GOD OF CHRISTIANITY
Aristides, a converted Athenian philosopher, wrote this early text. He wrote an apology (to speak in defense) to emperor Hadrian around 125 A.D. to explain the Christians and their God. This is one of the earliest writings we possess concerning what Christians believed in the first century. It compares to The Apostle’s Creed written in the third and fourth centuries. This is an excerpt from a longer text:
“The Christians, then, trace the beginning of their religion from Jesus the Messiah; and he is named the Son of God Most High. And it is said that God came down from heaven, and from a Hebrew virgin assumed and clothed himself with flesh; and the Son of God lived in a daughter of man. This is taught in the gospel, as it is called, which a short time was preached among them; and you also if you will read therein, may perceive the power, which belongs to it. This Jesus, then, was born of the race of the Hebrews; and he had twelve disciples in order that the purpose of his incarnation might in time be accomplished. But he himself was pierced by the Jews, and he died and was buried; and they say that after three days he rose and ascended to heaven.”
“No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.” Jesus