Historical Jesus of the New Testament
Published: Oct 15, 2018
This course will explore both the life of Jesus as presented in the New Testament as well as the critical scholarship of recent years. Our discussion with Dr. Craig Evans will reveal that the four canonical Gospels are not only reliable sources, but are the best place to discover the historical Jesus.
Total course time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- 123:00Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 1: Origins and Overview
In this episode, Dr. Mishkin, joined by Dr. Craig Evans, introduces the topic of the historical Jesus, exploring the distinction between the "Jesus of history" and the "Christ of faith." Dr. Evans explains how historical Jesus scholars aim to understand Jesus as a historical figure, much like other figures in history, by analyzing sources such as the Gospels, Josephus, and archaeological findings. He highlights the development of this research over 200 years, from the 18th century to today, and discusses the importance of understanding Jesus within His Jewish and historical context. This episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of who Jesus was and how modern scholarship contributes to our understanding. - 214:47Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 2: Historical Context
In this episode, Dr. Mishkin and Dr. Craig Evans continue their discussion on the historical context of Jesus, focusing on His life in Galilee and the cultural influences of the region. Dr. Evans explains how recent archaeological discoveries have reshaped the view of Galilee, showing it to be a thriving and Torah-observant area, rather than a backwater region. The conversation delves into how cities like Nazareth and Sepphoris were connected to the Greco-Roman world while remaining deeply Jewish in practice. Dr. Mishkin and Dr. Evans also explore the literacy rates in Galilee, concluding that Jesus and His disciples were likely literate and well-versed in Jewish Scripture. - 317:39Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 3: The Gospel Texts, part A
In this episode, Dr. Mishkin and Dr. Craig Evans discuss the reliability of the Gospels as historical sources for understanding the life of Jesus. They address concerns about the time gap between Jesus' life and the writing of the Gospels, explaining that 40 to 70 years is not an unusually long period for ancient biographies. Dr. Evans compares the Gospels to other ancient works, such as the biographies of Alexander the Great, which were written centuries after his life. The discussion emphasizes how oral traditions and written sources preserved the teachings and events of Jesus' life before the Gospels were finalized. They also explore how the Gospels were shaped by the disciples' experiences and their role as authoritative witnesses to Jesus' ministry. - 415:29Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 4: The Gospel Text, part B
In this episode, Dr. Mishkin and Dr. Craig Evans continue their exploration of the New Testament's historical reliability by focusing on the manuscript evidence. Dr. Evans explains that the sheer volume of New Testament manuscripts, numbering in the thousands, makes it one of the best-preserved ancient texts. They compare this with other historical works, such as those of Julius Caesar or Alexander the Great, where far fewer manuscripts exist and often date centuries after the originals. Dr. Evans also highlights the "criterion of embarrassment," showing how the New Testament's unflattering portrayals of the disciples add credibility to its accounts. This episode emphasizes the robustness of the New Testament’s manuscript tradition and its unique preservation in history. - 515:29Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 5: His Birth
In this episode, Dr. Mishkin and Dr. Craig Evans begin exploring the life of Jesus, starting with His birth narratives as recorded in Matthew and Luke. They discuss the differences between the two genealogies, noting how Matthew focuses on Joseph’s lineage while Luke is believed to trace Mary’s. Dr. Evans also explains the significance of including women like Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth in the genealogies, highlighting God’s plan to work through unexpected figures. The discussion touches on common criticisms of the nativity story, including its potential connections to paganism and historical debates about the timing of the census. The episode emphasizes the Jewish context of Jesus' birth and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. - 611:23Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 6: His Teaching
In this episode, Dr. Mishkin and Dr. Craig Evans discuss Jesus’ teaching methods, particularly focusing on His use of parables. Dr. Evans explains that parables were a common teaching tool among rabbis, but Jesus used them in a unique and thought-provoking way. Rather than offering simple illustrations, Jesus’ parables often contained deeper meanings that challenged the listener's understanding, sometimes causing the audience to pass judgment on themselves. They also explore the concept of the Kingdom of God, explaining how Jesus’ understanding of it was distinctive compared to other teachings of the time. The episode highlights how Jesus used parables to reveal profound truths about righteousness, the Kingdom, and His own identity. - 713:26Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 7: His Identity
In this episode, Dr. Mishkin and Dr. Craig Evans discuss the various titles used to describe Jesus, focusing on how they reveal His identity within a Jewish context. They explore titles such as "Son of God" and "Son of Man," emphasizing their Old Testament origins and the unique way Jesus applied them to Himself. Dr. Evans explains that while "Messiah" was a title with many meanings in the first century, Jesus’ actions and teachings demonstrated that He saw Himself as fulfilling the Messianic role. They also discuss how Jesus used the term "Son of Man" to describe His divine authority, particularly referencing Daniel 7. This episode provides deep insight into how Jesus was understood by His followers and how He revealed His identity through these titles. - 813:26Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 8: His Miracles
In this episode, Dr. Mishkin and Dr. Craig Evans discuss Jesus' miracles and how they were perceived by both His followers and skeptics in the ancient world. They explore how many historians dismiss the supernatural aspects of Jesus' ministry as legendary, but emphasize that even hostile sources, such as pagan and Jewish writings, acknowledge Jesus as a wonder worker. Dr. Evans highlights the differences between Jesus and other ancient miracle workers, such as Honi the Circle Drawer and Apollonius of Tyana, noting that Jesus performed miracles by His own authority and without elaborate rituals. The discussion concludes by affirming that Jesus' miracles were signs of the Kingdom of God, demonstrating God's active presence and love for humanity. - 911:28Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 9: His Arrest and Trials
In this episode, Dr. Mishkin and Dr. Craig Evans examine the trials of Jesus, focusing on His arrest, interrogation, and trial before the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate. They explore key questions surrounding these events, such as the legality of the trial and the motivations behind Jesus' arrest. Dr. Evans discusses how the Jewish authorities saw Jesus as a threat to the status quo, fearing that His message of the Kingdom of God could lead to political upheaval. The episode also addresses the role of Pontius Pilate, comparing how he is portrayed in the Gospels with historical sources, and the authenticity of the Passover pardon tradition. This detailed discussion sheds light on the historical and theological significance of these pivotal events in Jesus' final days. - 1014:54Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 10: His Burial
In this episode, Dr. Mishkin and Dr. Craig Evans delve into the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, exploring both the biblical narratives and historical context. Dr. Evans explains that crucifixion was commonly reserved for those seen as threats to the Roman state, such as rebels or traitors, and he discusses the various ways people could be executed in the Roman world. The episode also highlights the burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea, who is mentioned in all four Gospels, and how this aligns with Jewish burial customs of the time. Dr. Evans shares archaeological evidence, such as the discovery of the remains of a crucified man named Yohanan, which supports the Gospel accounts of crucifixion and burial. - 1118:23Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 11: His Resurrection
In this episode, Dr. Mishkin and Dr. Craig Evans discuss the resurrection of Jesus, focusing on its central importance to the Christian faith. Dr. Evans explains that the resurrection is the cornerstone of the Gospel narratives, the early church’s proclamation, and Paul’s writings. They explore various historical reasons for believing in the resurrection, including the disciples' conviction, Paul's conversion, and the empty tomb. Dr. Evans also addresses common objections, such as the divergent resurrection accounts in the Gospels, arguing that these variations point to independent traditions and authenticity rather than collusion. This episode provides a robust defense of the resurrection, emphasizing its foundational role in the birth of the church. - 1213:39Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 12: Extra Biblical References
In this final episode, Dr. Mishkin and Dr. Craig Evans explore the extra-biblical evidence for Jesus' existence, focusing on references to Jesus in historical sources outside the New Testament. Dr. Evans discusses the writings of Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, who mentions Jesus, John the Baptist, and James, the brother of Jesus. They also examine the references to Jesus found in the Talmud, highlighting how even polemical sources provide confirmation of key details about Jesus' life. This episode underscores that while the New Testament remains the primary source for understanding Jesus, extra-biblical sources offer valuable historical corroboration. - 1315:55Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 13: Archaeology
In this episode, Dr. Mishkin and Dr. Craig Evans highlight the growing field of archaeology and its relevance to understanding the life and times of Jesus. They explore significant discoveries, such as the synagogue in Magdala and the boat from the Sea of Galilee, which provide insights into the first-century world. Dr. Evans explains how these archaeological finds support the Gospel narratives, offering tangible evidence for the historical accuracy of the New Testament. The episode also touches on the discovery of the Pilate Stone and the ossuaries of figures like Caiaphas, illustrating how archaeology continues to confirm key details from the Bible. - 1411:59Dr. David Mishkin
Lesson 14: Contemporary Quest
In this final episode, Dr. Mishkin and Dr. Craig Evans conclude the course by reflecting on the significance of the third quest for the historical Jesus, which emphasized the importance of understanding Jesus within His Jewish context. Dr. Evans highlights the growing number of Jewish scholars contributing to New Testament studies, marking a new era of research. They also discuss the Jewish Annotated New Testament, which aims to bridge the gap between Christian and Jewish scholarship by offering insights into Jesus and the New Testament from a Jewish perspective. The episode closes with a hopeful outlook for future scholarship and continued dialogue between Jewish and Christian scholars.
