This paper is specifically not intended to wrestle with the Biblical texts as they touch on orthodox trinitarian issues. Rather it is intended to be more of a historical and a historiographical survey of the topic. The primary goal is to set the historical context primarily during the patristic period but continuing through the Reformation. The secondary goal is to touch briefly on how noted textbooks on church history and on historical theology have treated the controversial nature of the conclusions reached at the Council of Nicaea.
The intent of this paper is an attempt to do that which is very difficult…to step out of the mindset of a 21st century American Christian and try to understand what Jews look for and have historically looked for in the Messiah. Of primary interest is what was Jewish thought on the subject both prior to Jesus time as well as around the time of Jesus. But the first section also deals with a very brief overview of a 21st century Jewish perspective on the Messiah generally and on Jesus specifically.