Why Did Early Christian Leaders Speak Of There Being Multiple Gods?

Welcome to Day 9 of our 60-Day Challenge! But before we tackle today’s question, let’s take a moment to reflect on the question from Day 8: The first Hebrew word for God renders the word “God” in plural. Does that mean there is more than one God?

In the original Hebrew of Genesis, the word used for God is Elohim, which is indeed plural. This plural form has led to many discussions over the centuries about its meaning and implications. On the surface, Elohim may appear to imply multiple gods, but within the context of Jewish and Christian theology, it primarily refers to the one Supreme God. So, why the plural?

Exploring the Meaning of Elohim

One interpretation is that Elohim signifies the fullness and majesty of God’s nature. In Hebrew, plural nouns can convey intensity, greatness, or an aspect of completeness. In this way, Elohim can be seen as a term that reflects the depth and complexity of God’s character. This usage points to a singular God who embodies all power, wisdom, and presence.

However, the plurality of Elohim also aligns with Christian understanding of the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—three distinct beings who are unified in purpose and divinity. This unity within the Godhead provides a sense of Elohim as both singular and plural, allowing room for a multi-faceted understanding of God.

The Bible’s Consistent Message: “One God”

In 1 Corinthians 8:5-6, Paul acknowledges that for even if there are so called “many gods and many lords,” Christians believe in “one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ.” Here, Paul recognizes that while cultures may worship various deities, for Christians, there is one true God.

This teaching is consistent across scripture. God is unique, supreme, and singular in His divinity. Yet, this singularity doesn’t deny the richness in His nature. Just as Genesis says, “Let us make man in our image,” God speaks in the plural, hinting at His relational and multi-dimensional nature.

Unity in Purpose, Not in Number

Christian theology teaches that the Godhead is made up of three distinct persons—God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit—unified in their divine purpose. This unity is central to understanding Elohim as both “one” and “plural.” This concept of a unified Godhead is not about there being “multiple gods” but rather distinct roles within the one divine plan of salvation.

So, while Elohim is plural in form, it doesn’t imply multiple gods in the sense of polytheism. Instead, it reflects a God who is rich, full, and relational—a God who, through His Son and Spirit, works to guide, love, and redeem humanity.

What to Reflect On for Today's Challenge:

Now, for Day 9’s Question: Why do so many early Christian fathers, those closest to the New Testament church, and respected Christian scholars like C.S. Lewis, speak of the existence of multiple gods?

This question takes us deeper into the history of early Christian thought and opens up intriguing perspectives. Many early Christian thinkers, and even contemporary scholars, have explored the concept of divine beings, and their insights offer us a unique view of how the Christian understanding of God evolved.

For more insights on today’s question and reflections on how early Christians viewed divinity, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to check out our website for more on this journey. Let’s keep exploring!

Transcription:

      Hi, my name is Joe Cirillo with Gospel First, and thanks for your decision to follow me on this exciting journey to find Christ restored church in our day. But before I give you question number nine, did you get the answers to question number eight? The first Hebrew word for God renders the word God in the plural.

Is there more than one God? Well, as discussed in question number six, did you catch the words us and our in Genesis 1 verse 26? And God said, let us make man in our image after our likeness. Many would assume talking to someone other than themselves. A reader would not understand that the Hebrew word for God is Elohim, and that the word is plural.

In some contexts, Elohim can also refer to gods or powerful beings in a general sense. But in the Hebrew Bible, it most often refers to the Supreme God. The plural form hints at the richness of God's nature, though in Jewish and Christian theology, understood as a singular reference to the one God, or as the head of the gods.

Paul states in 1 Corinthians 8, verses 5, that there is no other God but one. For even if there are so called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is one God, the Father. of whom are all things, and we for him, and one Lord for Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through him we live.

So here's question number nine. Why do so many of the early Christian fathers, those that were closest to the New Testament church, and respected Christian scholars such as C. S. Lewis, speaks of there being multiple gods? Ask Google this question, and you'll be surprised at what you'll give you, and I'd love to hear your thoughts.