The phrase "Proclaimed the Christ" refers to the act of declaring Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah, the Anointed One, who fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament. This proclamation is central to the Christian faith and is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament. The early followers of Jesus, known as Christians, were committed to spreading the message that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who came to save humanity from sin.

Biblical Foundation

The proclamation of Jesus as the Christ is rooted in the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The Hebrew Scriptures contain numerous references to the coming Messiah, a deliverer who would establish God's kingdom. Key prophecies include Isaiah 53, which describes the suffering servant, and Micah 5:2, which foretells the Messiah's birthplace in Bethlehem.

In the New Testament, the proclamation begins with John the Baptist, who prepares the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance and announcing the coming of the Lord (Matthew 3:1-3). John identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Jesus' Own Proclamation

Jesus Himself proclaimed His identity as the Christ. In Luke 4:18-21 , Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring that the prophecy is fulfilled in Him. He openly acknowledges His messianic role to the Samaritan woman at the well, saying, "I who speak to you am He" (John 4:26).

Apostolic Proclamation

The apostles, following Jesus' resurrection and ascension, boldly proclaimed Him as the Christ. Peter's sermon at Pentecost is a pivotal moment, where he declares, "God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). This proclamation led to the conversion of about three thousand people (Acts 2:41).

The apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became one of the most fervent proclaimers of Christ. In Acts 9:20 , it is recorded that "he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, 'He is the Son of God.'"

Proclamation in the Early Church

The early church continued to proclaim Jesus as the Christ despite persecution. The book of Acts records numerous instances where the apostles and other believers preached the message of Christ. In Acts 5:42 , it is noted that "day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."

Theological Significance

Proclaiming Jesus as the Christ is not merely an acknowledgment of His identity but an affirmation of His redemptive work. The title "Christ" signifies Jesus as the anointed King, Prophet, and Priest. As King, He reigns over God's kingdom; as Prophet, He reveals God's truth; and as Priest, He offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin.

The proclamation of Christ is central to the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This mission underscores the importance of declaring Jesus as the Christ to all people, inviting them to faith and repentance.

Conclusion

The act of proclaiming Jesus as the Christ is foundational to Christian witness and evangelism. It is a declaration of the fulfillment of God's promises and the hope of salvation through Jesus, the Messiah.