Adoptionism was first suggested in the Shepherd of Hermas, thought to be written by the brother of Bishop of Rome around 150 A.D. (p. 14).  It taught that Jesus was a virtuous man who followed God and was rewarded by being adopted as the Christ.

Adoptionists elaborated on the doctrine was on in the second and third centuries, teaching that Jesus was born of a virgin and, after being tested in the desert, became the Christ when the Spirit of God descended upon him at his baptism.  Adoptionism was condemned as heresy from its outset, but it continued to spring up from time to time. Many liberal theologians (such as Schleiermacher) hold a view similar to Adoptionism.