Jesus and the Advent of Christianity

For two millennia, Christianity spread across the world to become its largest religion, with approximately 2.5 billion followers. As it grew, Christianity influenced the cultures it interacted with and underwent constant change itself. Unfortunately, few individuals realize the role Christianity has played in creating our modern world. This applies as much to Christians as is does to adherents of other religions and nonbelievers. Indeed, few Christians realize that Christianity’s present forms of belief, worship, and piety, even the Bible they cherish, are the results of many complex developments over time. We will not delve into the details of these changes but will only touch on some of the most relevant developments related to the subject matter of this book. We start with the central claim of Christianity: that the Divine entered into human history through a specific human individual named Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more.1

Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more was born and lived in Judea, where he quietly changed the world. Christians believe that Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more established his divine role as the savior of the world through his life, death, and resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more. He proclaimed his divinity and performed miracles; taught a gospel of faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more, hope, and loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more; organized a movement; was crucified and rose from the dead; and charged his disciples to teach all nations his gospel.

Jesus Proclaimed his Divinity and Performed Miracles

C.S. Lewis laid out the argument of Christ’s divinity well when he wrote:

I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.2

Some people have criticized this trilemma because it leaves out the option that the Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more of the Bible may simply be a legend. Even though this is technically possible, C.S. Lewis countered this premise by pointing out that the strict monotheistic Jewish culture made it the least likely place for such a legend to develop, and it appears that Jesus’s closest followers initially had difficulty accepting his divinity. The Jewish people at that time were looking for a political savior, not as spiritual one. As a literary historian, C.S. Lewis also pointed out that the four gospels do not contain the typical characteristics of ancient legends, which lends credibility to the biblical narrations.3

So, what did Jesus say about his divinity?

Two of the four gospels (Matthew and Luke) relate the story of his divine virgin birth, but we have no biblical record of Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more confirming the veracity of this version of events. Even though it is likely that Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more discussed the unique circumstance of his birth, the best biblical evidence we have points to his mother, MaryMary (born c. 18 B.C.) was a Galilean Jewish woman and mother of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus was conceived miraculously through the Holy Spirit while betrothed to Joseph. She has been venerated since early Christianity and is considered by... more, and his brother, James, who became an apostle after Christ’s resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more, as the source of this information.

The first recorded time when Jesus’s divinity was publicly expressed was when he was baptized by John the BaptistJohn the Baptist (c. 1 B.C.–c. A.D. 30) was a Jewish preacher and prophet, Jesus’s cousin, he taught salvation through a coming messiah, and he used baptism as a major sacrament to symbolize the beginning of a person’s new life... more and a voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” which was heard by others who were present.4 Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more immediately went to the desert where Satan tempted him to prove his divinity and angels visited him.5 The only way we would know about this private struggle is if Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more shared this experience with one or more of his trusted followers.

Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more then returned to his home town, Nazareth, and declared his divinity by reading a prophesy in the scroll of Isaiah regarding the Lord and proclaiming that it applied to him. The worshipers were incensed and attempted to kill him for blasphemy before he escaped.6

Jesus traveled to Samaria, where he met a woman at Jacob’s well. After telling her that he could create a well within her to produce living water,”The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.”7

Jesus began his ministry among the people of Judea. In addition to teaching his new doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more to the people, he performed many miracles. His fame spread, and John the BaptistJohn the Baptist (c. 1 B.C.–c. A.D. 30) was a Jewish preacher and prophet, Jesus’s cousin, he taught salvation through a coming messiah, and he used baptism as a major sacrament to symbolize the beginning of a person’s new life... more sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more if he was the promised messiah. Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more told them to report that they saw “The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them,” as evidence of his divinity.8

Later, when he was challenged by the Pharisees for not honoring their rules regarding the SabbathThe sacred day each week set apart by Jews and Christians for rest and worship. Jews celebrate from sundown Friday to Sundown Saturday as a reminder of God resting on the seventh day after the creation. Christians moved the day... more, he declared that he was the Lord of the SabbathThe sacred day each week set apart by Jews and Christians for rest and worship. Jews celebrate from sundown Friday to Sundown Saturday as a reminder of God resting on the seventh day after the creation. Christians moved the day... more and was greater than their temple. Shocked, the Pharisees held a council to figure out the best way to destroy him.9

Near the end of his three-year ministry, Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more asked his disciples who the people said he was. After various responses, he turned to PeterPeter (c. A.D. 1–65) was a Jewish fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 Apostles. Peter was a critical witness to many events in Jesus’ life and took on a leadership role after the death of Jesus... more, his senior apostle, and asked,

But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more, the Son of the living God. And Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.10

Soon afterwards, Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more took his three leading apostles, PeterPeter (c. A.D. 1–65) was a Jewish fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 Apostles. Peter was a critical witness to many events in Jesus’ life and took on a leadership role after the death of Jesus... more, James, and JohnJohn (c. A.D. 6–100) was a Jewish fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 Apostles, and appears to have developed an especially close bond with Jesus. John outlived the other Apostles and heavily influenced early Christian thinkers... more, to the top of a mountain, where he was transfigured into a shining glorious being. “A bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.11”
Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more told his disciples that he was the Good Shepard who would give his life for his sheep but that his Father had given him power to live again.12 Shortly before he entered Jerusalem for the last week of his mortal life, Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more met his beloved friend, MaryMary (born c. 18 B.C.) was a Galilean Jewish woman and mother of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus was conceived miraculously through the Holy Spirit while betrothed to Joseph. She has been venerated since early Christianity and is considered by... more, who was grieving the death of her brother. Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more told her that he was the resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more and the life, and that all those who believed in him would live forever.13

At Jesus’s trial,

the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.14

Thus, based on the first-hand record of eye-witnesses, Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more declared that he was divine and the literal Son of God.

Jesus Taught a Gospel of Faith, Hope and Love

A hallmark of Jesus’s ministry was a message of faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more, hope and loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more. His message resonated with many who struggled with the burdens of this temporalIs a technical term used in theology referring to this mortal physical existence in time as opposed to eternal divine existence outside of time. more existence. He taught them: taught them,

saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.7

He taught a higher lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more. He declared that beyond not killing someone, we should not even become angry with others. Beyond not committing adultery, we should not lust after anyone. Instead of seeking revenge and “an eye for an eye,” we should turn the other cheek. He continued:

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.16

He gave hope to the downtrodden, the marginalized, and the outcasts of society. He lifted the burden of grief and sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more. He mourned with those who mourned. He encouraged people to let their light shine and help others.

Jesus said that we should not seek after recognition and judge others. Instead, we should be generous to those in need and forgive those who offend us. He said the we should treat others as we would like to be treated. He proclaimed that the first commandment is to loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more God with all our heart, and the second commandment is to loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more others as we loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more ourselves. By following those two commandments, we would be obeying all of the other commandments. This is saying a lot since the Jews were famous for the rules that governed every aspect of their lives.

Jesus Organized a Movement

Some people assert that Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more was simply an itinerate preacher with no intent of organizing a new religious body. But the Biblical record is clear that he formally called, ordained, and sent out his authorized agents to represent him according to specific instructions. His intent that this structure would survive his death is affirmed by his actions after his resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more.17

Near the beginning of his ministry, Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more went

up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him….And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils.18” (Emphasis added.)

Ordaining is a formal rite where one is set apart and given special authority to act on behalf of the religious organization.

The disciple Luke made a diligent search to find and interview eye witnesses to Jesus’s ministry, including the original apostles. He wrote, “And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.”19 (Emphasis added.) The term apostle means “one sent forth” as an official representative. This is distinct from the more general term disciple which refers to a follower.

Matthew, one of the twelve apostles, records:

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. … And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.20

Mark records that Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more: “called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits… And they went out, and preached that men should repent.”21 It is noteworthy that the apostles’ ministry was organized into teams of two when Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more sent them out to preach.

Because of the success of the apostles’ ministry, more ministers were necessary, but Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more did not call more apostles, instead he called other official representatives with less authority than the twelve apostles that he previously called. Luke reports, “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.”22

Near the end of Jesus’s mortal ministry, he tried to prepare his selected leaders to take over the work of the ministry after his death. He stressed that their calling extended beyond the grave when he declared, “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”23 A short time later:

And Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more said unto them [the apostles], Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regenerationComes from the Latin word meaning “born again,” and refers to the doctrine that people are born again into a new spiritual life in Christ when they are baptized, also known as baptismal regeneration, a belief shared by Roman Catholics,... more when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.24

These actions demonstrate that Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more made a concerted effort to establish his new church with priesthood authority independent of the priesthood of Judaism, and that he expected that this organization would continue as a distinct body after his death.

Eyewitnesses Claimed That Jesus Was Crucified and Rose from the Dead

Each of the four gospels testifies in detail of the betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and bodily resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more of Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more.

They record that the resurrected Lord first appeared to Mary Magdalene, and later that day, he appeared to two disciples as they walked to Emmaus. PeterPeter (c. A.D. 1–65) was a Jewish fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 Apostles. Peter was a critical witness to many events in Jesus’ life and took on a leadership role after the death of Jesus... more and John ran to the empty tomb when Mary told them she had seen the resurrected Lord, and found it empty. That evening the apostles were gathered together discussing the strange events of the day:

As they thus spake, Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more of Moses(Died c. 1400 B.C.) Moses was a Hebrew prophet who led his people out of slavery in Egypt. He instituted the Mosaic Law consisting of both ritual and moral elements. Many Christians believe that this law is part of God’s... more, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentanceTurning away from sin and to God in hopes of obtaining forgiveness and is associated with a change of mind and heart.  more and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.25

Over the next forty-day period, Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more appeared to the apostles and other disciples―five hundred on one occasion―where he instructed them regarding his gospel message and sharing it with all the world.

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.26

The Gospels

Various accounts of Jesus’s life were written, beginning around the year 70 CE when imperial persecution first became intense and the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. It is apparent that the four canonical gospels were written to preserve the accounts of eyewitnesses and secure the accuracy of the record, especially in light of the high influx of gentile converts. Over the next three hundred years numerous other accounts regarding Jesus’s life were written, but to date none of them were earlier or more credible than those found in our Bible today. Most of the later noncanonical gospels deal with Jesus’s childhood and the lives of the apostles, and portray them all as wonder workers. These accounts read more like Greco-Roman novels than credible accounts of historic events. Even though some of these other gospels appear to contain various levels of reliable information, scholars concur that the bishops at the Council of Nicaea properly selected the four gospels as the only accounts that were trustworthy overall.27

These four canonical gospels provide a distinctive view of Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more but unite in their message of his divinity. The gospel of Mark was probably the first one written and appears to be directed toward a gentile audience. It portrays Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more as the powerful son of God who performed miracles to prove his divinity. Matthew and Luke used Mark’s gospel as their foundation but made adjustments to fit the narrative to their audience. These three gospels are referred to as the synoptic gospels because they follow the same storyline. Matthew directed his account to the Jewish community, so Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more is defined by TorahThe foundation of Jewish beliefs that refers to the first five books of the Old Testament and is also referred to as the Law or the Pentateuch. In a broad sense, it refers to the entire Jewish tradition of learning... more and portrayed as the fulfillment of TorahThe foundation of Jewish beliefs that refers to the first five books of the Old Testament and is also referred to as the Law or the Pentateuch. In a broad sense, it refers to the entire Jewish tradition of learning... more. Luke’s Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more is more socially active, attacking societal norms. John’s gospel is quite different from the synoptic gospels. It was directed to believers and portrayed Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more as God’s divine light who entered into the darkness of the world to show it the proper way to heaven, and that he would judge the world based on its response to his invitation.

Despite these different interpretations of Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more, the reality of his physical resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more is the salient conclusion of each story. They also all agree that Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more was not defined by traditional motivations for fame, fortune, or power but by his absolute obedience to his Father, God. He expressed this obedience by sacrificing his time, energy, and eventually his life for others. Love was his distinguishing characteristic. He invited all to follow him. Discipleship required sacrifice of self to bless others. It involved following his example and developing his attributes in order to experience the joy associated with increased unity with the Divine. This message of loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more has resonated with individuals ever since.

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