Does the title Spirit of Christ in 1 Peter 1:11 mean that Jesus preexisted? An examination of the context of the passage, as well as Peter's Christology, will help us understand the meaning of the phrase.
Most Christians would agree that our Christology should be derived from Scripture. However, many would be shocked to learn that modern Christianity's view of Jesus is a hybridization of Biblical and post-Biblical teachings. This blending of New Testament Christology with fourth century philosophy is noticeable when we compare current orthodoxy with Peter's Christology. What did Peter believe and teach about the Messiah? If the foremost of the twelve apostles, and a prominent leader in the early Church, believed Jesus to be God-incarnate, we would rightfully expect…
If, as orthodoxy says, a belief in the deity of Christ and the doctrine of the Trinity is necessary for salvation, we would expect it to be in the book that chronicles the spread of the gospel in the early Church. For example, what did Luke record in the book of Acts regarding Peter's Christology? Did the foremost among the twelve apostles preach that Jesus is God? His sermon before the Sanhedrin provides us with the answer.In Acts chapter 3, Peter and John encountered a…
Although the importance of Peter’s ministry in the eyes of the modern day Christian is often eclipsed by that of the apostle Paul, this fisherman turned apostle, offers believers keen insight and instruction about God and His Messiah. Not only did God give Peter an unambiguous revelation as to Jesus’ identity, but he was also anointed with the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel at the Church’s inauguration. Thereafter, he continued to play a key role in the direction and edification of the early Church.[1] …
Most Christians are at least somewhat familiar with Peter's response to Jesus' question, Who do you say that I am?Matthew 16:15-17 (NASB) He *said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. (emphasis added)God revealed to Peter that Jesus was indeed…
At the climax of a rather heated exchange between Jesus and certain antagonistic Jews, Jesus uttered what has become for some, a proof text of his preexistence in heaven as God.John 8:58-59 (NASB) Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." 59 Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple. (emphasis added)When the above passage is read, especially without the preceding context, it appears the Jews…