Was Jesus “Born of a Virgin?”

The phrase “He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary” is a cornerstone of Christian belief, encapsulated in the Apostles’ Creed. However, before this creed was widely accepted, the concept of the virgin birth was a subject of significant controversy and debate within early Christian communities.

In the early centuries of Christianity, the faith was still in its formative stages. Various interpretations and understandings of Jesus’ nature and origins were circulating among believers. The idea that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin was one such belief that faced scrutiny and skepticism.

Why was there a controversy? Let’s look at some of the reasons raised at that time.

1. The claim that Jesus was conceived without a human father and born of a virgin was extraordinary and defied natural laws. Many found it difficult to accept such a miraculous event without tangible evidence.
2. Pagan mythology included references to gods fathering children with human women. This similarity led some to question the originality and authenticity of the Christian claim.
3. The belief in the virgin birth had profound theological implications. It underscored Jesus’ divine nature and his unique role in salvation history. However, this also raised questions about the nature of Jesus’ humanity and divinity, leading to other theological debates.
4. Within the Jewish context, the Messiah was expected to be a descendant of David, born through natural means. The idea of a virgin birth did not align with traditional Jewish expectations of the Messiah, causing further controversy among Jewish converts to Christianity.

The Role of the Apostles’ Creed

The Apostles’ Creed, formulated in the early centuries of the Church, played a crucial role in addressing these controversies. The phrase “He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary” encapsulates a belief that was once highly controversial. The acceptance of this doctrine through the Apostles’ Creed marked a significant moment in the development of early Christian theology, helping to establish a unified understanding of Jesus’ divine and human nature.

By embracing this belief, early Christians affirmed their faith in the miraculous and divine intervention in the world, setting the stage for the rich theological traditions that would follow.

If you would like to better understand what it means to be a Christian who knows Jesus as Lord, take a few minutes and read our post, How Can I Become A Christian?

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.