Life of Jesus
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The life of Jesus is primarily outlined in the four canonical gospels, which includes his genealogy and nativity, public ministry, passion, prophecy, resurrection and ascension.<ref name=Blomb442 /><ref name=Fahlbusch52 /> Other parts of the New Testament – such as the Pauline epistles which were likely written within 20 to 30 years of each other,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and which include references to key episodes in the life of Jesus, such as the Last Supper,<ref name=Blomb442 >Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey by Craig L. Blomberg 2009 Template:ISBN pp. 441–442</ref><ref name=Fahlbusch52 >The encyclopedia of Christianity, Volume 4 by Erwin Fahlbusch, 2005 Template:ISBN pp. 52–56</ref><ref name=CEvans465 >The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary by Craig A. Evans 2003 Template:ISBN pp. 465–477</ref> and the Acts of the Apostles (1:1–11), which includes more references to the Ascension episode than the canonical gospels<ref name=Evans521 /><ref name=Zuck91 /> also expound upon the life of Jesus. In addition to these biblical texts, there are extra-biblical texts that make reference to certain events in the life of Jesus, such as Josephus on Jesus and Tacitus on Christ.
In the gospels, the ministry of Jesus starts with his Baptism by John the Baptist. Jesus came to the Jordan River where he was baptized by John the Baptist, after which he fasted for forty days and nights in the Judaean Desert. This early period also includes the first miracle of Jesus in the Marriage at Cana.
The principal locations for the ministry of Jesus were Galilee and Judea, with some activities also taking place in nearby areas such as Perea and Samaria. Jesus' activities in Galilee include a number of miracles and teachings.
Genealogy and NativityEdit
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The genealogy and Nativity of Jesus are described in two of the four canonical gospels: the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke.<ref>Template:Bibleverse Template:Bibleverse</ref> While Luke traces the genealogy upwards towards Adam and God, Matthew traces it downwards towards Jesus.<ref>Where Christology began: essays on Philippians 2 by Ralph P. Martin, Brian J. Dodd 1998 Template:ISBN p. 28</ref> Both gospels state that Jesus was begotten not by Joseph, but conceived miraculously in the womb of Mary, mother of Jesus by the Holy Spirit.<ref name=genpurpose >The purpose of the Biblical genealogies by Marshall D. Johnson 1989 Template:ISBN pp. 229–233</ref> Both accounts trace Joseph back to King David and from there to Abraham. These lists are identical between Abraham and David (except for one name), but they differ almost completely between David and Joseph.<ref>Joseph A. Fitzmyer, The Gospel According to Luke I–IX. Anchor Bible. Garden City: Doubleday, 1981, pp. 499–500.</ref><ref>I. Howard Marshall, "The Gospel of Luke" (The New International Greek Testament Commentary). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1978, p. 158.</ref> Matthew gives Jacob as Joseph's father and Luke says Joseph was the son of Heli. Attempts at explaining the differences between the genealogies have varied in nature.<ref>The Gospel of Luke by William Barclay 2001 Template:ISBN pp. 49–50</ref><ref>Luke: an introduction and commentary by Leon Morris 1988 Template:ISBN p. 110</ref><ref>Cox (2007) pp. 285–286</ref> Much of modern scholarship interprets them as literary inventions.<ref>Marcus J. Borg, John Dominic Crossan, The First Christmas (HarperCollins, 2009) p. 95.</ref>
The Luke and Matthew accounts of the birth of Jesus have a number of points in common; both have Jesus being born in Bethlehem, in Judea, to a virgin mother. In the Luke account Joseph and Mary travel from their home in Nazareth for the census to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born and laid in a manger.<ref>"biblical literature." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 2011. [1].</ref> Angels proclaim him a savior for all people, and shepherds come to adore him; the family then returns to Nazareth. In Matthew, The Magi follow a star to Bethlehem, where the family are staying, to bring gifts to Jesus, born the King of the Jews. King Herod massacres all males under two years old in Bethlehem in order to kill Jesus, but Jesus's family flees to Egypt and later settles in Nazareth. Over the centuries, biblical scholars have attempted to reconcile these differences,<ref name="autogenerated102">Mark D. Roberts Can We Trust the Gospels?: Investigating the Reliability of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Good News Publishers, 2007 p. 102</ref> while modern scholarship mostly views them as legendary.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Matthew' p. 47">The Gospel of Matthew by Daniel J. Harrington 1991 Template:ISBN p. 47</ref><ref name="Vermes 64">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Sanders birth">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=Corley>Jeremy Corley New Perspectives on the Nativity Continuum International Publishing Group, 2009 p. 22.</ref> Generally, they consider the issue of historicity as secondary, given that gospels were primarily written as theological documents rather than chronological timelines.<ref name=Wiarda75 >Interpreting Gospel Narratives: Scenes, People, and Theology by Timothy Wiarda 2010 Template:ISBN pp. 75–78</ref><ref name="Jesus p. 89">Jesus, the Christ: Contemporary Perspectives by Brennan R. Hill 2004 Template:ISBN p. 89</ref><ref name="Luke' p. 72">The Gospel of Luke by Timothy Johnson 1992 Template:ISBN p. 72</ref><ref name="Recovering Jesus p. 111">Recovering Jesus: the witness of the New Testament Thomas R. Yoder Neufeld 2007 Template:ISBN p. 111</ref>
MinistryEdit
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The five major milestones in the New Testament narrative of the life of Jesus are his Baptism, Transfiguration, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension.<ref name=digby >Essays in New Testament interpretation by Charles Francis Digby Moule 1982 Template:ISBN p. 63</ref><ref name="Faith page 28">The Melody of Faith: Theology in an Orthodox Key by Vigen Guroian 2010 Template:ISBN p. 28</ref><ref name=JBreck12 >Scripture in tradition by John Breck 2001 Template:ISBN p. 12</ref>
In the gospels, the ministry of Jesus starts with his Baptism by John the Baptist, when he is about thirty years old. Jesus then begins preaching in Galilee and gathers disciples.<ref name=Redford117>Redford, Douglas. The Life and Ministry of Jesus: The Gospels, 2007 Template:ISBN pp. 117–130</ref><ref name=Alister16 >Christianity:くぁ an introduction by Alister E. McGrath 2006 Template:ISBN pp. 16–22</ref> After the proclamation of Jesus as Christ, three of the disciples (Peter, James, and John) witness his Transfiguration.<ref name=KingsburyMark >The Christology of Mark's Gospel by Jack Dean Kingsbury 1983 Template:ISBN pp. 91–95</ref><ref name=Barton132 >The Cambridge companion to the Gospels by Stephen C. Barton Template:ISBN pp. 132–133</ref> After the death of John the Baptist and the Transfiguration, Jesus starts his final journey to Jerusalem, having predicted his own death there.<ref name="Mark pages 24-25">St Mark's Gospel and the Christian faith by Michael Keene 2002 Template:ISBN pp. 24–25</ref> Jesus makes a triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and there friction with the Pharisees increases and one of his disciples agrees to betray him for thirty pieces of silver.<ref name=Boring256 >The people's New Testament commentary by M. Eugene Boring, Fred B. Craddock 2004 Template:ISBN pp. 256–258</ref><ref name=CEvans381 >The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Matthew-Luke, Volume 1 by Craig A. Evans 2003 Template:ISBN pp. 381–395</ref><ref name="Lockyer106"/>
In the gospels, the ministry of Jesus begins with his baptism in the countryside of Roman Judea and Transjordan, near the river Jordan, and ends in Jerusalem, following the Last Supper with his disciples.<ref name="Alister16"/> The Gospel of Luke (3:23) states that Jesus was "about 30 years of age" at the start of his ministry.<ref name=Kostenberger140 >The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament by Andreas J. Köstenberger, L. Scott Kellum 2009 Template:ISBN p. 114</ref><ref name=ChronosPaul >Paul L. Maier "The Date of the Nativity and Chronology of Jesus" in Chronos, kairos, Christos: nativity and chronological studies by Jerry Vardaman, Edwin M. Yamauchi 1989 Template:ISBN pp. 113–129</ref> A chronology of Jesus typically has the date of the start of his ministry estimated at 27–29 and the end in the range 30–36.<ref name=Kostenberger140 /><ref name=ChronosPaul /><ref name=Barnett19 >Jesus & the Rise of Early Christianity: A History of New Testament Times by Paul Barnett 2002 Template:ISBN pp. 19–21</ref><ref name="Sanders age">Template:Cite book</ref>
Jesus's early Galilean ministry begins after his baptism when he returns to Galilee from his time in the Judean desert.<ref name="Matthew' page 71">The Gospel according to Matthew by Leon Morris Template:ISBN p. 71</ref> In this early period he preaches around Galilee and recruits his first disciples who begin to travel with him and eventually form the core of the early Church,<ref name=Redford117/><ref name=Alister16 /> as it is believed that the Apostles dispersed from Jerusalem to found the Apostolic Sees. The Major Galilean ministry which begins in Matthew 8 includes the commissioning of the Twelve Apostles, and covers most of the ministry of Jesus in Galilee.<ref name="New Testament' page 324">A theology of the New Testament by George Eldon Ladd 1993 Template:ISBN? p. 324</ref><ref name=Redford143 >The Life and Ministry of Jesus: The Gospels by Douglas Redford 2007 Template:ISBN pp. 143–160</ref> The Final Galilean ministry begins after the death of John the Baptist as Jesus prepares to go to Jerusalem.<ref name="Steven L. Cox pages 97-110">Steven L. Cox, Kendell H Easley, 2007 Harmony of the Gospels Template:ISBN pp. 97–110</ref><ref name=Redford165 >The Life and Ministry of Jesus: The Gospels by Douglas Redford 2007 Template:ISBN pp. 165–180</ref>
In his later Judean ministry Jesus starts his final journey to Jerusalem through Judea.<ref name="KingsburyMark"/><ref name="Barton132"/><ref name="Steven L. Cox pages 121-135">Steven L. Cox, Kendell H Easley, 2007 Harmony of the Gospels Template:ISBN pp. 121–135</ref><ref name="Jesus pages 189-207">The Life and Ministry of Jesus: The Gospels by Douglas Redford 2007 Template:ISBN pp. 189–207</ref> As Jesus travels towards Jerusalem, in the later Perean ministry, about one third the way down from the Sea of Galilee (actually a fresh water lake) along the River Jordan, he returns to the area where he was baptized.<ref name="Steven L. Cox page 137">Steven L. Cox, Kendell H Easley, 2007 Harmony of the Gospels Template:ISBN p. 137</ref><ref name="Jesus pages 211-229">The Life and Ministry of Jesus: The Gospels by Douglas Redford 2007 Template:ISBN pp. 211–229</ref><ref name="Bible' page 929">Mercer dictionary of the Bible by Watson E. Mills, Roger Aubrey Bullard 1998 Template:ISBN p. 929</ref> The final ministry in Jerusalem is sometimes called the Passion Week and begins with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.<ref name=Cox155 >Steven L. Cox, Kendell H Easley, 2007 Harmony of the Gospels Template:ISBN pp. 155–170</ref> The gospels provide more details about the final ministry than the other periods, devoting about one third of their text to the last week of the life of Jesus in Jerusalem.<ref name=Turner613 >Matthew by David L. Turner 2008 Template:ISBN p. 613</ref> In the gospel accounts, towards the end of the final week in Jerusalem, Jesus has the Last Supper with his disciples, and the next day is betrayed, arrested and tried.<ref>The Encyclopedia of Christianity, Volume 4 by Erwin Fahlbusch, 2005 Template:ISBN pp. 52–56</ref> The trial ends in his crucifixion and death. Three days after his burial, he is resurrected and appears to his disciples and a multitude of his followers (numbering around 500 in total) over a 40-day period (1 Corinthians 15 NIV)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> after which he ascends to Heaven.<ref name="Evans521"/> <ref name="Zuck91"/>
Locations of MinistryEdit
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In the New Testament accounts, the principal locations for the ministry of Jesus were Galilee and Judea, with activities also taking place in surrounding areas such as Perea and Samaria.<ref name=Redford117/><ref name="Alister16"/>
The gospel narrative of the ministry of Jesus is traditionally separated into sections that have a geographical nature.
- Galilean ministry: The ministry of Jesus begins when after his baptism, he returns to Galilee, and preaches in the synagogue of Capernaum.<ref name="Matthew' page 71"/><ref name="Capernaum page 7">Jesus in the Synagogue of Capernaum: The Pericope and its Programmatic Character for the Gospel of Mark by John Chijioke Iwe 1991 Template:ISBN p. 7</ref> The first disciples of Jesus encounter him near the Sea of Galilee and his later Galilean ministry includes key episodes such as the Sermon on the Mount (with the Beatitudes) which form the core of his moral teachings.<ref>The Sermon on the mount: a theological investigation by Carl G. Vaught 2001 Template:ISBN pp. xi–xiv</ref><ref>The Synoptics: Matthew, Mark, Luke by Ján Majerník, Joseph Ponessa, Laurie Watson Manhardt, 2005, Template:ISBN, pp. 63–68</ref> Jesus's ministry in the Galilee area draws to an end with the death of John the Baptist.<ref name="Steven L. Cox pages 97-110"/><ref name="Redford165"/>
- Journey to Jerusalem: After the death of John the Baptist, about half way through the gospels (approximately Matthew 17 and Mark 9) two key events take place that change the nature of the narrative by beginning the gradual revelation of his identity to his disciples: his proclamation as Christ by Peter and his transfiguration.<ref name="KingsburyMark"/><ref name="Barton132"/> After these events, a good portion of the gospel narratives deal with Jesus's final journey to Jerusalem through Perea and Judea.<ref name="KingsburyMark"/><ref name="Barton132"/><ref name="Steven L. Cox pages 121-135"/><ref name="Jesus pages 189-207"/> As Jesus travels towards Jerusalem through Perea he returns to the area where he was baptized.<ref name="Steven L. Cox page 137"/><ref name="Jesus pages 211-229"/><ref name="Bible' page 929"/>
- Final week in Jerusalem: The final part of Jesus's ministry begins (Matthew 21 and Mark 11) with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem after the raising of Lazarus episode which takes place in Bethany. The gospels provide more details about the final portion than the other periods, devoting about one third of their text to the last week of the life of Jesus in Jerusalem which ends in his crucifixion.<ref name="Turner613"/> The New Testament accounts of the resurrection appearances of Jesus and his ascension are also in Judea.
Baptism and temptationEdit
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The baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of his public ministry. This event is recorded in the Canonical Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. In John 1:29–33, rather than a direct narrative, John the Baptist bears witness to the episode.<ref name=Zanzig118 >Jesus of history, Christ of faith by Thomas Zanzig 2000 Template:ISBN p. 118</ref><ref name=JohnEBrown25 >The Gospel and Epistles of John: A Concise Commentary by Raymond Edward Brown 1988 Template:ISBN pp. 25–27</ref>
In the New Testament, John the Baptist preached a "baptism with water", not of forgiveness but of penance or repentance for the remission of sins (Template:Bibleverse), and declared himself a forerunner to one who would baptize "with the Holy Spirit and with fire" (Template:Bibleverse). In so doing he was preparing the way for Jesus.<ref name="Harrington">Harrington, Daniel J., SJ. "Jesus Goes Public." America, Jan. 7–14, 2008, pp. 38ff</ref> Jesus came to the Jordan River where he was baptized by John.<ref name="Harrington" /><ref>Template:Bibleverse, Template:Bibleref2; Hebrews 4:15; Template:Bibleref2</ref><ref>Pope Benedict XVI. Jesus of Nazareth. Doubleday Religion, 2007. Template:ISBN</ref> The baptismal scene includes the Heavens opening, a dove-like descent of the Holy Spirit, and a voice from Heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased."<ref name="Harrington" /><ref>Template:Bibleverse, Template:Bibleverse, Template:Bibleverse</ref>
Most modern scholars view the fact that Jesus was baptized by John as a historical event to which a high degree of certainty can be assigned.<ref name=Harring63 >The Gospel of Matthew by Daniel J. Harrington 1991 Template:ISBN p. 63</ref><ref name=Lopez95 >Christianity: A Biblical, Historical, and Theological Guide by Glenn Jonas, Kathryn Muller Lopez 2010 Template:ISBN? pp. 95–96</ref><ref name=Chilton187 >Studying the historical Jesus: evaluations of the state of current research by Bruce Chilton, Craig A. Evans 1998 Template:ISBN pp. 187–198</ref><ref name=Powell47 >Jesus as a figure in history: how modern historians view the man from Galilee by Mark Allan Powell 1998 Template:ISBN p. 47</ref> James Dunn states that the historicity of the baptism and crucifixion of Jesus "command almost universal assent".<ref name=JDunn339>Jesus Remembered by James D. G. Dunn 2003 Template:ISBN p. 339</ref> Along with the crucifixion of Jesus most scholars view his baptism as one of the two historically certain facts about him, and often use it as the starting points for the study of the historical Jesus.<ref name=JDunn339/>
The temptation of Jesus is detailed in the gospels of Matthew,<ref>Template:Bibleverse, New International Version</ref> Mark,<ref>Template:Bibleverse, NIV</ref> and Luke.<ref>Template:Bibleverse, NIV</ref> In these narratives, after being baptized, Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the Judaean Desert. During this time, Satan appeared to Jesus and tempted him. Jesus having refused each temptation, Satan departed and angels came and brought nourishment to Jesus.
Calling the disciples and early MinistryEdit
The calling of the first disciples is a key episode in the gospels which begins the active ministry of Jesus, and builds the foundation for the group of people who follow him, and later form the early Church.<ref>The Gospel according to Matthew by Leon Morris 1992 Template:ISBN p. 83</ref><ref>Luke by Fred B. Craddock 1991 Template:ISBN p. 69</ref> It takes place in Template:Bibleverse, Template:Bibleverse and Template:Bibleverse on the Sea of Galilee. Template:Bibleverse reports the first encounter with two of the disciples a little earlier in the presence of John the Baptist. Particularly in the Gospel of Mark the beginning of the ministry of Jesus and the call of the first disciples are inseparable.<ref>The beginning of the Gospel: introducing the Gospel according to Mark by Eugene LaVerdiere 1999 Template:ISBN p. 49</ref>
In the Gospel of Luke (Template:Bibleverse),<ref name="Lukepassage">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> the event is part of the first miraculous catch of fish and results in Peter as well as James and John, the sons of Zebedee, joining Jesus vocationally as disciples.<ref>John Clowes, The Miracles of Jesus Christ published by J. Gleave, Manchester, UK, 1817, p. 214, available on Google books</ref><ref>The Gospel of Luke by Timothy Johnson, Daniel J. Harrington, 1992 Template:ISBN p. 89</ref><ref>The Gospel of Luke, by Joel B. Green 1997 Template:ISBN p. 230</ref> The gathering of the disciples in Template:Bibleverse follows the many patterns of discipleship that continue in the New Testament, in that who have received someone else's witness become witnesses to Jesus themselves. Andrew follows Jesus because of the testimony of John the Baptist, Philip brings Nathanael and the pattern continues in Template:Bibleverse where the Samaritan Woman at the Well testifies to the town people about Jesus.<ref>John by Gail R. O'Day, Susan Hylen 2006 Template:ISBN p. 31</ref>
This early period also includes the first miracle of Jesus in the Marriage at Cana, in the Gospel of John where Jesus and his disciples are invited to a wedding and when the wine runs out Jesus turns water into wine by performing a miracle.<ref>H. Van der Loos, 1965 The Miracles of Jesus, E.J. Brill Press, Netherlands page 599</ref><ref>Dmitri Royster 1999 The miracles of Christ Template:ISBN p. 71</ref>
Ministry and miracles in GalileeEdit
Jesus's activities in Galillee include a number of miracles and teachings. The beginnings of this period include The Centurion's Servant (8:5–13) and Calming the storm (Matthew 8:23–27) both dealing with the theme of faith overcoming fear.<ref>The Gospel according to Matthew: an introduction and commentary by R. T. France 1987 Template:ISBN p. 154</ref><ref>Michael Keene 2002 St Mark's Gospel and the Christian faith Template:ISBN p. 26</ref><ref>John Clowes, 1817 The Miracles of Jesus Christ published by J. Gleave, Manchester, UK p. 47</ref> In this period, Jesus also gathers disciples, e.g. calls Matthew.<ref>The Gospel of Matthew by R. T. France 2007 Template:ISBN p. 349</ref> The Commissioning the twelve Apostles relates the initial selection of the twelve Apostles among the disciples of Jesus.<ref>The first gospel by Harold Riley, 1992 Template:ISBN p. 47</ref><ref>Mercer dictionary of the Bible by Watson E. Mills, Roger Aubrey Bullard 1998 Template:ISBN p. 48</ref><ref>The life of Jesus by David Friedrich Strauss, 1860 published by Calvin Blanchard, p. 340</ref>
In the Mission Discourse, Jesus instructs the twelve apostles who are named in Matthew 10:2–3 to carry no belongings as they travel from city to city and preach.<ref name="New Testament' page 324"/><ref name="Redford143"/> Separately in Luke 10:1–24 relates the Seventy Disciples, in which Jesus appoints a larger number of disciples and sent them out in pairs with the Missionary's Mandate to go into villages before Jesus arrives there.<ref name=Ringe >Luke by Sharon H. Ringe 1995 Template:ISBN pp. 151–152</ref>
After hearing of John the Baptist's death, Jesus withdraws by boat privately to a solitary place near Bethsaida, where he addresses the crowds who had followed him on foot from the towns, and feeds them all by "five loaves and two fish" supplied by a boy.<ref>Robert Maguire 1863 The miracles of Christ published by Weeks and Co. London p. 185</ref> Following this, the gospels present the Walking on water episode in Matthew 14:22–23, Mark 6:45–52 and John 6:16–21 as an important step in developing the relationship between Jesus and his disciples, at this stage of his ministry.<ref>Merrill Chapin Tenney 1997 John: Gospel of Belief Template:ISBN p. 114</ref> The episode emphasizes the importance of faith by stating that when he attempted to walk on water, Peter began to sink when he lost faith and became afraid, and at the end of the episode, the disciples increase their faith in Jesus and in Matthew 14:33 they say: "Of a truth thou art the Son of God".<ref>Dwight Pentecost 2000 The words and works of Jesus Christ Template:ISBN p. 234</ref>
Major teachings in this period include the Discourse on Defilement in Matthew 15:1–20 and Mark 7:1–23 where in response to a complaint from the Pharisees Jesus states: "What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.Template:'".<ref>Jesus the miracle worker: a historical & theological study by Graham H. Twelftree 1999 Template:ISBN p. 79</ref>
Following this episode Jesus withdraws into the "parts of Tyre and Sidon" near the Mediterranean Sea where the Canaanite woman's daughter episode takes place in Matthew 15:21–28 and Mark 7:24–30.<ref name=Twelftree133 >Jesus the miracle worker: a historical & theological study by Graham H. Twelftree 1999 Template:ISBN pp. 133–134</ref> This episode is an example of how Jesus emphasizes the value of faith, telling the woman: "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted."<ref name=Twelftree133 /> The importance of faith is also emphasized in the Cleansing ten lepers episode in Luke 17:11–19.<ref>Berard L. Marthaler 2007 The creed: the apostolic faith in contemporary theology Template:ISBN p. 220</ref><ref>Lockyer, Herbert, 1988 All the Miracles of the Bible Template:ISBN p. 235</ref>
In the Gospel of Mark, after passing through Sidon Jesus enters the region of the Decapolis, a group of ten cities south east of Galilee, where the Healing the deaf mute miracle is reported in Mark 7:31–37, where after the healing, the disciples say: "He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak." The episode is the last in a series of narrated miracles which builds up to Peter's proclamation of Jesus as Christ in Mark 8:29.<ref>Lamar Williamson 1983 Mark Template:ISBN pp. 138–140</ref>
Proclamation as ChristEdit
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The Confession of Peter refers to an episode in the New Testament in which in Jesus asks a question to his disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" Apostle Peter proclaims Jesus to be Christ – the expected Messiah. The proclamation is described in the three Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 16:13–20, Mark 8:27–30 and Luke 9:18–20.<ref name=Karris >The Collegeville Bible Commentary: New Testament by Robert J. Karris 1992 Template:ISBN pp. 885–886</ref><ref name=Kingsbury >Who do you say that I am? Essays on Christology by Jack Dean Kingsbury, Mark Allan Powell, David R. Bauer 1999 Template:ISBN p. xvi</ref>
Peter's Confession begins as a dialogue between Jesus and his disciples in which Jesus begins to ask about the current opinions about himself among "the multitudes", asking: "Who do the multitudes say that I am?"<ref name=Karris /> The disciples provide a variety of the common hypotheses at the time. Jesus then asks his disciples about their own opinion: But who do you say that I am? Only Simon Peter answers him: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.<ref name=Kingsbury /><ref>Christology and the New Testament by Christopher Mark Tuckett 2001 Template:ISBN p. 109</ref>
In Matthew 16:17 Jesus blesses Peter for his answer, and later indicates him as the rock of the Church, and states that he will give Peter "the keys of the kingdom of heaven".<ref name=Boring69 >The people's New Testament commentary by M. Eugene Boring, Fred B. Craddock 2004 Template:ISBN p. 69</ref>
In blessing Peter, Jesus not only accepts the titles Christ and Son of God which Peter attributes to him, but declares the proclamation a divine revelation by stating that his Father in Heaven had revealed it to Peter.<ref name=Yueh >One teacher: Jesus' teaching role in Matthew's gospel by John Yueh-Han Yieh 2004 Template:ISBN pp. 240–241</ref> In this assertion, by endorsing both titles as divine revelation, Jesus unequivocally declares himself to be both Christ and the Son of God.<ref name=Yueh /> The proclamation of Jesus as Christ is fundamental to Christology and the Confession of Peter, and Jesus's acceptance of the title is a definitive statement for it in the New Testament narrative.<ref name=Rudolf7 >The Gospel of Matthew by Rudolf Schnackenburg 2002 Template:ISBN pp. 7–9</ref> While some of this passage may well be authentic, the reference to Jesus as Christ and Son of God is likely to be an addition by Matthew.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
TransfigurationEdit
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The Transfiguration of Jesus is an episode in the New Testament narrative in which Jesus is transfigured and becomes radiant upon a mountain.<ref name=Lee21 /><ref name=lockyer213 /> The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 17:1–9, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36) describe it, and 2 Peter 1:16–18 refers to it.<ref name=Lee21 /> In these accounts, Jesus and three of his apostles go to a mountain (the Mount of Transfiguration). On the mountain, Jesus begins to shine with bright rays of light. Then the prophets Moses and Elijah appear next to him and he speaks with them. Jesus is then called "Son" by a voice in the sky, assumed to be God the Father, as in the Baptism of Jesus.<ref name=Lee21 >Transfiguration by Dorothy A. Lee 2005 Template:ISBN pp. 21–30</ref>
The Transfiguration is one of the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels.<ref name=lockyer213 >Lockyer, Herbert, 1988 All the Miracles of the Bible Template:ISBN p. 213</ref><ref>Clowes, John, 1817, The Miracles of Jesus Christ published by J. Gleave, Manchester, UK p. 167</ref><ref>Henry Rutter, Evangelical harmony Keating and Brown, London 1803. p. 450</ref> This miracle is unique among others that appear in the Canonical gospels, in that the miracle happens to Jesus himself.<ref>Karl Barth Church dogmatics Template:ISBN p. 478</ref> Thomas Aquinas considered the Transfiguration "the greatest miracle" in that it complemented baptism and showed the perfection of life in Heaven.<ref>Nicholas M. Healy, 2003 Thomas Aquinas: theologian of the Christian life Template:ISBN p. 100</ref> The Transfiguration is one of the five major milestones in the gospel narrative of the life of Jesus, the others being Baptism, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension.<ref name="digby"/><ref name="Faith page 28"/> In the New Testament, Transfiguration is a pivotal moment, and the setting on the mountain is presented as the point where human nature meets God: the meeting place for the temporal and the eternal, with Jesus himself as the connecting point, acting as the bridge between heaven and earth.<ref name=DorothyLee2 >Transfiguration by Dorothy A. Lee 2005 Template:ISBN p. 2</ref>
Final journey to JerusalemEdit
After the death of John the Baptist and the Transfiguration, Jesus starts his final journey to Jerusalem, having predicted his own death there.<ref name="Mark pages 24-25"/><ref>The temptations of Jesus in Mark's Gospel by Susan R. Garrett 1996 Template:ISBN pp. 74–75</ref><ref>Matthew for Everyone by Tom Wright 2004 Template:ISBN p. 9</ref> The Gospel of John states that during the final journey Jesus returned to the area where he was baptized, and John 10:40–42 states that "many people believed in him beyond the Jordan", saying "all things whatsoever John spake of this man were true".<ref name="Steven L. Cox page 137"/><ref name="Jesus pages 211-229"/><ref name="Bible' page 929"/> The area where Jesus was baptised is inferred as the vicinity of the Perea area, given the activities of the Baptist in Bethabara and Ænon in John 1:28 and 3:23.<ref name=BigPic >Big Picture of the Bible – New Testament by Lorna Daniels Nichols 2009 Template:ISBN p. 12</ref><ref name=Sloyan11 >John by Gerard Stephen Sloyan 1987 Template:ISBN p. 11</ref> Scholars generally assume that the route Jesus followed from Galilee to Jerusalem passed through Perea.<ref name="Bible' page 929"/>
This period of ministry includes the Discourse on the Church in which Jesus anticipates a future community of followers, and explains the role of his apostles in leading it.<ref name=Jensen >Preaching Matthew's Gospel by Richard A. Jensen 1998 Template:ISBN pp. 25 & 158</ref><ref name="King pages 215-216">Behold the King: A Study of Matthew by Stanley D. Toussaint 2005 Template:ISBN pp. 215–216</ref> It includes the parables of The Lost Sheep and The Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18 which also refer to the Kingdom of Heaven. The general theme of the discourse is the anticipation of a future community of followers, and the role of his apostles in leading it.<ref name="King pages 215-216"/><ref name=Chouinard /> Addressing his apostles in 18:18, Jesus states: "what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven". The discourse emphasizes the importance of humility and self-sacrifice as the high virtues within the anticipated community. It teaches that in the Kingdom of God, it is childlike humility that matters, not social prominence and prestige.<ref name="King pages 215-216"/><ref name=Chouinard >Matthew by Larry Chouinard 1997 Template:ISBN p. 321</ref>
At the end of this period, the Gospel of John includes the Raising of Lazarus episode in John 11:1–46 in which Jesus brings Lazarus of Bethany back to life four days after his burial.<ref name="Cox155"/> In the Gospel of John, the raising of Lazarus is the climax of the "seven signs" which gradually confirm the identity of Jesus as the Son of God and the expected Messiah.<ref>The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament by Andreas J. Köstenberger, L. Scott Kellum 2009 Template:ISBN pp. 312–313</ref> It is also a pivotal episode which starts the chain of events that leads to the crowds seeking Jesus on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem – leading to the decision of Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin to plan to kill Jesus.<ref>Francis J. Moloney, Daniel J. Harrington, 1998 The Gospel of John Liturgical Press Template:ISBN p. 325</ref>
Final week in JerusalemEdit
The description of the last week of the life of Jesus (often called the Passion week) occupies about one third of the narrative in the canonical gospels.<ref name=Turner613 /> The narrative for that week starts by a description of the final entry into Jerusalem, and ends with his crucifixion.<ref name=Cox155 /><ref name=Blomberg224 >Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey by Craig L. Blomberg 2009 Template:ISBN pp. 224–229</ref>
The last week in Jerusalem is the conclusion of the journey which Jesus had started in Galilee through Perea and Judea.<ref name=Cox155 /> Just before the account of the final entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the Gospel of John includes the Raising of Lazarus episode, which builds the tension between Jesus and the authorities. At the beginning of the week as Jesus enters Jerusalem, he is greeted by the cheering crowds, adding to that tension.<ref name=Cox155 />
The week begins with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. During the week of his "final ministry in Jerusalem", Jesus visits the Temple, and has a conflict with the money changers about their use of the Temple for commercial purposes. This is followed by a debate with the priests and the elder in which his authority is questioned. One of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, decides to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.<ref name=Lockyer106 >All the Apostles of the Bible by Herbert Lockyer 1988 Template:ISBN pp. 106–111</ref>
Towards the end of the week, Jesus has the Last Supper with his disciples, during which he institutes the Eucharist, and prepares them for his departure in the Farewell Discourse. After the supper, Jesus is betrayed with a kiss while he is in Agony in the Garden, and is arrested. After his arrest, Jesus is abandoned by most of his disciples, and Peter denies him three times, as Jesus had predicted during the Last Supper.<ref name=Cox182 >Cox (2007) p. 182</ref><ref>Craig A. Evans 2005 The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: John's Gospel, Hebrews-Revelation Template:ISBN p. 122</ref> The final week that begins with his entry into Jerusalem, concludes with his crucifixion and burial on that Friday.
PassionEdit
Betrayal and arrestEdit
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In Matthew 26:36–46, Mark 14:32–42, Luke 22:39–46 and John 18:1, immediately after the Last Supper, Jesus takes a walk to pray, Matthew and Mark identifying this place of prayer as Garden of Gethsemane.<ref name=Maj169 >The Synoptics: Matthew, Mark, Luke by Ján Majerník, Joseph Ponessa, Laurie Watson Manhardt 2005 Template:ISBN page 169</ref><ref name=Zuck83 >The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament edited by John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck 1983 Template:ISBN pages 83–85</ref>
Jesus is accompanied by Peter, John and James the Greater, whom he asks to "remain here and keep watch with me." He moves "a stone's throw away" from them, where he feels overwhelming sadness and says "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Nevertheless, let it be as you, not I, would have it."<ref name=Zuck83 /> Only the Gospel of Luke mentions the details of the sweat of blood of Jesus and the visitation of the angel who comforts Jesus as he accepts the will of the Father. Returning to the disciples after prayer, he finds them asleep and in Matthew 26:40 he asks Peter: "So, could you men not keep watch with me for an hour?"<ref name=Zuck83 />
While in the Garden, Judas appears, accompanied by a crowd that includes the Jewish priests and elders and people with weapons. Judas gives Jesus a kiss to identify him to the crowd who then arrests Jesus.<ref name=Zuck83 /><ref name=CEvans487 /> One of Jesus' disciples tries to stop them and uses a sword to cut off the ear of one of the men in the crowd.<ref name=Zuck83 /><ref name=CEvans487 /> Luke states that Jesus miraculously healed the wound and John and Matthew state that Jesus criticized the violent act, insisting that his disciples should not resist his arrest. In Matthew 26:52 Jesus makes the well known statement: all who live by the sword, shall die by the sword.<ref name=Zuck83 /><ref name=CEvans487 />
JusticeEdit
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In the narrative of the four canonical gospels after the betrayal and arrest of Jesus, he is taken to the Sanhedrin, a Jewish judicial body.<ref>Brown, Raymond E. An Introduction to the New Testament Doubleday 1997 Template:ISBN, p. 146.</ref> Jesus is tried by the Sanhedrin, mocked and beaten and is condemned for making claims of being the Son of God.<ref name=CEvans487 >The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Matthew-Luke, Volume 1 by Craig A. Evans 2003 Template:ISBN page 487-500</ref><ref name=Craig396 >Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey by Craig L. Blomberg 2009 Template:ISBN pages 396–400</ref><ref name=Holman608 >Holman Concise Bible Dictionary 2011 Template:ISBN pages 608–609</ref> He is then taken to Pontius Pilate and the Jewish elders ask Pilate to judge and condemn Jesus—accusing him of claiming to be the King of the Jews.<ref name=Holman608 /> After questioning, with few replies provided by Jesus, Pilate publicly declares that he finds Jesus innocent, but the crowd insists on punishment. Pilate then orders Jesus' crucifixion.<ref name=CEvans487 /><ref name=Craig396 /><ref name=Holman608 /><ref name=GBromiley1050 >The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia by Geoffrey W. Bromiley 1982 Template:ISBN pages 1050–1052</ref> Although the Gospel accounts vary with respect to various details, they agree on the general character and overall structure of the trials of Jesus.<ref name="GBromiley1050"/>
After the Sanhedrin trial Jesus is taken to Pilate's court in the praetorium. Only in the Gospel of Luke, finding that Jesus, being from Galilee, belonged to Herod Antipas' jurisdiction, Pilate decides to send Jesus to Herod. Herod Antipas (the same man who had previously ordered the death of John the Baptist) had wanted to see Jesus for a long time, because he had been hoping to observe one of the miracles of Jesus.<ref name=Carter >Pontius Pilate: portraits of a Roman governor by Warren Carter 2003 Template:ISBN pages 120–121</ref> However, Jesus says nothing in response to Herod's questions, or the vehement accusations of the chief priests and the scribes. Herod and his soldiers mock Jesus, put a gorgeous robe on him, as the King of the Jews, and sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate become friends with each other that day: for before they were at enmity.<ref name=Niswonger172 >New Testament History by Richard L. Niswonger 1992 Template:ISBN page 172</ref> After questioning Jesus and receiving no replies, Herod sees Jesus as no threat and returns him to Pilate.<ref name="PC">Bromiley, Geoffrey W. (1995), International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. vol. K-P. p. 929.</ref>
After Jesus' return from Herod's court, Pilate publicly declares that he finds Jesus to be innocent of the charges, but the crowd insists on capital punishment. The universal rule of the Roman Empire limited capital punishment strictly to the tribunal of the Roman governor<ref>International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. by Geoffrey W. Bromiley 1982 vol. K-P, p. 979.</ref> and Pilate decided to publicly wash his hands as not being privy to Jesus' death. Pilate thus presents himself as an advocate pleading Jesus' case rather than as a judge in an official hearing, yet he orders the crucifixion of Jesus.<ref name="PP">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Matthew (New Cambridge Bible Commentary) by Craig A. Evans (Feb 6, 2012) Template:ISBN page 454</ref><ref name=Beau>The Historical Jesus Through Catholic and Jewish Eyes by Bryan F. Le Beau, Leonard J. Greenspoon and Dennis Hamm (Nov 1, 2000) Template:ISBN pages 105–106</ref>
Crucifixion and burialEdit
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Jesus' crucifixion is described in all four canonical gospels, and is attested to by other sources of that age (e.g. Josephus and Tacitus), and is regarded as a historical event.<ref name=autogenerated3>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>John Dominic Crossan, (1995) Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography HarperOne Template:ISBN page 145. J. D. Crossan, page 145 states: "that he was crucified is as sure as anything historical can ever be."</ref><ref>The Word in this world by Paul William Meyer, John T. Carroll 2004 Template:ISBN page 112</ref>
After the trials, Jesus made his way to Calvary (the path is traditionally called Via Dolorosa) and the three synoptic gospels indicate that he was assisted by Simon of Cyrene, the Romans compelling him to do so.<ref name=Evans2003 >The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Matthew-Luke, Volume 1 by Craig A. Evans 2003 Template:ISBN page 509-520</ref><ref name=Kostenberger211 /> In Luke 23:27–28 Jesus tells the women in multitude of people following him not to cry for him but for themselves and their children.<ref name=Evans2003 /> Once at Calvary (Golgotha), Jesus was offered wine mixed with gall to drink — usually offered as a form of painkiller. Matthew's and Mark's gospels state that he refused this.<ref name=Evans2003 /><ref name=Kostenberger211 />
The soldiers then crucified Jesus and cast lots for his clothes. Above Jesus' head on the cross was the inscription King of the Jews, and the soldiers and those passing by mocked him about the title. Jesus was crucified between two convicted thieves, one of whom rebuked Jesus, while the other defended him.<ref name=Evans2003 /><ref name=Miriam271 >Merriam-Webster's encyclopedia of world religions by Merriam-Webster, Inc. 1999 Template:ISBN page 271</ref> Each gospel has its own account of Jesus' last words, comprising the seven last sayings on the cross.<ref name=Bromiley426 >Geoffrey W. Bromiley, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Eerdmans Press 1995, Template:ISBN page 426</ref><ref>Joseph F. Kelly, An Introduction to the New Testament 2006 Template:ISBN page 153</ref><ref name=Houlden627 >Jesus: the complete guide by Leslie Houlden 2006 Template:ISBN page 627</ref> In John 19:26–27 Jesus entrusts his mother to the disciple he loved and in Luke 23:34 he states: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do", usually interpreted as his forgiveness of the Roman soldiers and the others involved.<ref name=Bromiley426 /><ref>Vernon K. Robbins in Literary studies in Luke-Acts by Richard P. Thompson (editor) 1998 Template:ISBN pages 200–201</ref><ref>Mercer dictionary of the Bible by Watson E. Mills, Roger Aubrey Bullard 1998 Template:ISBN page 648</ref><ref>Reading Luke-Acts: dynamics of Biblical narrative by William S. Kurz 1993 Template:ISBN page 201</ref>
In the three synoptic gospels, various supernatural events accompany the crucifixion, including darkness of the sky, an earthquake, and (in Matthew) the resurrection of saints.<ref name=Kostenberger211 >The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament by Andreas J. Köstenberger, L. Scott Kellum 2009 Template:ISBN pages 211–214</ref> The tearing of the temple veil, upon the death of Jesus, is referenced in the synoptic.<ref name=Kostenberger211 /> The Roman soldiers did not break Jesus' legs, as they did to the other two men crucified (breaking the legs hastened the crucifixion process), as Jesus was dead already; this further fulfilled prophecy, as noted in John 19:36, "For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken." One of the soldiers pierced the side of Jesus with a lance and blood and water flowed out.<ref name=Miriam271 /> In Mark 15:39, impressed by the events, the Roman centurion calls Jesus the Son of God.<ref name=Evans2003 /><ref name=Kostenberger211 /><ref>The Gospel according to Mark by George Martin 2o05 Template:ISBN page 440</ref><ref>Mark by Allen Black 1995 Template:ISBN page 280</ref>
Following Jesus' death on Friday, Joseph of Arimathea asked the permission of Pilate to remove the body. The body was removed from the cross, was wrapped in a clean cloth and buried in a new rock-hewn tomb, with the assistance of Nicodemus.<ref name=Evans2003 /> In Matthew 27:62–66 the Jews go to Pilate the day after the crucifixion and ask for guards for the tomb and also seal the tomb with a stone as well as the guard, to be sure the body remains there.<ref name=Evans2003 /><ref>The Gospel of Matthew by Daniel J. Harrington 1991 Template:ISBN page 404</ref><ref>The Gospel according to Matthew by Leon Morris Template:ISBN page 727</ref>
Template:Jesus Passion chronology
Resurrection and AscensionEdit
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The gospels state that the first day of the week after the crucifixion (typically interpreted as a Sunday), the followers of Jesus encounter him risen from the dead, after his tomb was discovered to be empty.<ref name=Evans521 >The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Matthew-Luke, Volume 1 by Craig A. Evans 2003 Template:ISBN pages 521–530</ref><ref name=Zuck91 >The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament edited by John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck 1983 Template:ISBN page 91</ref><ref>Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:9, Luke 24:1 and John 20:1</ref><ref name=Easley216 >Cox (2007) pp. 216–226</ref> The New Testament does not include an account of the "moment of resurrection" and in the Eastern Church icons do not depict that moment, but show the Myrrhbearers, and depict scenes of salvation.<ref name="Stagg2">Stagg, Evalyn and Frank. Woman in the World of Jesus. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1978, p. 144–150.</ref><ref>Vladimir Lossky, 1982 The Meaning of Icons Template:ISBN page 185</ref>
The resurrected Jesus then appears to his followers that day and a number of times thereafter, delivers sermons and has supper with some of them, before ascending to Heaven. The gospels of Luke and Mark include brief mentions of the Ascension, but the main references to it are elsewhere in the New Testament.<ref name=Evans521 /><ref name=Zuck91 /><ref name=Easley216 />
The four gospels have variations in their account of the resurrection of Jesus and his appearances, but there are four points at which all gospels converge:<ref>Template:Bibleref2, Template:Bibleref2, Template:Bibleref2, and Template:Bibleref2</ref> the turning of the stone that had closed the tomb, the visit of the women on "the first day of the week;" that the risen Jesus chose first to appear to women and told them to inform the other disciples; the prominence of Mary Magdalene in the accounts.<ref name="Stagg2" /><ref>Setzer, Claudia. "Excellent Women: Female Witness to the Resurrection." Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol. 116, No. 2 (Summer, 1997), pp. 259–272</ref> Variants have to do with the precise time the women visited the tomb, the number and identity of the women; the purpose of their visit; the appearance of the messengers—angelic or human; their message to the women; and the response of the women.<ref name="Stagg2" />
In Matthew 28:5, Mark 16:5, Luke 24:4 and John 20:12 his resurrection is announced and explained to the followers who arrive there early in the morning by either one or two beings (either men or angels) dressed in bright robes who appear in or near the tomb.<ref name=Evans521 /><ref name=Zuck91 /><ref name=Easley216 /> The gospel accounts vary as to who arrived at the tomb first, but they are women and are instructed by the risen Jesus to inform the other disciples. All four accounts include Mary Magdalene and three include Mary, mother of James. The accounts of Mark 16:9, John 20:15 indicate that Jesus appeared to the Magdalene first, and Luke 16:9 states that she was among the Myrrhbearers who informed the disciples about the resurrection.<ref name=Evans521 /><ref name=Zuck91 /><ref name=Easley216 /> In Matthew 28:11–15, to explain the empty tomb, the Jewish elders bribe the soldiers who had guarded the tomb to spread the rumor that Jesus' disciples took his body.<ref name=Zuck91 />
Resurrection appearancesEdit
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In Template:Bibleref2 Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene soon after his resurrection. At first she does not recognize him and thinks that he is the gardener. When he says her name, she recognizes him yet he tells her Noli me Tangere, do not touch me, "for I am not yet ascended to my Father."
Later that day, at evening, Jesus appears to the disciples and shows them the wounds in his hands and his side in Template:Bibleref2. Thomas the Apostle is not present at that meeting and later expresses doubt about the resurrection of Jesus. As Thomas is expressing his doubts, in the well known Doubting Thomas episode in John 20:24–29 Jesus appears to him and invites him to put his finger into the holes made by the wounds in Jesus' hands and side. Thomas then professes his faith in Jesus. In Template:Bibleref2, in the Great Commission Jesus appears to his followers on a mountain in Galilee and calls on them to baptize all nations in the name of the "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit".
Template:Bibleref2 describes the Road to Emmaus appearance in which while a disciple named Cleopas was walking towards Emmaus with another disciple, they met Jesus, who later has supper with them. Template:Bibleref2 has a similar account that describes the appearance of Jesus to two disciples while they were walking in the country, at about the same time in the Gospel narrative.<ref>Catholic Comparative New Testament by Oxford University Press 2006 Template:ISBN page 589</ref> In the Miraculous catch of 153 fish Jesus appears to his disciples on the Sea of Galilee, and thereafter Jesus encourages the Apostle Peter to serve his followers.<ref name=Evans521 /><ref name=Zuck91 /><ref name=Easley216 /> In Template:Bibleref2, the Apostle Paul references an appearance of Jesus to "more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time," along with an appearance to "James" separate from those to the other apostles.
AscensionEdit
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The Ascension of Jesus (anglicized from the Vulgate Latin Acts 1:9-11 section title: Ascensio Iesu) is the Christian teaching found in the New Testament that the resurrected Jesus was taken up to heaven in his resurrected body, in the presence of eleven of his apostles, occurring 40 days after the resurrection. In the biblical narrative, an angel tells the watching disciples that Jesus' second coming will take place in the same manner as his ascension.<ref>"Ascension, The." Macmillan Dictionary of the Bible. London: Collins, 2002. Credo Reference. Web. 27 September 2010. Template:ISBN</ref>
The canonical gospels include two brief descriptions of the Ascension of Jesus in Luke 24:50–53 and Mark 16:19, in which it takes place on Easter Sunday.<ref>Fred B. Craddock, Luke (Westminster John Knox Press, 2009), p. 293</ref> A more detailed account of Jesus' bodily Ascension into the clouds is given in the Acts of the Apostles (1:9–11) where the narrative starts with the account of Jesus' appearances after his resurrection and describes the event as taking place forty days later.<ref name=Fred293 >Luke by Fred B. Craddock 2009 Template:ISBN pages 293–294</ref><ref name=Matera53 >New Testament Theology by Frank J. Matera 2007 Template:ISBN pages 53–54</ref>
Acts 1:9–12 specifies the location of the Ascension as the "mount called Olivet" near Jerusalem. Acts 1:3 states that Jesus: "showed himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing unto them by the space of forty days, and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God". After giving a number of instructions to the apostles Acts 1:9 describes the Ascension as follows: "And when he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." Following this two men clothed in white appear and tell the apostles that Jesus will return in the same manner as he was taken, and the apostles return to Jerusalem.<ref name=Matera53 />
In Acts 2:30–33, Ephesians 4:8–10 and 1 Timothy 3:16 (where Jesus as taken up in glory) the Ascension is spoken of as an accepted fact, while Hebrews 10:12 describes Jesus as seated in heaven.<ref name=Freedman110 >Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible by D. N. Freedman, David Noel, Allen Myers and Astrid B. Beck 2000 Template:ISBN page 110</ref>
See alsoEdit
Gospels, chronology and historicity
- Baptism of Jesus
- Christ myth theory
- Chronology of Jesus
- Gospel harmony
- Historical Jesus
- Jesus in Christianity
- Life of Christ in art
- Life of Christ Museum
- Ministry of Jesus
- Timeline of Christianity
- Timeline of the Bible
Associated sites
NotesEdit
ReferencesEdit
Further readingEdit
- Bruce J. Malina: Windows on the World of Jesus: Time Travel to Ancient Judea. Westminster John Knox Press: Louisville (Kentucky) 1993
- Bruce J. Malina: The New Testament World: Insights from Cultural Anthropology. 3rd edition, Westminster John Knox Press Louisville (Kentucky) 2001
- Ekkehard Stegemann and Wolfgang Stegemann: The Jesus Movement: A Social History of Its First Century. Augsburg Fortress Publishers: Minneapolis 1999
- Template:Cite book