Written criticism – Before Ibrahim was me, I was a being
His Holiness Pope Shenouda explained Christ’s words, “Before Abraham was, I AM,” as a declaration of Christ’s eternal divinity, not merely existence in God’s thought.
He emphasized that Jesus did not say “I was,” but “I AM,” which expresses continuous, eternal being—a divine attribute belonging only to God.
Some interpret this as meaning Christ existed only in God’s mind before Abraham, but Pope Shenouda clarified that in God’s eternal knowledge there is no past or future; all is present before Him.
He explained that Christ did not exist bodily before Abraham, since His human nature began with His birth from the Virgin Mary, but as divine, He existed from all eternity—before Abraham, before creation itself.
When asked if He existed as body or spirit, Pope Shenouda responded that He existed as divinity, since the body and human soul were taken later at the Incarnation.
He also clarified God’s words to Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you,” as foreknowledge of the prophet’s life, not actual pre-existence.
His Holiness concluded that Christ’s words, “I AM,” are a clear proclamation of His eternal and divine nature, showing that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever