Jesus Christ is the most influential figure on the planet, with more than 2 billion worshippers worldwide and many more who fondly study his teachings. But what if he never existed? Many skeptics have posed this very question, and while true believers scoff at such suggestions, the debate is far from resolved. Jesus may have changed the world, but did he really walk the Earth?
Founder, Apologetics Ministries
The argument has been made – of the larger passage only – that it is out
of context. It is said that if we remove this larger passage, the text of
Josephus runs on in proper sequence.
This is a favorite objection, but as Thackery, well known as the greatest Josephan
scholars, has noted, Josephus was a "patchwork writer," one guilty of
"inveterate sloppiness." It is likely that this is an artifact of
ancient composition techniques: A history would normally be composed with what
might be called “loose leaf notes” that would later be collated into a whole.
Even so, the "out of context" charge carries very little weight. This is
the outline of events under Pilate as given by Josephus [using newer outline
system for Josephus]:
Next Argument
6
6
4
4
4
4
3
3
5
4
6
1
7
4
1
Biweekly updates on new debates and experts
Please check your email to confirm your subscription.
© 2008 Opposing Views, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Opposing Views, Inc. is not responsible for the content posted on this website. Please view full disclaimer under Terms
Expert Verified
