Origins of New Testament Christology: An Introduction to the Traditions and Titles Applied to Jesus - Paperback

by Stanley E. Porter (Author), Bryan R. Dyer (Author)

The early followers of Jesus drew from Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions and titles to help them understand and articulate who Jesus was. This book opens a window into the Christology of the first century by helping readers understand the eleven most significant titles for Jesus in the New Testament: Lord, Son of Man, Messiah, Prophet, Suffering Servant, Son of God, Last Adam, Passover Lamb, Savior, Word, and High Priest. The authors trace the history of each title in the Old Testament, Second Temple literature, and Greco-Roman literature and look at the context in which the New Testament writers retrieved these traditions to communicate their understanding of Christ. The result is a robust portrait that is closely tied to the sacred traditions of Israel and beyond that took on new significance in light of Jesus Christ.

This accessible and up-to-date exegetical study defends an early "high" Christology and argues that the titles of Jesus invariably point to an understanding of Jesus as God. In the process, it will help readers appreciate the biblical witness to the person of Jesus.

Back Jacket

"An accessible introduction to the portrayal of Jesus--and Jesus's divinity--in the New Testament canon"

"An excellent introduction to New Testament Christology, organized around the titles used of Jesus. The approach is a sophisticated reading of literary and social contexts, in illuminating dialogue with contemporary scholars. Introductory courses will find in the work an extremely valuable resource."
--Harold Attridge, Yale Divinity School

"A vital bridge from biblical interpretation to theological reasoning through a hermeneutically rich and historically informed study of the traditions applied to Jesus. Insightful and clear, this book will be an essential resource for students, pastors, and scholars interested in constructing an exegetically informed Christology."
--Elizabeth E. Shively, St. Mary's College, University of St. Andrews

"Porter and Dyer have written a learned book on an important and complicated topic, and they have done so in a remarkably clear and compelling fashion. This book will become the foundational study of biblical Christology."
--Craig A. Evans, Houston Christian University

"Who is Jesus, according to the New Testament? Porter and Dyer answer this question with a fresh appraisal of the New Testament's various titles for Jesus and the Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions from which these titles emerged. An accessible introduction to the portrayal of Jesus--and Jesus's divinity--in the New Testament canon."
--Brittany E. Wilson, Duke Divinity School

"A fantastic textbook for any New Testament Christology classroom! Porter and Dyer avoid the pitfalls of past works on this topic and instead offer the best of recent scholarship with their own unique flair."
--Beth M. Stovell, Ambrose University

"Students of the New Testament with historical and theological interest will come to rely on this volume as a treasured resource."
--Amy Peeler, Wheaton College

"A fresh, up-to-date study of Christology through the lens of titles. The authors rightly conclude that Jesus is presented as divine in the New Testament. An important topic indeed!"
--Brandon D. Crowe, Westminster Theological Seminary

Author Biography

Stanley E. Porter (PhD, University of Sheffield) is president, dean, professor of New Testament, and Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Worldview at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. A prolific scholar, he has authored or edited more than 125 books.

Bryan R. Dyer (PhD, McMaster Divinity College) is acquisitions editor at Baker Academic and a part-time faculty member of religion at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the author of Suffering in the Face of Death and has coedited several volumes.