Christology

Christology is a branch of Christian theology that focuses on the study of Jesus Christ,
exploring a brief history, nature, personhood, and role of Jesus within the context of Christian
beliefs.
The term "Christology" is derived from two Greek words: "Christos," meaning "anointed one"
or "Messiah," and "logos," meaning "word" or "study." Essentially, Christology seeks to
understand the identity and significance of Jesus Christ within the framework of Christian
doctrine.
 Historical Background of Jesus Christ
The historical background of Jesus Christ is rooted in the first century CE, within the socio-
political and religious landscape of the eastern part of the Roman Empire. While the primary
sources for understanding Jesus are the New Testament Gospels, scholars also draw on
historical and cultural information to provide context. Here's a detailed historical background:
1. Political Context: Jesus was born during a period of Roman rule in the region known as
Palestine, which encompassed modern-day Israel and parts of Jordan. The Roman
Empire, under the leadership of figures like Caesar Augustus, maintained control over
this territory. Herod the Great, appointed by the Romans, was the ruler of Judea during
the time of Jesus' birth.

Palestine (Israel) – this country is under the rule of the Roman Empire (Emperor Caesar
Augustus).
Jerusalem - the city terrorized by the ruler King Herod the Great.
Nazareth – a small town in Galilee where Joseph, Mary, and Jesus lived.
Bethlehem – a small town in Jerusalem where Joseph’s ancestral home located. This is
also the place of birth of Jesus.

2. Religious Context: Judaism was the predominant religious and cultural influence in the
region. The Jewish people had a long history of monotheism, with the Hebrew Scriptures
(the Old Testament) serving as their sacred texts. Various sects and groups, such as
Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots, had distinct beliefs and practices within
Judaism.

Along with Judaism, there is paganism. Paganism is a term that broadly refers to a set of
religious beliefs and practices that are polytheistic (polytheism) or animistic (animism) in
nature. It encompasses a wide range of traditions, often rooted in pre-Christian,
indigenous, or folkloric cultures. The term itself is derived from the Latin word
"paganus," which originally referred to inhabitants of rural areas and later came to be
 associated with non-Christian religions. Thus, the belief of the Roman Empire in the
early times was Paganism.

3. Messianic Expectations: At the time of Jesus, there were widespread Messianic

expectations among the Jewish population. Many anticipated a Messiah, a figure often
associated with the restoration of Israel and the fulfillment of prophecies from the
Hebrew Scriptures. These expectations played a role in shaping the reception of Jesus'
ministry.

4. Birth and Early Life: Jesus was likely born in Bethlehem, a small town in Judea, around
4 to 6 BCE. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide accounts of his birth,
emphasizing the virgin birth, the visitation of the Magi, and the flight to Egypt to escape
King Herod's massacre of infants.

o The Incarnation: According to Christian belief, Jesus' incarnation began with his
miraculous conception in the womb of the Virgin Mary through the power of the
Holy Spirit. This event is described in the Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke.
Mary, a young Jewish woman, was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus.

What is Incarnation? - Central Christian doctrine that God became flesh, that
God assumed a human nature and became a man in the form of Jesus Christ, the
Son of God and the second person of the Trinity.

o Christmas Narrative (Matthew and Luke accounts)

Matthews Account:

 Genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17): Matthew begins his Gospel with a

genealogy tracing Jesus' ancestry back to Abraham, highlighting his
connection to the line of King David. The genealogy is divided into three
sets of fourteen generations, leading up to the birth of Jesus.
 Annunciation to Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25): Matthew recounts how Mary,
the mother of Jesus, was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit while
engaged to Joseph. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, reassuring him of
Mary's innocence and instructing him to take her as his wife, for the child
conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Joseph obeys the angel and names
the child Jesus, which means "Yahweh saves."

 Visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12): Wise men from the East come to
Jerusalem, following a star that they believe signifies the birth of the King
of the Jews. King Herod and all Jerusalem are troubled by their arrival.
 Herod consults with the chief priests and scribes, who inform him that the
Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem, as prophesied by Micah. Herod then
secretly meets with the Magi (Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar) and asks
them to report back to him once they find the child. The Magi follow the star
to Bethlehem and find Jesus with Mary. They worship him and present gifts
of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Warned in a dream not to return to
Herod, the Magi depart for their own country by another route.

 Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-23): After the departure of the Magi, an
angel appears to Joseph in a dream, warning him to flee to Egypt with Mary
and the child Jesus to escape Herod's wrath. They remain in Egypt until
Herod's death, fulfilling the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called my son"
(Hosea 11:1). When Herod realizes that the Magi have deceived him, he
orders the massacre of all male children in Bethlehem under the age of two,
known as the Massacre of the Innocents. After Herod's death, Joseph is
again visited by an angel in a dream and instructed to return to Israel.
However, out of fear of Herod's son Archelaus, they settle in Nazareth,
fulfilling another prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.

Luke’s Christmas Narrative:

 Annunciation to Zechariah (Luke 1:5-25): The story begins with the

announcement of the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah, a priest, and his
wife Elizabeth, who were both righteous before God but were childless and
advanced in years. An angel appears to Zechariah while he is serving in the
temple, informing him that Elizabeth will bear a son named John, who will
prepare the way for the Lord. According to some historians, the ages of
Zechariah and Elizabeth range from 60 to 70 years old.

 Annunciation to Mary (Luke 1:26-38): The angel Gabriel is sent by God

to a young virgin named Mary, who is betrothed to a man named Joseph.
Gabriel greets Mary, telling her she is favored by God and will conceive a
son through the Holy Spirit. Mary, puzzled by this, asks how it will be
possible since she is a virgin. The angel explains that nothing is impossible
with God and informs Mary that her relative Elizabeth is also expecting a
child. Mary humbly accepts God's plan, saying, "Let it be to me according to
your word."

 Mary's Visit to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56): Mary goes to visit Elizabeth,

and upon her arrival, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaims
Mary blessed among women. Mary responds with a song of praise known as
the Magnificat, glorifying God for choosing her to bear the Savior and for
his mercy and faithfulness to Israel.
  The Birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-80): Elizabeth gives birth to a
son, and on the eighth day, he is circumcised and named John, as the angel
had instructed. Zechariah, who had been made mute by Gabriel's
announcement, regains his speech and prophesies about the role of his son
John in preparing the way for the Messiah.

 The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20): Luke recounts how Caesar Augustus
issues a decree for a census, requiring everyone to register in their
hometown. Joseph and Mary, who are from Nazareth, travel to Bethlehem,
the city of David, as Joseph is of the house and lineage of David. While they
are there, Mary gives birth to her firstborn son and wraps him in swaddling
clothes, laying him in a manger because there was no room for them in the
inn. Nearby, shepherds are visited by an angel who announces the birth of
the Savior in Bethlehem. The shepherds hurry to see the newborn child and
spread the news of his birth, marveling at what they had seen and heard.

 Presentation in the Temple (Luke 2:21-38): When Jesus is eight days old,
he is circumcised and named Jesus, as the angel had instructed Mary.
Afterward, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple to present him to the
Lord, as required by the law of Moses. There, they encounter Simeon, a
devout and righteous man who had been waiting for the consolation of
Israel. Simeon takes Jesus in his arms and blesses God, declaring that he has
seen the salvation of Israel. He also prophesies about Jesus being a light to
the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. Additionally, they encounter Anna, a
prophetess, who praises God and speaks about Jesus to all who were looking
for the redemption of Jerusalem.

o The last record about Jesus' early life in the Bible occurs when he is 12 years old.
This event is recorded in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verses 41-52, and it's
known as the "Finding in the Temple" or "Jesus Among the Teachers."

5. Ministry and Teachings: Around the age of 30, Jesus began his public ministry,
preaching about the Kingdom of God, repentance, forgiveness, and above all, love. He
performed miracles, healed the sick, and engaged in controversial interactions with
religious authorities. The Gospels portray his teachings through parables and direct
statements, emphasizing love, compassion, and ethical living.

6. Death and Crucifixion: Jesus' popularity, coupled with his challenging interactions with
religious and Roman authorities, eventually led to his arrest. The Gospel accounts
describe his trial, crucifixion, and burial. The crucifixion, a common yet worst kind of
 Roman method of execution, occurred around 30 or 33 CE. The event holds central
importance in Christian theology, as it is seen as the atonement for human sin.

o The passion of Christ started right after the Last Supper. Jesus went to the Garden
of Gethsemane to pray and haggled to God the Father to alter His will. Jesus was
terrified, imagining the suffering he was about to face. Jesus was aware of the
outcome. He was betrayed by Judas by telling their whereabouts and Jesus was
arrested there.

o Jesus faces multiple trials before the Jewish Sanhedrin (religious council) and the
Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. He is accused of blasphemy (a grave sin) and
sedition but remains mostly silent during the proceedings.

o Jesus is scourged and mocked by Roman soldiers. He is crowned with thorns,

dressed in a purple robe, and subjected to verbal and physical abuse.

o Jesus carries his cross to Golgotha (the "Place of the Skull"), where he is crucified
alongside two criminals. He endures excruciating pain and humiliation while on
the cross.

o After several hours of agony, Jesus dies on the cross. According to Christian belief,
his death atones for the sins of humanity and opens the way for salvation.

o Jesus' body is taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb donated by Joseph
of Arimathea, a wealthy disciple. The tomb is sealed with a large stone.

7. Resurrection: According to Christian belief, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day
after his crucifixion. The resurrection is a foundational tenet of Christian faith, signifying
victory over death and validating Jesus' divinity.

8. Early Christian Communities: Following Jesus' death and resurrection, his disciples
and followers formed early Christian communities. The apostles, particularly Peter and
Paul, played significant roles in spreading the message of Jesus, and letters (epistles)
written by Paul and others form a crucial part of the New Testament.

 Jesus in the New Testament:

 The primary source for Christological study is the New Testament, which includes the Gospels
(Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), the Acts of the Apostles, the letters (epistles), and the
Revelation. These texts provide accounts of Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection, as
well as interpretations of his significance for early Christian communities.
1. The Gospel of Matthew: Written by the disciple Matthew, this Gospel presents Jesus as
the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, emphasizing his role as the Messiah and the
rightful heir to the throne of David. The infancy narrative in Matthew includes the
Genealogy of Jesus, the visit of the Magi, and the flight to Egypt. The Sermon on the
Mount is a prominent section, showcasing Jesus' ethical teachings and the Beatitudes.
Matthew's Gospel concludes with the Great Commission, where Jesus commissions his
disciples to make disciples of all nations. Jesus is portrayed in this gospel as the Messiah
and King.

Key Concepts:
Genealogy - a line of descent traced continuously from an ancestor.
Beatitudes - The beatitudes are "blessed sayings" that come from the opening verses of
the famous Sermon on the Mount delivered by Jesus Christ and recorded in Matthew 5:3-
12.

Matthew 5:3-12:

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.
 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil
against you because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they
persecuted the prophets who were before you. (NIV)

2. The Gospel of Mark: Traditionally attributed to Mark, the Gospel is characterized by its
brevity and emphasis on action. Mark portrays Jesus as a powerful and compassionate
healer. The Gospel highlights Jesus' miracles, parables, and conflict with religious
authorities. The crucifixion and resurrection narratives in Mark are concise but
impactful, emphasizing the suffering servant aspect of Jesus. Jesus is portrayed in this
gospel as the suffering Messiah.

Key Concepts:
Parables - a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in
the Gospels.

The 10 parables of Jesus Christ:

1. The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15) - This parable
illustrates different responses to the message of the Kingdom of God.
2. The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19) -
Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, highlighting its small beginning
and eventual large impact.
3. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) - This parable illustrates God's
forgiveness and unconditional love through the story of a wayward son who repents and
returns home.
4. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) - Jesus tells this parable to
emphasize the importance of compassion and loving one's neighbor, regardless of
differences.
5. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:10-14, Luke 15:3-7) - Jesus uses this
parable to emphasize God's concern for every individual, likening sinners to lost sheep
that the shepherd seeks and brings back to the fold.
6. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) - In this parable, Jesus teaches about the
responsibility of using one's abilities and resources wisely for the Kingdom of God.
7. The Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21) - Jesus warns against the dangers of
greed and materialism through the story of a rich man who accumulates wealth but loses
his soul.
8. The Parable of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18) - Jesus identifies himself as the
Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep and lays down his life for them.
9. The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:1-14) - This parable portrays the
Kingdom of Heaven as a wedding feast, with an invitation extended to all, but some
reject the invitation.
10.The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14) - Jesus tells this
parable to illustrate the importance of humility and repentance in approaching God,
contrasting the attitudes of a proud Pharisee and a humble tax collector.

3. The Gospel of Luke: Luke, a physician and companion of the apostle Paul, wrote this
Gospel with a focus on Jesus' compassion for the marginalized. The Gospel of Luke
contains unique material, including the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal
Son. Luke's account also features the detailed nativity narrative, including the
Annunciation, the Magnificat, and the visit of the shepherds. The Gospel of Luke
emphasizes the universality of Jesus' message and the role of women in his ministry.
Jesus is portrayed in this gospel as the Savior of the Lord.

Key Concepts:

Annunciation - the announcement of the Incarnation by the angel Gabriel to Mary (Luke
1:26–38).

Magnificat - The Magnificat (Latin for "[My soul] magnifies [the Lord]") is a canticle,
also known as the Song of Mary, the Canticle of Mary and, in the Byzantine tradition, the
Ode of the Theotokos.

Canticle of Mary: Lk. 1: 46-55 (NIV)

46 Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all
generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.
 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in
their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors."

4. The Gospel of John: The Gospel of John, attributed to the apostle John, has a distinctive
theological and philosophical focus. John emphasizes the divinity of Jesus, referring to
him as the "Word" (Logos) who was with God from the beginning. This Gospel includes
seven "signs" or miracles, such as the turning of water into wine and the raising of
Lazarus, aimed at revealing Jesus' glory. The "I Am" sayings in John underscore Jesus'
divine identity. The Gospel concludes with the resurrection appearances and the
commissioning of the disciples. Jesus is portrayed in this gospel as the Son of God, the
Word of God.

Key Concepts:

Word – John pertains that the word is Jesus Christ (Jn. 1: 1-5 NIV)

I am – a powerful declaration of Jesus’ divinity.

Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus uses various "I am" statements, each conveying different
aspects of his identity and purpose. For example:

1. "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35, 48) - Jesus is the sustenance for spiritual life.
2. "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12) - Jesus brings spiritual illumination and truth.
3. "I am the door of the sheep" (John 10:7) - Jesus is the gateway to salvation.
4. "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11) - Jesus is the caring and guiding shepherd of his
followers.
5. "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25) - Jesus has power over life and death.
6. “I am the way” (John 14:6) - Jesus is declaring that he is the exclusive means by which
people can come to God the Father. He is the path, the route, the means of access to a
relationship with God.
7. “I am the truth” (John 14:6) - Jesus is not merely a teacher of truth; he is the embodiment
of truth. His life, teachings, and actions reveal the truth about God, humanity, and the
way of salvation.
8. “I am the life” (John 14:6) - Jesus is the source and giver of eternal life. This life is not
just physical existence but spiritual life that transcends death. Through faith in Jesus,
individuals can experience a restored and meaningful relationship with God and the
promise of eternal life.
The Divinity, Humanity, and the Hypostatic Union

Divinity:

 Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity (Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit), who existed with God the Father from eternity.
 He is believed to be co-eternal and consubstantial with the Father, meaning that he shares
the same divine nature and essence as God.
 Jesus' divinity is affirmed in various passages of the New Testament, such as John 1:1
("In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God")
and Colossians 2:9 ("For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily").
 Another account in the bible that reveals the divinity of Jesus was his resurrection
(Matthew 28:5-6).

Humanity:

 Christians also affirm that Jesus is fully human, having taken on human flesh and lived a
human life on Earth. The Christmas narrative (Matthew 1-2 chapter and Luke 1-2
chapter)
 He experienced human emotions, physical sensations, and limitations, such as hunger,
thirst, fatigue, and temptation.
 Jesus' humanity is emphasized in the New Testament, where he is referred to as the "Son
of Man" and is portrayed as being born, growing, learning, and interacting with other
human beings.

The Hypostatic Union:

 This asserts that Jesus is having two distinct natures: human and divine, and are
inseparable.
 The Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD formulated the orthodox understanding of the
hypostatic union, affirming that Jesus is "truly God and truly man, without confusion of
natures, without change, without division, without separation."