evidence for the man who is jesus

Evidence for the Man Who Evidence for the Man Who Is Jesus: An OverviewIs Jesus: An Overview

Evidence for the Man Who Is JesusEvidence for the Man Who Is Jesus He never wrote a book He never wrote a book

He never held an office He never held an office He never went to college He never went to college He rarely visited a big city He rarely visited a big city He never travelled more than two hundred miles He never travelled more than two hundred miles From the place where he was born… From the place where he was born…

His friends ran away His friends ran away One of them denied him One of them denied him He was turned over to his enemies He was turned over to his enemies And went through the mockery of a trial And went through the mockery of a trial He was nailed to a cross between two thieves He was nailed to a cross between two thieves While dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing While dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing The only property he had on earth. The only property he had on earth.

When he was dead When he was dead He was laid in a borrowed grave He was laid in a borrowed grave Through the pity of a friend Through the pity of a friend

[Yet] All the armies that have ever marched [Yet] All the armies that have ever marched All the navies that have ever sailed All the navies that have ever sailed All the parliaments that have ever sat All the parliaments that have ever sat All the kings that ever reigned put together All the kings that ever reigned put together Have not affected the life of mankind on earth Have not affected the life of mankind on earth As powerfully as that one solitary life As powerfully as that one solitary life

Confirming External Evidence: The Confirming External Evidence: The EarthquakeEarthquake

Earthquake in Israel 33 A.D. (Matthew chp. Earthquake in Israel 33 A.D. (Matthew chp. 27)27)

Confirming External Evidence: Moon Confirming External Evidence: Moon Turning RedTurning Red

The moon turning red April 3 (Acts 2). The moon turning red April 3 (Acts 2).

External Confirming Evidence: Mara External Confirming Evidence: Mara Bar SarapionBar Sarapion

Mara Bar Sarapion. Stoic Philosophers ca. 73 A.D.Mara Bar Sarapion. Stoic Philosophers ca. 73 A.D.

What else can we say, when the What else can we say, when the wise are forcibly dragged off by wise are forcibly dragged off by tyrantstyrants, their , their wisdom is captured by insultswisdom is captured by insults, and their , and their minds are minds are oppressed and without defenseoppressed and without defense?? What advantage did the What advantage did the Athenians gain from murdering Socrates? Famine and plague came Athenians gain from murdering Socrates? Famine and plague came upon them as a punishment for their crime. What advantage did the upon them as a punishment for their crime. What advantage did the men of Samos gain from burning Pythagoras? In a moment their men of Samos gain from burning Pythagoras? In a moment their land was covered with sand. land was covered with sand. What advantage did the Jews gain What advantage did the Jews gain from executing their wise king? It was just after that their from executing their wise king? It was just after that their kingdom was abolished.kingdom was abolished. (70 A.D. destruction of Jerusalem)…But (70 A.D. destruction of Jerusalem)…But Socrates is not dead, because of Plato; neither is Pythagoras, Socrates is not dead, because of Plato; neither is Pythagoras, because of the statue of Juno; because of the statue of Juno; nor is the wise king, because of nor is the wise king, because of the "new law" he laid downthe "new law" he laid down

External Confirming Evidence: Mara External Confirming Evidence: Mara Bar SarapionBar Sarapion

Wise Man.Wise Man. Was Oppressed by tyranny and not Was Oppressed by tyranny and not

allowed to defend himself.allowed to defend himself. Executed.Executed. Shortly after this destruction came to Shortly after this destruction came to

people (sack of Jerusalem 70 A.D.)people (sack of Jerusalem 70 A.D.) His Teaching continues.His Teaching continues.

External Confirming Evidence: TacitusExternal Confirming Evidence: Tacitus

Tacitus. Calgacus. One of Rome’s Most Notable Historians.Tacitus. Calgacus. One of Rome’s Most Notable Historians.64 A.D. Rome aged 8.64 A.D. Rome aged 8.

Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus,Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke moment, again broke out not only in Judæa, the first source of the out not only in Judæa, the first source of the evil, but even in Romeevil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from , where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted,then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind… set alight and were crucified.mankind… set alight and were crucified.

External Confirming Evidence: TacitusExternal Confirming Evidence: Tacitus

From Judea. From Judea. Christus = Messiah.Christus = Messiah. Executed under Pilate during reign of Tiberius Executed under Pilate during reign of Tiberius

(14-37 A.D).(14-37 A.D). Followers were numerous and persecuted.Followers were numerous and persecuted. Called Christian by the Crowd. (Acts 11:26 Called Christian by the Crowd. (Acts 11:26

Crowd called them Christians. “The Way” Luke’s Crowd called them Christians. “The Way” Luke’s account comes from earliest stratum of Christian account comes from earliest stratum of Christian history.)history.)

External Confirming Evidence: External Confirming Evidence: Pliny the YoungerPliny the Younger

Pliny the Younger. (Pompeii) Governor of Bityhina- Pontus, Pliny the Younger. (Pompeii) Governor of Bityhina- Pontus, North-West Turkey. Letter to the Emperor, 112 A.D. North-West Turkey. Letter to the Emperor, 112 A.D.

others more, and a few more than twenty years agoothers more, and a few more than twenty years ago) [92 A.D.] ) [92 A.D.] They affirmed the whole of their guilt, or their error, was, that they They affirmed the whole of their guilt, or their error, was, that they met on a stated day before it was light, met on a stated day before it was light, and addressed a form of prayerand addressed a form of prayerto Christ, as to a divinityto Christ, as to a divinity, binding themselves by a solemn oath, not for the , binding themselves by a solemn oath, not for the purposes of any wicked design, but never to commit any fraud, theft, or adultery, purposes of any wicked design, but never to commit any fraud, theft, or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble, to deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble, to eat in common a harmless meal [remembrance meal]… I forbade the meeting of eat in common a harmless meal [remembrance meal]… I forbade the meeting of any assemblies… [and put] two female deacons to the torture, who were said to any assemblies… [and put] two female deacons to the torture, who were said to take part in their religious rites: but all I could discover was evidence of an take part in their religious rites: but all I could discover was evidence of an absurd and extravagant superstition… [this religions is found in] persons absurd and extravagant superstition… [this religions is found in] persons all all ranks and ages, and even of both sexes. In fact, this contagious ranks and ages, and even of both sexes. In fact, this contagious superstition is not confined to the cities only, but has spread its infection superstition is not confined to the cities only, but has spread its infection among the neighbouring villages and country. Nevertheless, it still seems among the neighbouring villages and country. Nevertheless, it still seems possible to restrain its progress. The temples, at least, which were once possible to restrain its progress. The temples, at least, which were once almost deserted, begin now to be frequented; and the sacred rites, after a almost deserted, begin now to be frequented; and the sacred rites, after a long intermission, are again revived; while there is a general demand for long intermission, are again revived; while there is a general demand for the victims, which till lately found very few purchasers.the victims, which till lately found very few purchasers.

Confirming External Evidence: Confirming External Evidence: Pliny the YoungerPliny the Younger

Persecution and Ethics:Persecution and Ethics:

1 Peter 1 “For it is God’s will that by doing good 1 Peter 1 “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people…you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people…Show proper respect to everyone…itShow proper respect to everyone…itis commendable if someone bears up under the pain of is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God…To unjust suffering because they are conscious of God…To this you were called, because Christ suffered for this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”justly.”

Confirming External Evidence: Confirming External Evidence: Pliny the YoungerPliny the Younger

Acts 19 Acts 19 About that time there arose a About that time there arose a great great disturbance about the Waydisturbance about the Way.. A A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there…[saying] of business for the craftsmen there…[saying] this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asiapractically the whole province of Asia. He . He says that gods made by human hands are no says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all.gods at all. There is danger… that our trade will There is danger… that our trade will lose its good namelose its good name

Confirming External Evidence: The Confirming External Evidence: The TalmudTalmud

It was taught: On the Eve of Passover they hung Yeshu the Notzri. It was taught: On the Eve of Passover they hung Yeshu the Notzri. And the herald went out before him for forty days [saying]: ‘Yeshu the And the herald went out before him for forty days [saying]: ‘Yeshu the Notzri will go out to be stoned for sorcery and misleading and enticing Notzri will go out to be stoned for sorcery and misleading and enticing Israel [to idolatry]. Any who knows [anything] in his defence must Israel [to idolatry]. Any who knows [anything] in his defence must come and declare concerning him.’ But no one came to his defence so come and declare concerning him.’ But no one came to his defence so they hung him on the Eve of Passover- Munich Talmud manuscript of they hung him on the Eve of Passover- Munich Talmud manuscript of

b.San.43a. Dr David Instone-Brewerb.San.43a. Dr David Instone-Brewer

Confirming External Evidence: Confirming External Evidence: Non-Christian Writers:Non-Christian Writers:

Messiah figure, thought by his followers to be a Messiah figure, thought by his followers to be a divinity.divinity.

He was executed (perhaps unfairly).He was executed (perhaps unfairly). His execution happened sometime around 20-40 His execution happened sometime around 20-40

A.D.A.D. He has followers who carry on his message.He has followers who carry on his message. Many people just a generation removed from Many people just a generation removed from

this were so convinced of it that they were this were so convinced of it that they were prepared to undergo torture.prepared to undergo torture.

Confirming External Evidence: Confirming External Evidence: Other Non-Christian SourcesOther Non-Christian Sources

SuetoniusSuetonius

LucianLucian

CelsusCelsus

Josephus?Josephus?

Thallus?Thallus?

James Ossuary?James Ossuary?

Confirming Internal Evidence: The Confirming Internal Evidence: The Criteria of EmbarrasmentCriteria of Embarrasment

Jesus' own family did not believe him and even questioned his sanity Jesus' own family did not believe him and even questioned his sanity (Mark 3.21).(Mark 3.21).

Jesus was rejected by people in his hometown and couldn't perform Jesus was rejected by people in his hometown and couldn't perform many miracles there (6.2-5).many miracles there (6.2-5).

Some thought Jesus was in collusion with, and even possessed by the Some thought Jesus was in collusion with, and even possessed by the devil (3.22, 30).devil (3.22, 30).

Jesus' healings weren't always instantaneous (8.22-25).Jesus' healings weren't always instantaneous (8.22-25). Jesus' disciples weren't always able to exorcise demons (9.18), and Jesus' disciples weren't always able to exorcise demons (9.18), and

Jesus' own exorcisms weren't always instantaneous (5.8-13).Jesus' own exorcisms weren't always instantaneous (5.8-13). Jesus seemed to suggest that he wasn't good (10.18).Jesus seemed to suggest that he wasn't good (10.18). Jesus associated with people of ill-repute and gained a reputation of Jesus associated with people of ill-repute and gained a reputation of

being a glutton and a drunkard (2.15-16).being a glutton and a drunkard (2.15-16). Jesus often spoke is explicit and culturally shameful ways (3.31-35).Jesus often spoke is explicit and culturally shameful ways (3.31-35). The disciples are often dull, obstinate and cowardly (8.32-33, 10:35-The disciples are often dull, obstinate and cowardly (8.32-33, 10:35-

37, 14:37, 50).37, 14:37, 50). The women were the first to discover Jesus' tomb while the men were The women were the first to discover Jesus' tomb while the men were

hiding in fear (16.1-8).hiding in fear (16.1-8).

Confirming Internal Evidence: Confirming Internal Evidence: ArchaeologyArchaeology

Large fishing boat, Galilee Synagogue in Capernaum (Mark 1:21)Large fishing boat, Galilee Synagogue in Capernaum (Mark 1:21)

Confirming Internal Confirming: ErastusConfirming Internal Confirming: Erastus

Romans 16:23: “[Paul writing from Corinth to Christians in Rome Romans 16:23: “[Paul writing from Corinth to Christians in Rome says] Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. says] Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.”Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.”

““Erastus for his aedileship (a person who is responsible for the Erastus for his aedileship (a person who is responsible for the

maintenance of public buildings) paved this at his own expense.”maintenance of public buildings) paved this at his own expense.”

Confirming Internal Confirming: ErastusConfirming Internal Confirming: Erastus

“ “a deeper examination of the issue here, a deeper examination of the issue here, however, it is hoped that this question [thehowever, it is hoped that this question [thefrequency of the name Erastus] can nowfrequency of the name Erastus] can nowbe laid to rest. A comprehensive searchbe laid to rest. A comprehensive searchof the available electronic databases andof the available electronic databases andmajor print corpora reveals…only two, or major print corpora reveals…only two, or perhaps three, individuals bearing this name are perhaps three, individuals bearing this name are attested in all of Greece, in all of the first century attested in all of Greece, in all of the first century AD.”- AD.”- Timothy Brookins: Timothy Brookins: The (In)frequency of the Name ‘Erastus’ The (In)frequency of the Name ‘Erastus’ in Antiquity: A Literary, Papyrological, and Epigraphical Catalogin Antiquity: A Literary, Papyrological, and Epigraphical Catalog

Confirming Internal Confirming: TitlesConfirming Internal Confirming: Titles

Luke’s Gospel and Acts of the Apostles :e.g. Luke’s Gospel and Acts of the Apostles :e.g. consuls, proconsuls, legates, asiarchs, praetors, consuls, proconsuls, legates, asiarchs, praetors, lictors. All different and apt to change.lictors. All different and apt to change.

Oxford Colleges: The Provost of Oriel College, Oxford Colleges: The Provost of Oriel College, the Master of Balliol, the Rector of Exeter, the the Master of Balliol, the Rector of Exeter, the President of Magdalen, Warden of Nuffield, President of Magdalen, Warden of Nuffield, Deans of Christ Church. Deans of Christ Church.

Confirming Internal Confirming: Confirming Internal Confirming: Graeco-Roman TitlesGraeco-Roman Titles

Luke depicts the town clerk in Ephesus mentioning theLuke depicts the town clerk in Ephesus mentioning the “consul “consulss””

Junius Silanus assasinated >> Helius and Celer. Junius Silanus assasinated >> Helius and Celer.

Luke calls the magistrates of Philippi praetors, but it shouldLuke calls the magistrates of Philippi praetors, but it should be duumvirs! be duumvirs!

Cicero on colony of Capua "Although they are called Cicero on colony of Capua "Although they are called duumvirs in the other colonies, these men wish to be called duumvirs in the other colonies, these men wish to be called praetors”.praetors”.

Luke calls the Thessalonican chief magistrates politarchs a title that is not found in Luke calls the Thessalonican chief magistrates politarchs a title that is not found in any classical literature, but has been found in inscriptions from Macedonian towns.any classical literature, but has been found in inscriptions from Macedonian towns.

In Luke 3 he talks about Lysanius the tetrarch of Abilene.? Confused with Lysanius In Luke 3 he talks about Lysanius the tetrarch of Abilene.? Confused with Lysanius ruler of Chalcis?: two Greek inscriptions found that reveal the existence of "Lysanius ruler of Chalcis?: two Greek inscriptions found that reveal the existence of "Lysanius the tetrarch".the tetrarch".

Confirming Internal Confirming: History Confirming Internal Confirming: History and the Acts of the Apostlesand the Acts of the Apostles

Professor William M. Ramsey Professor William M. Ramsey

Confirming Internal Confirming: History Confirming Internal Confirming: History and the Acts of the Apostlesand the Acts of the Apostles

Confirming Internal Confirming: Oral Confirming Internal Confirming: Oral TraditionTradition

The Holy Spirit would help them to The Holy Spirit would help them to remember what Jesus had taught them remember what Jesus had taught them (John 14:26). (John 14:26).

People’s role as witnesses, teachers and People’s role as witnesses, teachers and preservers of the story about Jesus: preservers of the story about Jesus: Matthew 10:17, Mark 6.11, 13.9-13; Luke Matthew 10:17, Mark 6.11, 13.9-13; Luke 9.5; 21:12; 22:71; John 1.7-8, 15,19, 32, 9.5; 21:12; 22:71; John 1.7-8, 15,19, 32, 34.34.


Luke’s Gospel “Since many have undertaken to set Luke’s Gospel “Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were fulfilled among us, just as they were handed onhanded on to us by to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the wordand servants of the word, I too decided, after , I too decided, after investigating everything carefully [to write this work about investigating everything carefully [to write this work about the Lord]the Lord]

Paul 1 Corinthians “For I Paul 1 Corinthians “For I handed onhanded on to you as of first to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then the twelve.” Cephas, then the twelve.”


Papias of Hierapolis (Papias of Hierapolis (70 A.D.70 A.D. – – 155 A.D.) “And if by chance anyone who 155 A.D.) “And if by chance anyone who has been in attendance on the elders has been in attendance on the elders should come my way, I inquired about theshould come my way, I inquired about thewords of the elders – [that is,] what words of the elders – [that is,] what Andrew or Peter said, or Philip, or Thomas, or James, or Andrew or Peter said, or Philip, or Thomas, or James, or John or Matthew or any other of the Lord’s disciples, and John or Matthew or any other of the Lord’s disciples, and whatever Aristion and the elder John, the Lord’s whatever Aristion and the elder John, the Lord’s disciples, were saying. For I did not think the information disciples, were saying. For I did not think the information from books would profit me as much as information from from books would profit me as much as information from

a living and surviving voice.”a living and surviving voice.”


Colossians “For I bear him [Epaphras] record, that he hath a great Colossians “For I bear him [Epaphras] record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them zeal for you, and them that arethat are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.” in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.”


Epictetus 115 A.D. “what kind of tyrant, or Epictetus 115 A.D. “what kind of tyrant, or guards, or swords in the hands of guards can guards, or swords in the hands of guards can any more instil fear in the breast of such a any more instil fear in the breast of such a man? Therefore, if madness can produce this man? Therefore, if madness can produce this attitude of mind toward the things which have attitude of mind toward the things which have just been mentioned, and also habit, as with the just been mentioned, and also habit, as with the Galileans, cannot reason and demonstration Galileans, cannot reason and demonstration teach a man that God has made all things in the teach a man that God has made all things in the universe?”universe?”


Stephen E. Young “Stephen E. Young “Jesus Tradition in the Apostolic Fathers Their Jesus Tradition in the Apostolic Fathers Their Explicit Appeals to the Words of Jesus in Light of Orality StudiesExplicit Appeals to the Words of Jesus in Light of Orality Studies” ” 20112011

Confirming Internal Confirming: Confirming Internal Confirming: Incidental CoincidencesIncidental Coincidences

Simon Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter)(to whom he gave the name Peter),,JamesJames son of Zebedeeson of Zebedee and his brother John (and his brother John (to them he gave the nameto them he gave the name BoanergesBoanerges, which means “sons of thunder”) , which means “sons of thunder”) AndrewAndrewPhilipPhilipBartholomewBartholomewMatthewMatthewThomasThomasJamesJames son of Alphaeusson of AlphaeusThaddaeus Thaddaeus SimonSimon the Zealotthe Zealotand Judasand Judas IscariotIscariot

Confirming Internal Confirming: Confirming Internal Confirming: Onomastics (Names)Onomastics (Names)

Confirming Internal Confirming: Confirming Internal Confirming: Onomastics (Names)Onomastics (Names)

Richard Bauckham Peter J. Williams Richard Bauckham Peter J. Williams

1.Simon1.Simon Simon Simon PeterPeter Rank 1Rank 1

2.Joseph2.Joseph James James son of son of ZebedeeZebedee

Rank 11Rank 11

3.Lazarus3.Lazarus AndrewAndrew Not rankedNot ranked

4.Judas4.Judas John John BoanergesBoanerges Rank 5Rank 5

5. John5. John PhilipPhilip Rank 62Rank 62

6. Jesus6. Jesus BartholomewBartholomew Rank 50Rank 50

7. Ananias7. Ananias MatthewMatthew Rank 9Rank 9

8. Jonathan8. Jonathan ThomasThomas Not rankedNot ranked

9. Matthew9. Matthew James James Son of Son of AlphaeusAlphaeus

Rank 11Rank 11

10. Manaen10. Manaen ThaddaeusThaddaeus Rank 39Rank 39

11. James11. James Simon Simon the Zealotthe Zealot Rank 1Rank 1

12. Annas12. Annas Judas Judas IscariotIscariot Rank 4Rank 4


John’s Gospel: “Seeing that a large crowd was coming toward John’s Gospel: “Seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?these people may eat?

John’s Gospel: "Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of John’s Gospel: "Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter"Andrew and Peter"

Luke Gospel "On their return the apostles told him all that Luke Gospel "On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida"town called Bethsaida"


Matthew tells story of people coming to Matthew tells story of people coming to Jesus “when it was evening,” without Jesus “when it was evening,” without explaining why they waited until the explaining why they waited until the evening.evening.

Mark doesn’t say it was the evening but Mark doesn’t say it was the evening but mentions that “it was the Sabbath,” and mentions that “it was the Sabbath,” and that’s why the sick waited “till evening” to that’s why the sick waited “till evening” to come to Jesus in Matthew’s version.come to Jesus in Matthew’s version.


Matthew: "Then they spit in his face and Matthew: "Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped struck him with their fists. Others slapped him him and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you" Who hit you"

Luke: They blindfolded him and Luke: They blindfolded him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?" demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?"

Confirming Internal Evidence: Other Confirming Internal Evidence: Other AreasAreas

Impossible Faith ( a dying, crucified Impossible Faith ( a dying, crucified Messiah and God?!)Messiah and God?!)

Aramaic rhythm and parallelisms.Aramaic rhythm and parallelisms.

James, the Lord’s brothers conversion.James, the Lord’s brothers conversion.

evidence for the man who is jesus

Spiritual

external evidence

external confirming

mara bar sarapion wise

younger pliny

tacitus tacitus

wise king

earthquake earthquake

younger persecution