The Death of Christ: The Facts and the Meaning

Copyright Norman L. Geisler 2007

Ten Good Reasons for Accepting the reliability of the New Testament Gospels: 1. There are better manuscripts than other books. 2. There were more authors than for other books. 3. There were more books than for other events. 4. The books were based on eyewitness testimony. 5. They were confirmed by other early NT books. 6. They were fresh, detailed, and unembellished 7. They are supported by non-Christian authors. 8. Roman historians have confirmed their reliability. 9. Noted legal experts have vouched for them. 10. Many archaeological finds support them. Nothing like this combined evidence exists for any other book from the ancient world!

1. There are better manuscripts than 1. There are better manuscripts than other books. other books.

The NT Most Other The NT Most Other BooksBooks

6,000 mss.6,000 mss. 10-20 mss. 10-20 mss. 25--150 yr. gap c. 1000 yr. Gap25--150 yr. gap c. 1000 yr. Gap 99+ % Accuracy 90-95 % Accuracy99+ % Accuracy 90-95 % Accuracy

2. There were more authors than for other books.• Matthew--an apostle• Mark--an associate of the apostle Peter• Luke--an associate of the apostle Paul• John--an apostle• Paul--an apostle• James--the brother of Jesus • Peter--an apostle • Jude--the brother of James• Hebrews--an associate of the apostles (2:3 cf. 13:23)

• Most other events have only one or two authors.

3. There were more books than for other events.• There were Four Gospels• There are 27 NT books.

• The rule of the law: Two or three witnesses could establish a fact.

• Moses said: “Whoever is worthy of death shall be put to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses…” (Deut. 17:6).

4. The books were based on eyewitness testimony. “The man who saw it [the crucifixion] has given

testimony, and his testimony is true” (Jn. 19:35). “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down.” (Jn. 21:24). “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life” (1John 1:1).

Over 500 Eyewitness “…He [Jesus] was buried, that he was raised on the

third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also….” (1Cor. 15:3-8) --written 55-56 A.D.

Luke is Based on Eyewitnesses• “Many have undertaken to draw up an account

of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:1-4).

5. They were confirmed by other NT books (50-61 A.D.) (1) Jesus’ Abrahamic ancestry (Gal. 3:16);

(2) His Davidic descent (Rom. 1:3); (3) His virgin birth (Gal. 4:4); (4) His life under Jewish law (Gal. 4:4); (5) His twelve disciples (1Cor. 15:7); (6) Paul knew Peter and James (Gal. 1: 18-2:16);

(7) His command to love one's neighbors (Rom. 13:9); (8) On Jesus’ titles of deity (Rom. 1:3-4; 10:9); (9) His institution of the Lord's Supper (1Cor. 11:23-25); (10) His sinless life (2Con. 5:2 1); (11) His death on the cross (Rom. 4:25; 5:8; Gal. 3:13; 1Cor. 15:3) by crucifixion (Rom. 6:6; Gal. 2:20); (12) His burial (1Con 15:4); (13) His resurrection on the "third day" (1Cor. 15:4); (14) His post-resurrection appearance to the apostles to over 500 (1Cor. 15:5-8).

6. They were fresh, detailed, diverse, difficult, and unembellished.

Note: This is just what is expected of honest accurate eyewitness accounts.

7. They are supported by non-Christian authors. (1) Jesus was from Nazareth. (2) He lived a virtuous life. (3) He performed unusual feats. (4) He introduced new teaching contrary to Judaism (5) He was crucified under Pontius Pilate. (6) His disciples believed He rose from the dead. (7) His disciples denied polytheism. (8) His disciples worshiped Him. (9) His teachings and disciples spread rapidly. (10) His followers believed they were immortal. (11) His followers had contempt for death.

(12) His followers renounced material goods. (F.F. Bruce, Jesus and Christian Origins Outside the NT. Gary Habermas, The Historical Jesus).

8. Roman historians have confirmed their reliability.

A. N. Sherwin-White, Roman Society and Roman Law in the NT.

“So it is astonishing that while Greco-Roman historians have been growing confidence, the twentieth-century study of the gospel narratives, starting from no less promising material, have taken so gloomy a turn in the development of form-criticism…that the historical Christ is unknowable and the history of his mission cannot be written.This seems very curious” (187). He calls the mythological view “unbelievable” (189).

Evidence that Acts is a first-rate history because of its knowledge of: 1. Minute geographical details known to the readers. 2. Specialized details known only to special groups. 3. Specifics of not widely known routes, places, and officials. 4. Correlation of dates in Acts with general history. 5. Details appropriate to that period but not others. 6. Events which reflects a sense of “immediacy.” 7. Idioms and culture that bespeak of a first-hand awareness. 8. Verification of numerous details of times, people, and events of that period best known by contemporaries. (Colin Hemer, Acts in the Setting of Hellenic History,1990)

9. Noted legal expert vouched for them.(Simon Greenleaf, 1783-1853)

• Professor of Law at Harvard University • He authored A Treatise on the Law of Evidences (1853).• He wrote The Testimony of the Evangelists (1874 ed.).• "If they [Gospels writers] had thus testified on oath, in a court of

justice, they would be entitled to credit.... If so, then it is believed that every honest and impartial man will act consistently with that result, by receiving their testimony in all the extent of its import" (pp. 53-54).

10. Many archaeological finds support them. “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was

governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert” (Luke 3:1-2).

Note: 1) An exact date is given--A.D. 29. 2) All eight people are known from history. 3) All were known to live at this exact time. 4) This is not a “once upon a time” story (myth).

Some Archaeological Some Archaeological Evidence Relating to Evidence Relating to

JesusJesus• Jesus’ Home TownJesus’ Home Town--Excavation at Nazareth--Excavation at Nazareth • Pilate InscriptionPilate Inscription--Pontius Pilate’s name in --Pontius Pilate’s name in

stone (1st stone (1st cent.).cent.).• Caiaphas InscriptionCaiaphas Inscription--High Priest of Jesus’ --High Priest of Jesus’

time (1st time (1st cent.). cent.). • YohananYohanan--a Crucifixion Victim from c. A.D. 70.--a Crucifixion Victim from c. A.D. 70.• The Nazareth DecreeThe Nazareth Decree--slab of stone with --slab of stone with

decree from decree from Emperor Claudius (A.D. 41-54) Emperor Claudius (A.D. 41-54) not to move bodies not to move bodies under pain of death under pain of death (hints of the resurrection).(hints of the resurrection).

Jesus’ Home Town of Nazareth 1955

“Pontius Pilate Prefect of Judea” 26-37 A.D. (Discovered 1961)

Ossuary of Joseph Caiaphas: High Priest 18-36 A.D.

(Discovered 1990)

Crucifixion Victim 1st Century A.D. (Discovered in Jerusalem)

Outline: • I. The Fact of the Gospel• II. The Meaning of the Gospel

Jesus’ Eight Words from the Cross• A Word of--• 1. Compassion: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are

doing” (Lk. 23:34). • 2. Comfort: “Today, you will be with me in Paradise” (Lk. 23:43). 3.

Consolation: “Woman, behold your son” (Jn. 19:26).• 4. Concern: [to John] “Behold your mother” (Jn. 19:27).• 5. Consternation: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” (Mt.

27:46).• 6. Constraint: “I thirst” (Jn. 19:28).• 7. Completion: “It is finished.” (Jn. 19:30).• 8. Commitment: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Lk. 23:46)

Jesus Eight Words from the Cross• 1. Lk. 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” • 2. Lk. 23:43: “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.”• 3. Jn. 19:26: “Woman, behold your son.”• 4. Jn. 19:27: [to John] “Behold your mother.”• 5. Mt. 27:46: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” • 6. Jn. 19:28: “I thirst.”• 7. Jn. 19:30: “It is finished.” • 8. Lk. 23:46: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”• Note: Four of them were to His Heavenly Father:• 1. The first one• 2. The last two• 3. The fifth one

Jesus Eight Words from the Cross• 1. Lk. 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they

are doing” • 2. Lk. 23:43: “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.”• 3. Jn. 19:26: “Woman, behold your son.” • 4. Jn. 19:27: [to John] “Behold your mother.”• 5. Mt. 27:46: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” • 6. Jn. 19:28: “I thirst.”• 7. Jn. 19:30: “It is finished.” • 8. Lk. 23:46: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

• Note: One was to His earthly mother.

Jesus Eight Words from the Cross• 1. Lk. 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know

what they are doing.” • 2. Lk. 23:43: “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.”• 3. Jn. 19:26: “Woman, behold your son.”• 4. Jn. 19:27: [to John] “Behold your mother.”• 5. Mt. 27:46: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” • 6. Jn. 19:28: “I thirst.”• 7. Jn. 19:30: “It is finished.” • 8. Lk. 23:46: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

• Note: One was to a criminal being crucified with Him.

Jesus Eight Words from the Cross• 1. Lk. 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know

what they are doing.” • 2. Lk. 23:43: “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.”• 3. Jn. 19:26: “Woman, behold your son.”• 4. Jn. 19:27: [to John] “Behold your mother.”• 5. Mt. 27:46: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” • 6. Jn. 19:28: “I thirst.”• 7. Jn. 19:30: “It is finished.” • 8. Lk. 23:46: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

• Note: One was to His crucifiers.

Jesus Eight Words from the Cross• 1. Lk. 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are

doing.” • 2. Lk. 23:43: “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.”• 3. Jn. 19:26: “Woman, behold your son.”• 4. Jn. 19:27: [to John] “Behold your mother.”• 5. Mt. 27:46: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” • 6. Jn. 19:28: “I thirst.”• 7. Jn. 19:30: “It is finished.” • 8. Lk. 23:46: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

• Note: • 1. The first two and last two reveal His deity.• 2. The middle four reveal His humanity.

Why is Jesus the Only Way?

ManGod

Because only the God-Man can bridge between God and Man

God-Man

Paul Said:

ManGod

“There is one God and one Mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus”

(1 Tim. 2:5)

God-Man

Jesus Said:

ManGod

“I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except by Me.”

God-Man

7. A Word of Completion

• John 19:29-30: “A bowl was there, full of cheap wine mixed with vinegar, so a sponge was soaked in it, put on a stalk of hyssop and lifted up to his lips. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’"

• 1. Jesus said, “Father, I have finished the work which You gave me to do” (Jn. 17:4)

• 2. This is one word in Greek (tetelestai)--“Paid in full!”• 3. “When He had by Himself purged our sins, he sat

down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Heb. 1:3).

4. This was one sacrifice at one time for all men for all time

• “Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (Heb. 10:11-14).

8. Commitment: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

(Lk. 23:46)

Jesus Paid It All• I hear the Savior say,

"Thy strength indeed is small;Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all."Since nothing good have I Whereby Thy grace to claim,I'll wash my garment white In the blood of Calvary's Lamb.Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe;Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed it white as snow.

There is a Green Hill Far Away There is a green hill far away,

outside a city wall,where our dear Lord was crucified who died to save us all.We may not know, we cannot tell, what pains he had to bear,but we believe it was for us he hung and suffered there.He died that we might be forgiven, he died to make us good,that we might go at last to heaven, saved by his precious blood.

There was no other good enoughto pay the price of sin,he only could unlock the gateof heaven and let us in.

O dearly, dearly has he loved!And we must love him too,and trust in his redeeming blood,and try his works to do.

Dean of Archaeology Speaks Out• "In my opinion, every book of the

New Testament was written by a baptized Jew between the forties and the eighties of the first century A. D. (very probably sometime between about 50 and 75 A. D.)." (W. F. Albright, “Toward a More Conservative View” in Christianity Today, 1/18/63)

The Confessions of aLiberal Critic

“Death of God” Theologian Bishop John Robinson Redates New Testament

Matthew--A.D. 40-60+ Mark-------A.D. 45-60+ Luke-------A.D. 57-60+ John--------A.D. 40-65+ (Redating the New Testament, 352-354)