Topical Encyclopedia
In the Christian tradition, one of the profound titles and names attributed to Christ is "Wisdom." This designation is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, where Christ is identified as the embodiment and personification of divine wisdom.
Old Testament FoundationsThe concept of wisdom in the Old Testament is primarily found in the Wisdom Literature, which includes books such as Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job. In these texts, wisdom is often personified and depicted as a divine attribute.
Proverbs 8 is particularly significant, where wisdom is portrayed as a figure present at creation: "The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old" (
Proverbs 8:22). This passage has been traditionally interpreted by Christians as a foreshadowing of Christ, who is seen as the pre-existent Wisdom of God.
New Testament RevelationIn the New Testament, the identification of Christ with Wisdom becomes explicit. The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, writes, "But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" (
1 Corinthians 1:24). Here, Paul directly associates Christ with divine wisdom, emphasizing His role in God's redemptive plan.
Furthermore, in Colossians, Paul elaborates on this theme by stating, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (
Colossians 2:3). This verse underscores the belief that all true wisdom is found in Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God's wisdom to humanity.
Christ as Wisdom IncarnateThe Gospel of John also contributes to this understanding by presenting Christ as the Logos, or Word, which carries connotations of divine reason and wisdom.
John 1:1-3 declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made." This passage aligns with the portrayal of wisdom in
Proverbs 8, suggesting that Christ, as the Word, is the active agent of creation and the source of all wisdom.
Theological ImplicationsThe identification of Christ as Wisdom has significant theological implications. It affirms the belief in Christ's divinity and His integral role in creation and salvation. By recognizing Christ as Wisdom, believers are called to seek understanding and guidance through Him, acknowledging that true wisdom is not merely intellectual but is found in a relationship with Christ.
Practical ApplicationFor Christians, the title of Christ as Wisdom serves as a reminder to pursue a life that reflects His teachings and character.
James 1:5 encourages believers, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This promise assures Christians that through Christ, they have access to divine wisdom for navigating the complexities of life.
In summary, the title "Wisdom" ascribed to Christ encapsulates His divine nature, His role in creation, and His function as the ultimate source of truth and understanding for believers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 8:12I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
On the Various Names and Titles
... V. On the Various Names and Titles. ... The harlot is the heart of a sinner, who has
left her heavenly husband, that is, Christ, and brings forth adulterous ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/v on the various names.htm
The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... prophets a countless number of titles which are ... announce the things concerning Him
under various names. ... a Paraclete with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm
Proof of the Catholic Sense of the Word Son. Power, Word or Reason ...
... but if He be less than the names, yet He ... and of the generation from the Father these
titles are tokens ... And again, There is one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iv proof of the catholic.htm
That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm
He Produces Testimonies to the Same Doctrine from the Apostle Paul ...
... hesitate to slander God from His own titles; and so ... might claim as His all the names
which followed ... the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." Certainly that ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter iv he produces testimonies.htm
Verbal Inspiration
... Such titles are the Most High, the Almighty, the God of ... same is true in connection
with the names of our ... some passages He is referred to as Christ, in others ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter thirteen verbal inspiration .htm
Wisdom and Revelation.
... The names and titles of God are ... "May give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation."
He has spoken of the wealth of blessing stored up in Christ (ver.3 ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/vii wisdom and revelation.htm
Discourse IV.
... He does not subsist who owns, or rather who is, these titles. If then He does not
subsist, the names are idle and empty ... 3. And again, Christ is the Word of God. ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/discourse iv.htm
"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect. For all his Ways are ...
... Jehovah holds forth more to angels than all the inculcated names and titles of God
to ... It is Christ's name, "I am the truth," the substantial truth, in whom ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iii he is the.htm
The Benefits of Christ Made Available to us by the Secret ...
... will be proper to point out the titles which the ... of life, he hence obtains the names
of "Oil ... make his disciples capable of heavenly wisdom, Christ promised them ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 the benefits of.htm
Resources
What is the name of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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