Was Jesus worshiped as God?

The ancient Greek word often translated as worship in the New Testament is proskuneō (pros = a movement from or to an object & kuneō = kiss). Proskuneō means, among other things: to prostrate, to worship, to pay homage, to pay homage to someone, to prostrate to someone, to worship someone, to be insubordinate to someone, to greet someone with devotion, to appreciate. It is used both for the worship of GOD and for showing respect to people (especially kings or earthly rulers). Prostrating oneself before a person was considered an expression of humility. Ruth fell down before Boaz (Ruth 2,10). David fell down before King Saul (1st Samuel 24,9). The prophet Nathan fell down before King David (1st Kings 1,23). David's wife Bathsheba fell down before her husband David (1st Kings 1,16). Because Jesus is the anointed of GOD, proskuneō can be understood here as an act of royal homage, as is due to the Messiah. This is not to be equated with worship that is due to GOD alone.

In several places in Scripture, GOD says that He does not give His glory as Creator to anyone else (Isaiah 42,8 / Isaiah 48,11). On the other hand, it is basically GOD's sovereign decision as to whom He gives such honor. Jesus Christ is a human being like Adam and us. As such, he was initially lower than the angels. But now the Son is exalted and crowned with glory and honor because of his sinless life and complete obedience to the point of death on the cross (Hebrews 2,9). There have been many GOD-fearing people in history who have been richly blessed by GOD (e.g. Noah / Abraham / Job / David / Daniel). But Jesus is the first person who was blameless in every way. That is why he was given greater honor than any other saint. Jesus Christ became the ruler of GOD's creation. In this respect, according to GOD's will, he deserves every honor that we can give him. This also applies to all angels. GOD'S angels serve Jesus and obey His commands. They do not worship Jesus as GOD (1st Peter 3,22). GOD sent Jesus to bring the message of reconciliation to humanity. It is GOD's express will that we honor the Messiah and follow His words as if GOD Himself were speaking to us. Furthermore, it was not Jesus who bestowed this honor upon Himself, but GOD the Father, from whom Jesus receives everything (Hebrews 5,5 / 2nd Peter 1,17).

The falling or bowing of the knees before Jesus is for GOD's glory; not because Jesus is GOD, but because he is the representative of the Father and because GOD wants it that way (Philippians 2,9-11). It is legitimate to thank Jesus for his work of redemption, to sing about him as King and Savior or to invoke him as an intercessor. But all prayers and other thanksgivings of the apostles are expressly addressed to GOD, the Father; sometimes with the addition through Jesus or in the name of Jesus, but never to Jesus himself by name. This does not make Jesus the recipient of worship, but is meant to show that the Father in heaven, whom Jesus revealed, is the true GOD. In Jesus or through Jesus means in connection with Jesus (rather than in connection with other persons like Mohammed or Buddha. There are also no biblical examples in which the Holy Spirit was worshiped or invoked. The claim that anyone who does not worship Jesus as GOD is degrading him is false. For although Jesus is a perfect human being, as Messiah he stands above all other people. By honoring Jesus as glorified Lord, we give him the honor he deserves without depriving the Father of his honor as the only true GOD. To GOD the Father is due glory as GOD and Creator, and to Jesus as supreme human King and Ruler. Whoever honors Jesus in this way honors the Father, who exalted the Messiah and glorified him. However, whoever goes beyond this by worshiping Jesus as GOD dishonors GOD the Father.

see:

Mt 6,11-15 / Mt 14,23 / Mt 26,39-44 / Mk 6,46 / Joh 4,23 f. / Joh 11,22 / Acts 16,25 / Acst 22,35 / Acts 4,23-31 / Rom 1,8-10 / Rom 8,34 / Rom 10,12 / Rom 15,5 f. / Rom 15,13 + 30 / Rom 16,25-27 / 1st Cor 1,4-9 / 2nd Cor 1,2-4 / Eph 1,15-23 / Eph 3,14-21 / Eph 5,19 f. / Phi 4,20 / Col 1,3 / 1st Thes 3,1-13 / 2nd Thes 1,11 f. / 1st Tim 6,13-17 / 2nd Tim 1,3 / Heb 5,7 / Heb 7,25

see commentary on...

John 5,22 f.:

that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father

John 20,28:

My Lord and my GOD

Acts 7,59 f.:

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord

Romans 9,3-5:

the Messiah, who is GOD over all, forever praised

Romans 10,13:

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved

Philippians 2,5-11: