Muslims often argue that the early Christians did not worship Jesus as God, but only as a prophet or a teacher.

The New Testament documents provide clear evidence that the early Church worshipped Jesus as Lord immediately following His ascension into heaven. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 1:2-3, Paul addresses the church by emphasizing that they call upon the name of Jesus Christ, which signifies a recognition of His divine authority. Furthermore, the account of Saul's conversion in Acts 9 illustrates that even those who initially persecuted Christians recognized Jesus as Lord when He spoke to Saul. This pivotal moment marked a transformation in Saul's understanding, leading him to preach that Jesus is the Son of God. Additionally, the practice of calling upon Jesus is not limited to corporate worship but extends to personal prayers, as seen in the account of Stephen, who prayed to Jesus as he was being stoned, saying, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit' (Acts 7:59-60). This demonstrates that the early Christians viewed Jesus not merely as a prophet but as the divine Lord worthy of their prayers and worship. Thus, the assertion that early Christians did not worship Jesus as God is contradicted by the biblical evidence of their practices and beliefs. They consistently called upon Jesus in prayer and worship, affirming His divine nature and role in their faith.