When we think of the core teachings about Jesus, we often look to the New Testament as the primary source. However, many people are surprised to learn that some of the foundational beliefs about Jesus existed even before the New Testament was written down. These early Christian teachings took the form of hymns, creeds, and summaries that were passed from person to person and across communities. They served to unify early believers in their understanding of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
In this post, we’ll explore these early teachings, their significance, and how they inform our understanding of Jesus and the New Testament today.
The Transmission of Early Christian Teachings
Before the New Testament was written, the early Christian community had to rely on oral traditions to pass on their beliefs. The rapid spread of Christianity across the Roman Empire required clear, memorable ways to communicate essential truths about Jesus. The early followers of Jesus needed to ensure that the message remained accurate as it spread across different regions and cultures. To do this, they used simple hymns, sayings, and creeds—often repeated during gatherings or worship—to reinforce the key elements of their faith.
These early teachings are some of the earliest Christian documents we have, predating the written gospels and letters of the apostles. They provide a fascinating glimpse into how early Christians understood and communicated the gospel message.
The Role of Hymns in Early Christianity
Hymns played an important role in the early church, not only as acts of worship but also as tools for teaching and reinforcing doctrine. In a world where few people could read and write, hymns allowed Christians to memorize core beliefs about Jesus. These songs helped to establish a shared understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission, uniting believers in their faith.
One example of such a hymn can be found in Philippians 2:6-11, often referred to as the “Christ Hymn.” In this passage, Paul quotes a hymn that was likely familiar to the Philippian believers:
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”
This hymn reflects key theological ideas about Jesus’ divine nature, His humility in becoming human, and His subsequent exaltation after His resurrection. It also serves as a reminder that from the very beginning, the Christian understanding of Jesus was rooted in His divinity and His sacrificial death.
Summaries of Jesus’ Life and Work
Another way early Christians communicated their beliefs was through short, concise summaries of Jesus’ life and work. These statements of faith functioned as creeds that could easily be memorized and repeated.
In 1 Timothy 3:16, we find an early summary of the Christian faith:
“He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.”
This passage succinctly captures the essence of the gospel: Jesus’ incarnation, His resurrection, and His ascension. This simple summary reinforced the core elements of Christian belief and allowed believers to quickly recall and share the gospel with others.
The Resurrection: The Heart of Early Christian Teaching
The resurrection of Jesus was central to the message of the early church. From the very beginning, Christians emphasized the importance of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. These events were not only historical facts but the foundation of their faith and hope in eternal life.
One of the earliest statements of faith regarding the resurrection can be found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-7:
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.”
This passage, written by Paul, reflects an early creed that was already being passed down within the church. It outlines the key components of the gospel: Jesus’ death, His burial, His resurrection, and His post-resurrection appearances to His followers. The fact that this summary was being used so early in Christian history shows just how central the resurrection was to the faith of the first Christians.
The Consistency of Early Christian Beliefs
One of the most remarkable things about these early teachings is their consistency. From the very beginning, Christians held to certain core beliefs about Jesus. His divinity, His role in creation, His sacrificial death, and His resurrection were not ideas that developed over time but were present from the earliest days of the Christian faith.
For example, Colossians 1:15-20 presents a stunningly high view of Jesus:
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”
This passage emphasizes Jesus’ divinity, His role as Creator, and His authority over all things. The fact that such a high Christology was present in the early church challenges the idea that the divinity of Jesus was a later theological development. Instead, it shows that from the very start, Christians believed Jesus to be not just a great teacher or prophet, but God Himself.
Why This Matters for Us Today
Understanding the early Christian teachings helps us to appreciate the depth and consistency of the Christian faith. These beliefs were not developed centuries after Jesus’ life; they were present from the very beginning. The early hymns, creeds, and summaries reveal that the core truths about Jesus—His divinity, His humanity, His sacrificial death, and His resurrection—were foundational to Christian faith.
For modern Christians, these early teachings serve as a reminder of the unchanging nature of the gospel. The same truths that united the first Christians in their faith are the same truths that we hold today. They provide a strong foundation for understanding who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
Reflecting on Jesus Today
As we explore these early teachings, it’s important to take time to reflect on who Jesus is and what He means to us personally. The same truths that spread across the world 2,000 years ago are still relevant and transformative today. Whether you’ve been a Christian for years or are just beginning to explore the faith, understanding the early Christian view of Jesus can deepen your relationship with Him and inspire your faith.
The early Christian teachings offer us a glimpse into the heart of the first followers of Jesus. Through hymns, creeds, and summaries, they passed on the essential truths of the gospel—truths that have stood the test of time. Passages like Philippians 2:6-11, Colossians 1:15-20, 1 Timothy 3:16, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 reveal that the core beliefs about Jesus were established immediately after His resurrection.
Add comment
Comments