The Messiah as Son of God

Aramaic Apocalypse 2:1–9

2nd Century BCE–1st Century CE

1He will be called son of God, and they will call him son of the Most High. Like the sparks 2that you saw, so will their kingdom be; they will rule several year[s]‌ over 3the earth and crush everything; a people will crush another people, and a province another provi[n]ce. 4[] Until the people of God arises and makes everyone rest from the sword. […

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In the Dead Sea Scroll text from Qumran known as the Aramaic Apocalypse, the Messiah is called “son of God,” suggesting a special close relationship to God. This did not necessarily imply divinity in any strong sense; ancient Israelite kings, for example, were also seen as God’s sons. However, the potential ambiguity of the term was exploited in the Christology of the New Testament. The Aramaic Apocalypse describes an eschatological scenario reminiscent of the book of Daniel.

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