Christology In The New Testament (Student/Study Guide)

The different pictures of Christ presented in the New Testament can be understood in light of the different problems and situations the New Testament authors were addressing. The interpretation of Christ that most closely addressed the pressing needs and daily reality of the churches the writer was addressing naturally came to the forefront of the way Christ was described. In addition, different kinds of literature use Christology somewhat differently. Some Christological claims are made as part of a narrative. Some are doxological, included in early Christian hymns. Some are more discursive – as part of a response to concrete practical problems. David Bartlett presents Christological claims as part of ongoing conversations in the early church about who Jesus was and how he was understood as still present in believing communities.