The Historicity Of Jesus

Lesson 1.

Lesson 1 “ Who do you say I am”

Study of the historical character called

Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

In Matthew 16: 15 Jesus said,

“ But who do you say I am ?”

This is a question that all man-kind must

answer.

“It makes a difference whether or not

passionate human beings could even

be motivated to live morally with out

believing in living Christ.”

Edward Wharton- Christianity A Clear

Of History.

History

“History is the witness that testifies to the

Passing of time , illuminates reality,

vitalizes memory , provides guidance in daily

life, and brings us tidings of antiquity.”

Cicero

History

“There is properly no history, only biography”.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“History itself is nothing but the activity of

men pursuing their purposes.”

Karl Marx

History

“Only a good-for-nothing is not interested

in his past”. - Sigmund Freud.

“Every past is worth condemning”.

Friedrich Nietzsche

‘History is more or less bunk.” Henry Ford

History

History can be defined as:

“A chronological record of events , as of

the life or development of a people or

institution, often including an explanation of

or commentary on those events.”

This historical journey is not with out

its critics.

“ The Gospel stories are no more historical

than the Genesis creation accounts are

scientific. They are filled with exaggerations,

miracles and admitted propaganda.”

-Dan Barker , atheist

“But also we cannot ignore that in the

interest of theological doctrine,

contemporary circumstances , and effective

story telling , nothing wrong was seen in

creating views for Jesus to express.”

J. Schoenfield – The Passover Plot

“ We have become convinced that the

story of Jesus is not the biography of a

historical Messiah, but a myth based on

perennial Pagan stories.”

- Timothy Freke & Peter Gandy Page 3 – Behold The Lamb Of God. Kyle Butt & Eric Lyons

“ Behold the greatest cover up in history.

Not only was Jesus Christ married, but

He was a father.”

“ The Da Vinci Code” - Dan Brown

Who is this character ?

And who is this ?

Historical Events

Does December 7 , 1941 bring to mind

a profound historical event ?

How do we know this event happened ?

What about July 20 , 1969 ?

Historical dialogue

Who said this ……

“Ask not what you’re country can do for

you , but ask what you can do for you’re

country .”

And this ………

“ forgive your enemies ,but never forget

their name.”

What famous President said this…….

“Read my lips , no new taxes.”

Famous movie quote ….

“Here’s looking at you , kid.”

Christ’s Birth

The Gospel accounts:

Matthew 1 :18

Mark No account

Luke 1:26

John 1: 13

Birth account of historical figures

*Abraham Lincoln- Hardin County, Kentucky

February 12 , 1809.

* George Washington- Virginia Colony

February 11 , 1731 under the Julian calendar.

When Britain adopted the Gregorian calendar

his birth was changed to Feb. 22, 1732.

* Jesus Christ – A.D. 4 ? Bethlehem , Judah.

Eyewitness accounts

Luke 1: 1-4

“eyewitnesses and ministers of the word

delivered then to us.”

Evidence from out side the Bible

First type of evidences comes from what

is known as hostile sources.

In no way were they friendly to the

Christian cause.

Tacitus A.D.56- 117

*Member of the Roman upper class.

*Held several positions under

Emperor Nerva and Emperor Trajan.

*Wrote “Annals” in A.D. 115

Tacitus wrote:

“ Their originator, Christ, had been executed

in Tiberius’ reign by the governor of Judea,

Pontius Pilatus. But in spite of the temporary

setback the deadly superstition had broken out

afresh , not only in Judea ,but even in Rome.”

Suetonius

* Lived nearly 30 years under the Caesars.

* Had access to Imperial and Senatorial

archives.

* Author of “The Lives Of The Caesars.”

* Because of he had access to contemporary

documents and memoirs , his testimony

becomes reliable historical evidence.

Suetonius wrote :

“ Because the Jews at Rome caused

continuous disturbance at the instigation

of Chrestus (Christos), he ( Claudius)

expelled them from the city.”

Note : See Acts 18:2

And also ………

“ Punishments were also inflicted on the

Christians , a sect professing a new and

mischievous religious belief.”

Pliny The Younger

Pliny was sent by the Roman emperor

Trajan (A.D.110-111) to govern the

region of Bithynia.

Pliny wrote:

“ that they were in the habit of meeting on

a certain fixed day before it was light ,when

they sang in alternate verses a hymn to

Christ , as to a god, and bound themselves

by a solemn oath , not to any wicked deeds.”

Josephus

• Born a few years after Jesus died.• Galilean military command in A.D. 66.• Deserted to the Roman Army.• Became a writer and wrote

“Antiquities Of The Jews” in A.D. 93.• Wrote a vivid account of John the Baptist and King Herod. Matt 14:6 , Mark 6:21

Josephus wrote:

“ ….convened the judges of the Sanhedrin

and brought before them a man named

James , the brother of Jesus who was called

the Christ , and certain others. He accused

them of having transgressed the Law and

delivered them up to be stoned.” “He Walked Among Us” pg. 38 Josh McDowell

And wrote :

“About this time there lived Jesus, a wise

man, if indeed one ought to call him a man.”

*” Wrought surprising feats.”

* “He won over many Jews and many of

the Greeks.”

* Talks about Pilate, the crucifix,

Jesus’ resurrection ,and His appearance to

others.

On historical events

Josephus documents the destruction of

Jerusalem in A.D. 70.

Claims 1.1 million Jews were killed.

Early Christian writers:

Polycarp : A.D. 69-155. Wrote several

letters including one titled

“The Epistle to the Philippians.”

Had conversation with John and others

that had seen the Lord.

Mara Bar – Serapion – Stoic philosopher.

Some time after 70 AD wrote a letter

from prison to his son.

“What advantage did the Jews gain from

executing their wise king ? It was just after

that their kingdom was abolished.”

Others include

• Origen• Justin Martyr• Thallus• Clement of Alexandria

All of these men made reference to

Jesus Christ and His church.

Implications of not believing

1. No hope. Acts 24:15

2. No peace. Romans 14:17 John 14:27

3. No paradise Luke 23:43

4. No salvation Acts 4:12

Implications of His resurrection

• Implies His Godhead Romans 1:4• Jesus is trustworthy to keep

his promises. John 11:25 1 Peter 1:3-4• Christianity stands or falls on the reality

of the resurrection of Jesus.• If Christ has not been resurrected , then

all is futile. 1 Cor. 15: 12-17

Our Questions

Is Jesus Christ a historical figure?

Can we believe in the accounts of

His life?