Did Christ call himself God? According to John 8:58, he most certainly did.

Certainly, let's delve into a more detailed explanation of John 8:58 in its biblical and historical context.

John 8:58 is part of a larger conversation between Jesus and a group of Jews who were questioning his identity and authority. In the preceding verses, Jesus has been discussing his relationship with God and asserting his divine authority. The dialogue becomes more intense as Jesus makes a series of claims that point to his unique relationship with the Father.

The specific verse, John 8:58, is a powerful declaration by Jesus. Let's break it down:

**"Truly, truly, I say to you,"** - Jesus often prefaces his important statements with the phrase "Truly, truly" (or "Verily, verily" in some translations). This is a solemn affirmation, emphasizing the truth and significance of what follows.

**"before Abraham was,"** - Jesus is making a statement about time. He's not saying he existed after Abraham or during Abraham's time; rather, he's saying that he existed before Abraham.

**"I am."** - Here, Jesus uses the present tense, saying "I am." This is a crucial part of the statement. In the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Exodus (Exodus 3:14), God revealed his name to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM." It's a divine self-designation, indicating God's eternal and self-existent nature. By using "I am," Jesus is not only claiming pre-existence but also associating himself with the divine, asserting his own deity.

The reaction of the Jews in the next verse (John 8:59) underscores the significance of Jesus' statement. They pick up stones to stone him, recognizing the gravity of what he claimed. The use of the divine name was considered blasphemous by the religious leaders because it implied equality with God.

This verse is one of several instances in the Gospel of John where Jesus makes explicit claims about his divinity. It's a key moment in the unfolding narrative of Jesus' ministry, contributing to the growing tension between him and the religious authorities who struggled to accept his claims about his identity and his relationship with God.

In summary, John 8:58 is a profound declaration where Jesus asserts his eternal existence, claiming to predate Abraham, and uses the divine title "I am" to establish his divinity, that he’s not only a carpenter’s son, and a man in front of him, but that he is God the son, one of the members of the trinity.