1	History of the Gospels: Historical Veracity L. D. Alford www.lionelalford.com www.ldalford.com
2	Focus of Class Gospels as Greek Literature Literary context Basis for all modern literature Gospels as Histories Historical context Cultural context Basis of Western Civilization NT in terms of history and literature
3	Outline 1. Introduction and Historical prelude 2. Veracity and Literature 3. Tellos of Matthew 4. Tellos of Mark 5. Tellos of Luke 6. Tellos of John & Tellic comparison
4	"Historical veracity of the Gospels" Historical veracity of the Gospels Legal-Historical method Bibliographical Tests Historical proofs
5	Greek Words and Language άληθείας – aletheia άμήν – amen άληθώς - alethos άληθες - alethes
6	Greek Words and Language άληθείας aletheia (al-ay'-thi-a) truth: KJV-- true, X truly, truth, verity. alethes (al-ay-thace'); a (negative particle) + concealed true (as not concealing): KJV-- true, truly, truth. a (al'-fah); of Hebrew origin; the first letter of the alphabet; Negation as a prefix KJV-- Alpha lethes; concealed
7	Greek Words and Language άμήν amen (am-ane') of Hebrew origin properly, firm, i.e. fig. trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interj. so be it): KJV-- amen, verily.
8	Greek Words and Language apeitheia (ap-i'-thi-ah) disbelief (obstinate and rebellious): KJV-- disobedience, unbelief. 545 apeithes (ap-i-thace'); from 1 (as a negative particle) and 3982; unpersuadable, i.e. contumacious: KJV-- disobedient. 3982 peitho (pi'-tho); a primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty): KJV-- agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) conflent, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.
9	Greek Words and Language άληθώς alethos (al-ay-thoce') truly: KJV-- indeed, surely, of a surety, truly, of a (in) truth, verily, very. άληθες alethes (al-ay-thace') a (as a negative particle); true (as not concealing): KJV-- true, truly, truth.
10	How can we prove history? Pick a person in history the popular world knows really existed How do we know? What is the proof? Pick someone in antiquity, the popular world knows really existed What if I told you more proof exists for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ than for the existence of any other person in antiquity
11	How can we prove history? Scientific Method? Can only be used to test repeatable events Legal-Historical (evidence/witness) Method Oral Written Exhibits Examples
12	Historical Documents Three criteria used to judge accuracy of written historical evidence Bibliographical Internal External If a work passes all three tests, the source is considered indisputable unless contradicted by a source of greater degree or merit
13	Degree and Merit Merit refers to how well the work passes three evidentiary tests Degree Primary – first hand Secondary – second hand Tertiary – non-witness None – opinion
14	Bibliographical Test Examination of how the document was transmitted to us in time Number of manuscripts Time between the original and the earliest manuscript we have No originals from any work in antiquity exist Manuscripts are all copied by hand
15	Bibliographical Test A work with more existing manuscripts is judged to be more accurate
16	Ancient Manuscripts
17	Number of Copies
18	Bibliographical Test Iliad (next best to the New Testament) We are almost certain we have the complete text of the Iliad as written by Homer We are 38 times or almost 2 magnitudes more certain we have the complete text of the New Testament books
19	Bibliographical Test The less the time interval between when the original and the earliest existing manuscript the more accurate the work is considered
20	Ancient Manuscripts
21	Span: Original to Manuscript
22	Earliest Manuscripts
23	Bibliographical Test Pliny the Younger’s History (next best New Testament) 800 years compared to 80 years Based on the Bibliographical Test you can be more certain of the New Testament as a collection of historical documents than of any other work in antiquity Historians know this
24	Bibliographical Test Only defines how well the work reflects the original It does not define the veracity (historicity) of the original text The Internal and External tests are used to establish the veracity (historical validity) of the text
25	Internal Test Lack of internal contradictions Cohesiveness and comprehensible Degree of the witness Primary, secondary, tertiary Geographically Chronologically Historical claims Myth Fiction Opinion
26	Internal Test Lack of internal contradictions Many other works in antiquity have serious problems in this area The New Testament works display no evident internal contradictions
27	Internal Test Cohesiveness and comprehensible Many other works in antiquity are neither cohesive or comprehensible The New Testament documents are both cohesive and comprehensible
28	Internal Test Degree of the witness Primary, secondary, tertiary Geographically Chronologically Will look at this in more detail in the study of the canon
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30	Internal Test Degree of the witness Primary, secondary, tertiary Geographically Chronologically The New Testament documents are: Primary or secondary sources Geographically placed Chronologically present
31	Internal Test Compared to other works in antiquity The New Testament documents fulfill all the internal qualifications at least as well if not better than any other work Based on the Bibliographical and Internal Tests a work is always historically given the benefit of doubt All historians also know this
32	Internal Test Based on the Bibliographical and Internal Tests The historical claims of the New Testament documents are assumed to be true
33	Internal Test F. F. Bruce wrote “And it was not friendly eyewitnesses that the early preachers had to reckon with: there were others less well disposed who were also conversant with the main facts of the ministry and death of Jesus. The disciples could not afford to risk inaccuracies (not to speak of willful manipulation of the facts), which would at once be exposed by those who would be only too glad to so. On the contrary, one of the strong points of the original apostolic preaching is the confident appeal to the knowledge of the hearers; they not only said, ‘We are witnesses of these things,’ but also, ‘As you yourselves know’ (Acts 2:22). Had there been any tendency to depart from the facts in any material respect, the possible pressure of hostile witnesses in the audience would have served as a further corrective.” Luke reports in Acts 26:25-26 “I am not mad, Your Excellency,’ said Paul; ‘what I am saying is sober truth. The king is well versed in these matters, to him I can speak freely. I do not believe that he can be unaware of any of these facts, for this has been no hole-and-corner business.”
34	External Test Compares other works Same region Same time period Archeology
35	External Test Could compare the works of the New Testament to each other Meets external test in every respect Don’t have to
36	External Test Other histories, not as reliable as NT, substantiate events and facts in it External authenticity attested by: Eusebius Papias Justin Martyr Irenaeus Polycarp Josephus (a Jewish historian) Many more
37	External Test Josephus wrote: “Now, there was about this time, Jesus, a wise man if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, — a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.” Other Jewish accounts not only acknowledge the existence and birth of Christ, but actively attempt to discount the deity of Jesus While attempting to disparage the person of Jesus, these accounts acknowledge situations and facts from the life of Christ and supply greater proof
38	External Test Archeological Archeological evidence all support the works of the New Testament Nothing in archeology alters or refutes our knowledge of the life of Christ or any other person described in the writings of the New Testament
39	External Test External comparison of New Testament works generally show no disagreement Matthew and Luke are apparently at odds in a number of events Both pass bibliographical, internal, external Luke would be considered less reliable based on being a secondary source Genealogy of Christ Sermon on the mount/plain Based on the tests they should be considered irrefutable
40	Matthew vs. Luke Genealogy of Christ “Mattityahu [Matthew] gives the genealogy of Yosef [Joseph], who, though not Yeshua’s [Jesus’] physical father was regarded as his father by people generally while Luke gives the genealogy of Yeshua through his mother Miryam [Mary], the daughter of Eli. If so Yeshua is “of Eli” in the sense of being his grandson; while Yeshua’s relationship with Yosef is portrayed in the words, ‘son, as supposed’ — implying not actually...” Sermon on the Mount/plain Luke and Matthew describe different presentations of similar sermons
41	Turbingen School View Matthew and Luke are results of literary plagiarism where unknown authors fused the as yet undiscovered “Q” gospel and an unknown sayings gospel (or Mark) This is their method to resolve the obvious parallels between Matthew, Mark, and Luke No “Q” has ever been found—unless you believe the early church conspired to destroy every trace—it never will Obvious rejection of legal-historical concept
42	Conclusions Based on the legal-historical tests we can conclude that the written words of all the books of the New Testament are historical fact—in most cases, primary source historical fact There is no reason to doubt their historical accuracy, veracity, or authority No belief is required to accept the historical accuracy, veracity, or authority Belief necessary to accept spiritual import
43	Summary Literature of the Gospels Greek literature Sayings Narratives Argument to a Tellos
44	New Testament Documents New Testament 27 separate historical works Historical documents—Historical documents written in Greek Language is critical
45	Greek Language λέγω lego – logical argument άντιλογίας antilogia - dispute διαλογισμός dialogismos – discussion τελειοΰμαι teleioo - to complete έπιτελείσθε epiteleo - to fulfill further βραβείον brabeion - an award τέλος telos - the point aimed at as a limit
46	Greek Words λέγω lego (leg'-o) to "lay" forth, i.e. fig. relate (in words [usually of systematic or set discourse]); by imp., to mean: KJV-- ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say (-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
47	Greek Words άντιλογίας antilogia dispute, disobedience: KJV-- contradiction, gainsaying, strife. antilego (an-til'-eg-o); to dispute, refuse: KJV-- answer again, contradict, deny, gainsay (-er), speak against. anti (an-tee'); opposite, i.e. instead or because of (rarely in addition to) lego (leg'-o)
48	Greek Words διαλογισμός dialogismos discussion, i.e. (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate: KJV-- dispute, doubtful (-ing), imagination, reasoning, thought. dialogizomai (dee-al-og-id'-zom-ahee) to reckon thoroughly, to deliberate (by reflection or discussion): KJV-- cast in mind, consider, dispute, muse, reason, think.
49	Greek Words dia (dee-ah') a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional): KJV-- after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause). ..fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through (-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). logizomai (log-id'-zom-ahee) to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (lit. or fig.): KJV-- conclude, (ac-) count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on). logos (log'-os)
50	Greek Words τελειοΰμαι teleioo (tel-i-o'-o) to complete, i.e. (lit.) accomplish, or (fig.) consummate (in character): KJV-- consecrate, finish, fullfil, make, perfect. teleios (tel'-i-os) complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter, completeness: KJV-- of full age, man, perfect. telos (tel'-os)
51	Greek Words έπιτελείσθε epiteleo (ep-ee-tel-eh'-o) to fulfill further (or completely), i.e. execute; by imp., to terminate, undergo: KJV-- accomplish, do, finish, (make) (perfect), perform (X -ance). epi (ep-ee') preposition; prop., meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution, i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the det.) at, on, etc.; of direction, towards, : KJV-- about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, [wherefore-]), in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-) on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through (-out), (un-) to (-ward), with. In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).
52	Greek Words teleo (tel-eh'-o) to end, ie. complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt): KJV-- accomplish, make an end, expire, fill up, finish, go over, pay, perform. 5056 telos (tel'-os) βραβείον brabeion (brab-i'-on) from brabeus (an umpire of uncertain der.); an award (of arbitration), i.e. (spec.) a prize in the public games: KJV-- prize.
53	Greek Words τέλος telos (tel'-os) from a primary tello (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination [literally, figuratively or indefinitely], result [immediate, ultimate or prophetic], purpose); specifically, an impost or levy (as paid): KJV-- + continual, custom, end (-ing), finally, uttermost.
54	Tellos
55	Ancient Literature Basic way of thinking is different Explored before World view of ancient cultures is different and drives their literature Generally the ancient world was focused in interpreting the world in terms of a pagan world view—spirits make the world what it is and fate man (Chronos and Pathos)
56	Ancient Literature Greek – Greek rationalism Roman – Greek rationalism Hebrew – Building thought patterns around Greek rationalism, but, at this time, focused in Derash Rabbidic focus is when a scripture is mentioned, it is an introduction note in NT Interpretation – understanding – pardes (acronym and mnemonic for peshat, remez, derash, and sod)
57	Ancient Literature Meaning is already there – the point is to tease out the complete understanding There is no room for multiple understandings Peshat – plain literal sense of a verse in its context Remez – allegorical or symbolic meaning only hinted at in the text Derash – homiletic interpretation to uncover an ethical or moral lesson thought to be implicit in the text Sod – secret, esoteric, or mystical interpretation, emphasized by the kabalists
58	Ancient Literature Our thinking about human culture of the past must wrap around the concept of ignorance and not lack of intelligence or wisdom Humans in different cultures are motivated differently Thinking and concepts of logic in development People in different cultures do think and act differently
59	Ancient Literature Religious focus of the times comes out of Pagan thinking World is a fearful and dangerous place No understanding of how things work—action of spirits - fate Gods are in everything Paganism Pagan man sees spiritual action and forces in all things—therefore these spirits must be placated—back to the concept of sacrifice
60	Ancient Literature Paganism Greeks, Romans, and everyone else Belief is gods in everything Becomes a pantheon Mystery religion Gnosticism – knowledge religion
61	Ancient Literature What about sacrifice? Taking the life of anything was viewed as taking from the province of God or gods What about Laws? God’s Law - Torah Roman law Means to protect women, children, aged, handicapped requires strength and organization Roman law the freest for women in history Rule of law in development
62	Ancient Literature Jewish Law Laws for individuals Noahic Mosaic – ten words Laws for society Laws of cleanliness Verbal Torah - Mishna Religion is changing – mystery religion based on Greek rationalism is becoming stronger Gnosticism is growing
63	Ancient Literature The way you think is the way you write Limited paper, costs, supplies Writing was about mysticism Understanding the pagan world Slight inking of monotheism—Hebrews almost only monotheists (mystery and Gnostics moving toward monotheism)
64	Ancient Literature Way world thinks and writes is moving toward Greek rationalism First works of Philosophy - Logic First Histories – Legal - Historical First attempts to explain the world from a rational standpoint – Scientific Method Ancient people = Pagan worldview Spirits made everything happen Men and gods fated (Chronos and Pathos) Men cannot control—spirits control world Gods controlled by fate (Chronos)
65	Ancient Literature Greek rationalism changed that Men could influence the world—history is about people Men could change the world—science Fabric of literature changed from writings about the gods and how to please them to the works of men These were the first histories
66	Ancient Literature Historical documents—Historical documents written in Greek Language is critical Significantly different than English (or other Germanic and Romance languages) Simple language – geometrically based Sparse number of words compared to modern languages Many words describe complex concepts Modern languages tend to use modifiers to differentiate
67	Ancient Literature Similar to other ancient languages – grammar is key Mnemonics Has vowels No punctuation No sentences No paragraphs No spaces between words Use of language is a direct result of culture
68	Ancient Literature The words used are critical to understanding Classical Greek vocabulary has two distinct types of words Comes out of Pagan view of universe gods in everything World a fearful place Greeks tried to define world in terms of those things sacred and those things common
69	Ancient Literature In pagan societies necessary to placate the gods or face their random retribution Therefore word differences are distinct and specific between those common and those sacred chronos – pathos agape – phileo presbeia – appostolos angelos – thewros Many many more
70	Ancient Literature Mystery religion was practiced by most Greeks Required a yearly pilgrimage and festivals to reveal the mystery Music Drinking Sexual debauchery unlikely unless homosexual (still unlikely) Greeks were an oriental culture Did not mix sexes with religion (woman’s vs. man’s religion) Unlike many middle eastern cultures, did not mix sex with religion Did mix sex with everything else—similar to Victorian era but worse
71	Ancient Literature Sacrifices Gifts to the gods Culminated with revelation of the mystery – unknown (never written down) Likely scientific, geometric, or thing Prophecy Ecstatic utterance Best example we have is likely first and second Corinthians Mixture of middle eastern cultural mores with Greek debauchery and a lot of money to support it all Corinthians were steeped in the Greek mystery sects with the middle eastern sexual religious propensity mixed in
72	Ancient Literature Mathetes – learner – translated disciple From Mathano to learn Apostolos – messenger/ambassador from the gods Mystery religion word Not word for ambassador - presbeia Not word for messenger – angelos (also mystery religion word) Basis of word Angel Messenger – thewros All can be an Apostolos – Paul tells us it is a gift of the spirit
73	Ancient Literature Way of thinking and words concepts are different—the concept of writing form is different In all ancient literature we see a distinct difference between Narrative – descriptive history Example - Herodotus Prophecy – quotations (so called sayings) Example – Socratic dialogue
74	Ancient Literature In both examples we can see - focus is logical argument English Intro Body Conclusion Hebrew - parallelism Synopsis Body Greek – logical argument to a tellos Body
75	Ancient Literature Example of Greek literature is Aesop’s fables Argument (logos) to a tellos Morals were added later by Romans Greek view was that the morals were implicit and they would detract from the argument Journey more important than the end NT writers were writing First person accounts Immediate events Requiring quotations within the narrations Narration was required to give the context Gospel of Thomas – sayings Gospel (no context)
76	Ancient Literature To incorporate history of times, NT required a new type of literature Narrative Sayings of Christ viewed as critical – quotes Entirely new way of writing in antiquity So new, genre was undefined Couple with the form of Greek literature (argument – logos to tellos) Drives to a logical conclusion Greek writers are not interested in the unimportant or peripheral details—Greek writing drives to the tellos (conclusion)
77	Ancient Literature What you don’t see in Greek literature Peripheral detail Side explanations Multiple story lines Each bit is a part of the whole Wordy or unnecessary description Each word carefully chosen to drive to tellos What you do see Sufficient description within narrative to frame the sayings and to drive to tellos Cohesive and specific word use and synthesis to develop argument (logos)
78	Ancient Literature Historical documents Must balance with concept that author of each Gospel writing an immediate history of events surrounding times Might ask “How is this possible?” or “Might history be at odds with the argument?” Argument to a tellos is a means of organizing literature just like intro, body, conclusion is means of organizing English literature—it certainly affects the writing, but we don’t question the objectivity of writing because of its organization
79	Conclusion Greek literature is different than our common English understanding of writing Focus is argument (logos) to a tellos This is only way Greek literature can be appropriately analyzed
80	Hebrew Covenant Covenant incomplete because there no redemption for intentional sin Each earlier covenant is incomplete Points directly to the Messiah Rabbis understood the incomplete covenant and understood its limitations Following destruction of the Temple led to a more secular understanding of covenant Today covenant of Moses can’t be kept because no Temple
81	Mosaic Law 36 transgressions no redemption If intentional, no sacrifice will cover: Prohibited sexual unions Blasphemy Idolatry Necromancy Profaning the Shabbat Some cleanliness laws Eating leaven during Passover Eating or working during Yom-Kippur The big ten
82	Hebrew Covenant Synagogue of Christ’s time had a legal as well as a religious function Lawyers and doctors of the Law were the men who presided over the synagogue to handle legal matters In ancient world all legal matters were local matters and punishments were handled by the people in their own communities
83	Hebrew Covenant Lawyers and doctors of Law acted as the Rabbis for their community Training was in the Torah and other scriptures as well as the Mishna, at this time verbal This verbal Mishna is what Christ knew and understood well With the destruction of the Temple, the role of the synagogue and of the Rabbis became more important
84	Jewish Understanding What is and was the Jewish understanding of the Messiah From Hebrew “mashiach” annointed Rule over restored kingdom of Israel where the dispersed Jews would be gathered at the end of days
85	Jewish Understanding Core belief in Judaism One of Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon —RaMBaM or the Rambam, 11th century) 13 principles of faith Existence of God Complete and total unity and uniqueness of God Incorporeality of God God is eternal God alone is to be worshiped and obeyed Prophecy Moses is the greatest prophet
86	Jewish Understanding Entire Torah was given by God to Moses Torah is unchangeable God knows man’s thoughts and deeds Rewards and punishments The coming of the Messiah (even though he may delay [a Jew must] anticipate every day that he will come) The resurrection of the dead
87	Jewish Understanding David’s descendents would rule the Jewish people forever 2 Sam 7:13 Messianic age Isa 11 Two messiahs King – Zech 9:9 Priest – Zech 6:13
88	Jewish Understanding Mashinach ben David Single Davidic King Conquer enemies of Israel Return the Jewish people from exile Rebuild the Temple Reinstitute the Mosaic sacrifices Mashinach be Joseph Precede the messianic king Be killed in an epic battle with the enemies of God and Israel
89	Jewish Understanding Human agent of divine redemption Riding into Jerusalem on a Donkey Zech 9:9 Clouds of heaven Dan 7:13 Born in Bethlehem the day the Temple was destroyed Mich 5:1 Present at the Creation, existing before the Creation Sits among the lepers Ascends the mount of olive heralded by a shofar blast Announces himself at Sukot during the Hellal
90	Jewish Understanding Modern views Reform Judaism Messianic age of universal justice Orthodox Judaism still holds to the doctrine of a personal messiah Modern practice Chair for Elijah at every circumcision (each Jewish child could be the Messiah) Born on Tisha b’Av 9th day of Av (July-Aug) Dead buried with feet facing Jerusalem awaiting the resurrection of the dead when the messiah comes
91	Views of Maimonides So this is the Jewish view What is missing? Psalms? Isaiah 51-53; where is the suffering servant? Where is the bridegroom redeemer? Ruth and Judges Mosaic covenant is incomplete No sacrifice for intentional sin No forgiveness but the grave Messiah required to complete the covenant
92	Summary Ancient cultures very different than ours Thinking was different Literature was different Rabbinic understanding in first century was Messiah based Expectation of Jewish world
93	Next Time Next time – Tellos of Matthew
94	Next Time Literature of the Gospels