in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, and in the sea, and EVERYTHING THAT IS IN THEM, saying, ‘To the One on the throne AND THE LAMB be blessing and honor and glory and power forever and ever!’ ‘Amen!’ cried the four living creatures. And the elders fell down and worshiped.”
Revelation 5:8-14
“After this I looked, and lo and behold a huge gathering WHICH NOBODY COULD POSSIBLY COUNT, from every nation and tribe and people and language. They were standing in front of the throne, and in front of the lamb. They were dressed in white robes, holding palm branches in their hands. They were shouting out at the tops of their voices, ‘Salvation belongs to our God, to the one who sits on the throne, AND TO THE LAMB!’ All the angels who were standing around the throne and the elders and the four creatures fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God. ’Yes, Amen!’ they were saying. ‘Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen!’ One of the elders spoke to me. ‘Who are these people dressed all in white?’ he said. ‘Where have they come from?’ ‘Sir,’ I replied, ‘you know!’ ‘These are the ones,’ he said, ‘who have come out of the great suffering. They have washed their clothes and made them white in the blood of the lamb. THAT IS WHY they are there in front of God’s throne, serving him day and night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They will never be hungry again, or thirsty again. The sun will not scorch them, nor will any fierce heat. The lamb, who is in the middle of the throne, will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of running water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”
Revelation 7:9-17
“‘These words,’ he said to me, ‘are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent HIS angel to show his servants what must soon take place. “Look, I am coming soon. God’s blessing on the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”’… ‘Look! I am coming soon. I will bring my reward with me, and I will pay everyone back according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end… I, Jesus, have sent MY angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am David’s root and offspring. I am the bright morning star.’… The one who gives this testimony says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.”
Revelation 22:6-7, 12-13, 16, 20-21 – Cf. Ps. 62:12; Prov. 24:12; Isa. 40:10; 41:4; 44:6; 48:12; 62:11
JOHN 1
CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH TRANSLATION (CEV)
“In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. And with this Word, God created all things. Nothing was made without the Word. Everything that was created received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone… The Word was in the world, but no one knew him, though God had made the world with his Word… The Word became a human being and lived here with us. We saw his true glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. From him all the kindness and all the truth of God have come down to us… No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is truly God and is closest to the Father, has shown us what God is like.” John 1:1-4, 10, 14, 18
GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION (GNT)
“In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God.From the very beginning the Word was with God.Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him.The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people… The Word was in the world, and though God made the world through him, yet the world did not recognize him… The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son… No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is the same as God and is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.”
LIVING BIBLE (TLB)
“Before anything else existed, there was Christ, with God. He has always been alive and is himself God.He created everything there is—nothing exists that he didn’t make.Eternal life is in him, and this life gives light to all mankind… But although he made the world, the world didn’t recognize him when he came… And Christ became a human being and lived here on earth among us and was full of loving forgiveness and truth. And some of us have seen his glory—the glory of the only Son of the heavenly Father!… No one has ever actually seen God, but, of course, his only Son has, for he is the companion of the Father and has told us all about him.”
NEW ENGLISH BIBLE (NEB)
“WHEN ALL THINGS BEGAN, the Word already was. The Word dwelt with God, and what God was, the Word was. [Or: The Word was at the creation.] The Word, then, was with God at the beginning, and through him all things came to be; no single thing was created without him. All that came to be was alive with his life, [Or: no single created thing came into being without him. There was life in him …] and that life was the light of men… He was in the world; [Or: The Word, then, was in the world.] but the world, though it owed its being to him, did not recognize him… So the Word became flesh; he came to dwell among us, and we saw his glory, such glory as befits the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth… No one has ever seen God; but God’s only Son, he who is nearest to the Father’s heart, he has made him known. [Some witnesses read: but the only one, the one nearest to the Father’s heart, has made him known; others read: but the only one, himself God, the nearest to the Father’s heart, has made him known.]”
NEW LIVING TRANSALTION (NLT)
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone… He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him… So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son… No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.”
J. B. PHILLIPS (PHILLIPS)
“At the beginning God expressed himself. That personal expression, that word, was with God, and was God, and he existed with God from the beginning. All creation took place through him, and none took place without him. In him appeared life and this life was the light of mankind… That was the true light which shines upon every man as he comes into the world. He came into the world—the world he had created—and the world failed to recognise him. He came into his own creation, and his own people would not accept him… So the word of God became a human being and lived among us. We saw his splendour (the splendour as of a father’s only son), full of grace and truth… It is true that no one has ever seen God at any time. Yet the divine and only Son, who lives in the closest intimacy with the Father, has made him known.”
JOHN 8:58
CEV
“‘Your father Abraham was really glad to see me.’ ‘You are not even fifty years old!’ they said. ‘How could you have seen Abraham?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you for certain that even before Abraham was, I was, and I am.’ The people picked up stones to kill Jesus, but he hid and left the temple.” John 8:56-59
JB
“‘Your father Abraham rejoiced to think that he would see my Day; he saw it and was glad.’ The Jews then said, ‘You are not fifty yet, and you have seen Abraham!’ Jesus replied: ‘I tell you most solemnly, before Abraham ever was, I Am.’ At this they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself and left the Temple.”
TLB
“‘Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He knew I was coming and was glad.’ The Jewish leaders: ‘You aren’t even fifty years old—sure, you’ve seen Abraham!’ Jesus: ‘The absolute truth is that I was in existence before Abraham was ever born!’ At that point the Jewish leaders picked up stones to kill him. But Jesus was hidden from them, and walked past them and left the Temple.”
NLT
“‘Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad.’ The people said, ‘You aren’t even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?[a]’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am![b]’At that point they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple.”
Footnotes:
a. 8:57 Some manuscripts read How can you say Abraham has seen you?
b. 8:58 Or before Abraham was even born, I have always been alive; Greek reads before Abraham was, I am. See Exod 3:14.
PHILLIPS
“‘As for your father, Abraham, his great joy was that he would see my coming. Now he has seen it and he is overjoyed.’ ‘Look,’ said the Jews to him, ‘you are not fifty yet, and has Abraham seen you?’ ‘I tell you in solemn truth,’ returned Jesus, ‘before there was an Abraham, I AM!’ At this, they picked up stones to hurl at him, but Jesus disappeared and made his way out of the Temple.”
JOHN 17:5
CEV
“Now, Father, give me back the glory that I had with you before the world was created.”
GNT
“Father! Give me glory in your presence now, the same glory I had with you before the world was made.”
JERUSALEM BIBLE (JB)
“Now, Father, it is time for you to glorify me with that glory I had with.”
TLB
“And now, Father, reveal my glory as I stand in your presence, the glory we shared before the world began.”
NLT
“Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.”
ACTS 20:28
TLB
“And now beware! Be sure that you feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his blood—for the Holy Spirit is holding you responsible as overseers.”
JB
“Be on your guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you the overseers, to feed the Church of God which he bought with his own blood.”
PHILLIPS
“Now be on your guard for yourselves and for every flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you guardians—you are to be shepherds to the Church of God, which he won at the cost of his own blood.”
ROMANS 9:5
JB
“They are descended from the patriarchs and from their flesh and blood came Christ who is above all, God for ever blessed! Amen.”
NLT
“Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are their ancestors, and Christ himself was an Israelite as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.”
1 CORINTHIANS 8:6
CEV
“We have only one God, and he is the Father. He created everything, and we live for him. Jesus Christ is our only Lord. Everything was made by him, and by him life was given to us.”
GNT
“yet there is for us only one God, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and for whom we live; and there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and through whom we live.”
TLB
“But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created all things and made us to be his own; and one Lord Jesus Christ, who made everything and gives us life.”
NLT
“But for us, There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live.”
PHILIPPIANS 2
CEV
“Christ was truly God. But he did not try to remainequal with God. Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us.” Philippians 2:6-7
GNT
“He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to remain equal with God. Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a servant. He became like a human being and appeared in human likeness.”
TLB
“who, though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men.”
PHILLIPS
“For he, who had always been God by nature, did not cling to his prerogatives as God’s equal, but stripped himself of all privilege by consenting to be a slave by nature and being born as mortal man.”
COLOSSIANS 1
CEV
“Christ is exactly like God, who cannot be seen. He is the first-born Son, superior to all creation. Everything was created by him, everything in heaven and on earth, everything seen and unseen, including all forces and powers, and all rulers and authorities. All things were created by God’s Son, and everything was made for him. God’s Son was before all else, and by him everything is held together. He is the head of his body, which is the church. He is the very beginning, the first to be raised from death, so that he would be above all others. God himself was pleased to live fully in his Son.” Colossians 1:15-19
GNT
“Christ is the visible likeness of the invisible God. He is the first-born Son, superior to all created things.For through him God created everything in heaven and on earth, the seen and the unseen things, including spiritual powers, lords, rulers, and authorities. God created the whole universe through him and for him. Christ existed before all things, and in union with him all things have their proper place. He is the head of his body, the church; he is the source of the body’s life. He is the first-born Son, who was raised from death, in order that he alone might have the first place in all things.For it was by God’s own decision that the Son has in himself the full nature of God.”
JB
“He is the image of the unseen God and the first-born of all creation, for in him were created all things in heaven and on earth: everything visible and everything invisible, Thrones, Dominations, Sovereignties, Powers all things were created through him and for him. Before anything was created, he existed, and he holds all things in unity. Now the Church is his body, he is its head. As he is the Beginning, he was first to be born from the dead, so that he should be first in every way; because God wanted all perfection to be found in him”
TLB
“Christ is the exact likeness of the unseen God. He existed before God made anything at all, and, in fact, Christ himself is the Creator who made everything in heaven and earth, the things we can see and the things we can’t; the spirit world with its kings and kingdoms, its rulers and authorities; all were made by Christ for his own use and glory.He was before all else began and it is his power that holds everything together. He is the Head of the body made up of his people—that is, his Church—which he began; and he is the Leader of all those who arise from the dead, so that he is first in everything; for God wanted all of himself to be in his Son.”
NEB
“He is the image of the invisible God; his is the primacy over [Or: image of the invisible God, born before …] all created things. In him everything in heaven and on earth was created, not only things visible but also the invisible orders of thrones, sovereignties, authorities, and powers: the whole universe has been created through him and for him. And he exists before everything, and all things are held together in him. He is, moreover, the head of the body, the church. He is its origin, the first to return from the dead, to be in all things alone supreme. For in him the complete being of God, by God’s own choice, came to dwell.”
NLT
“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was createdand is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullnesswas pleased to live in Christ,”
PHILLIPS
“Now Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God. He existed before creation began, for it was through him that every thing was made, whether spiritual or material, seen or unseen. Through him, and for him, also, were created power and dominion, ownership and authority. In fact, every single thing was created through, and for him. He is both the first principle and the upholding principle of the whole scheme of creation. And now he is the head of the body which is composed of all Christian people. Life from nothing began through him, and life from the dead began through him, and he is, therefore, justly called the Lord of all. It was in him that the full nature of God chose to live,”
HEBREWS 1
CEV
“Long ago in many ways and at many times God’s prophets spoke his message to our ancestors. But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us. God created the universe by his Son, and everything will someday belong to the Son. God’s Son has all the brightness of God’s own glory and is like him in every way. By his own mighty word, he holds the universe together. After the Son had washed away our sins, he sat down at the right side of the glorious God in heaven.He had become much greater than the angels, and the name he was given is far greater than any of theirs. God has never said to any of the angels, ‘You are my Son, because today I have become your Father!’ Neither has God said to any of them, ‘I will be his Father, and he will be my Son!’ When God brings his first-born Son into the world, he commands all of his angels to worship him… But God says about his Son, ‘You are God, and you will rule as King forever! Your royal power brings about justice. You loved justice and hated evil, and so I, your God, have chosen you. I appointed you and made you happier than any of your friends.’ The Scriptures also say, ‘In the beginning, Lord, you were the one who laid the foundation of the earth and created the heavens. They will all disappear and wear out like clothes, but you will last forever. You will roll them up like a robe and change them like a garment. But you are always the same, and you will live forever.’” Hebrews 1:1-6, 8-12
GNT
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors many times and in many ways through the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. He is the one through whom God created the universe, the one whom God has chosen to possess all things at the end. He reflects the brightness of God’s glory and is the exact likeness of God’s own being, sustaining the universe with his powerful word. After achieving forgiveness for the sins of all human beings, he sat down in heaven at the right side of God, the Supreme Power… For God never said to any of his angels, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’ Nor did God say about any angel, ‘I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.’ But when God was about to send his first-born Son into the world, he said, ‘All of God’s angels must worship him.’… About the Son, however, God said: ‘Your kingdom, O God, will last forever and ever! You rule over your people with justice. You love what is right and hate what is wrong. That is why God, your God, has chosen you and has given you the joy of an honor far greater than he gave to your companions.’ He also said, ‘You, Lord, in the beginning created the earth, and with your own hands you made the heavens. They will disappear, but you will remain; they will all wear out like clothes. You will fold them up like a coat, and they will be changed like clothes. But you are always the same, and your life never ends.’”
JB
“At various times in the past and in various different ways, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; but in our own time, the last days, he has spoken to us through his Son, the Son that he has appointed to inherit everything and through whom he made everything there is. He is the radiant light of God’s glory and the perfect copy of his nature, sustaining the universe by his powerful command; and now that he has destroyed the defilement of sin, he has gone to take his place in heaven at the right hand of divine Majesty. So he is now as far above the angels as the title which he has inherited is higher than their own name. God as never said to any angel: You are my Son, today I have become your father; or: I will be a father to him and he a son to me. Again, when he brings the First-born into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God worship him… but to his Son he says: God, your throne shall last for ever and ever; and: his royal scepter is the scepter of virtue; virtue you love as much as you hate wickedness. This is why God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness, above all your rivals. And again: It is you, Lord, who laid earth’s foundations in the beginning, the heavens are the work of your hands; all will vanish, though you remain, all wear out like a garment; you will roll them up like a cloak, and like a garment they will be changed. But yourself, you never change and your years are unending.”
TLB
“Long ago God spoke in many different ways to our fathers through the prophets, in visions, dreams, and even face to face, telling them little by little about his plans. But now in these days he has spoken to us through his Son to whom he has given everything and through whom he made the world and everything there is. God’s Son shines out with God’s glory, and all that God’s Son is and does marks him as God. He regulates the universe by the mighty power of his command. He is the one who died to cleanse us and clear our record of all sin, and then sat down in highest honor beside the great God of heaven. Thus he became far greater than the angels, as proved by the fact that his name ‘Son of God,’ which was passed on to him from his Father, is far greater than the names and titles of the angels. For God never said to any angel, ‘You are my Son, and today I have given you the honor that goes with that name.’ But God said it about Jesus. Another time he said, ‘I am his Father and he is my Son.’ And still another time—when his firstborn Son came to earth—God said, ‘Let all the angels of God worship him.’… but of his Son he says, ‘Your Kingdom, O God, will last forever and ever; its commands are always just and right.You love right and hate wrong; so God, even your God, has poured out more gladness upon you than on anyone else.’ God also called him ‘Lord’ when he said, ‘Lord, in the beginning you made the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.They will disappear into nothingness, but you will remain forever. They will become worn out like old clothes,and some day you will fold them up and replace them. But you yourself will never change, and your years will never end.’”
NEB
“WHEN IN FORMER TIMES God spoke to our forefathers, he spoke in fragmentary and varied fashion through the prophets. But in this the final age he has spoken to us in the Son whom he has made heir to the whole universe, and through whom he created all orders of existence: the Son who is the effulgence of God’s splendour and the stamp of God’s very being, and sustains [Or: bears along.] the universe by his word of power. When he had brought about the purgation of sins, he took his seat at the right hand of Majesty on high, raised as far above the angels, as the title he has inherited is superior to theirs. For God never said to any angel, ‘Thou art my Son; today I have begotten thee’, or again, ‘I will be father to him, and he shall be my son.’ Again, when he presents the first-born to the world, he says, ‘Let all the angels of God pay him homage.’… but of the Son, ‘Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever, and the sceptre [Or: God is thy throne for ever and ever, and thy sceptre …] of justice is the sceptre of his kingdom. Thou hast loved right and hated wrong; therefore, O God, thy God [Or: therefore God who is thy God …] has set thee above thy fellows, by anointing with the oil of exultation.’… And again, ‘By thee. Lord, were earth’s foundations laid of old, and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall pass away, but thou endurest; like clothes they shall all grow old; thou shalt fold them up like a cloak; yes, they shall be changed like any garment. But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.’”
NLT
“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names. For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus: ‘You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.’ God also said, ‘I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.’ And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said, ‘Let all of God’s angels worship him.’… But to the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.’ He also says to the Son, ‘In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever. They will wear out like old clothing. You will fold them up like a cloak and discard them like old clothing. But you are always the same; you will live forever.’”
2 PETER 1:1
CEV
“From Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ. To everyone who shares with us in the privilege of believing that our God and Savior Jesus Christ will do what is just and fair.”
GNT
“From: Simon Peter, a servant and missionary of Jesus Christ. To: All of you who have our kind of faith. The faith I speak of is the kind that Jesus Christ our God and Savior gives to us. How precious it is, and how just and good he is to give this same faith to each of us.”
NLT
“This letter is from Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior.”
SUMMARY
The New Testament authors have attributed to the Lord Jesus Christ the very unique characteristics, roles, functions, and worship which the Hebrew Bible ascribe to Jehovah God Almighty alone:
“In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth… God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.” Genesis 1:1-31 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation. These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created. In the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground—then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being.” Genesis 2:1-7 NRSV
“Praise, O heavens, his people, worship him, all you gods! For he will avenge the blood of his children, and take vengeance on his adversaries; he will repay those who hate him, and cleanse the land for his people.” Deuteronomy 32:43 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
“And Ezra said: ‘You are the LORD, you alone; you have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. To all of them you give life, and the host of heaven worships you.’” Nehemiah 9:6 NRSV
“All worshipers of images are put to shame, those who make their boast in worthless idols; all gods bow down before him.” Psalm 97:7 NRSV
“A prayer of one afflicted, when faint and pleading before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry come to you… But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever; your name endures to all generations… Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you endure; they will all wear out like a garment. You change them like clothing, and they pass away; but you are the same, and your years have no end.” Psalm 102:1, 12, 25-27 NRSV
“I will say to the north, ‘Give them up,’ and to the south, ‘Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.’… The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.” Isaiah 43:6-7, 20-21 NRSV
“Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the LORD, who made all things, who ALONE stretched out the heavens, who by MYSELF spread out the earth;” Isaiah 44:24 NRSV
“I made the earth, and created humankind upon it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host… For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it a chaos, he formed it to be inhabited!): I am the LORD, and there is no other. I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, ‘Seek me in chaos.’ I the LORD speak the truth, I declare what is right. Assemble yourselves and come together, draw near, you survivors of the nations! They have no knowledge— those who carry about their wooden idols, and keep on praying to a god that cannot save. Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is no one besides me. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:12, 18-22 NRSV
“But you, O LORD, reign forever; your throne endures to all generations.” Lamentations 5:19 NRSV
The reason why these inspired writers did should be obviously clear. To them, Jesus Christ is the very incarnation, the human enfleshment, of Jehovah God Almighty (even though he is not the Father or the Holy Spirit).
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