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

The early followers of Jesus drew from Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions and titles to help them understand and articulate who Jesus was. This book opens a window into the Christology of the first century by helping readers understand the eleven most significant titles for Jesus in the New Testament: Lord, Son of Man, Messiah, Prophet, Suffering Servant, Son of God, Last Adam, Passover Lamb, Savior, Word, and High Priest. The authors trace the history of each title in the Old Testament, Second Temple literature, and Greco-Roman literature and look at the context in which the New Testament writers retrieved these traditions to communicate their understanding of Christ. The result is a robust portrait that is closely tied to the sacred traditions of Israel and beyond that took on new significance in light of Jesus Christ.

This accessible and up-to-date exegetical study defends an early "high" Christology and argues that the titles of Jesus invariably point to an understanding of Jesus as God. In the process, it will help readers appreciate the biblical witness to the person of Jesus.

304 pages.

Contents:

Introduction
1. Jesus the Lord
2. Jesus the Prophet
3. Jesus the Son of Man
4. Jesus the Son of God
5. Jesus the Suffering Servant
6. Jesus the Passover Lamb
7. Jesus the Messiah
8. Jesus the Savior
9. Jesus the Last Adam
10. Jesus the Word
11. Jesus the High Priest
Conclusion: Jesus as God
Indexes