CRISTOLOGIAS PRIMITIVAS

DOS EVANGELHOS AOS PADRES APOSTÓLICOS

Abstract

Since the first century, when Jesus of Nazareth publicly manifested himself in Judea, his person has become the subject of controversies, debates, and reflections. Among those who followed him, there was never complete unanimity regarding his identity. Nevertheless, over time, a tradition was consolidated that claimed apostolic authority for itself; indeed, at the council held in the fourth century in Nicaea, the official Christological dogmas of Christianity were defined. Although the importance of the Council of Nicaea and the influence of Constantine on such definitions are acknowledged, by the end of the first century and throughout the second, there already existed a solid Christology developed by the disciples of the apostles, the so-called Apostolic Fathers. In this article, we aim to present, analyze, and reflect upon its substance, ultimately defending the existence of a consistent Christology –rooted in apostolic tradition – prior to Nicaea.