Chapter 9 Historical jesus

Question 1

1. From the point of view of historical sources for the distant past, what is one problem?

Answer 1

Most do not derive from eyewitnesses, but from later authors

Question 2

. Name and discuss three criteria for evaluating sources.

Answer 2

1: numerous sources-can be compared to each other
2 internally consistent- suggests reliability
3 Biases- do authors changeaccounts for personal reasons.

Question 3

The earliest mention of Jesus in pagan writings occurs in the year

Answer 3

115 CE

Question 4

Give one argument for the reality of Jesus’ existence

Answer 4

There are multiple accounts independent of each other, of Jesus life and Death

Question 5

Name and briefly explain two of Ehrman’s “Rules of Thumb” for determining what probably happened during Jesus’ life.

Answer 5

1: the earlier the better- less time to be changed

2 If there is something in the source that goes against the Christian perspective. Criterion of dissimilarity.

Question 6

What long held view about apocalypticism was being questioned?

Answer 6

Theodicy and why people suffer. Did they suffer because they are bad, if not then is God Just? Why when they repent do they still suffer.

Question 7

. Name the four main tenets of Jewish apocalypticism. Briefly explain one

Answer 7

Dualism, Pessimism, vindication, imminence.

Imminence- judgement day was going to come very soon.

Question 8

Though pessimism is an attribute of Jewish apocalypticism, they believed the human condition could be improved through mass education and advanced technology.

Answer 8

FALSE

Question 9

When God finally intervened, Jewish apocalypticists believed that his vindication
would be universal, for all peoples.

Answer 9

TRUE

Question 10

God’s intervention would involve a universal judgment followed by punishment or reward depending on one’s deeds.

Answer 10

TRUE

Question 11

The end was

Answer 11

imminent

Question 12

One of the most hotly debated questions among New Testament researchers today is

Answer 12

whether or not Jesus was an Apocalyptic Rabbi

Question 13

Briefly explain Ehrman’s phrase “The beginning and end as keys to the middle”.

Answer 13

Jesus’ ministry starts Apocalyptic and ends apocalyptic.

Question 14

. How does Jesus’ prediction of the Temple’s destruction fit into his apocalyptic message?

Answer 14

In the new age there would be no need for a temple because the world would be rid of all sin, leaving no need for sacrifice.

Question 15

Name three groups historians are certain that Jesus associated with.

Answer 15

12 Apostles, Tax collectors, Sinners/women

Question 16

. Historians can/cannot demonstrate that Jesus performed miracles.

Answer 16

Cannot

Question 17

What was the controversy about Jesus’ ability to cast out demons?

Answer 17

Whether the power came from God or the devil

Question 18

. Name four qualities of the coming kingdom Jesus preached

Answer 18

1-it would replace the corrupt powers that be
2-no one would know exactly when it was coming
3-those suffering would be rewarded
4-disciples would be the leaders

Question 19

According to Ehrman, what is “almost certain” about Judas?

Answer 19

he betrayed Jesus

Question 20

What is Ehrman’s reasoning that the phrase “king of the Jews” as applied to Jesus is historically accurate?

Answer 20

Early Christians did not use that phase so it was likely true. Criterion of Dissimilarity.

Question 21

Who executed Jesus?

Answer 21

The Romans under Governor Pontus Pilate