The concept of First man in Christianity
The keyphrase "First man" primarily refers to Adam, considered the initial human created by God, shaping theological discussions across various doctrines including Christianity, Gnosticism, and Protestantism. Adam, as the "first man," symbolizes humanity's origins and the theological implications of sin, particularly the disobedience leading to the Fall from the Garden of Eden. Additionally, this term is used in various religious contexts to explore human existence, mortality, and the consequences of Adam's actions, ultimately influencing the narratives of humanity's lineage and spiritual significance.
Synonyms: Pioneer, Forerunner, Pathfinder, Adam, Progenitor, Ancestor, Forefather
In Dutch: Eerste man; In Finnish: Ensimmäinen mies; In Spanish: Primer hombre; In German: Erster Mensch; In Swedish: Förste man; In Malay: Lelaki pertama; In German: Erster Mann; In French: Premier homme
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'First man'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The first man is called Adam, who was formed out of the earth, which was a virgin, and the devil conquered him through eating the tree.[1] (2) The first man lived in the exercise of good only, and the knowledge of good and of evil was given at the same time to the first man, and when he understood this, he was immediately driven from the holy place in which there is no evil.[2] (3) This refers to the initial human created, who was brought to earth head downwards, then brought to life through the cross.[3] (4) The first man, Adam, is used to exemplify the progression from the flesh to a living soul, illustrating the sequence of natural and spiritual states.[4] (5) The first man is a reference within the text to the union of the first man and woman, as a way to illustrate how scripture should be interpreted, going beyond the literal meaning.[5]
From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary
(1) This phrase introduces the first person invited, which is used to show the different excuses given by the guests.[6]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) This term refers to the initial human being, the first of humanity, used in the context of discussing the soul's creation, and whether it was created before the body.[7] (2) The initial human who committed the first sin, leading to the concept of original sin.[8] (3) This refers to the initial human being, and the text discusses the timing of the Old Law in relation to the sin of this individual.[9] (4) The initial human being, who was tempted by the devil in a specific sequence, starting with the forbidden fruit, followed by vainglory, and culminating in the temptation of pride.[10] (5) Referring to Adam, and is connected to the sin and the Incarnation as a remedy for sin.[11]
From: The city of God
(1) The first man is mentioned in the text, and it is stated that the lives of men being so long, the first-born of the first man could have built a city, but not the city of God.[12] (2) This person's disobedience would have plunged all men into the endless misery of the second death, had not the grace of God rescued many, due to a sin committed by him.[13] (3) The first man is the initial human, whose actions and sin led to the introduction of death and mortality to humanity, and the fall of the first man is a significant event.[14] (4) This term is used to describe the ancestor of all human races, and the text discusses whether monstrous races of men are descended from this one man, Adam.[15] (5) This is the individual created by God, from whom the whole human race descended, according to the faith of Holy Scripture.[16]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) The first man is one of the central figures in the narrative, who along with the first woman, committed the transgression that resulted in their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.[17] (2) A title used in Malta, denoting a leading figure in local governance as mentioned in the context of Acts.[18] (3) Refers to Adam, acknowledged as the progenitor of humanity and his significance in theological discussions.[19]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) Adam, the initial human created by God, as stated in the creation narrative.[20] (2) The proper name of Adam, who is considered the first human created and formed from the red earth.[21]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) The name given by God to Adam, symbolizing human existence and earthly nature.[22]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) The first man's righteousness demonstrated not only God's sovereign power as the source of his being but also His holy power as the pattern for His work.[23] (2) The original human being considered as the progenitor of all humankind.[24]
From: The Kebra Nagast
(1) Refers to Adam, the original human from whom sin and death entered the world through disobedience.[25]
Gnostic concept of 'First man'
From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten
(1) The Image of the Invisible, which is Barbelo, and is a significant aspect of the Gnostic system.[26] (2) The individual who gave the commandment to the Judge, the Virgin of Light, according to the provided text.[27] (3) The initial being in the Unutterable Depth, also referred to as the Father, who existed with his Son and the Holy Spirit, playing a significant role in the spiritual creation as described in the text.[28] (4) A term referencing humanity's initial state of existence before spiritual awakening or regeneration.[29] (5) A reference to Adam, representing the origin of human beings and their subsequent fall into sin.[30]
From: Pistis Sophia
(1) This is the entity that commands the counterfeiting spirit to lead the soul to the Virgin of Light, after the completion of the chastisements.[31] (2) Yew, described as the overseer of the Light, who has assigned angels to monitor the dungeons.[32] (3) A title attributed to Yew, representing the primordial archetype of humanity and divine messenger of the First Commandment.[33]
From: The Gnostics and Their Remains
(1) Refers to various creation myths characterized by different cultures, which the Ophites integrate into their teachings.[34] (2) The initial human being whose sin is believed to have affected all of humanity, causing their souls to be exiled into physical bodies.[35]
The concept of First man in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "First man" refers to humanity's ancestral figure created by God, symbolizing the origin of sin that leads to human hunger, emphasizing the theological connection between the fall of man and human suffering.
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) This phrase is used in the text, and it references the sin, which is the cause of human hunger, according to the text, and is a reference to the sin of the first man.[36] (2) The first man is the one from whom humanity is descended, and who was formed by Almighty God, as stated in the letter.[37]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) First man to uphold the doctrine of prohibition in liquors.[38] (2) This phrase indicates a person who provided initial support, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and appreciating those who helped them.[39]