One of the most frequently asked questions in Christian history is: Did the earliest followers of Jesus really believe He was God? Contrary to the claim that His divinity was a later invention, historical evidence and biblical writings show that Christians began worshiping Jesus as divine right after His resurrection. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most compelling scriptural and historical proofs of Jesus’ early recognition as God.
1. Right After Jesus’ Resurrection
Shortly after the resurrection, one of Jesus’ disciples, Thomas, encountered the risen Christ and exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). This direct address demonstrates that those closest to Jesus—from the very beginning—believed in His divinity, not just His role as a teacher or prophet.
2. The Apostle Paul’s Letters (20–30 Years After Jesus)
The Apostle Paul penned letters to early Christian communities within two to three decades of Jesus’ life. Two key passages underscore the early church’s belief in Jesus’ divine nature:
• Philippians 2:6–11: Paul describes Jesus as existing in the “form of God” yet humbling Himself to become human.
• 1 Corinthians 8:6: Paul affirms there is “one Lord, Jesus Christ,” placing Jesus on the same level as God the Father.
Because these letters were written so soon after Jesus’ crucifixion, they offer significant proof that belief in Jesus as God was widespread early on.
3. Early Christian Worship
Worship practices among the first Christians provide another clear indicator of their belief in Jesus’ divinity. Early believers prayed to Jesus, sang hymns about Him, and baptized new followers in His name. A striking example is found in Acts 7:59, where Stephen, as he was being martyred, prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” This worshipful address points to Jesus being more than just an inspirational leader—He was recognized as God.
4. Jesus’ Own Words and Actions
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus said and did things reserved for God alone:
• Forgiveness of sins (Mark 2:5–7): According to Jewish understanding, only God could forgive sins.
• Acceptance of worship (Matthew 14:33): Disciples worshiped Him without rebuke.
• Use of the divine name (John 8:58): By declaring, “Before Abraham was, I am,” Jesus invoked a sacred name (Exodus 3:14) recognized as God’s own.
These actions and statements consistently point to Jesus presenting Himself as divine, rather than merely human or angelic.
5. Non-Christian Observations
Even people outside the Christian faith noticed the way these early followers worshiped Jesus. Around 100 AD, Pliny the Younger, a Roman governor, wrote to Emperor Trajan describing how Christians gathered and sang hymns to Christ “as if to a god.” This outside perspective confirms that worship of Jesus as God was already a distinguishing feature of Christian communities at a very early stage.
An Early and Central Belief
From Thomas’s bold confession to Paul’s letters, from early Christian worship to Jesus’ own declarations, the evidence points to a core truth: the earliest Christians believed Jesus was God from the start. This wasn’t a doctrine that evolved centuries later—it was woven into the fabric of the church from its very inception, shaping how believers understood their faith and how they practiced it.
What do you think about the earliest Christians’ view of Jesus? Share your insights or questions in the comments below. And if you want to explore more on this topic, be sure to check out our related articles on early Christian beliefs, historical evidence, and biblical theology.
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