Who was Jesus?

About this video

Tim Hull, Graham Stanton, James Dunn and Elizabeth Fisher discuss the question 'Who was Jesus?' During Jesus's ministry, questions arose about his identity, reflected in the speculation surrounding him. Some regarded him as a prophet like Jeremiah or Elijah, aligning with the belief in God's eschatological intervention. Jesus' followers saw him transcending traditional prophetic roles, due to his proclamation and enactment of the kingdom of God. While Jesus was reticent about overt claims over his messiahship, his actions implied messianic significance, influencing post-Easter convictions. Modern scholars debate Jesus's messianic self-understanding, acknowledging implicit clues despite his reluctance to directly assert kingship or messianic claims.

Background

Produced in January 2009. Provisional captions.

Tim Hull is lecturer in theology at The Queen's Foundation Birmingham.

Graham Norman Stanton (1940–2009) was Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge.

James Dunn is a British New Testament scholar who was for many years the Lightfoot Professor of Divinity in the Department of Theology at the University of Durham, now Emeritus Lightfoot Professor.

Canon Elizabeth Fisher was Tutor in Biblical Studies at St John’s College, Nottingham.