In this post I will be quoting from the New Testament translation of the Eastern Orthodox Bible (EOB) in relation to the Deity of Jesus. The EOB NT can be purchased here: New Testament – EOB Portable.

I will cite what I deem to be the clearest and most explicit references to the fact of Christ being YHWH God Almighty who became a human being. All emphasis will be mine.

Synoptic Gospels

“‘She will give birth to a son and you shall give him the name Jesus^d because he will be the one to save his people from their sins.’ Now, all this happened so that what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bring forth a son. They shall call his name Emmanuel; which means, ‘with us [is] God.’^e” Matthew 1:21-23

^d “Jesus” (Yeshua) means “God saves” or in short “salvation”– Cf. Ps. 130:3-4, 7-8

“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men^h from the east came to Jerusalem, saying: ‘Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and we have come to express adoration toⁱ him.’ When King Herod heard about this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ a would be born. They replied, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is written through the prophet: You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah: for out of you shall come forth a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.^b” Matthew 2:1-6

^b Micah 5:2

“‘For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then, he will render to everyone according to their deeds. Amen, I tell you: some are standing here who will not have tasted death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.’^h” Matthew 16:27-28 – Cf. 25:31-46; Ps. 62:12; Prov. 24:12; Isa. 40:10; 62:11; Joel 3:1-2, 11-12

“As they went to tell his disciples,^d behold, Jesus met them, saying, ‘Rejoice!’ They came forward and took hold of his feet, and expressed adoration to him… The eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they expressed adoration [to^c him], d but they^e doubted.^f Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all the things that I have commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ <Amen! >^g” Matthew 28:9, 16-20

“But Jesus remained silent and answered nothing. Again, the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Christ,^a the Son of the Blessed?’ Jesus replied, ‘I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of the sky.’” Mark 14:61-62 – Cf. Ps. 110:1; Dan. 7:9-10, 13-14

“Then, they reached the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, a man from the town who had had demons for a long time came to meet him.^c This man wore no clothes, and he did not live in a house, but in the tombs.  When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him. With a loud voice, he said, ‘What do you want from me,^d Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me!’ (For Jesus was commanding the unclean spirit to come out of the man). The unclean spirit had often seized the man and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and fetters. [But he had been] breaking the chains and was driven by the demon into deserted places. Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ He replied, ‘Legion,’ for many demons had entered into him. And they begged him not to command them to go into the abyss… ‘Return to your house and proclaim what great things God has done for you.’ So the man went on his way, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:26-31, 39

John

“In the beginning was the Word,^a and the Word was with God, and the Word was {what} God^b {was}. This one was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him, nothing came into being that has come into being.^c In him was life, life that was the light of mankind… The true light who enlightens everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world had come into existence through him, and the world did not recognize^e him… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling^b among us. We beheld his glory, glory as a Father’s only-begotten^c son, full of grace and truth. John testified about him; he cried out, saying, ‘This was the one of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”’… No one has seen God at any time! The unique^f Son^g who is in the bosom of the Father,^h he has explained him.” John 1:1-4, 9-10, 14, 18

^a The Greek word Logos (logos) is traditionally translated as “Word.” French translations sometimes use “Verb” which has a dynamic quality. The English “Message” or “Expression of the Mind” may also be appropriate attempts to convey the nuance of the Greek concept. The Jewish-Alexandrian theologian and philosopher Philo wrote extensively about the Logos in ways that are reminiscent of NT theology. For instance, his teaching that “For the Logos of the living God being the bond of every thing, as has been said before, holds all things together, and binds all the parts, and prevents them from being loosened or separated” echoes Colossians 1:17.

^b En arche een ho logos, kai ho logos een pros ton theon, kai theos een ho logos This second theos could also be translated ‘divine’ as the construction indicates a qualitative sense for theos. The Word is not God in the sense that he is the same person as the theos mentioned in 1:1a; he is not God the Father (God absolutely as in common NT usage) or the Trinity. The point being made is that the Logos is of the same uncreated nature or essence as God the Father, with whom he eternally exists. This verse is echoed in the Nicene Creed: “God (qualitative or derivative) from God (personal, the Father), Light from Light, True God from True God… homoousion with the Father.” – Cf. Gen. 1-2; Pss. 33:6; 36:9; 27:1; 104:1-4

“John said, ‘I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness,ⁱ “Make straight the way of the Lord,”^j as Isaias (Isaiah) the prophet said.’… John answered them, ‘I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you do not know.^a He is the one who comes after me, who is ranked before me,^b whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.’ These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day, John^c saw Jesus coming to him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one of whom I said, “After me comes a man who is ranked before me, because he was before me.” I did not know him, but for this reason I came baptizing in water: so that he would be revealed to Israel.’ John bore witness, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven and remain on him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize in water said to me, “Upon whom you will see the Spirit descending and remaining, this is he who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.” Moreover, I myself have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.’^d Again, the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. He looked at Jesus as he was walking by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’” John 1:23, 26-36 – Cf. Isa. 40:3-5, 9-11

“Jesus answered and responded to them, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up!’^e The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this sanctuary, and you will raise it up in three days?’ (But he was speaking of the sanctuary of his body). When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.Now, when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many began to believe in his Name, observing the signs which he was performing. But Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew everyone, and because he did not need a witness about human nature, for he himself knew what was in man.” John 2:19-25

“Jesus replied and said, ‘You are the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things? Amen, amen, I tell you; we speak of what we know, and [we] bear witness to what we have seen, and you do not receive our testimony. If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you [about] heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven, except for the one who came down out of heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven.^d And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, likewise, the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone believing in him should not perish but^e have eternal life. Indeed, God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten^f Son, so that everyone who believes^g in him should not perish but have eternal life. Certainly, God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world should be saved^h through him. Anyone who believes in him is not judged, but whoever does not believe has already been judged, because such a person has not believed in the Name of the only-begotten a Son of God.” John 3:10-18

“The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. For this reason, the Jews persecuted Jesus <and sought to kill him>^a because he did these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is still working, and I am also working.’ Because of this, the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, not only because he broke the Sabbath, but also because he called God his own Father,^b making himself equal with God. Accordingly, Jesus answered them, ‘Amen, amen, I tell you; the Son can do nothing of himself, but [only] what he sees the Father doing. Indeed, whatever the Father^c does, the Son also does likewise. For the Father has deep affection^d for the Son, and shows him all things that he himself does. And the Father^e will show him greater works than these, so that you may be astonished. For [just] as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, likewise the Son also gives life to whom he desires. As it is, the Father judges no one, but he has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son even as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him! Amen, amen, I tell you; the one who hears my word and believes in him who sent me has eternal life and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. Amen, amen, I tell you; the hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will come to life. For as the Father has life in himself, so has he given to the Son to have life in himself. He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is Son of Man.^f Do not be astonished at this, because the hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. I can do nothing of myself. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous because I do not seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.’” John 5:15-30

“‘All that the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who is coming to me I will in no way reject.^d For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but [to do] the will of the one who sent me. This is the will of my Father who sent me: that of all he has given me, I should lose nothing, but raise it^e up on the last day. This is the will of the one who sent me: that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and this one^f I will raise up on the last day.’ At this, the Jews began to murmur concerning him, because he had said, ‘I am the bread which came down out of heaven.’ They said, ‘Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then does he say, ‘I have come down out of heaven?”’ Therefore, Jesus answered them, ‘Do not murmur among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and this one I will raise up on g the last day.… The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day… What then if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?’” John 6:37-44, 54, 62

“Jesus said to them, ‘You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you therefore that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am^b {the one},^c you will die in your sins.’… So Jesus said to them, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am {he}.^e I do nothing of myself, but as my Father taught me, this is what I proclaim. The one who sent me is with me. The Father has not left me alone^f because I always do the things that are pleasing to him.’… They answered him, ‘Our father is Abraham!’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now, you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God! Abraham did not do this. You do the works of your father.’ They replied to him, ‘We were not born of sexual immorality! We have one father, God.’ Therefore, Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your father, you would love me, for I issue forth [from God] and have come from God.^c Indeed, I have not come of myself, but he has sent me… Jesus replied, ‘I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. However, I do not seek my own glory. There is one who seeks and judges. Amen, amen, I tell you; whoever keeps my word will never see death.’ At this, the Jews said to him, ‘Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, and [so did] the prophets; and [yet] you say, ‘whoever keeps my word will never see death.’ Are you greater than our father, Abraham, who died? The prophets died [as well]. Who do you claim to be?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is our God. You have not known him, but I know him. If I said, ‘I do not know him,’ I would be like you, a liar. But I [do] know him, and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it, and was glad!’ At this, the Jews said to him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and you have seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Amen, amen, I tell you; before Abraham came into existence, I am.^a’ Therefore, they took up stones to throw at him, but Jesus was hidden, and <having gone through their midst and so passing by>,^b he went out of the temple.” John 8:23-24, 28-29, 39-42, 49-59

^a The sentence ends with the Greek ego eimi which may be connected with Isaias (Isaiah) 41:4 and 46:4. However, the connection with Exodus 3:13-15 (LXX) is unlikely since the expression is ego eimi o` on; where ego eimi simply introduces the predicate o `on (The Being, The Existing One). Since there are many other verses which clearly apply the Divine Name YHWH to Jesus Christ, the icon of the Savior always has the letters O` ON in the halo. Apart from these theological considerations, this construction is also fairly idiomatic (John 14:9; 15:27) and could be properly translated as “I have been [in existence] before Abraham was [even] born” – (see also 9:9 and compare with Micah 5:2). – Cf. Gen. 15:1-6; 18:1-33; 19:24-29; Ps. 90:2

“Jesus heard that they had thrown out the man born blind,^b he found him and said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of God?’ The man answered, ‘Who is he, Sir,^c that I may believe in him?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking with you.’ Then the man said, ‘Sir,^d I believe!” and he expressed adoration to^e Jesus.” John 9:35-38

“Jesus therefore said to them again, ‘Amen, amen, I tell you; I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate! Anyone who enters in by me will be saved, and go in and out, and will find pasture. The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that people may have life, and have it in abundance. I am the good shepherd!^c The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The one who is a hired hand, not a shepherd, and who does not own the sheep, leaves the sheep and flees when he sees the wolf coming. Then the wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them. The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand and does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd! I know my own, and I am known by my own; even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, which are not of this fold.^d I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. And there will be one flock one shepherd. Therefore, the Father loves me, because I lay down my life,^e so that I may take it again. No one takes my life^f away from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.^g I received this commandment from my Father.’” John 10:7-18 – Cf. Pss. 23; 80:1; Isa. 40:11

“‘My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give eternal life to them; they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.’ Again, the Jews picked up rocks to stone him. Jesus told them, ‘I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of those do you stone me?’ The Jews answered him, “We do not stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy: because you, being a man, make yourself God.’^b Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your law, “I said, you are gods?”^c If he called them gods, (those to whom the word of God came, and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of him whom the Father has consecrated^d and sent into the world, “You blaspheme,” because I said, “I am the Son of God?” If I do not do the works of my Father, do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may recognize^e and believe that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.’ They sought again to seize him, but he escaped out of their hand.” John 10:27-39 – Cf. Deut. 32:39; 1 Sam. 2:2, 6; Ps. 95:6-7; Isa. 43:13

“Then, when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary stayed in the house. Therefore, Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died! Even now, I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.’ Jesus replied, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life! The one who believes in me, even though he dies, will live! Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She answered, ‘Yes, Lord! I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who comes into the world.’” John 11:20-27

“Jesus therefore said to them, ‘The light is with you a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, so that darkness may not overtake you. Whoever walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.’ After Jesus had said this, he left and hid from them. Still, even though he had performed so many signs in front of them, they did not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaias (Isaiah) the prophet: Lord, who has believed our report?^a To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?^b For this reason, they could not believe, for Isaias (Isaiah) said elsewhere: He has blinded their eyes and he hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and would turn, and I would heal them.^c Isaias (Isaiah) said these things when he saw his glory and spoke of him.^d However, even many among the rulers believed in him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess it [openly], so that they would not be put out of the synagogue, for they loved human praise more than God’s praise. Jesus cried aloud, ‘Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in the one who sent me! Whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I have come as a light into the world, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in the dark.’” John 12:35-46

“Jesus replied to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and you have seen him.’ Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us!’ Jesus answered, ‘I have been with you for such a long time, and still, do you not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father! How can you say, “Show us the Father?” Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words that I tell you, I do not speak from myself, but the Father who lives in me accomplishes his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and that the Father is in me; or else believe on account of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I tell you; whoever believes in me will also accomplish the works that I accomplish and will do [even] greater works than these, because I am going to my Father. Whatever you will ask in my Name is what I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my Name, I will accomplish it.’… Jesus answered him, ‘The one who loves me will keep my word; my Father will love and WE shall come to him and make a home^b in him.” John 14:6-14, 23

“Now, Father, glorify me with yourself with the glory I had with you before the world existed… Father, I desire that those whom you have given me would be with me where I am, so that they may see my glory which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:5, 24

“Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” John 20:28 – Cf. Ps. 35:23

Acts

“As they were stoning Stephen, he called in prayer, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’^b Kneeling down, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them!’ Having said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:59-60

^b This may be the first recorded instance of a prayer addressed directly to Jesus Christ as the Risen Lord. – Cf. Ps. 31:5; Eccl. 12:7

“As they went on the way, they arrived to [a place with] some water, and the eunuch said, ‘Behold, here is water! What is keeping me from being baptized?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God!’^c He commanded the chariot to stand still, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch did not see him any more and went on his way rejoicing.” Acts 8:35-39

“Now, a certain disciple named Ananias lived in Damascus. In a vision, the Lord said to him, ‘Ananias!’ Ananias answered, ‘Behold, it is me, Lord!’ The Lord said to him, ‘Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judah^d for someone named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying, and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him, so that he might receive his sight.’ But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard about this man from many, how much evil he has done to YOUR saints at Jerusalem. Here, he has authority from the chief priests to bind all those who call upon YOUR Name!’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Be on your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear MY Name before nations and kings, and to the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for MY Name’s sake.’ Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me, so that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit!’ At once, something like scales fell from Saul’s^a eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized, and after taking some food, he was strengthened. After staying for several days with the disciples who were at Damascus, Saul immediately went in the synagogues to proclaim that Christ is the Son of God. All who heard him were amazed, and asked, “Is this not the man who did such damage in Jerusalem to those who called on THIS Name? And had he not come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests?’” Acts 9:10-21 – Cf. Gen. 12:8; 21:33; Deut. 4:7; Pss. 99:6-8; 116:1-4, 13, 17; 145:18

“Therefore, keep watch over yourselves and over the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers! Be shepherds of the Church of the Lord^a and of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.^b” Acts 20:28

^a CT omits “of the Lord and”

^b CT reads “with his own blood [son]” – Cf. Ps. 74:1-2

Pauline Epistles

“What the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God has accomplished by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin. Thus he condemned sin in the flesh;… However, you are not in the flesh but in the spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. But {surely} a anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. And so, brethren, we are not in debt to the flesh that we should live after the flesh. For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, then you will live! As many as are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. You did not receive the spirit of bondage to [live in] fear again. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption through which we cry, ‘Abba!^b Father!’ The Spirit himself^c testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; and if [we are] children, then [we are] heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, so that we may also be glorified with him… He who did not spare his own Son but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also give us all things with him freely?” Romans 8:3, 9-17, 32

“From them are the fathers and Christ according to the flesh who is over all: God blessed forever.^b Amen.” Romans 9:5

^b Or “…flesh: God who is over all be blessed forever.” This doxology seems to apply to Christ (here called God), as is indicated by a similar structure in Romans 1:25 and 2 Corinthians 11:31.

“If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart, one believes, resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made, resulting in salvation. As the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.’^ij Indeed, there is no distinction between Jew and Greek because the same Lord is Lord of all, and he is generous^k to all who call on him. For, ‘Whoever will call on the Name of the Lord will be saved.’^l” Romans 10:9-13

^l Joel 2:32

“to the Church of God which is at Corinth. [You are] those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all those who call upon the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father AND the Lord Jesus Christ… And so, you lack no gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ; who will also confirm you until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship a of his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:2-3, 7-9

“Yet, to us, there is one God the Father, from whom are all things; and we [are] for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ through whom are all things, and we live through him.” 1 Corinthians 8:6

“Now, I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, that our forefathers were all under the cloud: all passed through the sea; and they were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink. They drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ… Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak [to you] as to people that have common sense. Judge what I say: The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a sharing^c in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is not it a sharing^d in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf of bread, we, who are many, are one body because we all partake of the one loaf of bread. Consider Israel according to the flesh: is it not true that those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? What am I saying then: that something sacrificed to idols is meaningful, a or that an idol is anything? [No], but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and also from the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and of the table of demons as well. Or do we [want to] provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?” 1 Corinthians 10:1-4, 14-22 – Cf. Deut. 32:4, 15-20, 30-31, 39; Mal. 1:6-14

“Therefore, I want you to understand that no one speaking by God’s Spirit can says, ‘Jesus is accursed.’ No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit. Now, there are various kinds of gifts, but it is the same Spirit. There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. There are various kinds of works, but it is the same God who works all things in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:3-6

“If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed.^a Maranatha!^b May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love is with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.” 1 Corinthians 16:22-24

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, so that he might redeem those who were under the law and so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent forth the Spirit^a of his Son into your hearts, crying, ‘Abba,^b Father!’ Now, you are no longer slaves, but children; and if [you are] children, then [you are] heirs of God through Christ.” Galatians 4:4-7

“May you also experience^a the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to his power and might which he accomplished in Christ, when he raised him from the dead and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places. Yes, Christ now sits ABOVE ALL rule, authority, power, dominion, and EVERY NAME that can be named, not only in this age, but also in the age to come. God put ALL THINGS in subjection under his feet and granted him to be head over ALL THINGS for the sake of the Church, which is his body, the fullness of him^b who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:19-23

“one Lord, one faith, one baptism… But grace has been granted to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, God^a says, ‘When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.’^b Now, what does ‘he ascended’ mean, if not that he first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the [same] one who also ascended FAR ABOVE all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.” Ephesians 4:5, 7-10 – Cf. Ps. 68:18; Jer. 23:23-24

“Let the following be in your mind, which was also in [the mind of] Christ Jesus. He who existed in the form^c of God did not consider equality with God as something to be taken by force.^d Instead, he emptied^e himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to [the point of] death, even death on the cross! Therefore, God highly exalted him, and gave him the Name which is above every name; so that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven, on earth, and under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 – Cf. Pss. 97:9; 113:5; 148:13; Isa. 45:23

“He is the image^a of the invisible God, the firstborn^b of all creation. For in him, all things were created, in the heavens and on earth, things visible and invisible, thrones, dominions, principalities and powers; all things have been created through him, and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.^c He is the head of the body, the Church; [he is] the first cause, d the firstborn from the dead, so that in all [things] he might have the first place.^e For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things to himself, both earthly and heavenly, having made peace through the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:13-20 – Cf. Neh. 9:6; Isa. 43:6-7, 20-21; 44:24

“Yes, I struggle so that their hearts may be comforted and for them to be united in love, obtaining the treasure that is in the full assurance of understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God the Father and of Christ.^a In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge!… Be careful not to let anyone rob you through philosophy and vain deceit, according to human tradition and the basic things of the world, and not after Christ. For in him all the fullness of deity dwells bodily, and in him who is the head of all principality and power, you are made full.” Colossians 2:2-3, 8-10

“I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because he has considered me faithful and has appointed me to [this] ministry,^e even though I used to be a blasphemer, a persecutor and disrespectful. Nevertheless, I obtained mercy because I did those things in ignorance and unbelief; and so the grace of our Lord overflowed [onto me along] with faith and love in Christ Jesus. This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the first.^a This is how I obtained mercy, so that in me as ‘the first,’ Jesus Christ might show all his patience as an example for those who would believe in him for eternal life. Now, to the eternal King, b immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory unto ages of ages.^c Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:12-17

“For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. Therefore, do not be ashamed to be a witness of our Lord or ashamed of me his prisoner. Share in my tribulations for the sake of the Good News, by the power of God. He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal.^b This has now been revealed by the manifestation^c of our Savior Christ Jesus who abolished death and brought to light [both] life and immortality through the Good News. For this, I was appointed as a herald, apostle and teacher of the Gentiles. That is why I am suffering as I am! Yet I am not ashamed because I know him in whom I have believed and I am persuaded that he is able to protect^d what I have committed to him until that Day.” 2 Timothy 1:7-12

“Before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge the living and the dead at HIS appearing and HIS Kingdom, I charge you… From now on, the crown of righteousness f is reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all those who have loved HIS appearing… At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them! Still, the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and heard by all the Gentiles. I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion and the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for HIS heavenly Kingdom. To HIM be the glory now and unto ages of ages! Amen… May the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit! Grace be with you. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:1, 8, 16-18, 22

“waiting for the blessed hope: the appearing^b of the glory of our great God and Savior^c Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us in order to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:13-14

^c This is the preferred liturgical expression. Some translations have “of our Great God and [of the] Savior Jesus Christ” which is also possible and consistent with the similar construction in 1:4. St. John Chrysostom makes explicit reference to this text to establish that Christ is indeed called theos (PNF Volume 13, p. 207).

Hebrews

“At the end of these days, he has spoken to us in his Son whom he has appointed heir of all things and through whom he [had] made the ages. His Son is the radiance of his glory, the exact counterpart a of his person,^b upholding all things by the word of his power.^c When he had by himself^d made purification for our sins,^e he sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become much better^f than the angels as the Name he has inherited^g is superior to theirs… Also, when he brings the firstborn into the world, God^j says: ‘Let all the angels of God express adoration to^k him.’^l… but of the Son he says: Your throne O God^c is unto ages of ages! The scepter of justice is the scepter of your Kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your companions.^d And: You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands. They will perish, but you continue. They all will grow old as a garment,^e As a mantle, you will roll them up, and they will be changed; but you are the same. Your years will not fail.^f” Hebrews 1:2-4, 6, 8-12

^c There are instances where ho theos means “O God” (Heb. 10:7), which is why this verse can properly be translated as indicated. St. John Chrysostom does argue that the Son is called ho theos in this verse (PNF Vol. 14, p. 376). However, it should be noted that the most statistically and linguistically probable reading is “Your throne is God, is unto ages of ages.”

^e NT agrees with LXX against MT

^f Psalms 102:25-27

2 Peter

“Simon Peter, a servant a and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a precious faith like ours, with us, in the righteousness of our God and Savior^b Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord… Thus, you will be richly granted the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:1-2, 11

“If, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome [by it], their last state has become worse than the first!” 2 Peter 2:20

“that you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets and the commandments of us who are the apostles of the Lord and Savior… Instead, grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, both now and unto ages of ages. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:2, 18

Jude

“Indeed, there are certain men who have secretly crept in, people whose condemnation was announced long ago. They are ungodly men who turn the grace of our God into indecency, and they deny our only Master, God,^d and Lord, Jesus Christ… About these people, Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied, saying:^b Behold, the Lord is coming with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him… But you, beloved, keep on building yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ [that leads] to eternal life.” Jude 1:4, 15-16, 20-21

^d Other ancient manuscripts read “our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ”

Revelation

“John, to the seven Churches that are in Asia [Minor]: May grace and peace be with you from God,^c [the one] who is^d and who was and who is to come; AND FROM the seven spirits^e who are before his throne; AND FROM Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us, washed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests^f to his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion unto the ages. Amen. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. It shall be so! Amen! ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega^g,^h’ says the Lord God,ⁱ ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’^J… I John, your brother and partner with you in oppression, in the Kingdom, and in perseverance in Christ Jesus, a was on the island called Patmos because of God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ.^b I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day^c and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet saying, ‘^d What you see, write [it] in a book and send [it] to the seven Churches;^e to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.’

“I turned around to see the voice that had spoken to me. Having done so, I saw seven golden lampstands,^f and among the seven g lampstands was someone like a son of man,^h clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sashⁱ around his chest. His head and his hair were as white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like fine brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters. He had seven stars in his right hand and out of his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid! I am the first and the last, and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive unto ages of ages!^j Amen;^k I have the keys of death and of hades.’” Revelation 1:4-18

^c CT and TR read “from the one” instead of “from God”

^d In Greek ho on which can also mean “the Existing One” (God’s name in Exodus 3:14) and which is placed in the halo in all the icons of Christ.

^e Sometimes capitalized as “Spirits” ‘’

^f TR reads “kings and priests” – Exodus 19:6; Isaias (Isaiah) 61:6

^g Greek ᾿Εgo εimi τo Α καὶ τo Ω

^h TR adds “the Beginning and the End”

ⁱ TR omits “God”

^j Greek ho `pantokrator

^d TR adds “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last” – Cf. Isa. 6:1-5; 41:4; 44:6; 48:12; Ezek. 1:24-28; 8:1-4; 43:1-9; Dan. 7:9-10, 13-14; 10:1-6; Zech. 12:10

“To the angel of the Church in Thyatira, write: The Son of God, whose eyes are like a flame of fire, whose feet are like fine brass, says these things: ‘I know your works, your love, faith, service, patient endurance and I know that your last works are more abundant than the first ones. But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel who calls herself a prophetess. She seduces my servants by teaching them to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. Behold, I will throw her into a bed [of pain] and I will throw those who commit adultery with her into great suffering, unless they repent of her works. I will kill her children with death and all the Churches will know that I am the one who searches the minds and hearts. I will render to each one of you according to your deeds.’” Revelation 2:18-23 – Cf. Jer. 17:10; 11:20; 29:23

“When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four presbyters fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp and golden bowls full of incense, d which are the prayers of the saints. They sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the book, and to open its seals: because you were slain, and redeemed e us for God with your blood, out of every tribe, language, people, and nation. You have made us kings and priests to our God, and they^f will reign on g earth.’ I saw and I heard something like the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures and the presbyters. The number of those speaking was ten thousands h of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands. They were saying with a loud voice: ‘Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!’ I heard EVERY CREATURE in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and EVERYTHING IN THEM, saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, unto ages of ages!’ The four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’, and the twenty-four presbyters fell down and expressed adoration.^ij” Revelation 5:8-14

^I proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo)

^J TR adds “to the one living unto ages of ages”

“After these things I looked, and behold, there was a great multitude which no one could number, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages. They were standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They cried with a loud voice, saying: ‘Salvation [belongs] to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb!’ All the angels were standing around the throne, along with the presbyters and the four living creatures. They fell on their faces before his throne and expressed adoration to^b God, saying: ‘Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, be to our God unto ages of ages! Amen.’ Then one of the presbyters spoke and asked me, ‘Who are these who are arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?’ I told him, ‘My lord, you know!’^c He said to me, ‘These are those who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, they are before the throne of God and they offer divine service d to him day and night in his sanctuary. He who sits on the throne will tabernacle e with them. They will never be hungry or thirsty any more. Neither heat not sun will ever scorch them, because the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne is their shepherd. He leads them to the springs of the waters of life f and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”” Revelation 7:9-17

“The angel g said to me, ‘These words are faithful and true! The Lord God of the spirits^h of the prophets sent HIS angel to show to his servantsⁱ the things which must happen soon. “Behold, I come quickly! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”’… ‘Behold, I come quickly! My reward is with me, to repay to each one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End!^d Blessed are those who observe^e his commandments,^f so that they may have access^g to the tree of life and may enter into the city through the gates. But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. I, Jesus, have sent MY angel to attest these things to you for the Churches. I am the root and the offspring of David; the Bright and Morning Star!’^h… He who attests these things says, ‘Yes, I come quickly!’ Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.” Revelation 22:6-7, 12-16, 20-21

FURTHER READING

N.T. WRIGHT’S NT TRANSLATION

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