The Messianic Claim

who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 1:4 NASB

Declared – Leon Morris is recognized as one of the premier Greek scholars of the New Testament. His commentary on Romans[1] demonstrates his facility with the language and the theology. He notes that the Greek term translated “declared” (horisthentos from horizo) generally means “to separate, distinguish, mark apart by boundaries.” It might also be translated “to appoint” or “to determine.” Morris discusses the possibility that Yeshua was “decreed” the Son of God at the resurrection, but he rejects this interpretation as unsubstantiated in other texts. For Morris, Yeshua was always the Son of God and the resurrection provided the proof of that claim.

But notice Paul’s approach to this matter. Paul does not say that Yeshua was declared God the Son. That might be how we superficially understand the text, but this is not Paul’s view. Paul is interested in what makes Yeshua the Messiah, and for him, that claim rests on the resurrection. The strength of this claim can be understood in two ways according to this text. It could be read, “powerfully declared the Son of God” or it could be read, “declared the powerful Son of God.” Morris prefers the latter, arguing that prior to the resurrection Yeshua demonstrated weakness and humility, but the resurrection changed this to power and authority. Either reading is legitimate. Both make Paul’s point: it is the resurrection that is the capstone of Messianic status.

There were many who claimed to be the Messiah, both before and after Yeshua. They all died. For Paul, Messianic claims are of no substance unless they are accompanied by divine endorsement, and in this case, that divine endorsement came through the resurrection from the dead. C. F. D. Moule provides an illustration. “one who is king by right of birth is yet ‘made’ king by being crowned.”[2] The resurrection is the “crowning” of the Messiah. It provides the necessary stamp of divine approval that validates Yeshua’s claim. What claim does it validate? That he is the Son of God, the true Messiah, the full manifestation of YHVH’s character in the flesh. For Paul, an orthodox Jewish scholar, this is absolutely necessary. Performing miracles, providing extraordinary insights, gathering passionate followers, even dying without just cause is not enough. Luke may provide us with the proof that Yeshua is Messiah by right of birth, but it is Paul who articulates the final act of the coronation. He is King Messiah now because YHVH raised him from the dead, appointing him Messiah.

Today it is possible to investigate the miracles of holy men, their lives, their influence and their character. None can claim to be king if they are dead and buried. Today the only real issue is the declaration by the resurrection. Without that, we are hopelessly deceived.

Topical Index: declared, horizo, resurrection, Messiah, Romans 1:4

[1] Leon Morris, The Epistle to the Romans (Eerdmans, 1988).

[2] As cited in Morris, Romans, p. 45. fn. 50.