Is Jesus God?
This is a controversial question. But here is something to keep in mind. Here are a couple of verses from Revelation. The verses are from the same book and so we cannot be accused of patching together two passages in a forced way.
““I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”” (Revelation 1:8 ESV)
It is obvious that it is God speaking in this passage. In Revelation 21:6, it seems that it is also God being described at the Alpha and Omega. Here is the next passage.
““Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:12–20 ESV)
It is the one who is coming that is described as the Alpha and Omega. Yet, in the context it seems clear that the one who is expected to come is no other than Jesus. In some same strange way, both God and Jesus are the Alpha and Omega. Something to think about.
I’m assuming you view the entire current canon as inspired. If we can set that aside for a moment for the sake of argument, do you view Revelations as a more reliable source than the synoptic gospels? One is someone else’s dream/vision an the others are alleged recording of actual sayings and deeds of the man himself. I think the gospels are why the controversy exists, not Revelations, which is itself quite controversial.
I consider all of the canon to be inspired. I consider Revelation as equally reliable, although they are different genres and must be interpreted accordingly. The purpose of my post was more to demonstrate that there was an understanding among early Christians, even in the canon, that Jesus was divine.
But as my question suggests, you might question whether the disciples as portrayed in the gospels even got it half the time. They didn’t seen to understand much and they were the earliest Christians.
I agree that the disciples did not full understand who Jesus was during his life. It was as people reflected on what Jesus said, what he did and the implications of his resurrection that they came to a fuller understanding. However, it is important to note that our earliest Christian writings come from Paul and he affirms the divinity of Christ.
Interesting observation. When asked that same question I try to use Matthew 16:16-17.