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Did the First Christians Worship Jesus?: The New Testament Evidence
To answer the title question effectively requires more than the citing of a few texts; we must first acknowledge that the way to the answer is more difficult than it appears and recognize that the answer may be less straightforward than many would like. The author raises some fascinating yet vexing What is worship? Is the fact that worship is offered to God (or a god) what defines him (or her) as "G/god?" What does the act of worship actually involve? The conviction that God exalted Jesus to his right hand obviously is central to Christian recognition of the divine status of Jesus. But what did that mean for the first Christians as they sought to reconcile God's status and that of the human Jesus? Perhaps the worship of Jesus was not an alternative to worship of God but another way of worshiping God. The questions are challenging but readers are ably guided by James Dunn, one of the world's top New Testament scholars.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
27 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
James D.G. Dunn
130 books90 followersJames D. G. ("Jimmy") Dunn (born 1939) was for many years the Lightfoot Professor of Divinity in the Department of Theology at the University of Durham. Since his retirement he has been made Emeritus Lightfoot Professor. He is a leading British New Testament scholar, broadly in the Protestant tradition. Dunn is especially associated with the New Perspective on Paul, along with N. T. (Tom) Wright and E. P. Sanders. He is credited with coining this phrase during his 1982 Manson Memorial Lecture.
Dunn has an MA and BD from the University of Glasgow and a PhD and DD from the University of Cambridge. For 2002, Dunn was the President of the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas, the leading international body for New Testament study. Only three other British scholars had been made President in the preceding 25 years.
In 2005 a festschrift was published dedicated to Dunn, comprising articles by 27 New Testament scholars, examining early Christian communities and their beliefs about the Holy Spirit. (edited by Graham N. Stanton, Bruce W. Longenecker & Stephen Barton (2004). The Holy Spirit and Christian origins: essays in honor of James D. G. Dunn. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co. ISBN 0-8028-2822-1.)
Dunn has taken up E. P. Sanders' project of redefining Palestinian Judaism in order to correct the Christian view of Judaism as a religion of works-righteousness. One of the most important differences to Sanders is that Dunn perceives a fundamental coherence and consistency to Paul's thought. He furthermore criticizes Sanders' understanding of the term "justification", arguing that Sanders' understanding suffers from an "individualizing exegesis".
Dunn has an MA and BD from the University of Glasgow and a PhD and DD from the University of Cambridge. For 2002, Dunn was the President of the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas, the leading international body for New Testament study. Only three other British scholars had been made President in the preceding 25 years.
In 2005 a festschrift was published dedicated to Dunn, comprising articles by 27 New Testament scholars, examining early Christian communities and their beliefs about the Holy Spirit. (edited by Graham N. Stanton, Bruce W. Longenecker & Stephen Barton (2004). The Holy Spirit and Christian origins: essays in honor of James D. G. Dunn. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co. ISBN 0-8028-2822-1.)
Dunn has taken up E. P. Sanders' project of redefining Palestinian Judaism in order to correct the Christian view of Judaism as a religion of works-righteousness. One of the most important differences to Sanders is that Dunn perceives a fundamental coherence and consistency to Paul's thought. He furthermore criticizes Sanders' understanding of the term "justification", arguing that Sanders' understanding suffers from an "individualizing exegesis".
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 16, 2020
For those interested in the devotional practices of earliest Christians, in particular, whether, how and why they worshipped Jesus. this is a valuable read. Prof. Dunn, in dialogue with Profs. Larry Hurtado and Richard Bauckham, presents the complexity and richness of New Testament Christology.
Although answers provided by these scholars are far from satisfactory -- partly because they all disagree with one another on certain points, it is very interesting and enriching to learn from their diverse perspectives. These Christian scholars can be both passionate and unbiased about a subject that is presumably important to them on both professional and personal levels, and can have civil and rigorous discussions about their disagreements.
There is one caveat: You might be tempted, as I am, to give up reading scholarly works, thinking that if scholars can't reach a consensus on such an important topic, after lifetimes of research, countless published articles and books, it is probably not worth going down the rabbit hole.
(Read full review at Nemo's Library)
Although answers provided by these scholars are far from satisfactory -- partly because they all disagree with one another on certain points, it is very interesting and enriching to learn from their diverse perspectives. These Christian scholars can be both passionate and unbiased about a subject that is presumably important to them on both professional and personal levels, and can have civil and rigorous discussions about their disagreements.
There is one caveat: You might be tempted, as I am, to give up reading scholarly works, thinking that if scholars can't reach a consensus on such an important topic, after lifetimes of research, countless published articles and books, it is probably not worth going down the rabbit hole.
(Read full review at Nemo's Library)
November 11, 2010
I liked this as a short overview of the issue. Dunn does a good job of notifying the reader that there is a great deal of debate over the issue while clearly defending his position. The take away point is that the first Christians didn't exactly worship Jesus, not in the same way as worship was directed at Yahweh, but that they did consider Jesus essential to true worship.
November 6, 2015
James D. G. Dunn is no stranger to the world of Early Christianity. In fact, it has been said of Dunn, “Anyone who is interested in the rigorous study of early Christianity and who has not engaged with the works of James D. G. Dunn is not really interested in the rigorous study of early Christianity” (The Holy Spirit and Christian Origins, 2004). Dunn is Emeritus Lightfoot Professor of Divinity at the University of Durham. He received an M.A. and B.D. from the University of Glasgow and a Ph.D. and D.D. from the University of Cambridge. He is the author of numerous books, including, The Evidence for Jesus (1985), Romans 1-8 & 9-16 in the Word Biblical Commentary series (1988), Jesus Remembered, Christianity in the Making, vol. 1 (2003), Beginning from Jerusalem, Christianity in the Making, vol. 2 (2009), as well as the present volume and the subject of this review: Did the First Christians Worship Jesus?: The New Testament Evidence (2010).
Everything that I have read by Dunn has been well-written and thoroughly engaging. He is consistently both scholarly and accessible to the average reader, and Did the First Christians Worship Jesus? displays the marriage of these two realities well. Though it must be said that the content within may not be easily welcomed by conservative evangelicals. The book begins with a brief introduction where Dunn reveals his conversation partners—Richard Bauckham and Larry Hurtado—and builds the case for his investigation with a number of sub-questions that become the focus of the subsequent chapters. The thesis of the book is also laid on the table twofold: (1) for the first Christians worship of Jesus was a way of worshiping YHWH, and (2) the contemporary worship of Jesus now witnessed is only possible or acceptable within what is now understood as a Trinitarian framework (p. 6). In Chapter one Dunn examines the language of worship in the New Testament as applied to Jesus. He concludes that there is no real concrete evidence that worship language, as applied to God, was ever directly applied to Jesus. According to Dunn the worship language found within the New Testament was never explicitly directed at Jesus, rather it was directed at God for Jesus (p. 27-28). Chapter two carries much of the same theme of ambiguity as Dunn examines at the practice of worship in relation to the person of Jesus (i.e. prayer and sacrifice). Dunn writes, “in earliest Christianity, Christ was never understood as the one to whom sacrifice was offered, even when the imagery of sacrifice was used symbolically for Christian service” (p. 56).
As Dunn moves toward the topic in closer detail, chapter three addresses the topic of monotheism, heavenly mediators, and divine agents. This was an interesting chapter and most readers will likely find it to be a highpoint in the book. Dunn examines Paul’s reframing of the Shema, the divine personification of Spirit, Wisdom, and Word in light of the early Christian claims about Jesus, as well as exalted human beings such as Moses, Elijah, and Enoch. Dunn historically concludes that none of these entities were treated as a rightful recipient of worship, and thus either was Jesus to the first Christians. The final chapter is the heartbeat of the book and crucial to Dunn’s thesis. If the reader is able to read only a single chapter from the book this is the chapter to read. In chapter four Dunn address a number of stimulating topics related to the proposed question of the book, such as Jesus’s view of monotheism, the New Testament texts that appear to refer to Jesus as YHWH (i.e. 1 Corinthians 8:6; 15:24-28), as well as related issues within the Fourth Gospel and Revelation. As the book concludes Dunn warns the reader of the dangers of an oversimplified answer to the question. It’s not that simple according to Dunn. So, did the first Christians worship Jesus? Dunn concludes, “No, by and large the first Christians did not worship Jesus as such . . . so our central question can indeed be answered negatively, and perhaps it should be” (p. 150-151).
As stated above, everything that I have read by Dunn has been well-written and thoroughly engaging. He is consistently scholarly and accessible to the average reader, and Did the First Christians Worship Jesus? displays the union of these two realities well. Nonetheless, the content within this book may not be as easily welcomed by conservative evangelicals. Still, Dunn will make you think long and hard about your reading of Scripture and history. While I would largely align myself in opposition to Dunn’s conclusion, and in full disclosure did so prior to reading the book, I personally discovered many benefits in his contribution to this ongoing conversation. Consequently, Did the First Christians Worship Jesus?: The New Testament Evidence is a commendable book, and I am certain that it will be enjoyed and discussed often by the interested reader.
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for and honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Everything that I have read by Dunn has been well-written and thoroughly engaging. He is consistently both scholarly and accessible to the average reader, and Did the First Christians Worship Jesus? displays the marriage of these two realities well. Though it must be said that the content within may not be easily welcomed by conservative evangelicals. The book begins with a brief introduction where Dunn reveals his conversation partners—Richard Bauckham and Larry Hurtado—and builds the case for his investigation with a number of sub-questions that become the focus of the subsequent chapters. The thesis of the book is also laid on the table twofold: (1) for the first Christians worship of Jesus was a way of worshiping YHWH, and (2) the contemporary worship of Jesus now witnessed is only possible or acceptable within what is now understood as a Trinitarian framework (p. 6). In Chapter one Dunn examines the language of worship in the New Testament as applied to Jesus. He concludes that there is no real concrete evidence that worship language, as applied to God, was ever directly applied to Jesus. According to Dunn the worship language found within the New Testament was never explicitly directed at Jesus, rather it was directed at God for Jesus (p. 27-28). Chapter two carries much of the same theme of ambiguity as Dunn examines at the practice of worship in relation to the person of Jesus (i.e. prayer and sacrifice). Dunn writes, “in earliest Christianity, Christ was never understood as the one to whom sacrifice was offered, even when the imagery of sacrifice was used symbolically for Christian service” (p. 56).
As Dunn moves toward the topic in closer detail, chapter three addresses the topic of monotheism, heavenly mediators, and divine agents. This was an interesting chapter and most readers will likely find it to be a highpoint in the book. Dunn examines Paul’s reframing of the Shema, the divine personification of Spirit, Wisdom, and Word in light of the early Christian claims about Jesus, as well as exalted human beings such as Moses, Elijah, and Enoch. Dunn historically concludes that none of these entities were treated as a rightful recipient of worship, and thus either was Jesus to the first Christians. The final chapter is the heartbeat of the book and crucial to Dunn’s thesis. If the reader is able to read only a single chapter from the book this is the chapter to read. In chapter four Dunn address a number of stimulating topics related to the proposed question of the book, such as Jesus’s view of monotheism, the New Testament texts that appear to refer to Jesus as YHWH (i.e. 1 Corinthians 8:6; 15:24-28), as well as related issues within the Fourth Gospel and Revelation. As the book concludes Dunn warns the reader of the dangers of an oversimplified answer to the question. It’s not that simple according to Dunn. So, did the first Christians worship Jesus? Dunn concludes, “No, by and large the first Christians did not worship Jesus as such . . . so our central question can indeed be answered negatively, and perhaps it should be” (p. 150-151).
As stated above, everything that I have read by Dunn has been well-written and thoroughly engaging. He is consistently scholarly and accessible to the average reader, and Did the First Christians Worship Jesus? displays the union of these two realities well. Nonetheless, the content within this book may not be as easily welcomed by conservative evangelicals. Still, Dunn will make you think long and hard about your reading of Scripture and history. While I would largely align myself in opposition to Dunn’s conclusion, and in full disclosure did so prior to reading the book, I personally discovered many benefits in his contribution to this ongoing conversation. Consequently, Did the First Christians Worship Jesus?: The New Testament Evidence is a commendable book, and I am certain that it will be enjoyed and discussed often by the interested reader.
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for and honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
May 26, 2023
Dunn, James D. G. Did the First Christians Worship Jesus? : The New Testament Evidence. Louisville, KY, Westminster John Knox Press, 2010.
"Did the First Christians Worship Jesus?" by James D.G. Dunn is a comprehensive exploration of the early Christian worship practices and the role of Jesus within them. Dunn, a prominent New Testament scholar, delves into the historical and textual evidence to shed light on the nature and development of worship among the earliest followers of Jesus.
The book addresses a central question: How did the first Christians perceive and honor Jesus in their worship? Dunn challenges the commonly held assumption that the early Christians did not worship Jesus as divine but rather viewed him as an exalted human figure or an agent of God. He argues that the evidence points towards an evolving understanding of Jesus as divine and worthy of worship.
Dunn begins by examining the Jewish roots of early Christian worship. He explores the monotheistic background of the Jewish faith and the strict adherence to the worship of Yahweh. He then traces the gradual inclusion of Jesus in the worship practices of the early Christian communities. Drawing upon a wide range of sources, including the New Testament texts, early Christian writings, and Jewish literature, Dunn reconstructs the emerging Christological beliefs and their impact on worship.
One of the key arguments Dunn presents is that the earliest Christians engaged in a form of "binitarian" worship. They worshiped both God the Father and Jesus the Son, albeit in distinct but interconnected ways. He highlights the importance of the titles and hymns used by the early Christians to describe Jesus, demonstrating that they ascribed divine attributes and honor to him.
Dunn also explores the role of the Holy Spirit in early Christian worship, noting the Trinitarian implications that arise from the worship practices of the early believers. He argues that the worship of Jesus and the Spirit played a crucial role in the formation of the doctrine of the Trinity.
Throughout the book, Dunn engages with scholarly debates and alternative viewpoints, offering a balanced and nuanced analysis of the evidence. He addresses counterarguments and presents alternative interpretations, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the various perspectives on early Christian worship.
The writing style of "Did the First Christians Worship Jesus?" is scholarly and rigorous, making it a valuable resource for academics and students of New Testament studies. However, it may be dense and challenging for those without a background in biblical scholarship, but it presents a credible beginning for understanding the deity of Christ and the way He was viewed by the early church. Through meticulous research and careful analysis, Dunn presents a compelling case for the inclusion of Jesus in the worship of the first Christians. The book invites readers to reevaluate their understanding of early Christian worship and the divinity of Jesus
Note: PBS published a documentary entitled, "From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians" and keeps the series current on their website since its publication in April, 1998, meaning hundreds of thousands have viewed this series over the years. Their claim is that the series is "an intellectual and visual guide to the new and controversial historical evidence which challenges familiar assumptions about the life of Jesus and the epic rise of Christianity". The scholarship presented is dated and notably liberal, playing down the early publication of the Gospel accounts as "published nearly 40 years after Jesus' death". The entire tone of the series is to minimize the miraculous, deny the deity of Jesus and present Christianity as just another among the world's many religious projects by asserting that Jesus was simply a prophet and rabbi who arose on the scene of 2nd Temple Judaism and that the early church invented the narrative of His resurrection and, hence, His deity. The experts and scholars interviewed are overbalanced. Paula Fredriksen, John Dominic Crossan, Elaine Pagels, Marcus Borg, and Bart D. Ehrman are all very theologically, socially and historically liberal scholars, each with their own axe to grind. Only Ben Witherington III represents anything like a conservative position on the deity of Christ and the historicity of the New Testament documents, and his interviews are shaded down, followed by contradicting statements from the other commentators and generally nullified. PBS presents itself as a media outlet where ordinary Americans can find thought-provoking and even-handed intellectual resources on the news, current events and long-form journalism on subjects of general interest. This means that the opinions presented in "From Jesus to Christ" are also to be found in the mainstream of American society. In such an environment James Dunn's "Did the First Christians Worship Jesus?" is a credible entry for real scholarship. It is a significant contribution to the discussion surrounding the early Christian understanding of Jesus and their worship practices.
"Did the First Christians Worship Jesus?" by James D.G. Dunn is a comprehensive exploration of the early Christian worship practices and the role of Jesus within them. Dunn, a prominent New Testament scholar, delves into the historical and textual evidence to shed light on the nature and development of worship among the earliest followers of Jesus.
The book addresses a central question: How did the first Christians perceive and honor Jesus in their worship? Dunn challenges the commonly held assumption that the early Christians did not worship Jesus as divine but rather viewed him as an exalted human figure or an agent of God. He argues that the evidence points towards an evolving understanding of Jesus as divine and worthy of worship.
Dunn begins by examining the Jewish roots of early Christian worship. He explores the monotheistic background of the Jewish faith and the strict adherence to the worship of Yahweh. He then traces the gradual inclusion of Jesus in the worship practices of the early Christian communities. Drawing upon a wide range of sources, including the New Testament texts, early Christian writings, and Jewish literature, Dunn reconstructs the emerging Christological beliefs and their impact on worship.
One of the key arguments Dunn presents is that the earliest Christians engaged in a form of "binitarian" worship. They worshiped both God the Father and Jesus the Son, albeit in distinct but interconnected ways. He highlights the importance of the titles and hymns used by the early Christians to describe Jesus, demonstrating that they ascribed divine attributes and honor to him.
Dunn also explores the role of the Holy Spirit in early Christian worship, noting the Trinitarian implications that arise from the worship practices of the early believers. He argues that the worship of Jesus and the Spirit played a crucial role in the formation of the doctrine of the Trinity.
Throughout the book, Dunn engages with scholarly debates and alternative viewpoints, offering a balanced and nuanced analysis of the evidence. He addresses counterarguments and presents alternative interpretations, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the various perspectives on early Christian worship.
The writing style of "Did the First Christians Worship Jesus?" is scholarly and rigorous, making it a valuable resource for academics and students of New Testament studies. However, it may be dense and challenging for those without a background in biblical scholarship, but it presents a credible beginning for understanding the deity of Christ and the way He was viewed by the early church. Through meticulous research and careful analysis, Dunn presents a compelling case for the inclusion of Jesus in the worship of the first Christians. The book invites readers to reevaluate their understanding of early Christian worship and the divinity of Jesus
Note: PBS published a documentary entitled, "From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians" and keeps the series current on their website since its publication in April, 1998, meaning hundreds of thousands have viewed this series over the years. Their claim is that the series is "an intellectual and visual guide to the new and controversial historical evidence which challenges familiar assumptions about the life of Jesus and the epic rise of Christianity". The scholarship presented is dated and notably liberal, playing down the early publication of the Gospel accounts as "published nearly 40 years after Jesus' death". The entire tone of the series is to minimize the miraculous, deny the deity of Jesus and present Christianity as just another among the world's many religious projects by asserting that Jesus was simply a prophet and rabbi who arose on the scene of 2nd Temple Judaism and that the early church invented the narrative of His resurrection and, hence, His deity. The experts and scholars interviewed are overbalanced. Paula Fredriksen, John Dominic Crossan, Elaine Pagels, Marcus Borg, and Bart D. Ehrman are all very theologically, socially and historically liberal scholars, each with their own axe to grind. Only Ben Witherington III represents anything like a conservative position on the deity of Christ and the historicity of the New Testament documents, and his interviews are shaded down, followed by contradicting statements from the other commentators and generally nullified. PBS presents itself as a media outlet where ordinary Americans can find thought-provoking and even-handed intellectual resources on the news, current events and long-form journalism on subjects of general interest. This means that the opinions presented in "From Jesus to Christ" are also to be found in the mainstream of American society. In such an environment James Dunn's "Did the First Christians Worship Jesus?" is a credible entry for real scholarship. It is a significant contribution to the discussion surrounding the early Christian understanding of Jesus and their worship practices.
February 4, 2017
This is the Jesus you're looking for...
Not since Jesus Remembered have I come across a scholar as masterly as James D. G. Dunn. This is the third of his works I've read. The second was his New Perspective on the Historical Jesus. It takes incredible intellectual honesty for a scholar of Dunn's caliber to go against the grain and say that Jesus was not worshipped by the first Christians, although as a unitarian, I have long since given up on the idea that he was (as well as giving up the ideas of the Incarnation and Trinity). This is even more surprising given that Dunn himself believes in both the Incarnation and Trinity, although based on this he seems at least partially on the wall. He's now got me wanting to read Hurtardo and Bauckham on the same issue because I want to see how accurately he has represented them, and to see whether they can swing my own beliefs back in the other direction.
Not since Jesus Remembered have I come across a scholar as masterly as James D. G. Dunn. This is the third of his works I've read. The second was his New Perspective on the Historical Jesus. It takes incredible intellectual honesty for a scholar of Dunn's caliber to go against the grain and say that Jesus was not worshipped by the first Christians, although as a unitarian, I have long since given up on the idea that he was (as well as giving up the ideas of the Incarnation and Trinity). This is even more surprising given that Dunn himself believes in both the Incarnation and Trinity, although based on this he seems at least partially on the wall. He's now got me wanting to read Hurtardo and Bauckham on the same issue because I want to see how accurately he has represented them, and to see whether they can swing my own beliefs back in the other direction.
January 13, 2017
I would have been very happy if this book had been 400 pages, allowing Dunn to further investigate Second Temple literature and the various presentations of God's immanence and mediation through (real or metaphorical) beings. I suppose I'll have to read his /Christology in the Making/ to get a fuller treatment. I thought his argument was sound, though his presentation often read like an apologetic. The question that still plagues my mind is how far-reaching, and how pervasive, these Second Temple teachings were, as they'd have to have been widely known and generally accepted for Dunn's argument to be found true.
June 24, 2025
Dunn is cautious not to impose later Trinitarian theology onto the New Testament. He carefully distinguishes between different forms of reverence, recognizing that Jesus was deeply honored, even prayed to, but he stops short of saying that Jesus was fully divine in the same way God is. That wasn’t really what caught my attention, though. What stood out to me was the underlying assumption in everything he argued. He treats Jesus as someone close to God, sent by God, even exalted by God, but still not God Himself.
#ArmChristology #ArmBared #Oneness
#ArmChristology #ArmBared #Oneness
July 30, 2023
A well written and scholarly approach to a sensitive topic. I deeply appreciate his thorough examination of the the language and activities associated with worship in the context of both early Christian writings and the Jewish theological roots that form the context for those writings.
July 11, 2017
Surprisingly, Dunn leaves out any consideration of the Eucharist to elucidate this title question.
December 5, 2023
Gave a lot of information but didn't really answer the question, just made the christology more confusing in my opinion, for a nonbeliever as myself, and even a believer.
December 28, 2014
As usual, Dunn's scholarship is impeccable as he goes about answering this very intriguing question. This is a must read for anyone interest in this question which has such important ramifications.
February 12, 2015
A very thorough, academic review of the topic. Interesting enough, by the conclusion of the book, Dunn finds the question in the title to be inadequate for the subject at hand. A great study of concepts that most Christians take for granted.
April 5, 2014
This book perfectly articulates conclusions I had drawn from personal Bible study in the past 4 years. Well done.
April 9, 2017
Aanbaden de eerste christenen Jezus Christus? Het is een vraag die exegeten, bijbelwetenschappers en andere theologen al jaren bezighoudt. Hurtado heeft er meer dan 1000 pagina’s over geschreven en ook Bauckham heeft er zich aan gewaagd. Toch lijkt het verhaal er één van voorstanders en tegenstanders… Hurtado en Bacukham zijn ervan overtuigd dat dit inderdaad het geval is geweest… Ehrman en Dunn zijn daar echter niet zo zeker van. Dunn ziet vooral in de woordkeuze van het Nieuwe Testament dat er een belangrijke discrepantie is in de “aanbidding” tot Jezus met de aanbidding tot God. Het boek heeft enkele rake punten die bruikbaar zijn in de studie op het gebied van deze vraag, maar veelal zijn de argumenten van Dunn flinterdun en vrij veel stemmingmakerij. Het lijkt alsof Dunn al zijn mening klaar had voordat hij aan het boek begon en zijn argumenten rond zijn mening borduurde, in plaats van omgekeerd zoals het een goede wetenschapper zou betamen. Verder moet men altijd oppassen niet al te zeker te klinken op vragen uit een ver verleden (zo’n 2000 jaar geleden inmiddels). Daar lijkt Dunn zich in ieder geval niet aan te storen. Zo stelt hij op een gegeven moment dat proskuneo bitter weinig wordt gebruikt in samenstellingen met Jezus, maar dat is b.v. simpelweg aantoonbaar onjuist, als je de keren van proskuneo opzoekt in het Mattheüs-evangelie dan is het opvallend hoeveel keer het gebruikt wordt in samenstellingen met Jezus, veel meer trouwens dan de twee andere synoptische evangelies, die hier wel vrij schaars in zijn.
Misschien ligt het ook wel aan de omvang van dit boekje dat Hurtado wat de eerste christenen betreft veel dieper in gaat en een veel grotere kennis van zaken laat blijken. Het boekje zou ik dan ook zeker niet als een zelfstandige entiteit aanraden maar in samenspraak met het werk van Hurtado, waaraan dit boek ook is opgedragen. Hurtado was trouwens op zijn zachtst gezegd van dit boek niet onder de indruk.
Misschien ligt het ook wel aan de omvang van dit boekje dat Hurtado wat de eerste christenen betreft veel dieper in gaat en een veel grotere kennis van zaken laat blijken. Het boekje zou ik dan ook zeker niet als een zelfstandige entiteit aanraden maar in samenspraak met het werk van Hurtado, waaraan dit boek ook is opgedragen. Hurtado was trouwens op zijn zachtst gezegd van dit boek niet onder de indruk.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews