at Amazon<\/a>)
\n_________________<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
(4)With the additional certainty of Scripture, the apostles spread the gospel. (5)Wherever the gospel was preached and local congregations were started, leaders were chosen to minister to the believers.<\/p>\n
This certification of a chain of authority from God to Jesus to the apostles to the early Christian elders is interesting not only in that it was the basis for early doctrinal proclamation and church organization. Additionally, Clement of Rome anchors this authority in the belief that Jesus was raised from the dead and in the Scripture. A miraculous event in history was thus taken as the basic sign of authority behind the preaching of the earliest Christian message. Ignatius<\/p>\n
As bishop of Antioch and a leader in the early church, Ignatius was condemned to death in Rome. On the way to his execution he addressed seven letters to six churches and one individual (Polycarp). These letters are early witnesses to Christian doctrine and to early church hierarchy, being written about AD 110\u2013115. They also contain several historical references to Jesus. In his epistle to the Trallians, Ignatius states: Jesus Christ who was of the race of David, who was the Son of Mary, who was truly born and ate and drank, was truly persecuted under Pontius Pilate, was truly crucified and died in the sight of those in heaven and on earth and those under the earth; who moreover was truly raised from the dead, His Father having raised Him, who in the like fashion will so raise us also who believe on Him.^4 In this portion, Ignatius affirms several facts concerning Jesus. (1)He was of the lineage of David and (2)born of Mary. (3)As such, he really lived, ate and drank on the earth. (4)Jesus was crucified and died at the hands of Pontius Pilate. (5) Afterward God raised him from the dead, (6)as an example of the believer\u2019s resurrection. Again we perceive how the resurrection was the chief sign for believers, in this case that they would be raised from the dead like Jesus.<\/p>\n
In his epistle to the Smyrneans, Ignatius refers twice to the historical Jesus. In the first instance, he asserts concerning Jesus: He is truly of the race of David according to the flesh, but Son of God by the Divine will and power, truly born of a virgin and baptised by John that all righteousness might be fulfilledby Him, truly nailed up in the flesh for our sakes under Pontius Pilate and Herod the tetrarch (of which fruit are we\u2014that is, of His most blessed passion); that He might set up an ensign unto all ages through His resurrection.^5 (Emphasis added by the editor.)<\/p>\n
Ignatius again affirms (7)that Jesus was physically of the lineage of David, adding (8)that he was also the Son of God as shown by the virgin birth. (9)Jesus was baptized by John, (10)later being nailed (crucified) under Pontius Pilate and Herod the tetrarch. (11)Afterward, Jesus was raised from the dead.<\/p>\n
4 Ignatius, Trallians, 9.<\/p>\n
5 Ignatius, Smyrneans, 1.
\n
\nIn a second reference in Smyrneans, Ignatius concentrates on Jesus\u2019 resurrection: For I know and believe that He was in the flesh even after the resurrection; and when He came to Peter and his company, He said to them, Lay hold and handle me, and see that I am not a demon without a body.And straitway they touched him and they believed, being joined unto His flesh and His blood. Wherefore also they despised death, nay they were found superior to death. And after His resurrection He [both] ate with them and drank with them.^6 (Emphasis added by the editor.)<\/p>\n
Speaking of the resurrection, Ignatius affirms that Jesus (12)was raised in the flesh. (13)Afterward he appeared to Peter and the disciples and told them to touch his physical body, which they did. (14)Jesus then ate and drank with them after his resurrection. (15)In a statement reminiscent of Lucian, Ignatius also relates that upon believing, the disciples despised death.<\/p>\n
A last reference which Ignatius makes concerning the historical Jesus is found in his epistle to the Magnesians: Be ye fully persuaded concerning the birth and the passion and the resurrection, which took place in the time of the governorship of Pontius Pilate; for these things were truly and certainly done by Jesus Christ our hope.^7<\/p>\n
Here Ignatius assures his readers that they can be certainly persuaded of the facticity of Jesus\u2019 (16)birth, (17)death and (18)resurrection, the last two having occurred while Pontius Pilate was governor.<\/p>\n
As in other references, Ignatius attempts to place such events firmly in the realm of history. His purpose, at least partially, is to provide an answer to the threat of Gnosticism, which often denied physical interpretations of some of these events. Quadratus<\/p>\n
One of the early apologists to begin answering claims raised against Christianity, Quadratus wrote his apology to Emperor Hadrian about AD 125. Unfortunately, this work is presently known only from one statement preserved by Eusebius in the fourth century.<\/p>\n
Eusebius relates that Quadratus wrote his apology in order to answer malicious claims meant to harass Christians. It is stated that this defense was both sound in doctrine and revealed Quadratus\u2019 knowledge of the situation. Then Eusebius quotes a sentence from Quadratus\u2019 apology: The deeds of our Saviour were always before you, for they were true miracles; those that were healed, those that were raised from the dead, who were seen, not only when healed and when raised, but were always present. They remained living a long time, not only whilst our Lord was on earth, but likewise when he had left the earth. So that some of them have also lived to our own times.^8 This brief quotation from Quadratus\u2019 apology reports several important items concerning Jesus\u2019 miracles. (1)The facticity of Jesus\u2019 miracles could be checked by interested persons, since they were done publicly.<\/p>\n
6 Ibid., 3.<\/p>\n
7 Ignatius, Magnesians, 11.<\/p>\n
8 Eusebius, Ecclesiastical HistoryIV:III.
\n
\n With regard to the actual types of miracles, (2)some were healed and (3)some were raised from the dead. (4)There were eyewitnesses of these miracles at the time they occurred. (5)Many of those healed or raised were still alive when Jesus \u201cleft the earth\u201d and some were reportedly still alive in Quadratus\u2019 own time.<\/p>\n
AD 126\u2013155<\/p>\n
Barnabas<\/p>\n
The epistle of Barnabas(sometimes referred to as Pseudo-Barnabas) has explicit anti-legalistic overtones and expresses opposition to Judaism. Its purpose is to show that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Testament law, but in doing so it often resorts to allegorical interpretations. Dates for this writing have varied widely, often from the late first century to the mid-second century. A commonly accepted date is AD 130\u2013138.<\/p>\n
In one major passage, Barnabasrelates several facts concerning the life of Jesus: He must needs be manifested in the flesh. . . . He preached teaching Israel and performing so many wonders and miracles, and He loved them exceedingly. . . . He chose His own apostles who were to proclaim His Gospel. . . . But He Himself desired so to suffer; for it was necessary for Him to suffer on a tree.^9 From this portion we note (1)that Jesus became a man. He (2)preached and taught Israel, (3)performed miracles and (4)expressed love for the people. (5)Jesus chose his apostles (6)to proclaim the message of the gospel. (7)It was necessary for Jesus to suffer on a tree (crucifixion). Justin Martyr<\/p>\n
With the work of Justin Martyr, early Christian scholarship entered a new dimension. There is a marked difference between the characteristically devotional, doctrinal and practical exhortations of the apostolic writings and the apologetic works of Justin. These writings reflect his personal philosophical pilgrimage and his own polemic interests, which led to his reputation as the major Christian apologist of the second century. Included in his works are a number of historical references to Jesus.<\/p>\n
In his First Apology, written soon after AD 150 and addressed chiefly to Emperor Antoninus Pius, Justin Martyr refers to various aspects of the life of Jesus. Referring to Jesus\u2019 birth, it is noted that he was born of a virgin, while his physical line of descent came through the tribe of Judah and the family of Jesse.^10 Later, after mentioning the location of Jesus\u2019 birth in the town of Bethlehem, Justin explains: Now there is a village in the land of the Jews, thirty-five stadia from Jerusalem, in which Jesus Christ was born, as you can ascertain also from the registers of the taxing made under Cyrenius, your first procurator in Judea.^11<\/p>\n
9 Barnabas, 5.<\/p>\n
10 Justin Martyr, First Apology, XLVII.<\/p>\n
11 Ibid., XXXIV. Quotations from the works of Justin Martyr are taken from the Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 3.
\n
\nThese two references state several items surrounding Jesus\u2019 birth. (1)He was born of a virgin, (2)while he was a physical descendant of Jesse, of the tribe of Judah. (3) The village of Bethlehem was his birthplace, (4)which was located thirty-five stadia (approximately five miles) from Jerusalem. (5)The location and fact of Jesus\u2019 birth could be verified by consulting the records of Cyrenius, the first procurator of Judea.<\/p>\n
Justin Martyr also refers to Jesus\u2019 public ministry and to the official documentation of his message. Earlier Justin\u2019s reference to the Acts of Pontius Pilatewas discussed,^12 where it is asserted that Jesus\u2019 miracles such as his healing of diseases and raising the dead could be evidenced from Pilate\u2019s report.^13 Furthermore, in answer to the question as to whether Jesus did his miracles by magic, Justin answered in the negative, pointing to Jesus\u2019 fulfillment of prophecy as a vindication of his claims.^14 From these texts we note (6)that Jesus did miracles which were believed to be referenced in Pilate\u2019s report. (7)Fulfilled messianic prophecy was also taken as a further validation of his claims.<\/p>\n
Justin also referred frequently to Jesus\u2019 death by crucifixion. On one occasion he spoke of Jesus as \u201cHim who was crucified in Judea.\u201d^15 In a second reference to the so-called Acts of Pontius Pilate, he declares that Jesus was nailed to the cross through his hands and feet, and that some of those present cast lots for his clothing.^16 In a more extended reference to Jesus\u2019 death and resurrection, Justin Martyr declares: Accordingly, after He was crucified, even all His acquaintances forsook Him, having denied Him; and afterwards, when He had risen from the dead and appeared to them, and had taught them to read the prophecies in which all these things were foretold as coming to pass, and when they had seen Him ascending into heaven, and had believed, and had received power sent thence by Him upon them, and went to every race of men, they taught these things, and were called apostles.^17 In these three references Justin reports (8)that Jesus was nailed to the cross through his hands and feet and (9)was crucified (10)while his garments were taken from him. (11)His friends denied and forsook him. (12)Later, Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to his followers, (13)teaching them concerning the prophecies which he fulfilled. (14)After Jesus ascended to heaven, (15)those who believed in him went out preaching to all men and (16)were called apostles.<\/p>\n
In another work, Dialogue with Trypho, Justin Martyr writes specifically for Jews, in order to convince them that Jesus is the Messiah. Here we also find several historical references to Jesus. For instance, Justin asserts:<\/p>\n
12 See chapter 9.<\/p>\n
13 Justin Martyr, First Apology, XLVIII.<\/p>\n
14 Ibid., XXX. For some specific Messianic prophecies, see XXXII-XXXV.<\/p>\n
15 Ibid., XXXII.<\/p>\n
16 Ibid., XXXV.<\/p>\n
17 Ibid., L.
\n
\nFor at the time of His birth, Magi who came from Arabia worshipped Him, coming first to Herod, who then was sovereign in your land.^18 Here it is pointed out (17)that Arabian Magi visited Jesus at his birth and worshipped him, after (18)first stopping to see Herod, the ruler of the Jews.<\/p>\n
Later, speaking of Jesus\u2019 crucifixion, Justin writes: For when they crucified Him, driving in the nails, they pierced His hands and feet; and those who crucified Him parted His garments among themselves, each casting lots for what he chose to have, and receiving according to the decision of the lot.^19 Here Justin explicitly records several more events. He asserts (19)that Jesus was crucified, being nailed through both his hands and feet. (20)Again we find a reference to gambling for Jesus\u2019 clothes by those who crucified him, with each person keeping the items which he had won.<\/p>\n
Following Jesus\u2019 death by crucifixion, the Gospel of Matthew reports that the Jews spread the story that the disciples came and stole his dead body (Matt. 28:11\u2013 15). Justin explains that this story was still being proclaimed elsewhere by the Jews: Christ said amongst you that He would give the sign of Jonah, exhorting you to repent of your wicked deeds at least after He rose again from the dead . . . yet you not only have not repented, after you learned that he rose from the dead, but, as I said before, you have sent chosen and ordained men throughout all the world to proclaim that a godless and lawless heresy had sprung from one Jesus, a Galilean deceiver, whom we crucified, but his disciples stole him by night from the tomb, where he was laid when unfastened from the cross, and now deceive men by asserting that he had risen from the dead and ascended to heaven.^20 This interesting portion reports (21)that Jesus predicted that he would rise ahead of time,^21 and (22)exhorted the Jews to repent. (23)Even after Jesus rose from the dead the Jews did not repent but (24)spread the story that the disciples stole Jesus\u2019 body after he was crucified, and that the disciples then lied about the resurrection.<\/p>\n
(25)The disciples also taught that Jesus afterward ascended to heaven, which at least witnesses to the early Christian belief in this occurrence.<\/p>\n
Lastly, Justin Martyr also witnesses to the facticity of the resurrection in another portion of Dialogue with Trypho: For indeed the Lord remained on the tree almost until evening, and they buried Him at eventide; then on the third day He rose again.^22 Here Justin records (26)that Jesus hung on the \u201ctree\u201d until evening,^23 (27)that he was buried at that time and (28)that he rose from the dead the third day afterward.<\/p>\n
Justin Martyr records many other events from the life of Jesus, but often he reports that his data was gleaned from the Scripture.^24 These references here will suffice to provide numerous examples of Justin\u2019s interest in Jesus\u2019 actual life on earth.<\/p>\n
18 Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho, LXXVII. <\/p>\n
19 Ibid., XCVII. <\/p>\n
20 Ibid., CVIII; cf. XVII. <\/p>\n
21 This is \u201cthe sign of the prophet Jonah\u201d (see Matt. 12:38\u201340). <\/p>\n
22 Dialogue with Trypho, XCVII. <\/p>\n
23 Justin refers to it as a \u201ccross\u201d in CVIII, for instance.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Synopsis of Christian Sources<\/p>\n
In this chapter we have investigated five early Christian sources for the historicity of Jesus, all of which were extra-New Testament. Our intent was not to examine all the passages that spoke of Jesus, but only those which claimed to report historical data. Additionally, we limited our discussion to the life of Jesus, thereby overlooking material concerning early Christian origins. A synopsis of this material provides the listing of numerous details. The Life of Jesus<\/p>\n
These ancient Christian sources taught that Jesus really did live on earth in human history (Ignatius) after being born as a man (Barnabas). He was from the tribe of Judah (Justin), from the family of Jesse (Justin) and of the lineage of David (Ignatius). Jesus was born of Mary (Ignatius), a virgin (Ignatius, Justin), in the city of Bethlehem (Justin). It is even reported that Bethlehem was located about five miles from Jerusalem and that his birth could be verified by the records of Cyrenius, the first procurator of Judea (Justin). Later, he was visited by Arabian Magi, who had first visited Herod (Justin).<\/p>\n
Concerning his public ministry, these sources record Jesus\u2019 baptism by John (Ignatius) and his choosing of apostles (Barnabas, Justin). There are also reports of miracles performed by Jesus (Quadratus, Barnabas, Justin). Here it is carefully pointed out that these miracles consisted of people being both healed and raised from the dead, concerning which it is asserted that some of the eyewitnesses to these events were still alive (Quadratus). It is also claimed that Pilate filed a report with the officials at Rome which corroborated these details (Justin). Additionally, we are told that Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, thereby validating his claims (Justin). The Teachings of Jesus<\/p>\n
These sources also record some of Jesus\u2019 important teachings. It is related that he preached and taught Israel, a people whom he loved (Barnabas). He exhorted the Jews to repent, yet they did not do so even after he rose from the dead, an event which Jesus had predicted ahead of time (Justin).<\/p>\n
Jesus\u2019 major teaching was the nature of the gospel, which he received from God and later imparted to his apostles (Clement, Barnabas). It is asserted that the apostles were fully assured of the truthfulness of the message and that they, in turn, preached the Kingdom of God in various towns and countries. Where this message went, it was accompanied by the organizing of churches, complete with the choosing of leaders such as bishops and deacons (Clement). The Death of Jesus<\/p>\n
These early Christian writers were careful to point to the facticity of Jesus\u2019 death by crucifixion (Ignatius, Barnabas, Justin). They sought to link it firmly to history, such as with the assertion that this event occurred during the governorship of Pontius Pilate and the reign of Herod (Ignatius). <\/p>\n
24 Cf. ibid., CV and CVI, for examples.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Details of the crucifixion are also provided, such as Jesus being nailed to the cross (Ignatius, Justin) while his clothing was divided among his assassins (Justin). Jesus hung on the cross until evening, after which he was taken down and buried (Justin). During this period of time, his friends forsook and denied him (Justin).<\/p>\n
The Resurrection of Jesus<\/p>\n
These Christians were equally adamant in their belief that Jesus\u2019 resurrection is also a fact of history (Clement, Ignatius, Justin). This event occurred on the third day after Jesus\u2019 crucifixion in spite of the Jewish claim that the disciples stole the body (Justin).<\/p>\n
Evidencing the fact that he had been raised from the dead, Jesus appeared to Peter and the other disciples (Ignatius, Justin). During these encounters, Jesus allowed and even encouraged the disciples to touch his risen flesh, which they did (Ignatius). Jesus also ate and drank with his followers (Ignatius) and taught them concerning how he had fulfilled Old Testament prophecy (Justin). Later, Jesus ascended to heaven (Justin, cf. Quadratus).<\/p>\n
These early Christian authors asserted that Jesus\u2019 resurrection provided the assurance that the gospel which he preached was ordained by God (Clement). This event was an example of the believer\u2019s resurrection and was the reason why the disciples despised death (Ignatius). Summary and Conclusion<\/p>\n
What value do these early extra-New Testament sources have in reconstructing a historical life of Jesus? Do such Christian authors provide any exceptional evidence for the death and resurrection? Actually, there are both positive and negative considerations in such questions.<\/p>\n
Positively, the Christian sources presented in this chapter are early. Clement wrote at the end of the first century, or at approximately the same time as some of the later New Testament writings. Ignatius\u2019 seven books date from about fifteen to twenty years later. These men were also close to apostolic sources, as is evident from their own works,^25 and from other early testimony.^26<\/p>\n
Another factor is that some of these early authors were scholars or leaders in their own right. Clement and Ignatius were well-known bishops in the early church,^27 while Justin was a rather distinguished philosopher.^28 Additionally, these writers were frequently careful to cite evidence for their assertions. Clement and Ignatius referred to the resurrection as the basis for Christian truth. Quadratus backed his testimony with eyewitness testimony concerning Jesus\u2019 miracles. Justin referred to miracles and fulfilled prophecy as evidence.<\/p>\n
25 See Ignatius, Romans, 4; cf. Clement, Corinthians, 47.<\/p>\n
26 For example, see Eusebius, Ecclesiastical HistoryIII: XV-XVI.<\/p>\n
27 Ibid., III:XV-XXII.<\/p>\n
28 Ibid., IV:XVI.
\n
\nHowever, in spite of these early sources, scholarly testimonies and citings of evidence, there are also weaknesses in our usage of these sources. Initially, it is obvious that these writings rely on the New Testament for much of their data, as is specifically reported by Justin.^29 That they do so is certainly not a weakness in itself, for we have argued repeatedly that the New Testament is a good historical source. However, the point is that if they rely on the New Testament, then they are not totally extra-New Testament, and the object of this work is to ascertain what evidence of this latter kind is available.<\/p>\n
It should also be remembered that the purpose of these writers was not a critical investigation of history per se, but the reporting of Christian origins. While such is certainly a fair and worthwhile approach, and can yield historical facts, additional evidence could also strengthen the case.<\/p>\n
Such additional, corroborative data is partially available from the secular sources in Chapter 9, where many of the reports confirm the citings singled out here, especially with regard to the teachings and crucifixion of Jesus. There are also parallels concerning his life and the reports of his resurrection. Thus we continue to witness the ancient corroboration of Jesus\u2019 story. As we have said, he is actually one of the most-mentioned figures in the ancient world.<\/p>\n
29 Cf. Dialogue with Trypho, CV and CVI.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In addition to the New Testament, early Christian writers produced volumes of important works that give valuable insight into early Christian beliefs, doctrines, and customs, as well as various types of exhortation. Many of these writings also contain brief statements concerning the historicity of Jesus. Our purpose in this chapter is not to investigate all […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_disable_autopaging":false},"categories":[6702,6709,6708,6707],"tags":[6710,6711,6712],"class_list":["post-3298","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-thechrist","category-habermas-life-of-jesus-studies-thechristcontents","category-life-of-jesus-studies-thechristcontents","category-studies-thechristcontents","tag-habermas","tag-jesus-historical-facts","tag-life-of-jesus"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ellopos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3298","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ellopos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ellopos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ellopos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ellopos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3298"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.ellopos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3298\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ellopos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3298"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ellopos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3298"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ellopos.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3298"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}