Adoptionist vs. Incarnational Christology | Excursus on Early Christology Part 1 (Acts Part 12)

Part 1 in a series on early Christology, this lesson examines how Acts 2:36 sparked debates about adoptionism and Jesus’ divine sonship. We analyze Romans 1:3–4—the primary text used in adoptionist arguments—and show why it doesn’t necessarily require that reading. This lesson, prompted by the role of Acts 2:36 in debates over early Christology, Allen Crostic launches a careful exploration of adoptionist and Incarnation Christologies. We survey adoptionist interpretations, highlighting arguments that Jesus’ divinity was “granted” rather than inherent. While multiple passages are part of this broader discussion, we focus here on the primary text cited in adoptionist claims—Romans 1:3–4—showing that it does not necessarily require an adoptionist reading. This is part 1 of a series examining the early church’s understanding of Christ’s divinity. 0:00 Intro 0:25 What is Christology? 4:11 Incarnation Reflects the Trinity 5:58 What is adoptionism? 7:53 Key Features of Adoptionism 10:06 Confessional vs. Non-Confessional Scholars 10:58 Non-Confessional Perspectives on Early Christology 12:35 Preliterary Traditions Explained 15:18 Why does this matter? 20:03 Why Apologetics Matters 22:16 Acts and Adoptionist Claims 24:59 Romans 1:3–4 & Adoptionist Claims 26:33 Gospel Evidence for Christology Evolution? 30:48 Romans 1:3–4: Early Creed? 34:33 Examining Romans 1:3–4 35:52 OT Roots: “Seed of David” & “Son of God” 40:03 Philippians 2:5–11 Explained