Criterion for Historical Jesus Search

Question 1

Focus on the sayings or deeds of Jesus that would have created difficulty for the early church. The Early church would not have gone out of its way to create material that weakens its own tenuous position. This criteria points to sayings or deeds of Jesus that were inconvenient or embarrassing.

Examples: Baptism by John and his execution as a criminal

Answer 1

Embarrassment

Question 2

Seeks to isolate sayings or deeds of Jesus that cannot be derived from Judaism of the time or from the practice of the early church.

Answer 2

Discontinuity / Dissimilarity

Question 3

Looks for sayings or deeds of Jesus that are reported in multiple independent accounts.

Example : Multiple attestations of the Last Supper in Mark and 1 Cor.

Answer 3

Multiple Attestation of Forms and Sources

Question 4

Fact that Jesus died on a cross with the support of at least one Jewish official suggests that his ministry was seen as a threat to those in power. This criteria seeks to isolate those sayings and deeds of Jesus that would help explain why some people in power found him to be worthy of execution.

Example: Jesus’ triumphant and messianic entry into Jerusalem. Seen as a threat to those in power

Answer 4

Rejection and Execution

Question 5

By examining material that otherwise would not be historical, it may be admitted to be historically plausible if it coheres with other material.

Example: Jesus showed a preference for the poor, outsiders and strangers. The story of the Good Samaritan coheres.

Answer 5

Coherence

Question 6

No other logical explanation for an event or story that is plausibly true.

Example: Resurrection

Answer 6

Necessary Explanation

Question 7

Style is recognizable with that of Jesus and would be difficult to imitate.

Example: Amen, amen I say to you
Or Abba – unique way of talking to the Father.

Answer 7

Personal Style of Jesus