Jesus the Jew How a Jew marginally important

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Jesus the Jew How a Jew, marginally important in his own time became the

Jesus the Jew How a Jew, marginally important in his own time became the most famous person ever.

 תזכירו לא אחרים אלהים ושם ► Jesus is English for the Latin Iēsus

תזכירו לא אחרים אלהים ושם ► Jesus is English for the Latin Iēsus from the Greek Ιησους from the Hebrew ישוע which is short for יהושע. Later, Hebrew transliterated back from the Latin to form ישו. ► Christ is English for the Greek χριστός which means “anointed one. ” This is the translation of משיח.

Life of Jesus ► Born 4 BCE ► Childhood and early adult years in

Life of Jesus ► Born 4 BCE ► Childhood and early adult years in Nazareth in the Galilee ► Baptized by John the Baptist ► Calls disciples ► Teaches in towns of Galilee preaching the “Kingdom of God” ► 30 CE goes to Jerusalem for Pesah ► Creates a disturbance in the Temple area ► Has a final meal with his disciples ► Was arrested and interrogated by Jewish authorities, specifically the high priest ► Was executed on the orders of the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate

Testimony of Josephus the standard text About this time there lived Jesus, a wise

Testimony of Josephus the standard text About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man. For he was one who wrought surprising feats and was a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. He was the Messiah. When Pilate, upon an accusation brought by the principal men among us, had condemned him to be crucified, those who had in the first place come to love him did not cease. On the third day he appeared to them restored to life. For the prophets of God had prophesied these and myriads of other marvelous things about him. And the tribe of the Christians, so called after him, has still up to now, not disappeared.

Testimony of Josephus Arabic version At this time there was a wise man who

Testimony of Josephus Arabic version At this time there was a wise man who was called Jesus. His conduct was good, and he was known to be virtuous. And many people from among the Jews and the other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. But those who had become his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion, and that he was alive; accordingly he was perhaps the Messiah, concerning whom the prophets have recounted wonders.

Two Versions of Josephus Greek Version Arabic Version At this time there was a

Two Versions of Josephus Greek Version Arabic Version At this time there was a wise man who was called Jesus. ► His conduct was good, and he was known to be virtuous. ► And many people from among the Jews and the other nations became his disciples. 4. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. But those who had become his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. 3. 5. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion, and that he was alive; accordingly he was perhaps the Messiah, concerning whom the prophets have recounted wonders. About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man. ► For he was one who wrought surprising feats and was a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly. ► He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. He was the Messiah. ► When Pilate, upon an accusation brought by the principal men among us, had condemned him to be crucified, those who had in the first place come to love him did not cease. ► On the third day he appeared to them restored to life. For the prophets of God had prophesied these and myriads of other marvelous things about him. And the tribe of the Christians, so called after him, has still up to now, not disappeared. ►

The Egyptian Messiah (almost) Moreover, there came out of Egypt about this time to

The Egyptian Messiah (almost) Moreover, there came out of Egypt about this time to Jerusalem one that said he was a prophet, and advised the multitude of the common people to go along with him to the Mount of Olives, as it was called, which lay over against the city, and at the distance of five furlongs. He said further, that he would show them from hence how, at his command, the walls of Jerusalem would fall down; and he promised them that he would procure them an entrance into the city through those walls, when they were fallen down. Now when Felix (procurator 52 -60) was informed of these things, he ordered his soldiers to take their weapons, and came against them with a great number of horsemen and footmen from Jerusalem, and attacked the Egyptian and the people that were with him. He also slew four hundred of them, and took two hundred alive. But the Egyptian himself escaped out of the fight, but did not appear any more. And again the robbers stirred up the people to make war with the Romans, and said they ought not to obey them at all; and when any persons would not comply with them, they set fire to their villages, and plundered them. ► Antiquities 20. 8. 6 ►

Theudas the Messiah (almost) NOW it came to pass, while Fadus was procurator of

Theudas the Messiah (almost) NOW it came to pass, while Fadus was procurator of Judea, that a certain magician, whose name was Theudas, persuaded a great part of the people to take their effects with them, and follow him to the river Jordan; for he told them he was a prophet, and that he would, by his own command, divide the river, and afford them an easy passage over it; and many were deluded by his words. However, Fadus did not permit them to make any advantage of his wild attempt, but sent a troop of horsemen out against them; who, falling upon them unexpectedly, slew many of them, and took many of them alive. They also took Theudas alive, and cut off his head, and carried it to Jerusalem. This was what befell the Jews in the time of Cuspius Fadus's government. ► Antiquities 20. 5. 1 ►

Josephus about Pontius Pilate ► At another time he used the sacred treasure of

Josephus about Pontius Pilate ► At another time he used the sacred treasure of the temple, called corban (qorban), to pay for bringing water into Jerusalem by an aqueduct. A crowd came together and clamored against him; but he had caused soldiers dressed as civilians to mingle with the multitude, and at a given signal they fell upon the rioters and beat them so severely with staves that the riot was quelled. ► Josephus, War 2. 175 -177, Antiq 18. 60 -62

Why Mel Gibson Would Fail This Class The “Blood Guilt” Line Cannot be historical

Why Mel Gibson Would Fail This Class The “Blood Guilt” Line Cannot be historical because: ► It only appears in one of the Gospels ► It makes sense for the early Christians to make Pontius Pilate look good for their Roman audience ► In fact Pontius was quite ruthless ► Roman Prefects regularly executed pretend Messias

This is how it was, sort of ► “OK I am the Messiah” http:

This is how it was, sort of ► “OK I am the Messiah” http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=krb 2 Od. Qk s. Mc&feature=related ► Pontius Pilate http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Ur. HFcz 8 Eno

The Essene Roots of Christianity John the Baptist and Jesus and the Dead Sea

The Essene Roots of Christianity John the Baptist and Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls

Luke 1: 80 ► And the child (John) grew and became strong in spirit;

Luke 1: 80 ► And the child (John) grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.

Mark 1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of

Mark 1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight'" (Is 40: 3). 4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. "

Manual of Discipline 8: 12 -14 מתוך האלה^ יבדלו אלה ^ליחד^ בישראל ^בתכונים ובהיות

Manual of Discipline 8: 12 -14 מתוך האלה^ יבדלו אלה ^ליחד^ בישראל ^בתכונים ובהיות הואהא דרכ את שם לפנות למדבר ללכת העול הנשי מושב מסלה בערבה ישרו יייי דרך פנו במדבר כתוב כאשר לאלוהינו When such men as these come to be in Israel, conforming to these doctrines, they shall separate from the session of perverse men to go to the wilderness, there to prepare the way of truth, as it is written, "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God" (Isaiah 40: 3).

John the Baptist Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's

John the Baptist Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called the Baptist: for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another, and piety towards God, and so to come to baptism; for that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness. ► Now when [many] others came in crowds about him, for they were very greatly moved [or pleased] by hearing his words, Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion, (for they seemed ready to do anything he should advise, ) thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly he was sent a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I before mentioned, and was there put to death. Now the Jews had an opinion that the destruction of this army was sent as a punishment upon Herod, and a mark of God's displeasure to him. Antiquities 18. 5. 2 ►

Manual of Discipline 3: 4 -9 בימים יתקדש ולוא נדה במי יטהר ולוא בכפורים

Manual of Discipline 3: 4 -9 בימים יתקדש ולוא נדה במי יטהר ולוא בכפורים יזכה לוא במשפטי מואסו יומי כול יהיה טמא. רחץ מי בכול יטהר ולוא ונהרות כול יכופרו איש דרכי אל אמת עצת ברוח כיא. עצתו ביחד התיסר לבלתי אל מכול יטהר באמתו ליחד קדושה וברוח. החיים באור להביט עוונותו יטהר אל חוקי לכול נפשו ובענות. חטתו תכופר וענוה יושר וברוח עוונותו . דוכי במי ולהתקדש נדה במי להזות בשרו 10) Ceremonies of atonement cannot restore his innocence, neither cultic (4 (5 (6 (7 (8 (9 waters his purity. He cannot be sanctified by baptism in oceans 11) and rivers, nor purified by mere ritual bathing. Unclean, unclean shall he be all the days that he rejects the laws 12) of God, refusing to be disciplined in the Yahad of His society. For only through the spirit pervading God's true society can there be atonement for a man's ways, all 13) of his iniquities; thus only can he gaze upon the light of life and so be joined to His truth by His holy spirit, purified from all 14) iniquity. Through an upright and humble attitude his sin may be covered, and by humbling himself before all God's laws his flesh 15) can be made clean. Only thus can he really receive the purifying waters and be purged by the cleansing flow.

Herodian Family Ruler in Judea until 6 CE Herodias’ first husband Herodias’ second husband

Herodian Family Ruler in Judea until 6 CE Herodias’ first husband Herodias’ second husband the one who killed John the Baptist Had a daughter Salome who danced…

Salome, daughter of Herodias and stepdaughter of Herod Antipas holding head of John the

Salome, daughter of Herodias and stepdaughter of Herod Antipas holding head of John the Baptist

The Teacher of Righteousness and John the Baptist both: ►Are priests ►Practice ascetic lifestyle

The Teacher of Righteousness and John the Baptist both: ►Are priests ►Practice ascetic lifestyle ►Teach the imminent coming of Messiah ►Lived in wilderness near the Dead Sea ►Dunked a lot ►Conflict with the Jerusalem hierarchy On the other hand, John is never called an Essene by Josephus, more politically involved than Essenes. Still, likely that John grew up as an Essene and then began his own independent career.

Luke 1: 32– 35 ► “He will be great, and will be called the

Luke 1: 32– 35 ► “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. . . he will be called Son of God. ”

Communal Property ► “Now the whole group of those who believed were of one

Communal Property ► “Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common” ► “All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. ” (Acts 4: 32, 2: 44 -45)

Light vs. Darkness ► What fellowhip is there between light and darkenss? (2 Corinthians

Light vs. Darkness ► What fellowhip is there between light and darkenss? (2 Corinthians 6: 14) ► I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8: 12)

Divorce – Mathew 19 1 When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left

Divorce – Mathew 19 1 When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. 2 Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there. 3 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason? " 4"Haven't you read, " he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female, ' 5 and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? 6 So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate. " 7"Why then, " they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away? " 8 Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery. " 10 The disciples said to him, "If this is the situation between a husband wife, it is better not to marry. " 11 Jesus replied, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it. "

Messianic Meal Rule of the Congregation ► When God engenders the Messiah…they shall gather

Messianic Meal Rule of the Congregation ► When God engenders the Messiah…they shall gather for the common table to eat and to drink new wine…let no man extend his hand over the firstfruits of bread and wine before the Priest; for it is he who shall bless the firstfruits of bread and wine…Thereafter the Messiah of Israel shall extend his hand over the bread and all the congregation of the Community shall utter a blessing each man in the order of his dignity. ► It is according to this statute that they shall proceed at every meat at which at least ten men are gathered together.

Dead Sea Sect Christians

Dead Sea Sect Christians

Differences ► Messiah is coming or has come ► Love vs. Hate ► Authority

Differences ► Messiah is coming or has come ► Love vs. Hate ► Authority of Commandments ► Isolationist or Inclusive ► One Messiah or Two Messiahs

Christianity Splits Off ► An early form of the Blessing against Heretics in the

Christianity Splits Off ► An early form of the Blessing against Heretics in the Shmoneh Esreh “For the apostates may there be no hope unless they return to Your Torah. As for the nozerim and the minim, may they perish immediately. Speedily may they be erased from the Book of Life and may they not be registered among the righteous. Blessed are You, Hashem, Who subdues the wicked. ”

Early Christian Debates ► Yeruahslmi Berakhot 9: 1 (12 d-13 a) Rabbi Simlai said:

Early Christian Debates ► Yeruahslmi Berakhot 9: 1 (12 d-13 a) Rabbi Simlai said: “In every instance that the minim have asked a question (based on a verse) the answer is right next to it. ” The minim asked him: What is that is written, “El Elokim YHVH, He knows (Josh 22: 22)? ” He said to them: It is not written, “They know” but “He knows. ” His students said to him: Rabbi you deflected them with a straw but how will you answer us? He said to them: “These are three titles for a single Being, just as a person says basileus (Greek for king), Ceasar, and Augustus.

Romans recognize Christians ► The emperor Nerva (96 -98 CE) freed the Christians from

Romans recognize Christians ► The emperor Nerva (96 -98 CE) freed the Christians from paying the Jewish capital tax (a punishment for the revolt of 70 CE) ► This show that they now saw the Christians (including Jewish Christians) as a separate group. ► Christians was declared illegal and its members were persecuted for over two centuries, especially under Diocletian (Emperor 303 -311). ► Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire in 324 CE.