The Significance of "First Begotten" in Early Christian Thought

The concept of Jesus as the "first begotten" is a crucial element in early Christian theology, shaping understandings of his relationship to God and humanity. This title, applied to Jesus, carries profound implications for how early Christians viewed his role in creation and redemption. Let's explore this concept, as it was understood in early Christian thought.

Jesus as the First Begotten

The phrase "first begotten" (prototokos) appears in several New Testament passages, particularly in the writings attributed to Paul. These passages assert Jesus's unique position in relation to God. This title highlights Jesus's divine sonship and his role in the divine economy.

Primacy in Creation

One key aspect of "first begotten" is its connection to creation. Jesus, as the "first begotten," is understood to have existed before all creation and to have been instrumental in its formation. He is not simply a created being, but the one through whom all things were made.

The Son of God being made the Son of man, that through Him we may receive the adoption,--humanity sustaining, and receiving, and embracing the Son of God. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

This passage emphasizes that Jesus, as the Son of God, is both divine and human. His role as the "first begotten" signifies his pre-existence and active participation in creation.

Heir to the Kingdom

The "first begotten" title also implies inheritance and dominion. As the firstborn son, Jesus is the rightful heir to the kingdom. This suggests that he has authority and power over all creation. The scriptures describe Jesus as sitting on the right hand of the Father, further cementing His role as heir:

And David, knowing by the Spirit the dispensation of the advent of this Person, by which He is supreme over all the living and dead, confessed Him as Lord, sitting on the right hand of the Most High Father. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

Jesus's Dual Nature

The concept of the "first begotten" also provides insight into the dual nature of Jesus, both divine and human. This is reflected in the passages that describe Jesus as both the Son of God and the son of David:

And again, the angel said, when bringing good tidings to Mary: "He shall he great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord shall give unto Him the throne of His father David;" acknowledging that He who is the Son of the Highest, the same is Himself also the Son of David. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

This acknowledgement of Jesus as both Son of God and Son of David demonstrates the complexities of early Christian belief in a single divine entity with a human form.

Defending the Doctrine

The early Church Fathers faced challenges to the orthodox understanding of Jesus as the "first begotten." Some groups, like the Gnostics, held beliefs that undermined Jesus's divinity or his true humanity. These groups often taught that Christ was a separate entity from Jesus or that he only temporarily inhabited Jesus's body.

The Gospel, therefore, knew no other son of man but Him who was of Mary, who also suffered; and no Christ who flew away from Jesus before the passion; but Him who was born it knew as Jesus Christ the Son of God, and that this same suffered and rose again, as John, the disciple of the Lord, verifies, saying: "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye might have eternal life in His name." (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

This passage emphasizes the unity of Jesus and Christ, arguing against the idea that they were two separate entities. Early church leaders sought to safeguard the doctrine of the "first begotten" by emphasizing the inseparable union of the divine and human natures in Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

The understanding of Jesus as the "first begotten" is central to early Christian theology. This title signifies his unique relationship with God, his role in creation, his inheritance of the kingdom, and the union of his divine and human natures. The early Church Fathers defended this doctrine against various challenges, ensuring that the belief in Jesus as the "first begotten" remained a cornerstone of Christian faith.