“ Who is JESUS?”
Fundamental
QUESTION:
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Jew
1
Member of the tribe of Judah. Later include
any Hebrew who returned from Babylonian
captivity, then those scattered around the
world during 2nd Temple Period.
Polis
4
Latin Language
Diaspora
2
A Greek word meaning dispersion.
Refers to the Jews who are scattered
around the world living outside Israel,
their original homeland.
5
Hellenism
3
Influence and adaptation of Greek thought,
language, values, customs that began with
the conquest of the Eastern Mediterranean
world by Alexander the Great.
A system of city-states, which established
an alternative political system of
organization in Palestine. This system is
borrowed by the Romans from the Greeks.
A medium spread by the Romans that was
eventually absorbed by Christianity as its
official language, particularly in its writings
and official Church documents.
Polytheism
6
Religious tradition most commonly
practiced by the Greeks and Romans who
worship a variety of gods or multiple gods.
4
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Monotheism
7
Belief in one God, primarily by the Jewish
people who believed only in YHWH. It is the
core teaching to their religion. Runs into
conflict with polytheism by other culture.
Herodians
10
Prefect a.k.a. Procurator
Maccabean Revolt
8
Named after its leader Judas Maccabeus.
Revolt against the Syrian Greeks who
sacked Israel and desecrated the Jewish
temple by building the image of Zeus in it.
11
Hasmoneans
9
The Maccabean Dynasty that ruled the
independent Jewish state that was
established after the Jewish people
redeemed their temple and independence.
This group was either religious or political
in nature. But scholars generally believe
that they were supporters of the political
ruler Herod the Great.
Appointed by Rome to govern Palestine.
In command of the auxiliary military units.
Had full power of criminal and civil
jurisdiction. Responsible for handling taxes.
Sanhedrin
12
The highest or supreme Jewish council and
tribunal. Headed by a High Priest and
having religious, civil & criminal jurisdiction.
5
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Zealots
13
Jewish freedom fighters who revolted
against the Roman Empire by force arms.
Romans called them ‘sicarii,’ meaning
dagger. Also labelled as religious fanatics.
Ketubbah
16
Kerygma
Publicans
14
The local (Jewish) tax collectors hired by
the Roman Empire whose loyalty is with
Rome. This pressed the people to greater
poverty. Also imposing forced census.
17
Levites
15
Provides assistance to the priests during
worship in the Jewish temple. Also acts as
temple tax collectors.
A document recording the financial
obligations which the husband undertakes
towards his wife in respect of their
marriage. This is imposed on him by law.
From the ancient Greek kerugma in English
means proclamation of faith or preaching.
In the early Christianity it pertains to the
proclamation of salvation through Christ.
Basilea Tou Theou
18
Greek words meaning the Kingdom of God.
Found 92 times in the Bible. Its coming is
central to the teaching and healing
ministry of Christ.
6
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Martyrs
19
Pertains to the Christians who died for their
faith. Enduring all the physical torments
rather than denounce their faith.
Considered as heroes of Christian faith.
Autobasiliea
22
Beatitudes
Apostates
20
Those who unlike the martyrs decided to
abandon or denounce their faith in order
to spare their lives from persecution or
death.
23
Evangelists
21
From the Greek word evangelistes which
means “the one who announces the good
news.” They began writing the life and
message of Jesus Christ.
The title designated by Scholars to refer
to Jesus the Kingdom of God himself
through his works and words.
Refers to the eight (8) blessings recounted
by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in the
Gospel of Matthew. Each promises salvation,
not in this world but in the end.
Eschaton, Eschatology
24
Meaning ultimate or final destiny, for the
Christians it is in Jesus Christ. This also
refers to the end times when everything
will be judged accordingly.
7
Introduction to
Christology
PRELIMINARIES:
CHRISTOLOGY & ITS APPROACHES
A
Definition of Christology
B
Approaches to Christology
C
Christology from Below and Above
D
Biblical Foundation of the Church
Conclusion
Definition of
CHRISTOLOGY
ET YM O L OGICAL LY, th e te r m C h r is t olo gy i s
fr o m th e G r e e k w o r d s C h r is to s w h i c h i s th e
w o r d fo r M e s s iah o r A n o in t e d O n e , a n d
L o g o s w h ic h me a n s s t udy.
NEW AMERICAN BIBLE, defines
Christology as the ordered process of
reflection on the nature and meaning of
Jesus Christ.
WHO REALLY IS JESUS?
The same striking question was asked
to the apostles by Jesus himself.
“ Who do people say that I am? and
they told him, John the Baptist; others
say Elijah; and others one of the
prophets .” (Mark 8:27-28)
It was in such incident that Peter
inspired by the Holy Spirit, made the
confession of Jesus as the Messiah:
“ You are the Christ .” (Mark 8:29)
MISCONCEPTION
about the true
meaning of MESSIAH
But later in that scene (Mark 8:29), Peter was
rebuked by Jesus for thinking the way the
world understood a Messiah.
For them Messiah is a political leader or
savior.
A person who must not suffer but a powerful
one who can lead the Jews against the mighty
Roman Empire that oppresses them.
Approaches to
C H R I S TO L O G Y
HISTORICAL
Christology
3
DOGMATIC
ONTOLOGICAL
Christology
1
4
Christology
2
FUNCTIONAL
Christology
Etymologically, is derived from the Greek prefix
onto which means “being” and logos meaning
“study.”
This approach focuses on the being and nature
of Jesus Christ as fully human and fully divine.
It includes the true relation of the two aspects of
his person as both human and divine.
O N TO L O G I C A L C h r i s t o l o g y
1st Approach to the study of Christology
It is the study of the work that Jesus Christ
achieved in the plan of salvation.
Rather than focusing on who he was as a
person.
It primarily asks the question:
“What is the role of Jesus in salvation? ”
FUNCTIONAL Christology
2nd Approach to the study of Christology
It investigates the facts and evidences of the
historical human Jesus.
It includes the words of Jesus (teachings) and
the works he performed (miracles).
It also inquires on the events that contributes to a
holistic view of Jesus as a 1st century Palestinian Jew.
H I S TO R I C A L C h r i s t o l o g y
3rd Approach to the study of Christology
It approaches the study on Jesus Christ according
to the official teachings of the Catholic Church.
That includes the doctrines and dogmas of the
Catholic Church that were promulgated.
It also revisits past pronouncements and decrees by
ecclesiastical authorities and ecumenical councils.
D O G M AT I C C h r i s t o l o g y
4th Approach to the study of Christology
5th Approach to the study of Christology
Christology from
BELOW
Has its starting point on the human experience of
Jesus Christ that believers can relate with before
introducing systematic Christological doctrines and
teachings of the Church.
The purpose is to guide its believers and prepare
them to understand and appreciate his divine
person. Also known as ASCENDING Christology.
6th Approach to the study of Christology
ABOVE
Christology from
Begins its study on Jesus’ divinity as it is understood
and preach by the Catholic Church.
It examines doctrines and pronouncements about
Jesus in order to guide and enlighten the faithexperiences of his followers. DESCENDING
Christology is the other term for this approach.
The given approaches differentiate the various
areas of emphasis on Jesus Christ and yet,
they show the need for COMPLEMENTARITY
and SUPPORT in order to have a balanced and
holistic understanding of Jesus.
CONCLUSION
We are also invited to take this study as an
interactive process, a personal encounter with
Jesus, as we grow in knowledge and wisdom
about him.
Hopefully to translate it into commitment and
action for love to Jesus.