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The Deity of Christ in the Gospel of Matthew - Part 2

Matthew's theme - The divine presence of Jesus This is a guest post by “KingsServant”, see Part 1 here. Having covered Matthew’s introduction to his gospel in his nativity account, we will now consider the way Matthew “bookends” the gospel by beginning his work with the promise of God dwelling with his people (fulfilled in the incarnation) and ending it in the same way with Jesus’ comforting promise never to leave his followers. This theme of Matthew begins with his quotation of Isaiah 7:14, which we have already analysed in the previous article with regard to how it reveals Matthew’s teaching that Jesus is God. As noted before, in Matthew...

The Early Concept of the Trinity: Tracing the Roots

...ip to the incarnation, Ignatius clearly affirms Jesus’ pre-existence, stating that He ‘from eternity was with the Father and at last appeared to us’ (Magn. 6.1). Moreover, Ignatius emphasises the distinct existence of both ‘our God Jesus Christ’ and the Holy Spirit before Jesus’ birth, suggesting a pre-existing Trinity (Eph. 18.2). These insights from Ignatius offer a nuanced understanding of the early Christian perception of the Trinity, acknowledging the co-equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and hinting at the mysterious relationship between the divine persons. Conclusion The seeds of the Trinitarian understanding, emphasising the co-...

What is Advent?

...It’s that time of year when Christmas lights and decorations go up, things start to look a little more sparkly, and kids are getting ready to open their Advent Calendars. But what exactly is “Advent”? You may be from a Church tradition which recognises this each year so are more familiar, but if not, you may be curious to know more about this ancient Christian tradition. Advent, derived from the Latin “adventus,” signifying “coming” or “arrival,” stands as a sacred season deeply entrenched in the hearts of many Christians globally. This period of expectant waiting and preparation marks the initiation of the liturgical year in Western Christia...

Fact-Checking the Viral Post Connecting Human Anatomy and the Bible

...efore His incarnation, during His earthly ministry, and after His resurrection. To imply otherwise is to risk undermining the pre-existence of Christ. 2. “We have 12 ribs on each side. 12 disciples. 12 tribes of Israel. God built His design into our bones.” Most people do have 12 pairs of ribs, though some are born with an extra rib, or fewer. The number 12 is certainly biblical: the 12 tribes of Israel (Genesis 49), the 12 apostles (Matthew 10:1–4), and the 12 gates and foundations of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21). But there’s no biblical connection between rib count and these symbolic twelves. This is a case of poetic association,...

Before The Pumpkins: The Road To The Lions

...round the incarnation, never failing to highlight the physical nature of Jesus as well as his divine which can be seen with such statements like “Jesus Christ our God” (Epistle to the Ephesians). During the reign of Emperor Trajan (around AD 107), Christians were increasingly viewed as enemies of the Roman order. Refusing to worship the emperor was seen as defiance, and Ignatius, as one of the most visible leaders of the Church, became a prime target. He was arrested and sentenced to be taken to Rome to die in the arena by wild beasts. Letters from the Road As he travelled under heavy guard, ten soldiers he referred to as “being bound between ten leopa...

Coffee with Jesus: John 1

...h” (the incarnation of Jesus) and then clearly points to the pre-existence of Jesus here by saying “he was before me”. This isn’t an issue of age either, as John was actually six months older than Jesus, physically speaking (Luke 1:26–27). This also points towards something Jesus later declares about himself in John 8:58 when he says, “before Abraham was, I am.”. So definitely not an age thing! But if that wasn’t clear enough, John really drives the point home in verse 18 by saying that the “Son” is “himself God” alongside the Father: John 1:18No one has ever seen God. It is the only Son, himself God, who is close to the Father’s hear...