A Deeper Look at Christ (Christos): Unveiling the Messiah’s Role

What Does 'Christ (Christos)' Mean?

The Greek term *Christos* has messianic implications rooted in Jewish tradition.

Derived from the verb *chriō* (to anoint), *Christos* designates one set apart by God through anointing, a practice associated with kings, prophets, and priests in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, the title becomes the defining designation for Jesus as the promised Messiah, emphasizing his unique role in God’s redemptive plan.

John 1:29 illustrates this significance when John the Baptist declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” By applying *Christos* to Jesus in this context, the Gospel underscores his anointed mission to fulfill covenantal promises through sacrifice and salvation.

Christos in the Gospels and Epistles

In the New Testament, the title Christos serves as both a messianic designation and a theological lens through which Jesus' identity is revealed.

The Gospels frequently employ Christos to frame Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic prophecies. In John 1:29, John the Baptist’s declaration - “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” - pairs the title Christos with Jesus’ sacrificial role, signaling his anointed mission to redeem humanity. This usage shows that Christos is more than a name. It serves as a marker of Jesus’ divine commission and covenantal significance. By consistently applying Christos to Jesus, the Gospel writers anchor his ministry in Jewish eschatological hopes while redefining their scope through his life and death.

Paul expands Christos’ theological resonance, emphasizing Jesus’ divinity and salvific authority. For Paul, Christos signifies not only messiahship but also Jesus’ exalted status as Lord and the cornerstone of God’s new creation, as seen in his letters’ frequent declarations of faith “in Christ.”

This dual emphasis on Christos - rooted in messianic expectation yet transcending it - shapes the New Testament’s portrayal of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine. The title thus becomes inseparable from his identity, bridging Jewish tradition and Christian revelation. Understanding Christos in this context prepares readers to explore its implications for early Christian worship and doctrine in subsequent sections.

Christos and the Early Church's Faith

In the early Christian community, the title *Christos* became a cornerstone of identity and proclamation, directly linking Jesus to messianic hopes and the transformative power of his resurrection.

Early Christians used *Christos* as a declaration of faith in Jesus as the anointed one who fulfilled God’s covenantal promises. For instance, in Acts 2:36, Peter proclaims, "Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ (Christos), this Jesus whom you crucified," explicitly tying Jesus’ resurrection to his messianic role. This usage reflects their belief that Jesus’ resurrection validated his identity as the Christ, the long-awaited deliverer of Israel. By centering their worship and teachings on *Christos*, they redefined messianic hope as not only political liberation but also cosmic redemption, as seen in Paul’s emphasis on Christ’s lordship over all creation (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:20-28). Such declarations underscored their conviction that Jesus’ resurrection secured eternal salvation, reshaping Jewish expectations into a universal gospel.

Applying 'Christ (Christos)' to Daily Faith

Understanding Christos as a title that embodies Jesus' anointed mission and divine authority transforms how modern believers engage with their faith.

By recognizing Jesus as the Christos - the fulfillment of God’s covenantal promises (John 1:29, Acts 2:36) - believers are invited to align their lives with His redemptive purpose. This perspective shifts faith from abstract doctrine to a dynamic relationship, where Christos’ sacrifice and resurrection empower daily discipleship. It challenges Christians to view their identity and mission through His anointed role rather than just historical labels.

Embracing Christos today means living under His lordship (Acts 2:36), allowing His completed work to shape both personal holiness and communal witness. This theological depth, rooted in Scripture, equips believers to navigate modern challenges with a faith anchored in the unchanging truth of who Jesus is.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of *Christos*, consider exploring related biblical terms and concepts that illuminate its theological and historical context.

Key terms to explore include *Messiah* (Hebrew for 'anointed one'), which Jesus fulfills as described in Daniel 9:25-26, and *Logos* ('Word'), introduced in John 1:1-3, which identifies Jesus as the divine agent of creation and redemption. These concepts enrich the meaning of *Christos* by connecting Jesus to both Jewish eschatology and Christian Christology.