The question of the messianic claim of Jesus and of the origins of Christology remains highly controversial. Although the authors of the four articles in this volume consider the subject from varying perspectives, they do come to the same conclusion. The crucial problem is the early application of the title "messiah" to Jesus and the condemnation of Jesus as a messianic pretender. If this was indeed the charge on which Jesus was condemned, it must have been occasioned by his ministry, and it can be safely assumed that he confirmed the charge. unrevised e-book edition 2019; Original edition 2003