Did Jesus Claim to Be God? (5 Debate Takeaways)

When Christian apologist David Wood recently debated agnostic thinker Alex O’Connor on the question “Did Jesus claim to be God?”, the result was a compelling dialogue between two sharply contrasting worldviews.

Both men brought unique strategies to the table—one rooted in ancient Jewish context and the other anchored in the Gospel of John.

Below are five key takeaways from their exchange, along with reflections to strengthen your faith and deepen your Biblical understanding.

1. Two Strong but Contrasting Strategies

What made this debate particularly engaging was how both participants approached the issue from very different vantage points.

Alex O’Connor’s strategy zeroed in on the Gospel of John, often seen as the clearest declaration of Jesus’ divinity.

His goal was tactical: if he could cast doubt on John’s credibility, it could undermine the foundation of Christian belief in Jesus’ divine identity.

“If I can present John’s gospel and take it down, then the case for Jesus claiming to be God collapses.” – Alex O’Connor’s implied approach

In contrast, David Wood didn’t begin with John—or even the Gospels. He reached back further into Jewish theology, building his case on the ancient doctrine of the “Two Powers in Heaven.”

This pre-Christian Jewish belief recognized two divine figures operating in unity—a framework that powerfully contextualizes Jesus’ divine claims.

David’s approach aimed to show that Jesus’ divinity wasn’t an invention of later Christian theology, but a fulfillment of an established Jewish expectation.

2. What Could Have Been Done Better?

While both men presented strong cases, there were areas where their arguments could have been more effective.

For David Wood, spending more time highlighting Jesus’ own words within the Gospels would have solidified his position.

Quoting Paul and other epistles helped support his case, but returning repeatedly to Jesus’ actual statements would have forced Alex to respond directly to Christ’s claims.

On the other hand, Alex could have challenged David more aggressively on Jesus’ direct statements and actions.

Since the debate was framed around what Jesus claimed, zeroing in on the red-letter words of Christ would have sharpened his critique and made his argument more focused.

3. Debate Etiquette and Respectful Engagement

In a world where online debates often turn into shouting matches or ego battles, it was refreshing to see both David Wood and Alex O’Connor model respectful and professional engagement.

They honored the format, spoke clearly, and stayed focused on the topic. Neither resorted to name-calling or emotional manipulation—something that’s unfortunately common in public discourse today.

Both debaters even opened with light humor, a small but meaningful gesture that set the tone for an intelligent and civil discussion. It’s easy to forget how powerful posture and tone can be when defending your faith.

You don’t need to “win” an argument through volume or pride. Instead, Christ calls us to be both truthful and gracious in how we present our beliefs.

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” – Colossians 4:6

As followers of Jesus, we should see this as a call to not only understand our faith intellectually but to also express it in a way that reflects the character of Christ.

Debates, discussions, and even disagreements should never cost us our witness. Share on X

4. Rebuttals and Cross-Examination: Where Truth Is Tested

While opening statements help lay the foundation, rebuttals and cross-examinations are where debates are won or lost.

This is where each speaker has to go off-script, respond in real-time, and show whether their arguments can withstand scrutiny.

David Wood particularly shined in the rebuttal and cross-examination rounds. He didn’t just rehash his original points—he responded thoughtfully to Alex’s claims, pointed out inconsistencies, and brought in deeper theological insights.

His background in Christian apologetics was evident here, and it gave believers a strong example of how to defend the faith logically and calmly.

Meanwhile, Alex O’Connor proved to be a skilled questioner. His ability to frame questions in a way that highlighted potential gaps in David’s arguments was impressive.

It’s a reminder that a well-timed, insightful question can be just as powerful as a strong rebuttal. For those engaging in conversations with skeptics or seekers, mastering the art of asking clarifying questions is just as important as giving answers.

Cross-examination isn’t just about pressure—it’s about clarity. It’s where you find out which beliefs are rooted in truth and which ones collapse under honest questions.

5. The Best Part: Honest Dialogue Over Performance

For many viewers, the cross-examination and Q&A segments were the highlight of the debate. Unlike rehearsed speeches or carefully prepared slides, these moments revealed how each debater truly thought.

It was a dialogue—not just a performance—and it gave space for the strongest ideas to rise to the surface.

This is one of the biggest advantages of honest conversation over a combative debate format. While traditional debates can become more about who “sounds” smarter, cross-examination forces both sides to interact with each other’s claims directly.

It creates a kind of “refining fire” where weak arguments get exposed, and stronger ones become even clearer.

As Christians, we should welcome these kinds of exchanges. Not because we want to win a fight, but because we want the truth to shine.

When we engage in healthy, respectful, Scripture-based dialogue, we strengthen our faith—not with charisma or emotion—but on the unshakable foundation of God’s Word.

If you enter spiritual conversations with nonbelievers, remember this: you don’t need all the answers. Stay faithful, speak honestly, and stay rooted in Scripture. The Holy Spirit will do the rest.

So Who “Won” the Debate?

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re measuring by charisma or communication, the result may be unclear.

But if you’re measuring by substance—whose arguments held up under scrutiny—then David Wood’s presentation provided a compelling case for Jesus’ divinity.

That said, the point of watching a debate like this isn’t to cheer for a winner like a sports event. It’s to examine whose arguments are biblically and logically sound.

You can win a debate with bad arguments, but you can’t build your faith on weak foundations. Share on X

This conversation wasn’t just about theology—it was about whether Jesus Christ truly is who He claimed to be.

If you’re a believer, let this strengthen your confidence in the Gospel. If you’re still exploring, consider this your invitation to investigate further.

More Than a Debate—A Deeper Invitation

Over the years, I’ve engaged in many conversations with people who challenge Christ’s divinity—atheists, Muslims, Hebrew Israelites, and even skeptics within the Church.

And the one thing I’ve learned is that confidence doesn’t equal truth.

I’ve watched eloquent speakers deliver arguments that Scripture quickly exposes as weak.

When we slow down and humbly study the Word, we begin to see the truth. Jesus didn’t just claim to be God—He proved it. His life, death, and resurrection confirmed His divine identity.

In their debate, David Wood and Alex O’Connor did more than exchange ideas. They explored one of life’s most important questions: 

Who is Jesus, really? We don’t uncover the answer through clever arguments or historical theories.

We discover it as Scripture reveals it—through ancient Jewish theology and, most importantly, through Jesus’ own words and works.

If Jesus claimed to be God—and proved it by His life, death, and resurrection—then His claim changes everything. It calls you to respond and invites you to know God more deeply.

That’s why it’s important to explore how Jesus fits within the broader picture of God’s nature. Is the concept of the Trinity—a God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—really Biblical? Or is it a later invention?

To continue your journey, we recommend reading this article. This walks through the Scripture to help you see why the Trinity isn’t just a doctrine—it’s essential to truly understanding who Jesus is.

Let the truth of God’s Word guide you as you seek clarity, grow in faith, and confidently defend what you believe. God bless.

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