reply to post by eight bits
You needn't hang so much on a word. Thesaurus and dicitionary arguments are always weak.
Actually a lot of theology rests on the meanings of the greek / hebrew words. Nothing clears up theological misconceptions better than understanding
the correct meanings of words.
Here the key word is "worship", as we read in our english bibles.
It turns out that both the Greek and Hebrew word for "worship" can also mean an act of homage.
This act of homage was given to ordinary humans (like Daniel and those people in Revelations 3. When read in english, it would seem odd that
they were given "worshiped"... because we associate "worship" with God. However, when we learn that the greek word for "worship" could also mean an
act of homage or honor, it begins to make sense. This was the kind of "worship" that Jesus received.
When it comes to Godly worship Jesus himself said that only God is to be worshiped...as did the angel.
So, maybe the better question is when did Jesus become worshipped as God? John 20: 28 reports Thomas, already established in that Gospel as a
Jewish disciple, addressed the risen Jesus as "My Lord and my God." It's a little hard to explain that one as a polite greeting between two
men.
I already addressed Thomas' words earlier.
Yes, its not a polite greeting, but rather an exclamation where Thomas referred to God AND Jesus as two separate entities. Does not mean Thomas
believed Jesus was God.
Thomas's use of the word "Lord" to address Jesus is also telling.
The word "Lord" is like saying Master or leader... or someone with authority. Like the word "worship" it too can be associated with God and man.
With regard to Jesus, God and "Lord" are used in the same sentence, but have always meant 2 different entities. Some examples from the NT
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ - James 1:1
- Basically meaning that James was a servant of God AND Jesus. Does not mean they are the same person.
Even Paul, who I disagree with, understood there was an equation between God and Jesus.
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ.... -Ephesians 1:17
There are tons of other verses which make clear the fact that God and Jesus are 2 separate entities. Christians ignore all of that and cling on to a
single misunderstood verse of John 20:28.
edit on 22-2-2013 by sk0rpi0n because: (no reason given)