The video at the following link, http://storyofstuff.com/ at which the following article writes about at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/11/education/11stuff.html?_r=1 is being put out by Greenpeace, which is a far left organization that has been at the fringes of the most extreme elements of the environmental movement. What we all should be extremely concerned with should be how Greenpeace and other far left and militant organizations with specific agendas have made it into our classrooms, how the two large teachers' unions across the nation have allowed it to penetrate our schools' classrooms, and why public school officials are promoting them.
In a discussion with a close friend on the topic, she stated that she believed that the indoctrination of our children has begun. While I agree with her that there is a program of indoctrination of our young, I disagree with her on its timing. This sort of thing began in the early seventies when young teachers who had just recently received approval to teach in our public schools began to add to their curriculum environmental issues piece by piece. When I was in my last year of grammar school almost forty years ago, I began seeing this. I remember a young student teacher who was visiting our class who was enraptured when a young man (yours truly) espoused world government and transformation of our system of government into a Socialist Democracy (what is currently happening to US). Believe or not, that is what I used to believe back then, and I was praised for it by this young teacher.
This sort of thing has been going on for decades, not just in grammar schools across the nation, but also in our high schools, and colleges. This is not new, but because of the Internet more of US our being exposed to it, and only now are we beginning to awaken to just how pervasive it has been. This is serious folks. This is not fiction. And it is being done right under our nose with our tax dollars, and what is even more disturbing; it is being enforced by the Obama White House.
Recently, the NEA Communications Chief was forced to resign for using the National Endowment for the Arts in recruiting artists to create works that promoted President Barack Obama's policies. Teachers who are members of the two main teachers' unions: American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, are using the public education system for political purposes. The venue of our public schools is being used by political hacks of the far Left to indoctrinate and brainwash our children to conform to the new political correctness sweeping our nation's government agencies, news and entertainment media. The other day, Fox News exposed a New Jersey elementary school directing its children to sing praises to Barak Obama as to a god. I was born and raised in this country, have lived through the turbulent 60s, chaotic 70s, came of age during the 80s, made it through the 90s, and have come to these times; but I have never in all of my years on this planet, in this country, have ever seen anything which comes remotely close to this in this country. I've seen it in newsreels of Hitler's Germany, Stalin's Soviet Union, Mao's Communist China, Castro's Cuba, Ho Chi Min's Communist Viet Nam, and Saddam Hussein's Iraq, but I have never seen it here. No until now. Not only is it creepy, it is both inappropriate and is illegal, because involves tax payer supported institutions of learning being used for political manipulation of our children.
The cult of personality surrounding Barak Obama is a dangerous aberration in the body politic of this nation at this time, and it is promoted primarily because of race. A very large segment of our population have wedded themselves to this man primarily and above all else because his father was an African. Their affinity to this man because of his race is greater and stronger than their affinity even to this country, because they do no perceive him as ever having done them any wrong, whereas most of the members of this group believe as he has for many years that the injustices of this nation's past must be redressed by means of the redistribution of wealth, and a realignment of this system of government through Obama into a federal autocracy with Obama at its head. And though this man's policies are inimical both to their progress, their acute ignorance of the traditions of this nation, and why the Founders established a balance of power in the creation of an Executive Branch, a Legislative Branch, and a Judicial Branch who share power, and this group's antipathy for many of these because they point to a time when injustices were committed; they tend to view the nation, the Constitution, and the institutions which made this nation great synonymous with the very ills which visited these injustices upon their ancestors. It is not a question of race, it is a question of perspective, of world views. If you believe that your country is at fault for your ills and injustices against your ancestors, rather than objectively view these injustices as aberrations of evil men who abused their office and power to brutalize their fellow Americans - in other words if you think America is at fault, rather than evil men who abused power within it during certain periods of our history, then you will believe that this country is at fault for everything. This also is what the Marxist exploits for his dialectic, and this is Barak Obama's view of America and Barak Obama's worldview. This is why he has spent so much time travelling overseas to apologize for alleged wrongdoing by our country.
It's bad enough that one blames one's own country for the plight of one's own ethnic or racial group decades after such injustices have been effectively redressed. It's worst when one goes out of one's way to go overseas to debunk this nation and its accomplishments by apologizing for ills one believes were committed by this country in the past. This is not humility, it is the height of conceit, because it is the strongest statement put out by an individual that his personal world view and view of America is itself history, and therefore must be redressed through the expression of apology. It is a statement of one's own personal elevation above those of a nation's, indeed above anyone else's. This is the height of arrogance and the epitome of conceit, and it is the type of behavior that the world is beginning to expect from Barak Hussein Obama. France's president Zarkozy was so frustrated by Obama's naïveté and duplicitous actions and statements at the UN with regards to nuclear weapons and Iran that he gave Obama a lecture on the topic (see the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwGCTvpOi1I&feature=player_embedded and http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/09/29/sarkozys_contempt_for_obama.html) I never saw I'd see the day when a sitting American president would be upbraided by a French president for appeasing the world's most destabilizing criminal regime, but it has come to pass.
Another example of conceit and arrogance in the guise of humility and peace. But, this conceit and arrogance - a belief that his world view and opinions hold the key to the ills which plague the human race - is dangerous because it is coupled with a domestic and foreign policy that is wrong on every point it attempts to exert itself. One could at least say that if Obama's domestic and foreign policy objectives were correct, that is if they were in the best interest of this country and its people, including those of its allies; then we could meet him where these points and ours converged. But, this man is fundamentally wrong on every key issue, every key topic, and in every key policy objective he puts into motion. In eight months we have been ravaged by it.
A line however must be drawn between opposition to Barak Obama's policies, and opposition to Barak Obama as an American or to take it further, to Barak Obama as a fellow human being. At a time when partisan rankling has been become a degradation of civil discussion into personal ad homonym attacks, we must take the higher ground and separate from personal attacks upon the man. Thus, I will clarify that my criticisms of the president is of his policy measures and not his person. When I write of his ego, his naïveté, or his arrogance, these are character traits which have manifested themselves and have been observed by others working with the man, and not a personal attack on the man. It is an observation and opinion on the domestic and foreign policy deficiencies evident of this elected official who is the current occupant of the highest office in our land, a man who just months ago was a junior senator with no foreign policy experience whatsoever and a dangerously extreme liberal and radical view of this country and the world.
The cult of personality can be put to an end if the president of the United States were to order all organizations involved in it to put a stop to it immediately, and to address the matter with the nation to resolve it once and for all. But the problem is that this cult of personality is an Obama creation, financed by liberal interests, and fueled by the same organizations which worked behind the scenes to get Obama elected. Obama doesn't want to end it, it serves his purposes. It's not enough that CBS, NBC, ABC, MSNBC, CNN, public television, Hollywood, the organs of information and the mass media, academia, and the unions are in his pocket, completely sold out to his cause and to his presidency. That is not enough for Obama. He needs to have it all. This is why he attacks Fox News and allows the charade of schools across the nation to manipulate, indoctrinate, and use our children to further his cause. This is why he and the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives and Democrat-controlled Senate are pushing for some form of the Fairness Doctrine. Because what is being sought is the total control and manipulation of information; censorship of alternative points of view to Obama's radical agenda.
What does all of this entail of where we are as a nation and where we are headed if we put our guard down at this time? It entails that the often times said cliché' that absolute power corrupts absolutely is correct. Obama has eaten of this tree and he and the political party he belongs to which now controls the halls of congress, the media, and the courts; are intoxicated with it.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Our Days of Awe - The Times We Live In
Riot police in Pittsburgh deployed accoustic weapons to break up swarms of anarchist anti-one world/anti-capitalist protestors http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAwmX5O-FAE This is not the first time this has been used on American soil against citizens of the United States. During the Branch Davidian stand off, the ATF, FBI, and the US Army under the command of then US Attorney General Janet Reno, under orders from the Clinton White House; used the same tactics against the men, women, and children holed up in the Branch Davidian Compound before subjecting them to high powered flame throwers and accelerants.
Ironically, amidst all of the protests which the militant Left organized during George W. Bush's eight years in office and their accusations against him for promoting a police state like atmosphere throughout the country following the terror events of 9/11, none of these weapons were ever used against civilian targets within the borders of this country. It was used by the Clinton White House, and it appears to be well in use by the Obama White House against civilian targets.
The G20 Summit and all others which have preceded it have fostered the ire of hard left and hard right groups; Communists and Anarchists who claim that successive US president and the leaders of many other industrialized nations have and continue to work for a new world order, and to that end, there exits shadow governments within each nation hard at work to see that these measures get carried through. A new book called The Shadow Government http://intermrkts.vo.llnwd.net/o35/u/Intermarkets/0909/Shadow_Govt_Ad_300x250.gif claims that Obama's more than thirty unelected, unvetted Czars are part of his shadow government, working to carry his dictates without congressional oversight, or the protection of the courts as the Constitution mandates.
In the international arena, even Cuba under Raul Castro sees the need for change, but not the kind of change that most Cuban Exiles in the United States and a good many Cubans inside the imprisoned island would like to see - the total coallapse of the Communist government, and the beginnings of a democratic government, or at least serious, verifiable movements in that direction. Raul Castro, who has taken over since his older brother Fidel reliquished power about two years ago, is now asking Cubans to rethink about Cuban Socialism http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/09/22/world/international-us-cuba-debate.html?_r=2 and the role its played and is playing in their daily lives. It would appear to outside observers that he is looking for alternatives to the harsh dictatorial rule that has characterized life in Cuba for the last five decades, and which has left the island with no infrastructure, no food, no wealth, and no hope. Others, such as this writer, believe that this is only a ploy to sniff out into the open potential dissidents, and other dissaffected elements of the population, and to gauge its size for possible repressive measures the Cuban government may wish to take in the near future. While it is the hope of many Cubans inside and outside of the island that the government transform, even gradually, into a more democratic style of governing, fifty years of absolute repression and depravation have left Cubans without hope of any change. Some say that they have seen this before, while others hope that this time, they might just mean what they say about changing. Whether it is change or more of the same, every observer agrees that it will not be the end of Castro style Communist rule and the decades long repression it has brought to the Cuban people.
At the UN, world leaders spoke and continue to speak on topics and issues which are of the upmost importance to them and their people. It is unfortunate that we must suffer to see such tyrants as Iran's Achmedinajab, Lybia's Muammar Quaddaffi, Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, and sundry other types castigate the United States, and Israel on their mutual need to protect their citizens, ensure their nation's stability and viability, promote commerce with its neighbors, and establish its own roles in the community of nations. This writer watched Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and thought of how this brave leader stood up to the various criminal nations gathered there, and asked them if they had any shame. Most touching was when the Prime Minister spoke about the Holocaust, and how it personally touched his life and the lives of almost every Jewish family throughout the world. It brought instantly thoughts of the injustice in watching almost daily people deny that the Holocaust never happened, as if to say that family members whom one lost to the terror of the Nazi regime in Europe never even existed; that their horrible sufferings and deaths were but a figment of someone's imagination. I could not contain the ire I personally felt at such a thought, and my complete and total disgust at those who perpetrate it.
But, for those who wish to read Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech, they may go to the following link: http://www.nowpublic.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-un-speech-full-text-transcript-sep-24-2009 It can also be read and viewed at the following link: http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2009/09/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahus-un-speechbut-to-those-who-gave-this-holocaustdenier-a-hea.html It was touching; it was brilliant, and it was moving. Again, imagine what it feels to have had someone close to you suffer and die in Hitler's concentration camps, only to have several world leaders deny that such a thing ever occurred. Imagine if you, yourself are a survivor of the horror, and have decades later someone deny that such a thing ever happened to you at all! Words escape me.
It is not the first time that a Prime Minister of Israel speaks before the world body, and it will not be the last. Israeli Prime Ministers have spoken before it several times before. They have had to address themselves to the greatest of world leaders and the worst. Of honorable leaders and dishonorable ones. But, this writer was taken by this Prime Minister's speech, and it takes him back to how US President Ronald Reagan's speeches moved him more than twenty years before. Benjamin Netanyahu is a real mensch. I have always respected, admired, and liked Benjamin Netanyahu. It is good to see that he is the Prime Minister of Israel. For once, Israel has a leader who can stand up to demands inimical to its people made by well meaning but misguided American politicians.
Ironically, amidst all of the protests which the militant Left organized during George W. Bush's eight years in office and their accusations against him for promoting a police state like atmosphere throughout the country following the terror events of 9/11, none of these weapons were ever used against civilian targets within the borders of this country. It was used by the Clinton White House, and it appears to be well in use by the Obama White House against civilian targets.
The G20 Summit and all others which have preceded it have fostered the ire of hard left and hard right groups; Communists and Anarchists who claim that successive US president and the leaders of many other industrialized nations have and continue to work for a new world order, and to that end, there exits shadow governments within each nation hard at work to see that these measures get carried through. A new book called The Shadow Government http://intermrkts.vo.llnwd.net/o35/u/Intermarkets/0909/Shadow_Govt_Ad_300x250.gif claims that Obama's more than thirty unelected, unvetted Czars are part of his shadow government, working to carry his dictates without congressional oversight, or the protection of the courts as the Constitution mandates.
In the international arena, even Cuba under Raul Castro sees the need for change, but not the kind of change that most Cuban Exiles in the United States and a good many Cubans inside the imprisoned island would like to see - the total coallapse of the Communist government, and the beginnings of a democratic government, or at least serious, verifiable movements in that direction. Raul Castro, who has taken over since his older brother Fidel reliquished power about two years ago, is now asking Cubans to rethink about Cuban Socialism http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/09/22/world/international-us-cuba-debate.html?_r=2 and the role its played and is playing in their daily lives. It would appear to outside observers that he is looking for alternatives to the harsh dictatorial rule that has characterized life in Cuba for the last five decades, and which has left the island with no infrastructure, no food, no wealth, and no hope. Others, such as this writer, believe that this is only a ploy to sniff out into the open potential dissidents, and other dissaffected elements of the population, and to gauge its size for possible repressive measures the Cuban government may wish to take in the near future. While it is the hope of many Cubans inside and outside of the island that the government transform, even gradually, into a more democratic style of governing, fifty years of absolute repression and depravation have left Cubans without hope of any change. Some say that they have seen this before, while others hope that this time, they might just mean what they say about changing. Whether it is change or more of the same, every observer agrees that it will not be the end of Castro style Communist rule and the decades long repression it has brought to the Cuban people.
At the UN, world leaders spoke and continue to speak on topics and issues which are of the upmost importance to them and their people. It is unfortunate that we must suffer to see such tyrants as Iran's Achmedinajab, Lybia's Muammar Quaddaffi, Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, and sundry other types castigate the United States, and Israel on their mutual need to protect their citizens, ensure their nation's stability and viability, promote commerce with its neighbors, and establish its own roles in the community of nations. This writer watched Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and thought of how this brave leader stood up to the various criminal nations gathered there, and asked them if they had any shame. Most touching was when the Prime Minister spoke about the Holocaust, and how it personally touched his life and the lives of almost every Jewish family throughout the world. It brought instantly thoughts of the injustice in watching almost daily people deny that the Holocaust never happened, as if to say that family members whom one lost to the terror of the Nazi regime in Europe never even existed; that their horrible sufferings and deaths were but a figment of someone's imagination. I could not contain the ire I personally felt at such a thought, and my complete and total disgust at those who perpetrate it.
But, for those who wish to read Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech, they may go to the following link: http://www.nowpublic.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-un-speech-full-text-transcript-sep-24-2009 It can also be read and viewed at the following link: http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2009/09/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahus-un-speechbut-to-those-who-gave-this-holocaustdenier-a-hea.html It was touching; it was brilliant, and it was moving. Again, imagine what it feels to have had someone close to you suffer and die in Hitler's concentration camps, only to have several world leaders deny that such a thing ever occurred. Imagine if you, yourself are a survivor of the horror, and have decades later someone deny that such a thing ever happened to you at all! Words escape me.
It is not the first time that a Prime Minister of Israel speaks before the world body, and it will not be the last. Israeli Prime Ministers have spoken before it several times before. They have had to address themselves to the greatest of world leaders and the worst. Of honorable leaders and dishonorable ones. But, this writer was taken by this Prime Minister's speech, and it takes him back to how US President Ronald Reagan's speeches moved him more than twenty years before. Benjamin Netanyahu is a real mensch. I have always respected, admired, and liked Benjamin Netanyahu. It is good to see that he is the Prime Minister of Israel. For once, Israel has a leader who can stand up to demands inimical to its people made by well meaning but misguided American politicians.
Why these Changes in Foreign Policy & Terror?
It is interesting that since the Obama Administration declared that the War on Terror is over, it forgot to tell the terrorists that, who continue to plot all sorts of schemes to blow up American targets of interests, and murder as many human beings as possible. In the news in just one day are indictments against three of them for two separate plots http://wcbstv.com/breakingnewsalerts/najibullah.zazi.indicted.2.1205295.html and http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/092409dnmetbombarrest.1b177db8b.html as well as an Illinois man charged with planning to blow up federal office buildings
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN2447383520090924, while malfunctioning serviellance cameras in SEPTA. Pennsylvania fail to display several suspicious looking individuals taking photographs of the subway system there http://cbs3.com/local/SEPTA.Broad.Street.2.1206878.html, and two other Muslim men are caught and charged with attempting to blow up the Marine Base at Quantico, Virginia http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE58N6YT20090924. Somehow, somebody forgot to tell these men that the Obama Administration is not at war with them, yet they continue to fight their war against US nevertheless.
When the Obama Administration decided to scrap the Bush Doctrine of Preemptive Action against terrorist base camps, and center of operation, and instead opted for the failed and dangerous Clinton policy of treating terrorism as nothing more than a law enforcement issue, he sent a clear signal to every terrorist organization - it's open season on Americans again. The Bush Doctrine allowed military, intelligence, and law enforcement to work together with allies throughout the world to investigate and preemptively strike against terrorist camps, bases of operations, and hideouts throughout the world without the knowledge of the rogue nations harboring them. For eight years, this policy protected America and its interests abroad from the kind of terrorist attacks it saw during the Clinton years, as every terror attack escalated in frequency and in size until it culminated with the attacks of September 11th, 2001, just months after Clinton presidency had ended and the new Bush Administration was beginning to transition in.
What is flawed about the Clinton policy (and now Obama's policy) of treating terrorism as a law enforcement issue is that it does not allow for prevention, because it is only investigated after the "crime" has been committed. By then, the damage will have been done, hundreds, maybe even hundreds of thousands of lives in the next attack, will have been lost; and the damage to commerce and infrastructure, including this fragile economy, inestimable.
This policy explains why Barak Obama has decided to close Camp X-Ray at GITMO in Cuba, the only secure place on this planet where the world's most dangerous terrorists can be kept under watch, and has instead wished to irresponsibly move these terrorists to "secure" locations throughout the 48 contiguous states on this continent. It also explains why Barak Obama has granted terrorists and foreign combatants the right of Habeas Corpus, and every right Americans Citizens enjoy under this Constitution, while directing his Attorney General to investigate and prosecute former intelligence officials who were tasked by the previous administration with fighting domestic and foreign terrorists for eight years. It is a flawed and dangerous policy because it penalizes those who served this nation while rewarding its most dangerous and worst enemies - the terrorists these officials in the CIA helped capture and interrogate.
This has not been lost on America's enemies, who have been watching Obama's every move since he came into office. His expensive traveling junkets overseas to apologize for alleged supposed misdeeds by past administrations is the worst display of appeasement and provocation by an American president in memory. In Afghanistan, seeing weakness and vacillation in the new president, a resurgent Taliban is attempting to overrun and overtake US forces fighting in that country alongside token NATO Forces, and the Afghan Army http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/09/24/60minutes/main5335445.shtml. Barak Obama does not yet know whether to retreat and leave Afghanistan at the mercy of the Taliban, or to commit more troops and allow the military to run an effective counter-insurgency operation in that country. Obama's conflicting loyalties have kept him from providing the leadership necessary as Commander in Chief to win this war once and for all, because he has not allowed the Pentagon to commit more troop or supplies which are desperately needed by those brave Americans fighting the war there. We have not seen the end of this.
At the United Nations, Barak Obama declared territories which Israel won in the Six Day War with Jewish blood, "Occupied Territories," effectively taking the side of the Intifada against Israel, and bringing America closer to abandonment of its long time ally. One Jerusalem reported the following as to the implications of these statements, and the crossroads this brings in the relationship of our two countries:
"President Obama became the first US President to refer to the territories that Israel won in the (defensive) Six Day War as, "Occupied Territory." This implies that Israel must retreat from its own land, return to indefensible '67 borders, divide Jerusalem, and capitulate to Palestinian forces bent on destroying Israel."
This of course, is impossible, but Israel's and America's enemies are seeing precisely the trajectory that this president is taking his nation, and the implications of this upon their war of national liberation against countries whom have strong relationships with the United States in the past, but again see themselves being left out in the cold by the current administration as they did during the Carter and Clinton years. When the Obama Administration authorized $900 million be given to Hamas a few months ago in the guise of "humanitarian aid," it was the first time the government of the United States took tax payer money to reward a terrorist entity sworn to the destruction of the State of Israel and the wholesale slaughter of the Jewish people. This is not good for this country, because it serves to embolden our enemies to take action here against this country in new and varied acts of terror, as we saw during the Clinton years up until 9/11. Weakness, appeasement, and ambivalence, and vacillation are tools tyrants, despots, and murderers have always taken advantage of. History tells US that if we continue down such a road, it will cost more in lives and property than if we would have otherwise taken the path on preemptive prevention President George W. Bush placed on, and kept US save through eight very dangerous years.
Because the former junior senator and now president rose up the ranks from within the most militant of far left organizations such as ACORN, and worked within that organization as a community organizer, following the teachings of Communist Saul Alinsky, and his association throughout his entire career have been individuals and causes of the most radical, and Anti-American and Anti-Semitic nature, including the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, based upon Black Liberation Theology, which is an outgrowth of Marxist Liberation Theology and the rise and support of movement of national liberation, i.e.; terrorist movements, his foreign and domestic policy will reflect these radical causes and movements, and we are seeing its byproduct; the abandonment of long held American foreign policy objectives, allies, and the adoption and implementation of the current policies we are seeing at play in this administration.
This is why he is calling territory Israel fought for when invaded during the Six Day War as "occupied territories," because the cause of national liberation under the banner of Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other organizations which have since been absorbed by these all claim that such territories are "occupied territories." This explains why he supports Marxists dictators overseas such as ousted Honduran president Zelaya, who attempted to abridge his country's Constitution by extended his presidency indefinitely. This is why the world's worst Marxist tyrants have praised his foreign policies. And this is why if he continues this path, more innocent lives will be put at risk and lost than at any other time in recent memory. Let US be clear here, it is not Obama the man whom this writer objects to, but Obama's foreign and domestic policies and the objectives behind them. If they are not opposed, the consequences will be disastrous for this country and for its allies overseas, and will place its citizens and this nation in jeopardy. At a time when the human race can destroy itself, and weapons of mass destruction are the most sought for by terrorists, we dare not allow well meaning platitudes and bone headed policies govern the day, because to do so will mean our end.
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN2447383520090924, while malfunctioning serviellance cameras in SEPTA. Pennsylvania fail to display several suspicious looking individuals taking photographs of the subway system there http://cbs3.com/local/SEPTA.Broad.Street.2.1206878.html, and two other Muslim men are caught and charged with attempting to blow up the Marine Base at Quantico, Virginia http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE58N6YT20090924. Somehow, somebody forgot to tell these men that the Obama Administration is not at war with them, yet they continue to fight their war against US nevertheless.
When the Obama Administration decided to scrap the Bush Doctrine of Preemptive Action against terrorist base camps, and center of operation, and instead opted for the failed and dangerous Clinton policy of treating terrorism as nothing more than a law enforcement issue, he sent a clear signal to every terrorist organization - it's open season on Americans again. The Bush Doctrine allowed military, intelligence, and law enforcement to work together with allies throughout the world to investigate and preemptively strike against terrorist camps, bases of operations, and hideouts throughout the world without the knowledge of the rogue nations harboring them. For eight years, this policy protected America and its interests abroad from the kind of terrorist attacks it saw during the Clinton years, as every terror attack escalated in frequency and in size until it culminated with the attacks of September 11th, 2001, just months after Clinton presidency had ended and the new Bush Administration was beginning to transition in.
What is flawed about the Clinton policy (and now Obama's policy) of treating terrorism as a law enforcement issue is that it does not allow for prevention, because it is only investigated after the "crime" has been committed. By then, the damage will have been done, hundreds, maybe even hundreds of thousands of lives in the next attack, will have been lost; and the damage to commerce and infrastructure, including this fragile economy, inestimable.
This policy explains why Barak Obama has decided to close Camp X-Ray at GITMO in Cuba, the only secure place on this planet where the world's most dangerous terrorists can be kept under watch, and has instead wished to irresponsibly move these terrorists to "secure" locations throughout the 48 contiguous states on this continent. It also explains why Barak Obama has granted terrorists and foreign combatants the right of Habeas Corpus, and every right Americans Citizens enjoy under this Constitution, while directing his Attorney General to investigate and prosecute former intelligence officials who were tasked by the previous administration with fighting domestic and foreign terrorists for eight years. It is a flawed and dangerous policy because it penalizes those who served this nation while rewarding its most dangerous and worst enemies - the terrorists these officials in the CIA helped capture and interrogate.
This has not been lost on America's enemies, who have been watching Obama's every move since he came into office. His expensive traveling junkets overseas to apologize for alleged supposed misdeeds by past administrations is the worst display of appeasement and provocation by an American president in memory. In Afghanistan, seeing weakness and vacillation in the new president, a resurgent Taliban is attempting to overrun and overtake US forces fighting in that country alongside token NATO Forces, and the Afghan Army http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/09/24/60minutes/main5335445.shtml. Barak Obama does not yet know whether to retreat and leave Afghanistan at the mercy of the Taliban, or to commit more troops and allow the military to run an effective counter-insurgency operation in that country. Obama's conflicting loyalties have kept him from providing the leadership necessary as Commander in Chief to win this war once and for all, because he has not allowed the Pentagon to commit more troop or supplies which are desperately needed by those brave Americans fighting the war there. We have not seen the end of this.
At the United Nations, Barak Obama declared territories which Israel won in the Six Day War with Jewish blood, "Occupied Territories," effectively taking the side of the Intifada against Israel, and bringing America closer to abandonment of its long time ally. One Jerusalem reported the following as to the implications of these statements, and the crossroads this brings in the relationship of our two countries:
"President Obama became the first US President to refer to the territories that Israel won in the (defensive) Six Day War as, "Occupied Territory." This implies that Israel must retreat from its own land, return to indefensible '67 borders, divide Jerusalem, and capitulate to Palestinian forces bent on destroying Israel."
This of course, is impossible, but Israel's and America's enemies are seeing precisely the trajectory that this president is taking his nation, and the implications of this upon their war of national liberation against countries whom have strong relationships with the United States in the past, but again see themselves being left out in the cold by the current administration as they did during the Carter and Clinton years. When the Obama Administration authorized $900 million be given to Hamas a few months ago in the guise of "humanitarian aid," it was the first time the government of the United States took tax payer money to reward a terrorist entity sworn to the destruction of the State of Israel and the wholesale slaughter of the Jewish people. This is not good for this country, because it serves to embolden our enemies to take action here against this country in new and varied acts of terror, as we saw during the Clinton years up until 9/11. Weakness, appeasement, and ambivalence, and vacillation are tools tyrants, despots, and murderers have always taken advantage of. History tells US that if we continue down such a road, it will cost more in lives and property than if we would have otherwise taken the path on preemptive prevention President George W. Bush placed on, and kept US save through eight very dangerous years.
Because the former junior senator and now president rose up the ranks from within the most militant of far left organizations such as ACORN, and worked within that organization as a community organizer, following the teachings of Communist Saul Alinsky, and his association throughout his entire career have been individuals and causes of the most radical, and Anti-American and Anti-Semitic nature, including the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, based upon Black Liberation Theology, which is an outgrowth of Marxist Liberation Theology and the rise and support of movement of national liberation, i.e.; terrorist movements, his foreign and domestic policy will reflect these radical causes and movements, and we are seeing its byproduct; the abandonment of long held American foreign policy objectives, allies, and the adoption and implementation of the current policies we are seeing at play in this administration.
This is why he is calling territory Israel fought for when invaded during the Six Day War as "occupied territories," because the cause of national liberation under the banner of Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other organizations which have since been absorbed by these all claim that such territories are "occupied territories." This explains why he supports Marxists dictators overseas such as ousted Honduran president Zelaya, who attempted to abridge his country's Constitution by extended his presidency indefinitely. This is why the world's worst Marxist tyrants have praised his foreign policies. And this is why if he continues this path, more innocent lives will be put at risk and lost than at any other time in recent memory. Let US be clear here, it is not Obama the man whom this writer objects to, but Obama's foreign and domestic policies and the objectives behind them. If they are not opposed, the consequences will be disastrous for this country and for its allies overseas, and will place its citizens and this nation in jeopardy. At a time when the human race can destroy itself, and weapons of mass destruction are the most sought for by terrorists, we dare not allow well meaning platitudes and bone headed policies govern the day, because to do so will mean our end.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Varied Consequences of the Misguided Policies of An Obama Presidency
When I first read the story (http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/75036.html) about 4 Marines pinned down in Afghanistan who lost their lives because help did not get to them soon enough, I expressed my remorse in the following manner:
When we were attacked unprovoked on Tuesday, September 11th, 2001 by Al Qaeda, hiding in the mountains of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, we responded with overwhelming force, and in less than three months, we ran them out of the country into the mountain regions of northern Pakistan, where they were for the next eight years.
The media has all but forgotten this story, as well as covering the war in Afghanistan, which is one of the reasons - but not the principle reason why it spiked this story. The story of the war in Afghanistan is one which every American family needs to know. It is a story of bravery under fire, of men serving far from home, fighting to rid the world of the most pernicious vermin the human race has ever seen who use religion as a cover for murder and tyranny.
But, there is an untold story here as well. It is the story of lack. A lack of leadership and resolve at the very top of the command structure. Of ambivalence, and indecision. Of conflicting interests, and objectives. Of a Commander in Chief asleep at the wheel of our ship of state. And this is costing US lives. Precious American lives. The news media is quick to rush to report collateral damage (as its called) of civilians killed when one of our bombs misses target, or when (as is often the case, ask the Israelis) terrorists use mosques, hospitals, and populated areas to attack from because they're aware we will not strike there due to our rules of engagement when civilians are involved.
But the story below is perhaps the most telling testament to a lack of leadership from the White House with regards to how it is pursuing this country's fight against its most dangerous and mortal enemies. And if you think that if we turn tail and return, and let bygones be bygones; remember that it was this thinking that led to our inability to prevent the most tragic event in recent years from occurring on that fateful Tuesday morning in which 2,000 of our fellow human beings perished without warning, victims of our own apathy, and the well laid plans of a group of "towel head" in some far off mountain region thousands of miles away.
Too far away to be of any concern to US? If they try to tell you that, remind them of the events of September 11th, 2001, and then remind them that in a world full of nations like Iran, Syria, and North Korea, and their surrogates all across diverse continents, where technology, organization, money, and training even such odds, it is more likely that another 9/11 occur here from such diverse places than any other possibility they might be able to conjure up in their infertile minds.
I do not know how strongly I can make the case that the trajectory in which the Obama White House is taking this nation is not the right one. Take a look for a moment at just what is being done, and you'll understand.
1.) It wishes to shut down CAMP X-RAY at GITMO, the only fully secured American controlled maximum security prison outside of the contiguous forty eight states.
2.) It wishes to do this without first securing a site with all of the attributes offered by CAMP X-RAY.
3.) It has even expressed the plan to put some of these - the world's most dangerous terrorists in parts of the continental United States.
4.) It has ordered the Federal Bureau of Investigation to cease all surveillance of foreign nations who might be conducting terrorists plots.
5.) It has redefined terrorism as "man-made catastrophes.
6.) It has declared that the United States is no longer fighting a "War on Terrorism."
7.) Obama Administration head of Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, has declared in a memo that it now considers certain types of American nations, including pro-life Christian Evangelicals and Catholics, many returning veterans of foreign wars, gun owners, and conservatives to be "potential enemies of the state."
8.) Declarations made from the Oval Office to the effect that it wishes to engage America's enemies (like Iran and North Korea) without prior conditions has left it denuded and without anything to bargain for or against in its talks with their leading negotiators.
9.) The Obama White House did nothing to support the democratic movement in Iran during or following the elections, and turned a blind eye when its tyrannical government arrested, murdered, and tortured dissidents.
10.) Barak Obama has embraced the most brutal dictatorships in Latin America, such as Castro's Cuba, and Chavez's Venezuela, while shutting all aid to Honduras, whose ousted Marxist president attempted to take power by tossing its Constitution and extending his presidency indefinitely like Chavez did in Venezuela, and Castro did decades ago in Cuba.
11.) The Obama-run and directed Department of Defense is not resupplying fast enough its military units overseas engaged in combat. This is costing American lives. Consider if you will if one or more of your sons and daughters are serving right now in Iraq, or Afghanistan. How would you feel about this?
12.) Barak Obama brazenly choose the date of the Soviet Invasion of Hungary to announce that he is abandoning the missile protection President Bush promised would be forthcoming when he left office, but which Obama promised as a candidate when campaigning for the White House that he would shelve as soon as he got elected. This leaves Eastern Europe vulnerable to Russian and Iranian aggression.
13.) Barak Obama has travelled to Europe and the Middle East to apologize for alleged wrongs he personally sees as this country having committed in its foreign policy - a sign of appeasement and weakness - because it sends signals to allies that we are returning to the era (error) of the Carter and Clinton years of aiding and abetting our enemies while alienating our friends and allies by cutting aid to them.
14.) His White House has pursued the burning of Bibles sent to Afghanistan, while it is in process of promoting Islam and Muslim-centered programs in America's public school system (something is very wrong here).
15,) Obama's White House is tracking web activity and e-mails of private citizens from the White House, and using the information for political and other purposes.
16.) It is on track in the nationalization of private industry, and to this end is seeking to also nationalize the healthcare industry.
17.) It is in the process of overturning DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) signed by President Clinton into law which defines marriage as the union between a man and a woman, with ROMA (Respect of Marriage Act) granting marital rights to homosexuals and lesbians.
18.) It has pulled money from President Bush's faith based initiatives program from organizations which it considers discriminate against gays and lesbians in their hiring. This means that in order for these organizations to receive any federal help in their programs for the poor and needy, they will need to drop their Bible-based rules and hire homosexuals and lesbians.
19.) It has dropped the Mexico City Provisions which prevented federal money for abortions overseas, and has adopted a pro-abortion policy as a means of contraceptive, returning US to the Clinton years where abortion on demand was promoted by this country overseas.
20.) It has given $900 million (just $100 million short of a TRILLION DOLLARS) to Hamas in Gaza as foreign aid; the first act in which the United States aids and abets a sworn enemy of Israel, and terrorist entity in this country's history.
21.) As terrorism against Israel continues unabated, the Obama Administration is pressing Israel to make further concessions to the Palestinian Authority without any kind of reciprocation on their part to combat terrorism from the territories it controls. Hamas shoot missiles into Israeli homes every day, but it is not reported either by the news media, or by this White House, yet both want Israel to give more up.
22.) When running for president, Barak Obama promised a change in Washington: a departure from the old politics of corruption and partisan interests to one of healing, and inclusion, yet less than a year into his presidency, the only change seen in Washington is the number of tax cheats, Lobbyists, Leftwing radicals, and Communist revolutionaries he's made into unelected czars in his cabinet, and an increase in the same old politics of the past, only this time everyone who disagrees with his policies or belong to a political party other than Democrat or Communist are shut out of his office. Chicago style radical politics has come to the White House in spades, and it is this politics that is running the show on every domestic and foreign issue that comes before this president.
23.) Currently, Obama's mixed signals - his ambivalence to commit more troops to Afghanistan, his opposition to provide central Europe with a missile shield against aggressive regimes such as Russia, and Iran, and his attack on those who have provided their service to this nation against terrorists and terrorist regimes and organizations in the past - have emboldened the Taliban, weakened confidence in our reliability as an ally overseas, and has brought praise from such dictators as Fidel Castro, Hugo Caesar Chavez, and Muammar Qaddaffi. You know something is terribly wrong when praise is coming from such quarters.
26.) The willful manipulation of children to promote a political agenda, cause, person, organization, or movement in the public school system is being conducted throughout many of our public schools across the country as a concerted effort to manipulate and shape public opinion without the input or consent of the parents of these children, and it is being done as it was during the presidential elections, to promote and favor Barak Hussein Obama (see the following link: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2347194/posts). This is against the law, what's more, this is un-American!
Fox News reported that this song WAS taken from a Christian Hymn, but did not specify which one it was. This is idolatry. I have lived for a long time, and I have never seen such idolatrous behavior here in America. I've seen it in dictatorships such as Nazi Germany (Adolf Hitler), Soviet Russia (Joseph Stalin), Red China (Mao Tsetong), Communist Cuba (Fidel Castro), Communist Viet Nam (Ho Chi Min), and the Islamic Republic of Iran (Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini). But, I have never seen such expressions in this country. Not even the most popular presidents in our history - George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, or Ronald Reagan have ever had children in public schools directed by their teachers to sing the praises of an American President. This is the first time, and it is scary. This is nothing short of blasphemy, since these teachers are taking a hymn sung as worship and adapted it to a political leader for political purposes. What's more, our public schools are being used without the consent of the public, as centers for propaganda and political manipulation. Teachers who are members of the two main teachers' unions: American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, are using the public education system for political purposes. The venue of our public schools is being used by political hacks of the far Left to indoctrinate and brainwash our children to conform to the new political correctness sweeping our nation's government agencies, news and entertainment media.
25.) Barak Obama's commitment on saddling America with a UN Climate Tax, and his direct involvement in the climate change/global warming scam is the biggest power/money grab in the history of this country, if it passes through both houses of congress. A form of it has already passed the Democrat-controlled House, and it is being worked on in the Democrat-controlled Senate. If passed, it will pale TARP One and Two in scope and cost to the average American family. It will be another tool in bankrupting America without providing alternative sources for America's energy needs and dependency on foreign oil.
There are not enough working Americans and enough revenue for this kind of federal spending, and because of this, the US Treasury has allowed the privately stock holder owned Federal Reserve Bank to inflate the money supply in order to create the necessary liquidity. But this has caused the dollar to free fall, and has sent commodities and hard assets through the roof. Gold is now currently higher than it was during the Carter years when it had peaked at $1000 per ounce. This is devastating the average American whose wages have not gone up in years, and whose savings and investments have dwindled following the collapse of the stock market earlier this year. The DOW has recovered, but it is largely paper created, and not real wealth and growth. The job figures simply tell a different story, while the special interests claim that a recovery is under way, even in the face of earlier claims, and some persistent claims that this Great Recession/Depression is going to be with US for at least another two to three years before we see its end.
Unemployment figures continue to soar, and Obama himself has conceded that they will likely reach ten million before the end of this year. The month of August alone saw another 550 million Americans file for new unemployment compensation, while another half million exhausted all of theirs and are no longer counted as a statistic. It is believed by experts and National Employment Law Project that this figure will soar to over one and a half million; a staggering number when one considers the impact of these people not being able to find work, unable to pay their utility bills, buy food, or pay their mortgages is going to have on the overall economy, especially in such high unemployment states as California, Michigan, and Detroit where the figures are already double digits and climbing.
I can go on and on, but I'll spare you the rest. You know it already. The two million man Tea Party in Washington, D.C. recently, and the town hall meetings, and other Tea Parties preceding these are all testaments to the silent majority having had it with the status quo of bigger and bigger federal meddling into their lives with over-regulation, high taxation, no representation, and an expansion of government by corrupt politicians with the most corrupt at the top running the White House like it's some kind of flop house and the country like it's some kind of Marxist Community Organization.
When we were attacked unprovoked on Tuesday, September 11th, 2001 by Al Qaeda, hiding in the mountains of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, we responded with overwhelming force, and in less than three months, we ran them out of the country into the mountain regions of northern Pakistan, where they were for the next eight years.
The media has all but forgotten this story, as well as covering the war in Afghanistan, which is one of the reasons - but not the principle reason why it spiked this story. The story of the war in Afghanistan is one which every American family needs to know. It is a story of bravery under fire, of men serving far from home, fighting to rid the world of the most pernicious vermin the human race has ever seen who use religion as a cover for murder and tyranny.
But, there is an untold story here as well. It is the story of lack. A lack of leadership and resolve at the very top of the command structure. Of ambivalence, and indecision. Of conflicting interests, and objectives. Of a Commander in Chief asleep at the wheel of our ship of state. And this is costing US lives. Precious American lives. The news media is quick to rush to report collateral damage (as its called) of civilians killed when one of our bombs misses target, or when (as is often the case, ask the Israelis) terrorists use mosques, hospitals, and populated areas to attack from because they're aware we will not strike there due to our rules of engagement when civilians are involved.
But the story below is perhaps the most telling testament to a lack of leadership from the White House with regards to how it is pursuing this country's fight against its most dangerous and mortal enemies. And if you think that if we turn tail and return, and let bygones be bygones; remember that it was this thinking that led to our inability to prevent the most tragic event in recent years from occurring on that fateful Tuesday morning in which 2,000 of our fellow human beings perished without warning, victims of our own apathy, and the well laid plans of a group of "towel head" in some far off mountain region thousands of miles away.
Too far away to be of any concern to US? If they try to tell you that, remind them of the events of September 11th, 2001, and then remind them that in a world full of nations like Iran, Syria, and North Korea, and their surrogates all across diverse continents, where technology, organization, money, and training even such odds, it is more likely that another 9/11 occur here from such diverse places than any other possibility they might be able to conjure up in their infertile minds.
I do not know how strongly I can make the case that the trajectory in which the Obama White House is taking this nation is not the right one. Take a look for a moment at just what is being done, and you'll understand.
1.) It wishes to shut down CAMP X-RAY at GITMO, the only fully secured American controlled maximum security prison outside of the contiguous forty eight states.
2.) It wishes to do this without first securing a site with all of the attributes offered by CAMP X-RAY.
3.) It has even expressed the plan to put some of these - the world's most dangerous terrorists in parts of the continental United States.
4.) It has ordered the Federal Bureau of Investigation to cease all surveillance of foreign nations who might be conducting terrorists plots.
5.) It has redefined terrorism as "man-made catastrophes.
6.) It has declared that the United States is no longer fighting a "War on Terrorism."
7.) Obama Administration head of Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, has declared in a memo that it now considers certain types of American nations, including pro-life Christian Evangelicals and Catholics, many returning veterans of foreign wars, gun owners, and conservatives to be "potential enemies of the state."
8.) Declarations made from the Oval Office to the effect that it wishes to engage America's enemies (like Iran and North Korea) without prior conditions has left it denuded and without anything to bargain for or against in its talks with their leading negotiators.
9.) The Obama White House did nothing to support the democratic movement in Iran during or following the elections, and turned a blind eye when its tyrannical government arrested, murdered, and tortured dissidents.
10.) Barak Obama has embraced the most brutal dictatorships in Latin America, such as Castro's Cuba, and Chavez's Venezuela, while shutting all aid to Honduras, whose ousted Marxist president attempted to take power by tossing its Constitution and extending his presidency indefinitely like Chavez did in Venezuela, and Castro did decades ago in Cuba.
11.) The Obama-run and directed Department of Defense is not resupplying fast enough its military units overseas engaged in combat. This is costing American lives. Consider if you will if one or more of your sons and daughters are serving right now in Iraq, or Afghanistan. How would you feel about this?
12.) Barak Obama brazenly choose the date of the Soviet Invasion of Hungary to announce that he is abandoning the missile protection President Bush promised would be forthcoming when he left office, but which Obama promised as a candidate when campaigning for the White House that he would shelve as soon as he got elected. This leaves Eastern Europe vulnerable to Russian and Iranian aggression.
13.) Barak Obama has travelled to Europe and the Middle East to apologize for alleged wrongs he personally sees as this country having committed in its foreign policy - a sign of appeasement and weakness - because it sends signals to allies that we are returning to the era (error) of the Carter and Clinton years of aiding and abetting our enemies while alienating our friends and allies by cutting aid to them.
14.) His White House has pursued the burning of Bibles sent to Afghanistan, while it is in process of promoting Islam and Muslim-centered programs in America's public school system (something is very wrong here).
15,) Obama's White House is tracking web activity and e-mails of private citizens from the White House, and using the information for political and other purposes.
16.) It is on track in the nationalization of private industry, and to this end is seeking to also nationalize the healthcare industry.
17.) It is in the process of overturning DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) signed by President Clinton into law which defines marriage as the union between a man and a woman, with ROMA (Respect of Marriage Act) granting marital rights to homosexuals and lesbians.
18.) It has pulled money from President Bush's faith based initiatives program from organizations which it considers discriminate against gays and lesbians in their hiring. This means that in order for these organizations to receive any federal help in their programs for the poor and needy, they will need to drop their Bible-based rules and hire homosexuals and lesbians.
19.) It has dropped the Mexico City Provisions which prevented federal money for abortions overseas, and has adopted a pro-abortion policy as a means of contraceptive, returning US to the Clinton years where abortion on demand was promoted by this country overseas.
20.) It has given $900 million (just $100 million short of a TRILLION DOLLARS) to Hamas in Gaza as foreign aid; the first act in which the United States aids and abets a sworn enemy of Israel, and terrorist entity in this country's history.
21.) As terrorism against Israel continues unabated, the Obama Administration is pressing Israel to make further concessions to the Palestinian Authority without any kind of reciprocation on their part to combat terrorism from the territories it controls. Hamas shoot missiles into Israeli homes every day, but it is not reported either by the news media, or by this White House, yet both want Israel to give more up.
22.) When running for president, Barak Obama promised a change in Washington: a departure from the old politics of corruption and partisan interests to one of healing, and inclusion, yet less than a year into his presidency, the only change seen in Washington is the number of tax cheats, Lobbyists, Leftwing radicals, and Communist revolutionaries he's made into unelected czars in his cabinet, and an increase in the same old politics of the past, only this time everyone who disagrees with his policies or belong to a political party other than Democrat or Communist are shut out of his office. Chicago style radical politics has come to the White House in spades, and it is this politics that is running the show on every domestic and foreign issue that comes before this president.
23.) Currently, Obama's mixed signals - his ambivalence to commit more troops to Afghanistan, his opposition to provide central Europe with a missile shield against aggressive regimes such as Russia, and Iran, and his attack on those who have provided their service to this nation against terrorists and terrorist regimes and organizations in the past - have emboldened the Taliban, weakened confidence in our reliability as an ally overseas, and has brought praise from such dictators as Fidel Castro, Hugo Caesar Chavez, and Muammar Qaddaffi. You know something is terribly wrong when praise is coming from such quarters.
26.) The willful manipulation of children to promote a political agenda, cause, person, organization, or movement in the public school system is being conducted throughout many of our public schools across the country as a concerted effort to manipulate and shape public opinion without the input or consent of the parents of these children, and it is being done as it was during the presidential elections, to promote and favor Barak Hussein Obama (see the following link: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2347194/posts). This is against the law, what's more, this is un-American!
Fox News reported that this song WAS taken from a Christian Hymn, but did not specify which one it was. This is idolatry. I have lived for a long time, and I have never seen such idolatrous behavior here in America. I've seen it in dictatorships such as Nazi Germany (Adolf Hitler), Soviet Russia (Joseph Stalin), Red China (Mao Tsetong), Communist Cuba (Fidel Castro), Communist Viet Nam (Ho Chi Min), and the Islamic Republic of Iran (Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini). But, I have never seen such expressions in this country. Not even the most popular presidents in our history - George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, or Ronald Reagan have ever had children in public schools directed by their teachers to sing the praises of an American President. This is the first time, and it is scary. This is nothing short of blasphemy, since these teachers are taking a hymn sung as worship and adapted it to a political leader for political purposes. What's more, our public schools are being used without the consent of the public, as centers for propaganda and political manipulation. Teachers who are members of the two main teachers' unions: American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, are using the public education system for political purposes. The venue of our public schools is being used by political hacks of the far Left to indoctrinate and brainwash our children to conform to the new political correctness sweeping our nation's government agencies, news and entertainment media.
25.) Barak Obama's commitment on saddling America with a UN Climate Tax, and his direct involvement in the climate change/global warming scam is the biggest power/money grab in the history of this country, if it passes through both houses of congress. A form of it has already passed the Democrat-controlled House, and it is being worked on in the Democrat-controlled Senate. If passed, it will pale TARP One and Two in scope and cost to the average American family. It will be another tool in bankrupting America without providing alternative sources for America's energy needs and dependency on foreign oil.
There are not enough working Americans and enough revenue for this kind of federal spending, and because of this, the US Treasury has allowed the privately stock holder owned Federal Reserve Bank to inflate the money supply in order to create the necessary liquidity. But this has caused the dollar to free fall, and has sent commodities and hard assets through the roof. Gold is now currently higher than it was during the Carter years when it had peaked at $1000 per ounce. This is devastating the average American whose wages have not gone up in years, and whose savings and investments have dwindled following the collapse of the stock market earlier this year. The DOW has recovered, but it is largely paper created, and not real wealth and growth. The job figures simply tell a different story, while the special interests claim that a recovery is under way, even in the face of earlier claims, and some persistent claims that this Great Recession/Depression is going to be with US for at least another two to three years before we see its end.
Unemployment figures continue to soar, and Obama himself has conceded that they will likely reach ten million before the end of this year. The month of August alone saw another 550 million Americans file for new unemployment compensation, while another half million exhausted all of theirs and are no longer counted as a statistic. It is believed by experts and National Employment Law Project that this figure will soar to over one and a half million; a staggering number when one considers the impact of these people not being able to find work, unable to pay their utility bills, buy food, or pay their mortgages is going to have on the overall economy, especially in such high unemployment states as California, Michigan, and Detroit where the figures are already double digits and climbing.
I can go on and on, but I'll spare you the rest. You know it already. The two million man Tea Party in Washington, D.C. recently, and the town hall meetings, and other Tea Parties preceding these are all testaments to the silent majority having had it with the status quo of bigger and bigger federal meddling into their lives with over-regulation, high taxation, no representation, and an expansion of government by corrupt politicians with the most corrupt at the top running the White House like it's some kind of flop house and the country like it's some kind of Marxist Community Organization.
Red & Yellow, Black, & White, They Are Precious in His Sight
The willful manipulation of children to promote a political agenda, cause, person, organization, or movement in the public school system is being conducted throughout many of our public schools across the country as a concerted effort to manipulate and shape public opinion without the input or consent of the parents of these children, and it is being done as it was during the presidential elections, to promote and favor Barak Hussein Obama (see the following link: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2347194/posts). This is against the law, what's more, this is un-American!
Fox News reported that this song WAS taken from a Christian Hymn, but did not specify which one it was. This is idolatry. I have lived for a long time, and I have never seen such idolatrous behavior here in America. I've seen it in dictatorships such as Nazi Germany (Adolf Hitler), Soviet Russia (Joseph Stalin), Red China (Mao Tsetong), Communist Cuba (Fidel Castro), Communist Viet Nam (Ho Chi Min), and the Islamic Republic of Iran (Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini). But, I have never seen such expressions in this country. Not even the most popular presidents in our history - George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, or Ronald Reagan have ever had children in public schools directed by their teachers to sing the praises of an American President. This is the first time, and it is scary. This is nothing short of blasphemy, since these teachers are taking a hymn sung as worship and adapted it to a political leader for political purposes. What's more, our public schools are being used without the consent of the public, as centers for propaganda and political manipulation. Teachers who are members of the two main teachers' unions: American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, are using the public education system for political purposes. The venue of our public schools is being used by political hacks of the far Left to indoctrinate and brainwash our children to conform to the new political correctness sweeping our nation's government agencies, news and entertainment media.
Fox News reported that this song WAS taken from a Christian Hymn, but did not specify which one it was. This is idolatry. I have lived for a long time, and I have never seen such idolatrous behavior here in America. I've seen it in dictatorships such as Nazi Germany (Adolf Hitler), Soviet Russia (Joseph Stalin), Red China (Mao Tsetong), Communist Cuba (Fidel Castro), Communist Viet Nam (Ho Chi Min), and the Islamic Republic of Iran (Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini). But, I have never seen such expressions in this country. Not even the most popular presidents in our history - George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, or Ronald Reagan have ever had children in public schools directed by their teachers to sing the praises of an American President. This is the first time, and it is scary. This is nothing short of blasphemy, since these teachers are taking a hymn sung as worship and adapted it to a political leader for political purposes. What's more, our public schools are being used without the consent of the public, as centers for propaganda and political manipulation. Teachers who are members of the two main teachers' unions: American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, are using the public education system for political purposes. The venue of our public schools is being used by political hacks of the far Left to indoctrinate and brainwash our children to conform to the new political correctness sweeping our nation's government agencies, news and entertainment media.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Great Recession/Depression of 2009
America has had enough. The Tea Party Protest March on Washington, D.C. this past week (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VMXz6xGeqc&NR=1) is the best illustration that the little guy out there has had enough of his/her elected official bailing out the large banks, corporations, conglomerates, brokerage houses, insurance companies, and stock and securities interests at the expense of the little guy who has to carry the weight of the cost even as he/she sees his business fail, his job lost, his home foreclosed, and his prospects of recovery slip right through his fingers, as the rich get richer, and government continues to grow beyond its limits to sustain itself.
While NELP has raised the public's conscience on the plight of the unemployed, the fact is that for a great number of Americans, there are currently no unemployment checks upon which they can subsist and pay their bills, and their mortgages on right now. They have nothing coming in, and no job prospect on their horizon. Congress must stop its non-issue squabbling about some Senator's outburst, and a health care bill that most Americans are demanding them not to pass, and get on to the real business of addressing the growing number of hurting Americans who are financially strapped and need some kind of assistance as soon as possible.
The Great Shaking is upon US all across the country and throughout the world. Thus is the legacy of our elected officials and how their meddling in the private sector for the last twelve to fifteen years and even longer has brought upon US this Great Recession/Depression. The event which accelerated it was the forced land for peace measure forced upon innocent Israeli civilians who were forced at gun point, some kicking and screaming, from their properties, their businesses, their synagogues, and their land by their own government, because it was pressured by this one to give the Gaza Strip which Israel won from Egypt with the blood of its young soldiers, and which G-d had already promised to the descendants of Abraham as part of His covenant with him and his descendants through his son Isaac, and later Jacob/Israel, and his descendants; the Jewish people.
The United States government, through its State Department, forced the Prime Minister of Israel to be signatory with Israel's enemies where it would break this covenant by giving land G-d Himself had given to the Jewish people long before there was a United States, or a Europe, or any other country. In so doing, the leaders of both our nations bequeathed upon US both the wrath we see visited upon both our nations and the world. No man or nation possesses either the authority, power, or right to force a single Jew from his/her land. No one, except the Almighty, and it is the Almighty who has given the land to the Jewish people.
I believe we are seeing G-d's judgment for the actions of our leaders, here, in Israel, and all around the world.
It is interesting though, to see the chairman of the Federal Reserve and the Secretary of the Treasury last year join with our elected officials from both parties bail out their wealthy friends, and continue to do so with much greater pace under the new administration, as industries are nationalized, labor unions are paid off, and more money continues to flow to those connected in high places, while the average American continues to suffer and the politician continues to enjoy the finest salaries, the best health care (not the one Obama is proposing for the rest of US), and are themselves insulated from the ravages that average Americans are undergoing. You don't see congressmen losing homes, or struggling to make ends meet. Yet, all they can do is argue over a healthcare bill that nobody wants, and the outburst of a single representative who lost his cool when he heard the president utter a lie during a speech he gave the other night. So what!
America continues in the trajectory of embracing Israel and America's enemies while setting up obstacles for Israel because it wishes to build on land that G-d gave to them through His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I said before, and I will say it again to my dying day; No man or nation possesses either the authority, power, or right to force a single Jew from his/her land.
While NELP has raised the public's conscience on the plight of the unemployed, the fact is that for a great number of Americans, there are currently no unemployment checks upon which they can subsist and pay their bills, and their mortgages on right now. They have nothing coming in, and no job prospect on their horizon. Congress must stop its non-issue squabbling about some Senator's outburst, and a health care bill that most Americans are demanding them not to pass, and get on to the real business of addressing the growing number of hurting Americans who are financially strapped and need some kind of assistance as soon as possible.
The Great Shaking is upon US all across the country and throughout the world. Thus is the legacy of our elected officials and how their meddling in the private sector for the last twelve to fifteen years and even longer has brought upon US this Great Recession/Depression. The event which accelerated it was the forced land for peace measure forced upon innocent Israeli civilians who were forced at gun point, some kicking and screaming, from their properties, their businesses, their synagogues, and their land by their own government, because it was pressured by this one to give the Gaza Strip which Israel won from Egypt with the blood of its young soldiers, and which G-d had already promised to the descendants of Abraham as part of His covenant with him and his descendants through his son Isaac, and later Jacob/Israel, and his descendants; the Jewish people.
The United States government, through its State Department, forced the Prime Minister of Israel to be signatory with Israel's enemies where it would break this covenant by giving land G-d Himself had given to the Jewish people long before there was a United States, or a Europe, or any other country. In so doing, the leaders of both our nations bequeathed upon US both the wrath we see visited upon both our nations and the world. No man or nation possesses either the authority, power, or right to force a single Jew from his/her land. No one, except the Almighty, and it is the Almighty who has given the land to the Jewish people.
I believe we are seeing G-d's judgment for the actions of our leaders, here, in Israel, and all around the world.
It is interesting though, to see the chairman of the Federal Reserve and the Secretary of the Treasury last year join with our elected officials from both parties bail out their wealthy friends, and continue to do so with much greater pace under the new administration, as industries are nationalized, labor unions are paid off, and more money continues to flow to those connected in high places, while the average American continues to suffer and the politician continues to enjoy the finest salaries, the best health care (not the one Obama is proposing for the rest of US), and are themselves insulated from the ravages that average Americans are undergoing. You don't see congressmen losing homes, or struggling to make ends meet. Yet, all they can do is argue over a healthcare bill that nobody wants, and the outburst of a single representative who lost his cool when he heard the president utter a lie during a speech he gave the other night. So what!
America continues in the trajectory of embracing Israel and America's enemies while setting up obstacles for Israel because it wishes to build on land that G-d gave to them through His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I said before, and I will say it again to my dying day; No man or nation possesses either the authority, power, or right to force a single Jew from his/her land.
OBAMOPOLY
Change. THE Scriptures warn that when they say, "Peace, peace, then sudden destruction will come upon them like a woman in labor." When the government, the media, and their allies in Wall Street begin to tell you that we are beginning to see a recovery, when just months ago they were saying that this Great Recession (DEPRESSION) is going to take at least two to three years to get out of, and when jobs continue to go overseas and disappear, DON'T YOU BELIEVE THEM! DON'T BELIEVE A WORD THEY SAY. WE ARE BEING LED BY THE BIGGEST COLLECTION OF TAX FRAUDS, CHEATS, AND LIARS IN THE HISTORY OF THIS NATION! THEY THEMSELVES TOLD US DURING THE ELECTION WITH OBAMA AT THEIR LEAD THAT THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A JOBLESS RECOVERY! NOW THEY'RE TRYING TO TELL US DIFFERENTLY! THEY WANT TO BANKRUPT US SO THAT WE BECOME DEPENDENT EITHER WHOLEY OR IN SOME WAY UPON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR OUR SUBSISTANCE. THEN THEY WANT TO SADDLE US WITH A HEALTH CARE PACKAGE THAT WILL PUT A GOOD PORTION OF THE MOST VULNERABLE AND SICKEST PORTION OF OUR POPULATION AT JEAPARDY IN ORDER TO PAY FOR IT; WHAT'S MORE, THEY WANT TO DO THIS WHILE SHUTTING OUT ALL COMPETITION AND DESTROYING PRIVATE INSURANCE IN WHICH ONE CHOOSES ONE'S INSURANCE COMPANY, PLAN, COVERAGE, PHYSICIAN, AND CARE. BANKRUPTING SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICAIR, MEDICAID, AND PRIVATE BUSINESS is not the solution. As if this were not enough, THEY WANT TO SADDLE EVERY AMERICAN FAMILY WITH A CAP AND TRADE TAX OF ALMOST TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS PER FAMILY YEARLY ON TOP OF THE TAX INCREASE THEY WILL NEED TO FUND THEIR TRILLION DOLLAR BAILOUTS OF THE BANKS (WHICH ARE NOT LENDING MONEY TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR), THE LARGEST BROCKERAGE HOUSES, THE BIGGEST INSURANCE INTERESTS, THE MULTI-NATIONAL CONGLOMERATES THAT ARE TAKING OUR JOBS OVERSEAS, AND THE PATRONAGE BUSINESSES ALLIED TO THEIR LOCAL DEMOCRAT-CONTROLLED POLITICAL MACHINERIES ACROSS THE NATION! I can go on and on, but these are just the tip of the gigantic iceberg which Barak Hussein Obama is taking this ship of state, and if we do not force him to veer off, we will be like the Titanic and crash right into it and sink to the bottom of an icy grave, another great nation who having reached the pinnacle of its greatness and fulfilled the dream of equality for all its citizens with the election of its first black president, disappears from history; a victim of the same avarice and corruption which caused the downfall of every other great nation and empire before it.
Mr. President. I do not object to your race sir, how can anyone? You are one of US. Indeed, you reflect our ethnic and racial diversity, and our strengths and our weaknesses. No sir. I object sir, to your policies. When President George W. Bush diverted the nation in a path I did not agree with, I called him out on it. It was not racial then, it is not racial now. As a concerned citizen of this great nation - your home and mine - I am exercising my right under our Constitution to redress the ills I see in your domestic and your foreign policy, and to raise suspicion, sir, on your objectives which I do not see as beneficial to either me, my family, our community, or our nation. To this end, I am only one voice in the midst of many, exercising my free speech rights in letting you know that this is still a representative republic with a Constitution which you swore when you took the oath to uphold and protect. I ask you then, sir, to do this, and be diligent about it, because all eyes are upon you, and history will make you account for what you are about to do next. I leave with another Scripture, one which is a strong admonition to the rampant amorality of our day:
Mr. President. I do not object to your race sir, how can anyone? You are one of US. Indeed, you reflect our ethnic and racial diversity, and our strengths and our weaknesses. No sir. I object sir, to your policies. When President George W. Bush diverted the nation in a path I did not agree with, I called him out on it. It was not racial then, it is not racial now. As a concerned citizen of this great nation - your home and mine - I am exercising my right under our Constitution to redress the ills I see in your domestic and your foreign policy, and to raise suspicion, sir, on your objectives which I do not see as beneficial to either me, my family, our community, or our nation. To this end, I am only one voice in the midst of many, exercising my free speech rights in letting you know that this is still a representative republic with a Constitution which you swore when you took the oath to uphold and protect. I ask you then, sir, to do this, and be diligent about it, because all eyes are upon you, and history will make you account for what you are about to do next. I leave with another Scripture, one which is a strong admonition to the rampant amorality of our day:
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Appealing To Race, the Last Refuge Of a Scoundrel
We used to live in a land not too long ago where the right to dissent was fundamental to our way of life. When one could posit an opinion, even if that opinion were itself most reprehensible, and yet the right to do so was protected under our Constitution in the First Amendment, and defended in court assiduously. Such is no longer the case, that is, if your dissent is against the current president. This is what happened to a public school principal recently (see the story in the following link:
Because he decided that the president's speech should not be seen by his school, he was called to task by a local reverend, who descended with his congregation on a Board of Education meeting, and demanded his ouster.
The reverend claimed that it was racism that motivated the school superintendant not to air Obama's speech. No other reason was even remotely considered; it had to be racism, because Obama is half black (his mother was Caucasian), the school district is predominantly black, and the students are predominantly black. Oh did we mention that the school superintendant was white? Then of course, his motivation for not airing Obama's speech had to have been on the basis of race, nothing more right? WRONG.
Many of the schools across the nation did not air Obama's speech because of fear of allowing the use of a public school as a venue for politicizing the cirriculum during school hours for one side of a political debate, in this case; health care reform. We see that this was the case and motivation behind Obama's pitch, as is borne out in the following article at this link:
But, of oourse, this possibility did not enter the good reverend's mind, nor to the minds of his congregation, which appeared to be almost exclusively African American. I've always had issues with self-segregated churches; whether white or black. Almost without exception, such places almost always seem to hold to some unbalanced theology and points of view. We see it with the White Power, Aryan Nation types, and with many of the liberal black churches, such as the one Barak Obama belonged to for twenty years, in which Black Liberation Theology was taught, and some of the most extreme and incendiary rhetoric was propounded from its pulpit by it spiritual leader. We see the same segregation and extremism from such organizations as the Nation of Islam and the New Black Panthers. Again, the story cited above is but another example of the same, only this time, the reverend his flock are the culprits.
Racism? The only racism evident is the one expressed by the reverend and his followers. To bring race into the picture because the superintendant is Caucasian in this day and age in this country may still apply in certain placed,but it does not in this case.
Articles are being posted on the web in which it is being asked, "Is Obama out to create a civil war in this country?" The actor John Voight recently wrote one where he asks this very question:
I believe that for the first time America is being shown the raw face of black racism; a type of reverse racism held by many African Americans and predominantly black churches and organizations throughout this nation. It was heard before by the likes of the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, as well as many members of the Congressional Black Caucus, but we are now seeing it come straight from the White House, and it has empowered many of these reverends and community leaders to use their influence in fomenting this type of reverse racism. The incident with cited in this post is the latest example.
Other articles posted are questioning whether America is a united country anymore. Pat Buchanan has asked in recent article of his for World Net Daily, "Is America coming apart?"
The beginnings of this contention and the culture of political recrimination went into high gear with the Clinton Administration in the early 90s, and its greatest manifestation was the politics of personal invectives fine tuned by the Clintons in the 2000 presidential elections. The same politics seemed to have been put aside for a few months following the tragic events of 9/11, but was resumed with the Rockefeller Memo directing all Democrats to politicize the Iraq War and every issue brought before the congress. The same tactics were used by the Clintons against Barak Obama during the last presidential elections, but he turned the tables on them, and while claiming not to do the same, did just that against both Hillary Clinton and John McCain.
The same kind of politics is being used to wage a race war and an ideological war in this country, but not the types of war that involves violence, but the ones where it is more effective in using the institutions and laws of the state to foment that type of war against certain political points of view and against certain religious groups. The practice of intolerance in the guise of being tolerant, but intolerant against opinions which do not concur with their own, and using the strong arm of the government - be it local, state, or federal - to impose such conformity across the nation. The chickens indeed have come home to roost, only this time, they roosting from the master's house.
Because he decided that the president's speech should not be seen by his school, he was called to task by a local reverend, who descended with his congregation on a Board of Education meeting, and demanded his ouster.
The reverend claimed that it was racism that motivated the school superintendant not to air Obama's speech. No other reason was even remotely considered; it had to be racism, because Obama is half black (his mother was Caucasian), the school district is predominantly black, and the students are predominantly black. Oh did we mention that the school superintendant was white? Then of course, his motivation for not airing Obama's speech had to have been on the basis of race, nothing more right? WRONG.
Many of the schools across the nation did not air Obama's speech because of fear of allowing the use of a public school as a venue for politicizing the cirriculum during school hours for one side of a political debate, in this case; health care reform. We see that this was the case and motivation behind Obama's pitch, as is borne out in the following article at this link:
But, of oourse, this possibility did not enter the good reverend's mind, nor to the minds of his congregation, which appeared to be almost exclusively African American. I've always had issues with self-segregated churches; whether white or black. Almost without exception, such places almost always seem to hold to some unbalanced theology and points of view. We see it with the White Power, Aryan Nation types, and with many of the liberal black churches, such as the one Barak Obama belonged to for twenty years, in which Black Liberation Theology was taught, and some of the most extreme and incendiary rhetoric was propounded from its pulpit by it spiritual leader. We see the same segregation and extremism from such organizations as the Nation of Islam and the New Black Panthers. Again, the story cited above is but another example of the same, only this time, the reverend his flock are the culprits.
Racism? The only racism evident is the one expressed by the reverend and his followers. To bring race into the picture because the superintendant is Caucasian in this day and age in this country may still apply in certain placed,but it does not in this case.
Articles are being posted on the web in which it is being asked, "Is Obama out to create a civil war in this country?" The actor John Voight recently wrote one where he asks this very question:
I believe that for the first time America is being shown the raw face of black racism; a type of reverse racism held by many African Americans and predominantly black churches and organizations throughout this nation. It was heard before by the likes of the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, as well as many members of the Congressional Black Caucus, but we are now seeing it come straight from the White House, and it has empowered many of these reverends and community leaders to use their influence in fomenting this type of reverse racism. The incident with cited in this post is the latest example.
Other articles posted are questioning whether America is a united country anymore. Pat Buchanan has asked in recent article of his for World Net Daily, "Is America coming apart?"
The beginnings of this contention and the culture of political recrimination went into high gear with the Clinton Administration in the early 90s, and its greatest manifestation was the politics of personal invectives fine tuned by the Clintons in the 2000 presidential elections. The same politics seemed to have been put aside for a few months following the tragic events of 9/11, but was resumed with the Rockefeller Memo directing all Democrats to politicize the Iraq War and every issue brought before the congress. The same tactics were used by the Clintons against Barak Obama during the last presidential elections, but he turned the tables on them, and while claiming not to do the same, did just that against both Hillary Clinton and John McCain.
The same kind of politics is being used to wage a race war and an ideological war in this country, but not the types of war that involves violence, but the ones where it is more effective in using the institutions and laws of the state to foment that type of war against certain political points of view and against certain religious groups. The practice of intolerance in the guise of being tolerant, but intolerant against opinions which do not concur with their own, and using the strong arm of the government - be it local, state, or federal - to impose such conformity across the nation. The chickens indeed have come home to roost, only this time, they roosting from the master's house.
What Happened to the Twelve Apostles?
THE LIVES OF THE ORIGINAL APOSTLES[1] WHO WERE CHOSEN AS ENVOYS AND WHAT LATER BECAME OF THEM[2]
We will take a brief moment to study, but not in depth, the history of what became of those other envoys whom the Messiah hand-picked to carry the Good News to all the earth, and how their work impacted the regions they traveled to, and the people of those parts and the legends they have concerning these and how they expired. Unfortunately, there is much legend, but not much material on this topic, and it is with great effort and labor that the student of history must scour and search various diverse places and obscure authorities to obtain the smallest of glimpses into the lives of these great men of God.
It is unfortunate that there does not exist a first hand journal of their travels as we have with Luke’s narrative, but where there are stories and histories about these rugged individuals who traversed land and sea to bring the Gospel of their Master to far off lands, they will be told here. But our study must be brief, since it is not in the purvue of this study for a comprehensive study of these legends. Such studies have been available for quite some time, and here the reader is recommended to go. For one of the best works outside of the Scriptural Records on the lives of the twelve envoys, the student is directed to consult the excellent work of John MacArthur, Twelve Ordinary Men.[3] There are also two very good works on the topic which provide the student with much more than what is contained in this chapter of our present work, and they are The Search for the Twelve Apostles,[4] by William Stewart McBirnie, Ph. D., and the second, The Twelve the Lives of the Apostles After Calvary,[5] by C. Bernard Ruffin. All three works excellent and well written and documented.
We now begin our study into the lives of the first twelve original envoys. With the exception of James the Lord’s brother, the twelve original envoys and the other martyrs will be treated only briefly. As mentioned above, such a study would require a volume of its own, and we have already cited three excellent works on this topic. The names of the original twelve envoys are listed in alphabetical order.
ANDREW
Andrew ben Yona was Simeon Petra (Kepha)’s brother, and also a son of Jonas. He lived in Bethsaida and Capernaum and like his brother Peter, was a fisherman before he was called by Jesus. He had been a disciple of John the Immerser.[6] It was Andrew who brought his brother, Peter to Jesus, as well as many others.[7] He is the first of the twelve original envoys to have the title of Home and Foreign Missionary. Three countries claim him as their Patron Saint— Greece, Russia, and Scotland. It is the opinion of many scholars that he preached in Scythia, Greece and Asia Minor. It is complementary of this man’s humility that although he was in a position where it would have been easy for him to have become jealous and resentful of his brother Peter, nevertheless, he was optimistic and well content as he was called to be, because his main purpose in life was to bring others to the Master. Legend has it that it was in the province of Achaia, Greece, specifically in the town of Patra that he died a martyr. When Governor Aepeas' wife was healed and became a follower of Jesus, and shortly after that the governor’s brother as well embraced the faith of the way, Aepeas became enraged. He arrested Andrew and condemned him to die by crucifixion. Feeling unworthy to be crucified on the same-shaped cross as his Master, Andrew requested that his cross be different. His request was granted, and he was crucified on an X-shaped cross.[8]
BARTHOLOMEW
Bartholomew – Natanael bar Talmai, lived in Cana of Galilee. According to legend, he took the Good News to Armenia. A number of scholars believe that he was the only disciple who came from royal blood, or noble birth. His name means Son of Tolmai or Talmai.[9] In the Tanakh Talmai was the king of Geshur whose daughter, Maacah, was the wife of David, mother of Absalom. Bartholomew's name appears with every list of the original twelve envoys.[10] Bartholomew was not his first name, but his first name was Natanael. He was the one of whom Jesus commented when they first met, “An Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.”[11] Although there is not much information which the New Testament provides about this incredible person, it is understood that he was a great scholar, and an observant Jew; a man of complete sincerity who was earnest in prayer, and one who made complete surrender of his life to the Rabbi from Nazareth, He became one of the Nazarenes’ most adventurous exponents of the Gospel. Tradition has it that he joined with Philip in taking the Good News to Phrygia and Hierapolis, as well as in Armenia. The Armenian Church claims him as its founder and its martyr. Although the Armenian Church claims him for its own, tradition has it that he went as well to India, and his death seems to have taken place there where he was flayed alive by knives.[12]
JAMES
Yacob ben Zavdai, or James, also known as the Elder, son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of John the Envoy; was a fisherman who lived in Bethsaida,[13] Capernaum and Jerusalem. He preached in Jerusalem and Judea and was beheaded by Herod Agrippa I in A.D. 44.[14] With his brother John, he was a member of the inner circle of three, and his name does not appear apart from his brothers.’ The two brothers appeared to be an inseparable pair.[15] An extraordinary man of courage and great faith, he was the first from among the original twelve envoys to suffer martyrdom for his faith when the third major persecution broke out under Agrippa.[16]
JAMES
Yacob Bar Halfai, or James, also called the Lesser or Younger, was a son of Alpheus, or Cleophas, and Mary, and lived in Galilee. He was also brother to Taddai – Jude, the author of the same letter in the New Testament. Some believe that it was he, and not James the brother of the Lord who wrote the letter of James.[17] He preached throughout Judea, Samaria, and the other regions of Roman Palestine, as well as Egypt and it was there where he was crucified. There is very little known about him, but there are scholars who believe he was the brother of Matthew, the tax collector. He was a rugged individual strong in character, possessing a fiery temperament. Although he had died by crucifixion, tradition tells us that his body was sawed in pieces.[18]
JOHN
Yochanan ben Zavdai, or John son of Simon and Salome, brother of Yacob or James,[19] is also known as this Beloved Disciple. He had been a fisherman like his brother James, who lived in Bethsaida, Capernaum and Jerusalem. Although he is reported as the author of the Gospel which bears his name, and the three letters, as well as the Revolution of Jesus the Messiah at the end of the New Testament, there is evidence that he alone was not the author of the Gospel, but that another John – the Elder – who co-authored the Gospel of John. Also the three letters of John seem to have been penned by John the Elder. Like his brother James and Peter, John was a member of the inner circle of three. He taught and preached amongst the churches of Asia Minor. He was banished to the Isle of Patmos by Nero, but after Nero’s death, he was later freed and died a natural death. He is the only one of the original twelve who did not die a martyr’s death but by natural causes. He was one of the pillars of whom Paul wrote about meeting when he visited Jerusalem from his journeys.[20] Like his brother James, he possessed a flaming temperament, and was extremely zealous, filled with much ambition and an acute desire to command. He and his brother, James, both came from a more well-to-do family. Because his father had hired servants in his fishing business[21] there may have been a time when he felt himself above the rest of the envoys. This is perhaps the reason why his mother approached Jesus with a request that her two sons be seated to Jesus’ left and right.[22] John was close to Simon Peter, and the two worked together, though Peter, acted as the spokesman for the group. As the years progressed, so did John. Gone was the explosive and ambitious son of thunder who wanted a seat of eminence to the Master’s right and his brother to the Master’s left. Instead, by the end of his life, John had become a loving disciple who was an example to those whom he was charged with as God’s flock. Legend has it that an attempt was made on his life by poisoning from which God spared him.[23] He was the only one of the original twelve to die of natural causes.[24]
JUDAS
Yehuda IshKeriot Bar Shimon, or Judas Iscariot bar Shimon, lived in Kerioth of Judah. It is he who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and committed suicide by hanging.[25] To many, Judas is the supreme enigma in that it is very difficult for many to see how anyone who was so close to Jesus, and who was a first hand eye-witness to so many miracles, and was taught directly by the Master; could ever betray the Messiah into the hands of his enemies. They forget that every time one sins, they also betray the Lord, and it was not Judas who delivered Jesus, but Jesus who surrendered His life and took it back up again, as He promised. Some wonder whether there would be redemption for Judas had he repented like the others, to which the reply would come, yes; because Messiah died for everyone without exception. His name appears in three of the lists of the twelve.[26] It is said that Judas came from Judah near Jericho. He was the only Judean among the eleven others who were all Galileans. He was the group’s treasurer, but the record states that he was a thief and a conniving liar. Some believe that he was a violent nationalist who had Zealot leanings. This position is represented in the motion picture, Jesus of Nazareth, where he wishes to enlist the Zealots in support of Jesus and to proclaim Jesus King of the Jews, expecting the Master to lead an uprising against the Romans. He is portrayed as being motivated by these delusions in betraying Jesus when it all unravels before him. It was not Judas’ betrayal that put Jesus on a Roman cross, but the collective sins of the human race, and for this purpose Jesus came, that He would offer Himself as its substitute, and Goel – Redeemer for the redemption of every human being who would ever live.[27]
JUDE
Yehuda Bar Halfai[28] – Jude, or Taddia – Thaddeus,[29] or Lebbeus,[30] son of Alpheus or Cleophas and Mary. He was a brother of Jacob – James the Younger.[31] There is little known about him other than he lived in Galilee. According to tradition, he carried the Gospel to Assyria and Persia and died a martyr in Persia. Jude, or Judas Thaddeus was also called Judas the Zealot. He had been a violent nationalist who dreamed of Israel’s restoration and Messiah Kingdom on earth.(John 14:22-23) During the last Passover Seder he and the others had with the Master on the night of His betrayal, he asked Jesus, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jude was more interested in a political and temporal solution to Israel’s dilemma with the Romans than with a spiritual kingdom Jesus was setting up in men’s hearts.[32] From Jesus’ answer to him we can see that the way of power can never be substituted for the way of love. According to tradition Jude took the Good News to Edessa near the Euphrates River,; where he healed many and many became followers of Jesus the Messiah. From there, Jude traveled to other lands and was killed with arrows at the region of Ararat.[33]
LEVI-MATTHEW
Mattityahu Bar Halpai, or Matthew, or Levi,[34] son of Alpheus, was born in Nazareth, and lived in Capernaum. He was a publican or tact collector, and an auditor for the Romans. He wrote the Gospel that bears his name as early as A.D. 35 according to some sources, and it appears that archeology and the used of papyrology is bearing this out. This Gospel was afterwards translated into Greek by James the Less. Because he was an experienced record keeper, his Gospel is the most detailed, reflecting the possibility that as he traveled with the Master daily, he kept a running record of His activities, and later sifting through these, he produced his Gospel in the Hebrew language. It is interesting that it is both Mark ad Luke who record Jesus’ call to Matthew to join the original twelve.[35] There is the possibility that James the Lesser, also of the original twelve, was related to Matthew, possibly his brother, since he is also the son of Alpheus. Because Matthew worked as a Publicanus for the Romans, he was highly hated by his fellow Jews who saw him as a traitor to his nation and his people. To them, he was nothing more than a criminal, or at least as bad as one. In the minds of observant Jews, Publicans were classified with prostitutes, sinners, and Gentiles.[36] Tax collectors had been known to assess duty payable at impossible sums and then offer to lend the money to travelers at a high rate of interest. This is what Matthew had been at the time Jesus chose him as His follower. Only the Messiah could see into this man’s heart, and see what others missed. He traveled to Parthia, and Ethiopia, taking the Good News of Messiah to those lands, and suffered martyrdom, being slain with a halberd in the city of Nadabah, Ethiopia in A.D. 60.[37]
SIMON PETER
Shimon Bar Yona,[38] or Simeon Kepha[39] (Petra), also known as Simon Peter, son of Jonas. He was a fisherman by trade who lived in Bethsaida and in Capernaum. He had a wife.[40] His evangelistic work was primarily among his fellow Jews, but he was instrumental in bringing the first Gentile family to the faith of the Way when he spoke to the Roman Centurion Cornelius and his family. His travels took him as far as the Jewish communities of Babylon, but this was also a reference to Rome during the era of persecution under Nero. Scholars are mixed in ascribing authorship of I and II Peter to him. He was also a member of the Inner Circle of the Messiah which also comprised the two sons of Zebedee – James and John, also fishermen by trade. The name of Peter is listed first in every apostolic list. The Greek meaning of Simon is rock. The Arabic meaning of Cephas is also rock. His home was Capernaum. It is believed by some that Jesus made Capernaum His base of operations during His stay there. Peter was also a Galilean and was typical of many of the other disciples. As Josephus described the Galileans, "they were ever fond of innovation and by nature disposed to change and delighted in sedition. They were ever ready to follow the leader and to begin an insurrection. They were quick in temper and given to quarreling and they were very chivalrous men." The Talmud says this of the Galileans, "They were more anxious for honor than for gain, quick-tempered, impulsive, emotional, easily aroused by an appeal to adventure, loyal to the end." In every respect, Peter was a typical Galilean. He was the leader of the twelve, and for a number of years was also the leader of the Nazarenes, and acted as their spokesperson when the situation called for it. He was the one who asked the meaning of the difficult saying,[41] and he was the one who asked how often one must forgive another. He was the one who inquired about the reward for all of those who follow Jesus. He was the one who first confessed Jesus and declared Him as the Promised Messiah, Son of the Living God. He it was who was at the Mount of Transfiguration with James and John with Jesus when Moses and Elijah appeared before them. He was the one who witnessed Jairus' daughter raised to life from the dead. In spite of all this, it was he who denied his Master the Messiah three times. Regardless of his faults, and having denied Jesus, he repented and was forgiven, and was restored to his Mater. Regardless of how often he failed, he always recovered. He was a man of great courage, possessing much humility and of the highest integrity. Because he felt unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as his Master, he requested that his crucifixion be conducted in this manner.[42]
PHILIP
Philip lived in the town of Bethsaida where he was born, the same town from which Peter and Andrew came.[43] We are not told what his trade had been, but it is highly likely that he, too, was a fisherman, like many of the others. The Synoptic Gospels record his name,[44] but the Gospel of John develops Philip’s personality in some detail. Scholars disagree on Philip. Some believe that the Philip of the twelve is not the same Philip of Acts.[45] Some confuse the Philip who successfully took the Gospel to the Samaritans and then shared it with an Ethiopian Eunich as the same Philip the Envoy (here) and original member of the twelve, but the two should not be confused.[46] Philip the envoy and original member of the first twelve followers of Jesus was a Galilean, whereas Philip the Deacon and member of one of the seven deacons was a Greek speaking Hellenist. John’s Gospel Narrative preserves Jesus’ first words to Philip, “Follow Me.” It was Philip who after meeting the Messiah, went directly to Nathanael and told him that “We have found him, of whom Moses . . . and the prophets, wrote, Jesus the son of Joseph.”[47] Nathanael’s reaction was skeptical. He rhetorically asked, “Nazareth? Can anything good come from there?”[48] Philip was wise not to argue with him; he simply answered, “Come and see.”[49] This first meeting of Philip and Nathanael tells us two important things about Philip. First, it shows his correct approach when faced with skepticism, as well as his simple faith in the Messiah. Second, it also illustrates Philip’s evangelistic spirit. He loved sharing good things with everyone who possessed a warm heart. Tradition records that he died by hanging. While he was dying, he requested that his body be wrapped in papyrus and not linen, because he did not consider himself worthy that his dead body should be treated as the body of Jesus had been treated. Tradition says that Philip preached in Phrygia and died a martyr at Hierapolis.[50]
SIMON
Shimon or Simon the Zealot, is one of the little-known followers of Jesus among the original twelve. He lived in Galilee. He is called the Canaanite[51] or Zelotes.[52] The Scriptural historical record from the New Testament provides us with practically nothing on him, except that it says he was a Zealot. The Zealots were committed, almost fanatical Jewish Nationalists who had a heroic disregard for the suffering involved and the struggle for what they regarded as the purity of their faith. The Zealots were crazed with hatred for the Romans, and it was this hatred of the Romans that destroyed the city of Jerusalem. Josephus says the Zealots were reckless persons zealous in good practices and extravagant and reckless in the worst actions. From this background, we see that Simon was a Jewish patriot, a man devoted to Torah observance, and a man with bitter hatred for anyone who dared to compromise with Rome, which for someone like him represented everything antithetical to the Jewish faith. Simon clearly emerged as a man of faith. He abandoned all his hatred, exchanging it for the faith that he showed toward his Master and the love that he was willing to share with the rest of the disciples – especially towards Matthew, the Roman tax collector. Simon, the Zealot, the man who once would have killed in loyalty to Israel, became the man who saw that God will have no forced service. He would learn of how foolish it is to try to move God’s hand, and then claim it to be “the Lord’s will.” Tradition says he died as a martyr by crucifixion.[53]
THOMAS
T’oma or Thomas Didymus was a resident of Galilee.[54] Other than his providing his name, the Synoptic Gospel Narratives provides us nothing about this member of the original twelve envoys. However, John give us a better picture of him in his Gospel narrative. John tells us that Thomas appeared in the raising of Lazarus,[55] and has him in the Upper Room where he where he asked Jesus where He was going.[56] After Jesus rose from the dead and vanquished the grave, it was Thomas who refused to believe unless he saw with his own eyes the risen Lord and the nail prints in His hands and feet, and the spear mark on the Messiah’s side.[57] This is where the epithet “doubting Thomas” comes from. Thomas was a pessimist at heart, who was easily bewildered. Yet with all of this struggles, he was a man of great courage and faith. Jesus did not disappoint him, for just as he uttered those words, Jesus appeared before him, and invited him to feel His wounds, to which Thomas exclaimed Jesus’ deity in no uncertain terms. It may be said that this was the first time Thomas ever said anything without doubting. Thomas had always been like a little child. His first reaction was not to disobey, and not to believe what he was asked to believe. The good news to him was always too good to be true. Because of this, and the undeniable fact of what he saw with his own eyes at Messiah’s appearance following His death, Thomas' faith became great, intense and convincing. Tradition says he labored in Parthia, Persia, and later in India, where he was commissioned to build a palace for the king of India, and suffered martyrdom near Madras, at Mt. St. Thomas, India where they speared him to death.[58]
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[1] Here and elsewhere in this post, I employ the use of the term “envoy” in place of “apostle” which has the same meaning without ecclesiastical hierarchal connections attached to it which later became canon in the Catholic and Protestant Churches, but which had a different meaning under the Judaism of the First Century, and especially for Jesus’ Jewish followers.
[2] The outline of these twelve envoys in alphabetical order is from the following URL: http://swartzentrover.com/cotor/Bible/Bible/NT/Gospel%20&%20Acts/12Apostles.htm#Simon_Peter
[3] W. Publishing Group, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN., 2002.
[4] Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, 1973. I read this book when it was first published, and became enthralled by it, and the stories which Dr. McBirnie shares in it. I highly recommend this work for any serious student of the subject.
[5] Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division, Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., Huntington, Indiana, 46750, first printing 1997, second printing 1984. Another very good work to include in one’s library and to peruse for additional material.
[6] Mark 1 :16-18.
[7] John 1:40.
[8] This X shaped cross is still called Saint Andrew's cross, and is one of his apostolic symbols among Catholics and many Protestants. Another symbol that is attached to Andrew is that of two crossed fish, presumably because he had formerly been a fisherman.
[9] 2 Sam. 3:3.
[10] Mat. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:1 3.
[11] John 1:47.
[12] His apostolic symbol according to Catholics and some Protestants is three parallel knives, presumably because of the way he died.
[13] It was he and his brother John who were called Boanerges, meaning sons of thunder, because they wanted to call down fire from the sky and devour a city that rejected Jesus and His message (Mark 3:17).
[14] Acts 12: 1, 2.
[15] Mark 1:19-20; Mat. 4:21; Luke 5:1-11.
[16] According to the Catholic Church and amongst some Protestant Churches, his symbol is three shells, the sign of his pilgrimage by the sea.
[17] As we will see further below, Foxes Book of Martyrs confuses this James with James the Lord’s brother, when in fact this is Yacob Bar Halfai; James the son of Alpheus. This is how this James has been confused by some with the author of the letter of James to the twelve tribes in exile, when in fact, that letter was written by James the son of Joseph who was also known by the aforementioned title, James the Lord’s brother, because he also was a son of Mary the mother of the Messiah.
[18] Among Catholics and some Protestants, the saw represents his apostolic symbol.
[19] Jesus called him and his brother James Boanerges because of their fiery temperaments (Mark 3:17).
[20] Galatians 2:9.
[21] Mark 1:20.
[22] Matthew 20:20-23.
[23] The plan was that he would be given a poisoned chalice from which he would imbibe and die.
[24] Catholic and some Protestant tradition has a chalice with a snake in it is his symbol.
[25] Mat. 26:14, 16.
[26] Mat. 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:19
[27] According to Catholic and some Protestant traditions, Judas’ apostolic symbol is a hangman's noose or a money purse with pieces of silver falling from it.
[28] Jerome called Jude "Trinomious" which means "a man with three names."
[29] His surname was Thaddeus. In Mark 3:18 he is called Thaddeus.
[30] In Matthew 10:3 he is called Lebbeus.
[31] In Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13 he is called. Judas the brother of James.
[32] This kingdom is in human hearts, and is not temporal, but eternal, and more powerful than a political theocracy. It is meant to prepare men’s hearts prior to Messiah’s second advent to earth in power on some future date.
[33] His apostolic symbol is a that of a ship because he was a missionary thought to be a fisherman.
[34] Matthew's name mean "a gift of God." There is a possibility that the name Levi could have been given to him by Jesus.
[35] Mark 2:14, Mat. 9:9; and Luke 5 :27-28.
[36] Mat. 18:17, Mat. 21:31, 33; Mat. 9:10, Mark 2:15, 16; Luke 5:30
[37] From Fox’s Book of Martyrs. The apostolic symbol of Matthew according to Catholic and some Protestant tradition is three money bags. This is to remind us that he was a tax collector at the time Jesus called him.
[38] Mark 1:16; John 1: 40, 41.
[39] I Cor. 1:12; 3:22; 9:5 and Gal. 2:9.
[40] I Cor. 9:5.
[41] Mat. 15:15.
[42] According to Catholic tradition his apostolic symbol is a cross upside down with crossed keys. The keys represent Peter as holder of the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.
[43] John 1:44.
[44] Mat. 10:3; Mark 3: 18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13.
[45] In Acts 6:5, we have Philip as one of the seven Parnasim – Diakonos – Deacons, or table waiters, a Hellenist of Stephen’s group of Greek speaking Nazarenes. Obviously, the Philip of the original twelve is another, a Galilean who presumably spoke Aramaic and perhaps some Greek and Hebrew.
[46] Acts 8:26. It appears that the Philip of the Acts was one of the many Hellenist Greek speaking Nazarenes who had been scattered when the House of Annas took its police action against the Hellenist members of the Jerusalem Nazarene Community; a campaign led by Saul-Paulus of Tarsus, himself a Hellenist, but resident of Jerusalem where he had lived for several years under the tutelage of the great Sage, Rabban Gamaliel I. He also stayed with Paul in Caesarea (Acts 21:8) and was one of the major figures in the missionary enterprise of the early days of the Nazarene Movement. The Philip of the Acts is not the Philip of the Gospel Narratives, and should not be confused one with the other.
[47] Here Philip displays an understanding that only an observant Jew of the period, and one who might very well know the rabbinical traditions of the dual Messiah theory held by many of the era – Messiah ben David and Messiah ben Yosef – Christ the Son of David and Christ the Son of Joseph. Here obviously, Philip had made the connection that this was Messiah ben Yosef, because of his use of this term to describe Jesus to Nathanael. It this was his belief at the time, then he would expect Jesus to die and be resurrected by Messiah ben David; but he would find out that the prophecies did not speak of two different Messiahs but of one, who would come two times.
[48] Because of the heavy foreign presence in Galilee, and the poor reputation Nazareth held among observant Jews of the period, this saying was commonly bandied about, and therefore preserved in John’s Gospel as having been uttered by the pious Nathanael about anyone hailing from such an disreputable city.
[49] John 1:43-51.
[50] According to Catholic and some Protestant traditions, Philip’s apostolic symbol is a basket. This is because of his part in the feeding of the five thousand. Catholic tradition says that it is he that stressed the cross as a sign of Christianity and victory.
[51] In the King James Version he is called a Canaanite in two places (Mat. 10:4; Mark 3:18).
[52] In the other two places, he is called Simon Zelotes (Luke 6: 15; Acts 1:13).
[53] According to Catholic tradition, Simon the Zealot’s apostolic symbol is a fish lying on a Bible, which indicates he was a former fisherman who became a fisher of men through the preaching of God’s Good News of Messiah.
[54] Thomas is an Anglicized version of his Hebrew name T’oma, and Didyrnus was his Greek name.
[55] John 11:1?16.
[56] John 14:1-6.
[57] John 20:25.
[58] His apostolic symbol according to Catholic and some Protestant traditions is a group of spears, stones and arrows.
We will take a brief moment to study, but not in depth, the history of what became of those other envoys whom the Messiah hand-picked to carry the Good News to all the earth, and how their work impacted the regions they traveled to, and the people of those parts and the legends they have concerning these and how they expired. Unfortunately, there is much legend, but not much material on this topic, and it is with great effort and labor that the student of history must scour and search various diverse places and obscure authorities to obtain the smallest of glimpses into the lives of these great men of God.
It is unfortunate that there does not exist a first hand journal of their travels as we have with Luke’s narrative, but where there are stories and histories about these rugged individuals who traversed land and sea to bring the Gospel of their Master to far off lands, they will be told here. But our study must be brief, since it is not in the purvue of this study for a comprehensive study of these legends. Such studies have been available for quite some time, and here the reader is recommended to go. For one of the best works outside of the Scriptural Records on the lives of the twelve envoys, the student is directed to consult the excellent work of John MacArthur, Twelve Ordinary Men.[3] There are also two very good works on the topic which provide the student with much more than what is contained in this chapter of our present work, and they are The Search for the Twelve Apostles,[4] by William Stewart McBirnie, Ph. D., and the second, The Twelve the Lives of the Apostles After Calvary,[5] by C. Bernard Ruffin. All three works excellent and well written and documented.
We now begin our study into the lives of the first twelve original envoys. With the exception of James the Lord’s brother, the twelve original envoys and the other martyrs will be treated only briefly. As mentioned above, such a study would require a volume of its own, and we have already cited three excellent works on this topic. The names of the original twelve envoys are listed in alphabetical order.
ANDREW
Andrew ben Yona was Simeon Petra (Kepha)’s brother, and also a son of Jonas. He lived in Bethsaida and Capernaum and like his brother Peter, was a fisherman before he was called by Jesus. He had been a disciple of John the Immerser.[6] It was Andrew who brought his brother, Peter to Jesus, as well as many others.[7] He is the first of the twelve original envoys to have the title of Home and Foreign Missionary. Three countries claim him as their Patron Saint— Greece, Russia, and Scotland. It is the opinion of many scholars that he preached in Scythia, Greece and Asia Minor. It is complementary of this man’s humility that although he was in a position where it would have been easy for him to have become jealous and resentful of his brother Peter, nevertheless, he was optimistic and well content as he was called to be, because his main purpose in life was to bring others to the Master. Legend has it that it was in the province of Achaia, Greece, specifically in the town of Patra that he died a martyr. When Governor Aepeas' wife was healed and became a follower of Jesus, and shortly after that the governor’s brother as well embraced the faith of the way, Aepeas became enraged. He arrested Andrew and condemned him to die by crucifixion. Feeling unworthy to be crucified on the same-shaped cross as his Master, Andrew requested that his cross be different. His request was granted, and he was crucified on an X-shaped cross.[8]
BARTHOLOMEW
Bartholomew – Natanael bar Talmai, lived in Cana of Galilee. According to legend, he took the Good News to Armenia. A number of scholars believe that he was the only disciple who came from royal blood, or noble birth. His name means Son of Tolmai or Talmai.[9] In the Tanakh Talmai was the king of Geshur whose daughter, Maacah, was the wife of David, mother of Absalom. Bartholomew's name appears with every list of the original twelve envoys.[10] Bartholomew was not his first name, but his first name was Natanael. He was the one of whom Jesus commented when they first met, “An Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.”[11] Although there is not much information which the New Testament provides about this incredible person, it is understood that he was a great scholar, and an observant Jew; a man of complete sincerity who was earnest in prayer, and one who made complete surrender of his life to the Rabbi from Nazareth, He became one of the Nazarenes’ most adventurous exponents of the Gospel. Tradition has it that he joined with Philip in taking the Good News to Phrygia and Hierapolis, as well as in Armenia. The Armenian Church claims him as its founder and its martyr. Although the Armenian Church claims him for its own, tradition has it that he went as well to India, and his death seems to have taken place there where he was flayed alive by knives.[12]
JAMES
Yacob ben Zavdai, or James, also known as the Elder, son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of John the Envoy; was a fisherman who lived in Bethsaida,[13] Capernaum and Jerusalem. He preached in Jerusalem and Judea and was beheaded by Herod Agrippa I in A.D. 44.[14] With his brother John, he was a member of the inner circle of three, and his name does not appear apart from his brothers.’ The two brothers appeared to be an inseparable pair.[15] An extraordinary man of courage and great faith, he was the first from among the original twelve envoys to suffer martyrdom for his faith when the third major persecution broke out under Agrippa.[16]
JAMES
Yacob Bar Halfai, or James, also called the Lesser or Younger, was a son of Alpheus, or Cleophas, and Mary, and lived in Galilee. He was also brother to Taddai – Jude, the author of the same letter in the New Testament. Some believe that it was he, and not James the brother of the Lord who wrote the letter of James.[17] He preached throughout Judea, Samaria, and the other regions of Roman Palestine, as well as Egypt and it was there where he was crucified. There is very little known about him, but there are scholars who believe he was the brother of Matthew, the tax collector. He was a rugged individual strong in character, possessing a fiery temperament. Although he had died by crucifixion, tradition tells us that his body was sawed in pieces.[18]
JOHN
Yochanan ben Zavdai, or John son of Simon and Salome, brother of Yacob or James,[19] is also known as this Beloved Disciple. He had been a fisherman like his brother James, who lived in Bethsaida, Capernaum and Jerusalem. Although he is reported as the author of the Gospel which bears his name, and the three letters, as well as the Revolution of Jesus the Messiah at the end of the New Testament, there is evidence that he alone was not the author of the Gospel, but that another John – the Elder – who co-authored the Gospel of John. Also the three letters of John seem to have been penned by John the Elder. Like his brother James and Peter, John was a member of the inner circle of three. He taught and preached amongst the churches of Asia Minor. He was banished to the Isle of Patmos by Nero, but after Nero’s death, he was later freed and died a natural death. He is the only one of the original twelve who did not die a martyr’s death but by natural causes. He was one of the pillars of whom Paul wrote about meeting when he visited Jerusalem from his journeys.[20] Like his brother James, he possessed a flaming temperament, and was extremely zealous, filled with much ambition and an acute desire to command. He and his brother, James, both came from a more well-to-do family. Because his father had hired servants in his fishing business[21] there may have been a time when he felt himself above the rest of the envoys. This is perhaps the reason why his mother approached Jesus with a request that her two sons be seated to Jesus’ left and right.[22] John was close to Simon Peter, and the two worked together, though Peter, acted as the spokesman for the group. As the years progressed, so did John. Gone was the explosive and ambitious son of thunder who wanted a seat of eminence to the Master’s right and his brother to the Master’s left. Instead, by the end of his life, John had become a loving disciple who was an example to those whom he was charged with as God’s flock. Legend has it that an attempt was made on his life by poisoning from which God spared him.[23] He was the only one of the original twelve to die of natural causes.[24]
JUDAS
Yehuda IshKeriot Bar Shimon, or Judas Iscariot bar Shimon, lived in Kerioth of Judah. It is he who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and committed suicide by hanging.[25] To many, Judas is the supreme enigma in that it is very difficult for many to see how anyone who was so close to Jesus, and who was a first hand eye-witness to so many miracles, and was taught directly by the Master; could ever betray the Messiah into the hands of his enemies. They forget that every time one sins, they also betray the Lord, and it was not Judas who delivered Jesus, but Jesus who surrendered His life and took it back up again, as He promised. Some wonder whether there would be redemption for Judas had he repented like the others, to which the reply would come, yes; because Messiah died for everyone without exception. His name appears in three of the lists of the twelve.[26] It is said that Judas came from Judah near Jericho. He was the only Judean among the eleven others who were all Galileans. He was the group’s treasurer, but the record states that he was a thief and a conniving liar. Some believe that he was a violent nationalist who had Zealot leanings. This position is represented in the motion picture, Jesus of Nazareth, where he wishes to enlist the Zealots in support of Jesus and to proclaim Jesus King of the Jews, expecting the Master to lead an uprising against the Romans. He is portrayed as being motivated by these delusions in betraying Jesus when it all unravels before him. It was not Judas’ betrayal that put Jesus on a Roman cross, but the collective sins of the human race, and for this purpose Jesus came, that He would offer Himself as its substitute, and Goel – Redeemer for the redemption of every human being who would ever live.[27]
JUDE
Yehuda Bar Halfai[28] – Jude, or Taddia – Thaddeus,[29] or Lebbeus,[30] son of Alpheus or Cleophas and Mary. He was a brother of Jacob – James the Younger.[31] There is little known about him other than he lived in Galilee. According to tradition, he carried the Gospel to Assyria and Persia and died a martyr in Persia. Jude, or Judas Thaddeus was also called Judas the Zealot. He had been a violent nationalist who dreamed of Israel’s restoration and Messiah Kingdom on earth.(John 14:22-23) During the last Passover Seder he and the others had with the Master on the night of His betrayal, he asked Jesus, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jude was more interested in a political and temporal solution to Israel’s dilemma with the Romans than with a spiritual kingdom Jesus was setting up in men’s hearts.[32] From Jesus’ answer to him we can see that the way of power can never be substituted for the way of love. According to tradition Jude took the Good News to Edessa near the Euphrates River,; where he healed many and many became followers of Jesus the Messiah. From there, Jude traveled to other lands and was killed with arrows at the region of Ararat.[33]
LEVI-MATTHEW
Mattityahu Bar Halpai, or Matthew, or Levi,[34] son of Alpheus, was born in Nazareth, and lived in Capernaum. He was a publican or tact collector, and an auditor for the Romans. He wrote the Gospel that bears his name as early as A.D. 35 according to some sources, and it appears that archeology and the used of papyrology is bearing this out. This Gospel was afterwards translated into Greek by James the Less. Because he was an experienced record keeper, his Gospel is the most detailed, reflecting the possibility that as he traveled with the Master daily, he kept a running record of His activities, and later sifting through these, he produced his Gospel in the Hebrew language. It is interesting that it is both Mark ad Luke who record Jesus’ call to Matthew to join the original twelve.[35] There is the possibility that James the Lesser, also of the original twelve, was related to Matthew, possibly his brother, since he is also the son of Alpheus. Because Matthew worked as a Publicanus for the Romans, he was highly hated by his fellow Jews who saw him as a traitor to his nation and his people. To them, he was nothing more than a criminal, or at least as bad as one. In the minds of observant Jews, Publicans were classified with prostitutes, sinners, and Gentiles.[36] Tax collectors had been known to assess duty payable at impossible sums and then offer to lend the money to travelers at a high rate of interest. This is what Matthew had been at the time Jesus chose him as His follower. Only the Messiah could see into this man’s heart, and see what others missed. He traveled to Parthia, and Ethiopia, taking the Good News of Messiah to those lands, and suffered martyrdom, being slain with a halberd in the city of Nadabah, Ethiopia in A.D. 60.[37]
SIMON PETER
Shimon Bar Yona,[38] or Simeon Kepha[39] (Petra), also known as Simon Peter, son of Jonas. He was a fisherman by trade who lived in Bethsaida and in Capernaum. He had a wife.[40] His evangelistic work was primarily among his fellow Jews, but he was instrumental in bringing the first Gentile family to the faith of the Way when he spoke to the Roman Centurion Cornelius and his family. His travels took him as far as the Jewish communities of Babylon, but this was also a reference to Rome during the era of persecution under Nero. Scholars are mixed in ascribing authorship of I and II Peter to him. He was also a member of the Inner Circle of the Messiah which also comprised the two sons of Zebedee – James and John, also fishermen by trade. The name of Peter is listed first in every apostolic list. The Greek meaning of Simon is rock. The Arabic meaning of Cephas is also rock. His home was Capernaum. It is believed by some that Jesus made Capernaum His base of operations during His stay there. Peter was also a Galilean and was typical of many of the other disciples. As Josephus described the Galileans, "they were ever fond of innovation and by nature disposed to change and delighted in sedition. They were ever ready to follow the leader and to begin an insurrection. They were quick in temper and given to quarreling and they were very chivalrous men." The Talmud says this of the Galileans, "They were more anxious for honor than for gain, quick-tempered, impulsive, emotional, easily aroused by an appeal to adventure, loyal to the end." In every respect, Peter was a typical Galilean. He was the leader of the twelve, and for a number of years was also the leader of the Nazarenes, and acted as their spokesperson when the situation called for it. He was the one who asked the meaning of the difficult saying,[41] and he was the one who asked how often one must forgive another. He was the one who inquired about the reward for all of those who follow Jesus. He was the one who first confessed Jesus and declared Him as the Promised Messiah, Son of the Living God. He it was who was at the Mount of Transfiguration with James and John with Jesus when Moses and Elijah appeared before them. He was the one who witnessed Jairus' daughter raised to life from the dead. In spite of all this, it was he who denied his Master the Messiah three times. Regardless of his faults, and having denied Jesus, he repented and was forgiven, and was restored to his Mater. Regardless of how often he failed, he always recovered. He was a man of great courage, possessing much humility and of the highest integrity. Because he felt unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as his Master, he requested that his crucifixion be conducted in this manner.[42]
PHILIP
Philip lived in the town of Bethsaida where he was born, the same town from which Peter and Andrew came.[43] We are not told what his trade had been, but it is highly likely that he, too, was a fisherman, like many of the others. The Synoptic Gospels record his name,[44] but the Gospel of John develops Philip’s personality in some detail. Scholars disagree on Philip. Some believe that the Philip of the twelve is not the same Philip of Acts.[45] Some confuse the Philip who successfully took the Gospel to the Samaritans and then shared it with an Ethiopian Eunich as the same Philip the Envoy (here) and original member of the twelve, but the two should not be confused.[46] Philip the envoy and original member of the first twelve followers of Jesus was a Galilean, whereas Philip the Deacon and member of one of the seven deacons was a Greek speaking Hellenist. John’s Gospel Narrative preserves Jesus’ first words to Philip, “Follow Me.” It was Philip who after meeting the Messiah, went directly to Nathanael and told him that “We have found him, of whom Moses . . . and the prophets, wrote, Jesus the son of Joseph.”[47] Nathanael’s reaction was skeptical. He rhetorically asked, “Nazareth? Can anything good come from there?”[48] Philip was wise not to argue with him; he simply answered, “Come and see.”[49] This first meeting of Philip and Nathanael tells us two important things about Philip. First, it shows his correct approach when faced with skepticism, as well as his simple faith in the Messiah. Second, it also illustrates Philip’s evangelistic spirit. He loved sharing good things with everyone who possessed a warm heart. Tradition records that he died by hanging. While he was dying, he requested that his body be wrapped in papyrus and not linen, because he did not consider himself worthy that his dead body should be treated as the body of Jesus had been treated. Tradition says that Philip preached in Phrygia and died a martyr at Hierapolis.[50]
SIMON
Shimon or Simon the Zealot, is one of the little-known followers of Jesus among the original twelve. He lived in Galilee. He is called the Canaanite[51] or Zelotes.[52] The Scriptural historical record from the New Testament provides us with practically nothing on him, except that it says he was a Zealot. The Zealots were committed, almost fanatical Jewish Nationalists who had a heroic disregard for the suffering involved and the struggle for what they regarded as the purity of their faith. The Zealots were crazed with hatred for the Romans, and it was this hatred of the Romans that destroyed the city of Jerusalem. Josephus says the Zealots were reckless persons zealous in good practices and extravagant and reckless in the worst actions. From this background, we see that Simon was a Jewish patriot, a man devoted to Torah observance, and a man with bitter hatred for anyone who dared to compromise with Rome, which for someone like him represented everything antithetical to the Jewish faith. Simon clearly emerged as a man of faith. He abandoned all his hatred, exchanging it for the faith that he showed toward his Master and the love that he was willing to share with the rest of the disciples – especially towards Matthew, the Roman tax collector. Simon, the Zealot, the man who once would have killed in loyalty to Israel, became the man who saw that God will have no forced service. He would learn of how foolish it is to try to move God’s hand, and then claim it to be “the Lord’s will.” Tradition says he died as a martyr by crucifixion.[53]
THOMAS
T’oma or Thomas Didymus was a resident of Galilee.[54] Other than his providing his name, the Synoptic Gospel Narratives provides us nothing about this member of the original twelve envoys. However, John give us a better picture of him in his Gospel narrative. John tells us that Thomas appeared in the raising of Lazarus,[55] and has him in the Upper Room where he where he asked Jesus where He was going.[56] After Jesus rose from the dead and vanquished the grave, it was Thomas who refused to believe unless he saw with his own eyes the risen Lord and the nail prints in His hands and feet, and the spear mark on the Messiah’s side.[57] This is where the epithet “doubting Thomas” comes from. Thomas was a pessimist at heart, who was easily bewildered. Yet with all of this struggles, he was a man of great courage and faith. Jesus did not disappoint him, for just as he uttered those words, Jesus appeared before him, and invited him to feel His wounds, to which Thomas exclaimed Jesus’ deity in no uncertain terms. It may be said that this was the first time Thomas ever said anything without doubting. Thomas had always been like a little child. His first reaction was not to disobey, and not to believe what he was asked to believe. The good news to him was always too good to be true. Because of this, and the undeniable fact of what he saw with his own eyes at Messiah’s appearance following His death, Thomas' faith became great, intense and convincing. Tradition says he labored in Parthia, Persia, and later in India, where he was commissioned to build a palace for the king of India, and suffered martyrdom near Madras, at Mt. St. Thomas, India where they speared him to death.[58]
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[1] Here and elsewhere in this post, I employ the use of the term “envoy” in place of “apostle” which has the same meaning without ecclesiastical hierarchal connections attached to it which later became canon in the Catholic and Protestant Churches, but which had a different meaning under the Judaism of the First Century, and especially for Jesus’ Jewish followers.
[2] The outline of these twelve envoys in alphabetical order is from the following URL: http://swartzentrover.com/cotor/Bible/Bible/NT/Gospel%20&%20Acts/12Apostles.htm#Simon_Peter
[3] W. Publishing Group, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN., 2002.
[4] Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, 1973. I read this book when it was first published, and became enthralled by it, and the stories which Dr. McBirnie shares in it. I highly recommend this work for any serious student of the subject.
[5] Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division, Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., Huntington, Indiana, 46750, first printing 1997, second printing 1984. Another very good work to include in one’s library and to peruse for additional material.
[6] Mark 1 :16-18.
[7] John 1:40.
[8] This X shaped cross is still called Saint Andrew's cross, and is one of his apostolic symbols among Catholics and many Protestants. Another symbol that is attached to Andrew is that of two crossed fish, presumably because he had formerly been a fisherman.
[9] 2 Sam. 3:3.
[10] Mat. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:1 3.
[11] John 1:47.
[12] His apostolic symbol according to Catholics and some Protestants is three parallel knives, presumably because of the way he died.
[13] It was he and his brother John who were called Boanerges, meaning sons of thunder, because they wanted to call down fire from the sky and devour a city that rejected Jesus and His message (Mark 3:17).
[14] Acts 12: 1, 2.
[15] Mark 1:19-20; Mat. 4:21; Luke 5:1-11.
[16] According to the Catholic Church and amongst some Protestant Churches, his symbol is three shells, the sign of his pilgrimage by the sea.
[17] As we will see further below, Foxes Book of Martyrs confuses this James with James the Lord’s brother, when in fact this is Yacob Bar Halfai; James the son of Alpheus. This is how this James has been confused by some with the author of the letter of James to the twelve tribes in exile, when in fact, that letter was written by James the son of Joseph who was also known by the aforementioned title, James the Lord’s brother, because he also was a son of Mary the mother of the Messiah.
[18] Among Catholics and some Protestants, the saw represents his apostolic symbol.
[19] Jesus called him and his brother James Boanerges because of their fiery temperaments (Mark 3:17).
[20] Galatians 2:9.
[21] Mark 1:20.
[22] Matthew 20:20-23.
[23] The plan was that he would be given a poisoned chalice from which he would imbibe and die.
[24] Catholic and some Protestant tradition has a chalice with a snake in it is his symbol.
[25] Mat. 26:14, 16.
[26] Mat. 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:19
[27] According to Catholic and some Protestant traditions, Judas’ apostolic symbol is a hangman's noose or a money purse with pieces of silver falling from it.
[28] Jerome called Jude "Trinomious" which means "a man with three names."
[29] His surname was Thaddeus. In Mark 3:18 he is called Thaddeus.
[30] In Matthew 10:3 he is called Lebbeus.
[31] In Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13 he is called. Judas the brother of James.
[32] This kingdom is in human hearts, and is not temporal, but eternal, and more powerful than a political theocracy. It is meant to prepare men’s hearts prior to Messiah’s second advent to earth in power on some future date.
[33] His apostolic symbol is a that of a ship because he was a missionary thought to be a fisherman.
[34] Matthew's name mean "a gift of God." There is a possibility that the name Levi could have been given to him by Jesus.
[35] Mark 2:14, Mat. 9:9; and Luke 5 :27-28.
[36] Mat. 18:17, Mat. 21:31, 33; Mat. 9:10, Mark 2:15, 16; Luke 5:30
[37] From Fox’s Book of Martyrs. The apostolic symbol of Matthew according to Catholic and some Protestant tradition is three money bags. This is to remind us that he was a tax collector at the time Jesus called him.
[38] Mark 1:16; John 1: 40, 41.
[39] I Cor. 1:12; 3:22; 9:5 and Gal. 2:9.
[40] I Cor. 9:5.
[41] Mat. 15:15.
[42] According to Catholic tradition his apostolic symbol is a cross upside down with crossed keys. The keys represent Peter as holder of the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.
[43] John 1:44.
[44] Mat. 10:3; Mark 3: 18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13.
[45] In Acts 6:5, we have Philip as one of the seven Parnasim – Diakonos – Deacons, or table waiters, a Hellenist of Stephen’s group of Greek speaking Nazarenes. Obviously, the Philip of the original twelve is another, a Galilean who presumably spoke Aramaic and perhaps some Greek and Hebrew.
[46] Acts 8:26. It appears that the Philip of the Acts was one of the many Hellenist Greek speaking Nazarenes who had been scattered when the House of Annas took its police action against the Hellenist members of the Jerusalem Nazarene Community; a campaign led by Saul-Paulus of Tarsus, himself a Hellenist, but resident of Jerusalem where he had lived for several years under the tutelage of the great Sage, Rabban Gamaliel I. He also stayed with Paul in Caesarea (Acts 21:8) and was one of the major figures in the missionary enterprise of the early days of the Nazarene Movement. The Philip of the Acts is not the Philip of the Gospel Narratives, and should not be confused one with the other.
[47] Here Philip displays an understanding that only an observant Jew of the period, and one who might very well know the rabbinical traditions of the dual Messiah theory held by many of the era – Messiah ben David and Messiah ben Yosef – Christ the Son of David and Christ the Son of Joseph. Here obviously, Philip had made the connection that this was Messiah ben Yosef, because of his use of this term to describe Jesus to Nathanael. It this was his belief at the time, then he would expect Jesus to die and be resurrected by Messiah ben David; but he would find out that the prophecies did not speak of two different Messiahs but of one, who would come two times.
[48] Because of the heavy foreign presence in Galilee, and the poor reputation Nazareth held among observant Jews of the period, this saying was commonly bandied about, and therefore preserved in John’s Gospel as having been uttered by the pious Nathanael about anyone hailing from such an disreputable city.
[49] John 1:43-51.
[50] According to Catholic and some Protestant traditions, Philip’s apostolic symbol is a basket. This is because of his part in the feeding of the five thousand. Catholic tradition says that it is he that stressed the cross as a sign of Christianity and victory.
[51] In the King James Version he is called a Canaanite in two places (Mat. 10:4; Mark 3:18).
[52] In the other two places, he is called Simon Zelotes (Luke 6: 15; Acts 1:13).
[53] According to Catholic tradition, Simon the Zealot’s apostolic symbol is a fish lying on a Bible, which indicates he was a former fisherman who became a fisher of men through the preaching of God’s Good News of Messiah.
[54] Thomas is an Anglicized version of his Hebrew name T’oma, and Didyrnus was his Greek name.
[55] John 11:1?16.
[56] John 14:1-6.
[57] John 20:25.
[58] His apostolic symbol according to Catholic and some Protestant traditions is a group of spears, stones and arrows.
The Mysterious Passage of Matthew 27:51-66
Another event which occurred at the time of Jesus’ execution, related to others which followed afterwards, of which only Matthew records; is the one in which certain miraculous events surrounding Jesus’ death, and His resurrection, are provided for us; but which leave us with many questions. Matthew doesn’t provide those explanations to his readers, and it is left up to us to examine them more closely. I for one, am not of that school of students of the Scriptures who debunk the unexplained and miraculous as mythological accounts, but as real events written and preserved for us by those who saw and experienced them. If they had not happened and these people not seen and experienced it, they would not have included them in their historical accounts of them. Therefore, in examining these miraculous occurrences following Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, I provide the following from my own knowledge and understanding of why Matthew would include them in his Gospel Narrative without providing us with any other details of them by way of explanation.[1]
We are told that the veil of the Temple was split in two from top to bottom, the rocks were split – indicating an earthquake – since the narrative also mentions the earth shaking.[2] All of which occurred precisely at the moment cried out with a loud voice and gave up His spirit.[3] Another occurrence that Matthew records, apparently as an eyewitness to it or on the testimony of unimpeachable sources he personally knew whose testimony on the matter he considered beyond question; records that the bodies of godly people – we are not told how many, nor are their identities disclosed to us – these “saints’ rose from the dead, and three days later, at His resurrection; entered the holy city of Jerusalem, and were seen by many there.
Considering the religious and socio-political climate at the time, it is altogether logical that this occurrence be recorded, but not widely known. If these people – Jesus included - were to be seen by most of the populace, it would have caused a revolution; the people would have risen up against the political and religious authorities, and proclaim Jesus as their King Messiah.
It was not Jesus’ intent, nor the prophetic timing for this to happen at this time, but at a future date, since Jesus’ return would not occur in their lifetimes, but at a future date designated by God. Indeed, Jesus makes it quite clear that His follower’s mission to spread the good news would not be complete before His return and God sets His kingdom among the nations. This indicates that at the time of the Lord’s return, the message of the Gospel will still be preached among Israel and the nations; and the people still converted to it. In other words, the original believers, Envoys, and others from among the Nazarenes would long be gone, and their preaching having reached the limits of the lands of Jewish exile, and the Messiah’s coming – even His eminent return – would still be an event in the distant future.
Because of this, the socio-political climate, and the fallout a revolt against Rome and the established order would create; and the disastrous results from it; the already close-knit group of Jesus’ followers; kept this event and those surrounding it, a closely guarded secret, especially from their fellow countrymen. As mentioned earlier, it is not by chance, and significant, that of all of the four Gospels, only Matthew’s Gospel Narrative records it.
The Romans, who were only interested in any occurrence containing any potential for an insurrection to take place, do not have a recording of this which survives us. Considering that this event was kept from their knowledge, and only disseminated by Jesus’ followers among themselves by those who experienced it first hand, including possibly Matthew himself; it is not at all illogical for them not for the Romans to have heard of it. There is also the possibility which I have posited earlier that some reports of these things did make it to Pilate, and it is from these that Matthew drew his story, but I tend to believe the former. The reason for this is because, Jews were a close knit society, and they highly distrusted and disliked the Romans, and their own religious leadership in Jerusalem. What’s more, the Nazarenes were themselves a close-knit community within the Jewish community, who themselves were all hiding for fear of their lives at this time from both the Roman civil and Jewish religious authorities. Thus, a story like this would not have made it outside of their circle, because they would have done everything in their power to keep it from being know and to that end, it is my opinion; they applied themselves assiduously.
Those holy people who were raised from the dead at the time of Jesus’ execution, and who left their tombs, and entered the city proper at the time of Jesus’ resurrection would only immediately visit their loved ones, and acquaintances – not the general public, whom they would have shunned for fear it would be reported to the Romans. It is logical to assume that Jesus Himself would have charged them not to expose themselves to those outside the Nazarene community, due to the delicate nature of the prophetic timing of events to follow, and to avoid the possibility of any disorder or disturbance related to their appearances which would likely precipitate a violent revolt against the corrupt religious priesthood, and open war with Rome.
We are not told of the fate of these resurrected righteous, but it is highly likely that they lived out the remainder of their days in relative obscurity within the Nazarene communities around Jerusalem. Due to the report of Jesus’ resurrection by the eyewitnesses to these events, including those who guarded the tomb, in some cases numbering in the hundreds, and the possibility that this incident of many resurrections, including the false reports concocted by the corrupt Jewish religious authorities in Jerusalem in which they bribed the Romans who guarded the tomb to report that Jesus’ body had been stolen by His followers, the Romans issued an Imperial Inscription bearing the title Diatagma Kaisaros, acquired at the city of Nazareth in the Nineteenth Century. The archeological artifact contains twenty-one lines in Greek, and scholars date it approximately to the period between 50 B.C. and A.D. 50. The text attests to the sanctity of tombs, threatening capital punishment to anyone who would attempt to defile a tomb by removing its remains. Because this archeological discovery dates to between the years 50 B.C. and A.D. 50, it attests to the authenticity of the written records we have, and early dating of them from an independent and hostile source – in this case – the Romans. If these events – Jesus’ resurrection and the resurrection of righteous believers – had not occurred and been written about at least prior to A.D. 50, Rome would not have found it necessary to respond in such a manner. Therefore, it also attests to the genuine tradition of the resurrection as evidenced in a controversy so great between Jesus’ Jewish followers and the Jewish religious and civil authorities that a Roman response to them would be required to meet the challenge. It is said of these Jewish followers of Jesus that they were turning the world upside down. Yes, it would appear, as borne out by the records, with new ones being discovered and unearthed each day; that not only was the Roman world being turned upside down, but Jewish one as well.
It is also interesting that only Matthew records the Roman involvement and its details in guarding the tomb where Jesus’ body had lain,[4] though each Gospel Narrative provides us with other details of the negotiations between prominent members of the Sanhedrin and the Pilate.[5] Again, this is not coincidental. Because Matthew had been a “telones,” a term[6] referring to a custom official charged with keeping records on levies imposed upon Rome on its subjects at key border crossings – in Matthew’s case being Capernaum – possessing the experience and first had knowledge of these events, it is wholly consistent with his background that he have kept a shorthand record of the events we read in his Gospel Narrative, which he set to put into narrative form shortly after they occurred, some say in the Hebrew Language originally.
Therefore, because of Matthew's unique relationship with the Roman civil authorities, and John's unique relationship with the family of the High Priests in Jerusalem; we have from two independent sources within the Nazarenes, first hand accounts of the inside workings of the civil and religious authorities, and the negotiations between themselves, and Jesus' detractors plot to have Him executed. Adding to that, the testimonies drawn upon from eye-witnesses in order to accurately cross reference to their own accounts of some of these events in which they were not participants of. Matthew's special relationship with the Roman civil authorities cannot be overstressed. It is from this, and his experiences as a record keeper, an auditor and tax collector for them that he draws upon in safeguarding a faithful record of these events he and others had witnessed and been a part of, including the Romans and their involvement in them; resulting in the most complete and detailed of the Synoptic Gospels written just a few years within the time of their happening.
Thus, he it is who records uniquely for us, the details of the Roman involvement in guarding Jesus' burial place from any potential grave robbers. It would be left for his Gospel Narrative to provide for the historian the source to go to in order to obtain the legal ramifications under Roman Law of Jesus' resurrection, impacting as it did the lives and fate of the soldiers charged on pain of death with securing and guarding the remains of the Rabbi from Galilee. Thus, he put into his Gospel Account this small, but most significant detail along with all of the others, such as the resurrection of the godly departed following Jesus' own death and resurrection.
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[1] It is almost as though he intentionally wishes to reader to examine for himself/herself those things he writes about, and puts these extraordinary occurrences for us to look into ourselves. We do this here.
[2] Matthew 27:51-52.
[3] Matthew 27:50-51a.
[4] Mathew 27:62-66.
[5] Matthew provides his own details of this arrangement between the Sanhedrin members who were followers of Jesus and Pilate, see Matthew 27:57-61 and the women who witnessed these arrangements. See also Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42.
[6] In his excellent work on Papyrological evidences for the early dating of Matthew’s and Mark’s Gospels, and I would assume the Luke’s and John’s as well, Matthew D’Ancona writes from Dr. Carsten Peter Thiede’s findings, the following with regards to Matthew’s station, and unique role writing his Gospel account: “He was a telones, which in Greek could be used to refer to an official who was in charge of a customs station. In his case, he was in charge of a major border crossing. At Capernaum, two forms of levies were involved. One was the sea tax which fishermen had to pay in Roman times. The other was the land border tax levied on goods traveling along the Via Maris, the important trade route between Damascus (90 km/56 mi. inland) and the Mediterranean Sea. This road crossed the domain of Phillip the Tetrarch and touched the border with the Galilean territory of Herod Antipas adjacent to Capernaum, where there was also a junction leading toward Tyre and Chorazin. Recent research has been able to establish that Levi-Matthew was an influential customs official, perhaps even the leaseholder or tenant of the station, in accordance with the bureaucratic practice of the time." Matthew D’Ancona, writing for Dr. Carsten Peter Theide. Eyewitness to Jesus, Doubleday, New York, Toronto, London, Sydney, Auckland, 1996, pg. 16 bottom paragraph to pg. 17 top. But see also pg. 16-18, third paragraph, which covers more entirely this aspect of Matthew, the Jew who was a Roman Official.
We are told that the veil of the Temple was split in two from top to bottom, the rocks were split – indicating an earthquake – since the narrative also mentions the earth shaking.[2] All of which occurred precisely at the moment cried out with a loud voice and gave up His spirit.[3] Another occurrence that Matthew records, apparently as an eyewitness to it or on the testimony of unimpeachable sources he personally knew whose testimony on the matter he considered beyond question; records that the bodies of godly people – we are not told how many, nor are their identities disclosed to us – these “saints’ rose from the dead, and three days later, at His resurrection; entered the holy city of Jerusalem, and were seen by many there.
Considering the religious and socio-political climate at the time, it is altogether logical that this occurrence be recorded, but not widely known. If these people – Jesus included - were to be seen by most of the populace, it would have caused a revolution; the people would have risen up against the political and religious authorities, and proclaim Jesus as their King Messiah.
It was not Jesus’ intent, nor the prophetic timing for this to happen at this time, but at a future date, since Jesus’ return would not occur in their lifetimes, but at a future date designated by God. Indeed, Jesus makes it quite clear that His follower’s mission to spread the good news would not be complete before His return and God sets His kingdom among the nations. This indicates that at the time of the Lord’s return, the message of the Gospel will still be preached among Israel and the nations; and the people still converted to it. In other words, the original believers, Envoys, and others from among the Nazarenes would long be gone, and their preaching having reached the limits of the lands of Jewish exile, and the Messiah’s coming – even His eminent return – would still be an event in the distant future.
Because of this, the socio-political climate, and the fallout a revolt against Rome and the established order would create; and the disastrous results from it; the already close-knit group of Jesus’ followers; kept this event and those surrounding it, a closely guarded secret, especially from their fellow countrymen. As mentioned earlier, it is not by chance, and significant, that of all of the four Gospels, only Matthew’s Gospel Narrative records it.
The Romans, who were only interested in any occurrence containing any potential for an insurrection to take place, do not have a recording of this which survives us. Considering that this event was kept from their knowledge, and only disseminated by Jesus’ followers among themselves by those who experienced it first hand, including possibly Matthew himself; it is not at all illogical for them not for the Romans to have heard of it. There is also the possibility which I have posited earlier that some reports of these things did make it to Pilate, and it is from these that Matthew drew his story, but I tend to believe the former. The reason for this is because, Jews were a close knit society, and they highly distrusted and disliked the Romans, and their own religious leadership in Jerusalem. What’s more, the Nazarenes were themselves a close-knit community within the Jewish community, who themselves were all hiding for fear of their lives at this time from both the Roman civil and Jewish religious authorities. Thus, a story like this would not have made it outside of their circle, because they would have done everything in their power to keep it from being know and to that end, it is my opinion; they applied themselves assiduously.
Those holy people who were raised from the dead at the time of Jesus’ execution, and who left their tombs, and entered the city proper at the time of Jesus’ resurrection would only immediately visit their loved ones, and acquaintances – not the general public, whom they would have shunned for fear it would be reported to the Romans. It is logical to assume that Jesus Himself would have charged them not to expose themselves to those outside the Nazarene community, due to the delicate nature of the prophetic timing of events to follow, and to avoid the possibility of any disorder or disturbance related to their appearances which would likely precipitate a violent revolt against the corrupt religious priesthood, and open war with Rome.
We are not told of the fate of these resurrected righteous, but it is highly likely that they lived out the remainder of their days in relative obscurity within the Nazarene communities around Jerusalem. Due to the report of Jesus’ resurrection by the eyewitnesses to these events, including those who guarded the tomb, in some cases numbering in the hundreds, and the possibility that this incident of many resurrections, including the false reports concocted by the corrupt Jewish religious authorities in Jerusalem in which they bribed the Romans who guarded the tomb to report that Jesus’ body had been stolen by His followers, the Romans issued an Imperial Inscription bearing the title Diatagma Kaisaros, acquired at the city of Nazareth in the Nineteenth Century. The archeological artifact contains twenty-one lines in Greek, and scholars date it approximately to the period between 50 B.C. and A.D. 50. The text attests to the sanctity of tombs, threatening capital punishment to anyone who would attempt to defile a tomb by removing its remains. Because this archeological discovery dates to between the years 50 B.C. and A.D. 50, it attests to the authenticity of the written records we have, and early dating of them from an independent and hostile source – in this case – the Romans. If these events – Jesus’ resurrection and the resurrection of righteous believers – had not occurred and been written about at least prior to A.D. 50, Rome would not have found it necessary to respond in such a manner. Therefore, it also attests to the genuine tradition of the resurrection as evidenced in a controversy so great between Jesus’ Jewish followers and the Jewish religious and civil authorities that a Roman response to them would be required to meet the challenge. It is said of these Jewish followers of Jesus that they were turning the world upside down. Yes, it would appear, as borne out by the records, with new ones being discovered and unearthed each day; that not only was the Roman world being turned upside down, but Jewish one as well.
It is also interesting that only Matthew records the Roman involvement and its details in guarding the tomb where Jesus’ body had lain,[4] though each Gospel Narrative provides us with other details of the negotiations between prominent members of the Sanhedrin and the Pilate.[5] Again, this is not coincidental. Because Matthew had been a “telones,” a term[6] referring to a custom official charged with keeping records on levies imposed upon Rome on its subjects at key border crossings – in Matthew’s case being Capernaum – possessing the experience and first had knowledge of these events, it is wholly consistent with his background that he have kept a shorthand record of the events we read in his Gospel Narrative, which he set to put into narrative form shortly after they occurred, some say in the Hebrew Language originally.
Therefore, because of Matthew's unique relationship with the Roman civil authorities, and John's unique relationship with the family of the High Priests in Jerusalem; we have from two independent sources within the Nazarenes, first hand accounts of the inside workings of the civil and religious authorities, and the negotiations between themselves, and Jesus' detractors plot to have Him executed. Adding to that, the testimonies drawn upon from eye-witnesses in order to accurately cross reference to their own accounts of some of these events in which they were not participants of. Matthew's special relationship with the Roman civil authorities cannot be overstressed. It is from this, and his experiences as a record keeper, an auditor and tax collector for them that he draws upon in safeguarding a faithful record of these events he and others had witnessed and been a part of, including the Romans and their involvement in them; resulting in the most complete and detailed of the Synoptic Gospels written just a few years within the time of their happening.
Thus, he it is who records uniquely for us, the details of the Roman involvement in guarding Jesus' burial place from any potential grave robbers. It would be left for his Gospel Narrative to provide for the historian the source to go to in order to obtain the legal ramifications under Roman Law of Jesus' resurrection, impacting as it did the lives and fate of the soldiers charged on pain of death with securing and guarding the remains of the Rabbi from Galilee. Thus, he put into his Gospel Account this small, but most significant detail along with all of the others, such as the resurrection of the godly departed following Jesus' own death and resurrection.
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[1] It is almost as though he intentionally wishes to reader to examine for himself/herself those things he writes about, and puts these extraordinary occurrences for us to look into ourselves. We do this here.
[2] Matthew 27:51-52.
[3] Matthew 27:50-51a.
[4] Mathew 27:62-66.
[5] Matthew provides his own details of this arrangement between the Sanhedrin members who were followers of Jesus and Pilate, see Matthew 27:57-61 and the women who witnessed these arrangements. See also Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42.
[6] In his excellent work on Papyrological evidences for the early dating of Matthew’s and Mark’s Gospels, and I would assume the Luke’s and John’s as well, Matthew D’Ancona writes from Dr. Carsten Peter Thiede’s findings, the following with regards to Matthew’s station, and unique role writing his Gospel account: “He was a telones, which in Greek could be used to refer to an official who was in charge of a customs station. In his case, he was in charge of a major border crossing. At Capernaum, two forms of levies were involved. One was the sea tax which fishermen had to pay in Roman times. The other was the land border tax levied on goods traveling along the Via Maris, the important trade route between Damascus (90 km/56 mi. inland) and the Mediterranean Sea. This road crossed the domain of Phillip the Tetrarch and touched the border with the Galilean territory of Herod Antipas adjacent to Capernaum, where there was also a junction leading toward Tyre and Chorazin. Recent research has been able to establish that Levi-Matthew was an influential customs official, perhaps even the leaseholder or tenant of the station, in accordance with the bureaucratic practice of the time." Matthew D’Ancona, writing for Dr. Carsten Peter Theide. Eyewitness to Jesus, Doubleday, New York, Toronto, London, Sydney, Auckland, 1996, pg. 16 bottom paragraph to pg. 17 top. But see also pg. 16-18, third paragraph, which covers more entirely this aspect of Matthew, the Jew who was a Roman Official.
A Reexamination of the Resurrection Records
THREE DARK DAYS
There have been many articles and books on the resurrection, many very well written and researched, some of which I cite below. Here we will attempt to understand what could have transpired the days and weeks which followed the crucifixion, death, and burial of Yeshua ben Joseph, known to many as Jesus Christ (Yeshua the Messiah).
Some life changing and earth-shattering event must have transpired for forty-three days following Jesus' execution and burial to have changed a group of some five hundred or so devout Jewish followers of the Nazarene to have impelled them into bold, and fearless exponents of the messianic message of Good News about Messiah's coming. Something which has changed the coarse of Jewish and human history from the day of its infancy to this day, and which has repercussions for Israel, the Jewish people, and every tribe and nation to this day.
In order for us to understand what had transpired in the lives of His immediate followers; in changing what had become a scattered and persecuted group of dejected men and women into a dynamic movement that outstripped every other in growth during its infancy; one must consult the oldest records of their beginnings; the Gospel narratives, the Acts of the Envoys, and various independent sources of the times.
[1]We must consult the scriptural sources[2] which tell us of what had transpired for the first forty days following the Master’s death on the Roman execution stake.[3] In so doing, we will better understand the unbridled fear and remorse that these people must have felt during those fateful three days following the Messiah’s death; and the irrefutable event which transformed them all. We must recall, that so acute was their fear of arrests and reprisals by the authorities, that all of Jesus’ disciples had forgotten that their Master had spoken to them, on many occasions, that these things would have to occur.
[4] In a fragment of the Gospel of Peter, we are provided with such a detail as the situation these followers of Jesus found themselves embroiled in after the crucifixion. It has them saying that...
“we were sought for by them as malefactors, and as desiring to burn the temple.”
[5] We know that following His arrest, the twelve fled. At that time, they felt shame with being identified with a movement whose ringleader had died such an ignominious death as crucifixion. We must also recall, that they had witnessed the result of the pummeling He suffered on the part of the Sanhedrin’s fists.[6] The blows visited upon Him on the part of those who were holding Him in custody, while He awaited His final trial outside the High Priest’s home.[7] The cruel battering He endured from the soldiers of the Roman cohort[8] with a staff made of reed.[9] The crown of sharp thorns which the self-same Romans mockingly pressed on His head, along with the violet and scarlet robe.[10] And the ill-treatment He suffered at the hands of the Herodians, when they mockingly dressed Him up in gorgeous robe.[11] These incessant beatings brought on facial swelling and disfigurement.[12] The pulling of His beard.[13] The flogging with the infamous Roman whip.[14] The humiliation and the mocking must have been unbearable. Particularly, when the Person undergoing this suffering was fully cognizant of His mission and rank within the cosmic order; the only Son of God suffering terrible torture at the hands of His Father’s own creation for its reconciliation with its Creator. This cruel and incessant physical and emotional punishing was evidently much more than was suffered by the average alleged malefactor. For the disciples the monstrous suffering and torture and humiliation that the Master had borne, and His resulting death, must have struck them with an unbearable mixture of emotions; hopeless grief, humiliation, acute despair, a deep sense of loss, a gaping emptiness, and a realization of the totality and finality that one feels at the passing of a loved one.[15] We must remember that for three years or more, He had been their rabbi, and these people had been His community; more than His community; His family. We must also recall that if the multitude had mourned for Him greatly, how much more those who were His immediate devotees. The three days following His execution, must have been the longest of their collective lives. As to reaction from the others, who by now had been apprised of the events of the last few days in and around Jerusalem, Schonfield writes:
“Puzzled and disturbed, Jerusalem on the surface slowly quieted down when the shock had been absorbed, as so many other shocks had to be in these grievous times. But an undercurrent remained, both of bitterness and speculation. Among the masses there was anger with the chief priests, especially with the high priest Caiaphas, for what they had done. They were lackeys of the Romans, concerned to safeguard their wealth and privileges. They were corrupt, unworthy servants of God, anti-messianists who accepted foreign ways and tolerated heathen rule. Saints and militants alike agreed that wickedness in high places was one of the great obstacles to redemption.”[16]
The tomb where Jesus was buried was the property of a prominent Pharisee by the name of Joseph, a devout man, and secret follower who had disagreed with the Council’s verdict. This same Pharisee, along with another prominent Pharisee; Nakdimon, went to the Roman Procurator Pilate and requested the Master’s corpse. It is ironic that Jesus’ immediate followers fled in fright when He was apprehended, while these two, who had been secret followers of His, now came out in the open.[17] There is a strong possibility that Jesus had many more secret followers within the Pharisaic faction of Judaism at this time, and that some of these now included themselves with both Joseph and Nakdimon.[18] Pilate was surprised that Jesus had passed away so soon after being on the cross for only six hours,[19] so he summoned a centurion to confirm the death.[20] The reason Pilate had been surprised of Jesus’ early death was because, after witnessing many crucifixions, he no doubt had seen how some men lasted up to twenty-four hours before expiring. The criminals crucified at Jesus’ side had their legs broken by the Romans to “mercifully” speed their deaths, but the narrative tells us that when they came to the Master, they didn’t have to resort to breaking any of His legs because He had expired, no doubt due to the physical abuse He had endured at the hands of His malefactors.[21] Alfred Edersheim writes about the particular time of Jesus’ death and burial:
“The brief spring-day was verging towards the ‘evening of the Sabbath’. In general, the Law ordered that the body of a criminal should not be left hanging unburied over night. Perhaps in ordinary circumstances the Jews might not have appealed so confidently to Pilate as actually to ask him to shorten the sufferings of those on the Cross, since the punishment of crucifixion often lasted not only for hours but days, ere death ensued. But here was a special occasion. The Sabbath about to open was a ‘high-day’-it was both a Sabbath and the second Paschal Day, which was regarded as in every respect equally sacred with the first-nay, more so, since the so-called Wavesheaf was then offered to the Lord.”[22]
When he received the confirmation, he allowed Joseph to take the body. We are told that Joseph brought a linen cloth, took Him down, wrapped Him in the linen cloth, and laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of solid rock; and he had a heavy stone rolled[23] against the entrance of the tomb.[24] The Gospel narratives also tell us that His burial was hastily carried out, close to the site where He expired, in a garden. The haste was to due to the fact that the preparation day before Shabbat[25] was approaching, what’s more; it was the second day of Passover.[26] Everything had to be done properly, according to the strictures of Torah, before sunset. Mark mentions that Mary Magdalene and Miriam the mother of Joses were looking on to see where the body was being laid.[27] There would be no question as to where to go; after Shabbat to anoint the corpse. Matthew, on his part, also mentions that Mary was present when Jesus was being laid in the tomb, and that the other Mary had accompanied her; but does not explain why she was with them.
Before we continue in our study, we must pause for the moment, and examine carefully what the records say with regards to what was done with Jesus’ body, and take these into account, for in doing so, we will obtain for ourselves a much better understanding not only of the entire picture of what occurred, but a deeper appreciation of the events and how these people lived through them. For these events were to become the mortar which was used later to build the bricks of faith on which the foundation of Jesus the Messiah and His resurrection would be built in these people; and for us, in our faith.
We know from the narrative that it was the Day of Preparation,[28] and due to this, the religious authorities (the Jews as the Johannine Narrative calls them) requested the Romans break all of the prisoner’s legs in order to hasten death before Shabbat.[29]
We know from the narrative from the Johannine Gospel Narrative that the Romans complied by breaking the legs of both the prisoners crucified with Jesus, but when they came to Him, and found that He had already expired, they choose not to break His legs--it was unnecessary under the circumstances.[30]
We know that the records state that in order to confirm that Jesus had expired, one of the Roman guards thrust his pear deep into Jesus’ side as He still hung on the cross, and according to the records, what came out appeared to be blood and water,[31] evidence that Jesus had expired perhaps hours earlier due to massive heart failure, and since then His blood had ceased to circulate, its components had since began to break down.
With regards to this Dr. David H. Stern writes:
“Apart from whatever symbolism may suggest itself, such as of immersion, or communion, the p’shat, the simple sense of the text, is that Yeshua, who had been a living man, was now dead. According to medical opinion, the ‘blood and water’ are signs that the final cause of death was massive heart failure. Thus refuted are teachings already current among heretical groups when Yochanan wrote, that Yeshua had not been a flesh and blood human being.[32] This false doctrine (docetism) is echoed by modern cults that speak of a ‘Christ-figure’ who only faked being human. At the same time this report disproves the ‘swoon theory,’ probably equally ancient, that Yeshua did not die but only lost consciousness and was later revived by his talmidim, who then invented the ‘resurrection myth,’ the most imaginative recent restatement of this ancient canard is The Passover Plot, by the apostate Messianic Jew Hugh J. Schonfield (1901-1988).”[33]
We know from the records that the person who witnessed this, along with the other witnesses present attest to the veracity of the accounts recorded and preserved for us. To the casual observer this may not have much meaning, but consider to an observant Jew of the first century such statements carried weight, since according to the Torah everything was to either be proved or disproved through at the very least two or three witnesses.[34] In making such a statement, the writer was saying for the record something which if disproved by others while he (and all of the other followers of Jesus still lived), could face capital punishment for being false a witness(es) to the facts.[35] What’s more, he is putting his personal name on the account as being factual, and challenges anyone to disprove him if he/she could. This adds further weight to his account.[36]
We know that the author to the Johannine Gospel which bears his name considered that two Messianic Prophecies had their fulfillment in what he and many others had observed before their eyes, and these being;
1.) The Messiah’s bones would not be broken.[37]
2.) They, meaning all those present; Jews and Gentiles alike would gaze at Him whom they have pierced.[38]
At this point, we have established that the evidence indicates that Jesus indeed expired due to the massive physical trauma and punishment He had suffered, an event witnessed by many; on the one side by family, friends, and followers of His, and on the other by His detractors who had continued to taunt and ridicule Him as He suffered in agony before them until His death, and the Romans who cast lots for the Master’s only earthly possession.
A few things become clear to us at this point; had there been any doubt with regards to Jesus’ demise, the Romans would have broken His legs, which they did not, otherwise His detractors would have requested some other means to secure His death at this point for two very compelling reasons, these being:
1.) The Day of Preparation was approaching, in which case matters had to be resolved concerning these prisoners--they had to die, and once having died, their bodies had to be disposed in some manner in accordance to Torah strictures.
2.) Assuring that when Jesus was buried, that He would be beyond anyone’s means to affect resuscitation--meaning He would be beyond the pale of medical science, alchemy, or sorcery--He would have to be beyond humanly getting up and walking about.[39]
It is with this certainty that Jesus’ lifeless body was taken down from the cross of execution.[40]
The Gospel Narratives provide us next with the most iron-clad documentation on just what was done with the Master’s body after His death.
We read that two prominent leaders from the Sanhedrin, Joseph of Arimathea[41] and Nakdimon approached Pilate requesting that he release to their care Jesus’ body for burial.[42]
There are some details we may gather from these accounts which while not mentioned outright, nevertheless are inferred by the evidence before us;
These two leading Pharisees, members of the Sanhedrin; had in all probability been acting on behalf and with the tacit authorization of the Great Sanhedrin, in securing Jesus’ body.
We may reach this conclusion for some very good reasons;
1.) Their wish and the wish of all the entire Sanhedrin in preventing anyone of grave robbery with regards to Jesus’ remains.
2.) The wish of the Chief Priests in preventing anyone later claiming a resurrection.
3.) We may add to this list the wishes of Joseph, Nakdimon’s,[43] and the other sympathetic members of the Sanhedrin in preventing the same deception by potential fanatical elements.
3.) Joseph and Nakdimon’s own wish to protect the body from any further defacement, remember the pummeling, torture, and abuse Jesus had suffered; their own reverence for Him as the Messiah would unquestionably demand that He would suffer no further even in death.
4.) Their own wish that the Master would receive a proper burial before the onset of the Great Shabbat in accordance to Halachic strictures, for it was already evening and time was of the essence.[44]
I submit therefore, that it was not just these two men who came before Pilate, but that they led a delegation from the Sanhedrin, perhaps those from among that body like themselves who had not consented to Jesus’ execution,[45] but who nevertheless had secured authorization to appear before Pilate with the aforementioned request for the Master’ body.
And Pilate, once confirming that Jesus had indeed expired, from a trusted Centurion no less,[46] remanded the Teacher’s remains to these two religious leaders, and those accompanying them, for burial.
There are four very compelling reasons for me in bringing this belief forward:
1.) Joseph and Nicodemus, while themselves religious leaders, could not have been acting on their own, and must have secured permission from the Sanhedrin in order to appear before Pilate with the request for Jesus’ body. Remember, as the records indicate, this was a crucial period, and everyone was watched and observed, followed and being followed, which is why all of Jesus’ followers were in hiding in fear for their lives.
2.) Pilate would not have released Jesus’ body to anyone without them presenting to him first the proper authorization for such an undertaking from the religious authorities regardless of who these people were.
3.) Pilate would not have released Jesus’ body to anyone requesting it. Those making any request before Pilate would have to possess themselves the proper credentials necessary in obtaining this release, much less to approach Pilate himself on such matters. Pilate was not in the habit of personally receiving members of the Gentry, only the Ruling Class from among the populace.
4.) The Sanhedrin would approve of such an action, since it would ensure that they be apprised of the whereabouts of Jesus’ body, and the narratives do indicate that such information was known to them when the Chief Priests themselves went before Pilate with their request afterwards.
All the Gospel Narratives tell us that Jesus’ body was taken down from the cross, wrapped tightly in linen wrappings mixed with myrrh and aloes. This would leave the body completely in a mummified state, the mixture of spices would later harden.[47]
The body was laid in a tomb which had never been used before, hewn inside solid rock on the side of hill overlooking a garden.[48] And we know from the Johannine Gospel narrative that this rock hewn tomb on the side of the hill was located where Jesus had been crucified, thus facilitating the quick removal and burial of the body once authorization had been obtained from Pilate.[49]
This also would allow the Romans guarding the executed prisoners’ bodies being removed before them to observe and keep a close watch as Jesus’ body was being taken down and placed in the tomb nearby.
So that every moment, and every movement did not escape their gaze. Indeed, considering the political and religious atmosphere, it was not only prudent to do so, but of absolute necessity.
Under such circumstances, there was no room for anyone to attempt in any way to take Jesus’ remains, even if they wished to do so. All of this occurred well into midnight just before the Great Shabbat, by then the Day of Preparation would be over.[50]
The Chief Priests did everything possible on their part to insure that no one would have access to Jesus’ corpse, anticipating that some of the more fanatical followers might spirit away His body to later claim a resurrection had taken place. We read that on Shabbat, we may assume right after midnight of the previous Day of Preparation had passed; possibly right after the events we’ve recounted above, and before the Roman detachment present at the execution could be relieved of duty and reassigned elsewhere from the site, the Chief Priests and elders appeared before Pilate.[51] The records state:
Now the next day, which was the one after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, and said, “Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’” [52] “Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, lest the disciples come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.[53]
Thus, after making absolutely certain that they had the right location with the body intact inside,[54] they accomplished everything necessary; and placed a Roman seal over the stone at the tomb where He was buried. The breaking of a Roman seal was considered a crime resulting in capital punishment. Under such circumstances, no one would dare to even come close to the tomb without prior consent on the part of the civil and political authorities, and this they would have to present in the form of writing stating as such.
To complete the process, a Roman Guard was dispatched to the site, to watch over the surrounding perimeter for the next three days. The records state that Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.”
And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.[55] No doubt that Joseph and Nicodemus also might have been part of the second delegation who went to Pilate[56] to request that he place a Roman Guard at the entrance to and around the perimeter of the tomb, and a Roman seal over a two ton stone covering the only entry/egress point, which no one would dare break. This must have occurred after they had placed the body there, while keeping watch over it. Although their motives would have been quite different from those of their fellow Pharisees; they would have wanted to prevent any profanation of the Master’s remains at the hand of His more rabid enemies. Having witnessed themselves the corruption and savagery of the chief priests and their followers, they knew these men had been capable of anything. After what Jesus had suffered at the hands of this murderous cabal, there was no telling what else they would be capable of. Nothing was beyond them. Thus, His body had to be protected from both fanatical elements on either side; those who would want to steal His body and claim a resurrection, and those who would want to destroy it and later claim that He never existed.[57] No doubt the religious authorities themselves, had insured that they have some of Temple police present at the tomb to keep grave robbers away, while these negotiations transpired. This was executed flawlessly, as the records attest. There was absolutely no way anyone could gain access to the body inside.
Now coming to this juncture, we must peruse the records, and weigh the evidence at hand, which has been handed down to us by way of the Gospel narratives; so as to glean every scrap of conclusive information and how it impacted the faithful who walked and talked with the Hope of Israel.
We have already established from documentary evidence that Jesus was stone cold dead before His body was laid in Joseph’s tomb.[58]
We know that His malefactors were aware that He had died at three o’clock in the afternoon by their statements to Pilate the day after Jesus’ death.[59]
We know that at this juncture the only ones of Jesus’ followers to come forward to obtain the Master’s remains from the Roman authorities were Joseph and Nicodemus; a pair of Pharisees, as mentioned previously, possibly leading a delegation of sympathetic Pharisees from the Sanhedrin.
We know that the rest of Jesus’ followers had fled in fright when He was apprehended.[60]
We know where He was laid to rest.
We know that an extremely heavy stone had been rolled over the entrance to this tomb.
We know that the tomb had only one entrance/egress point from which to gain entry and exit.
We know that at the request of a delegation from the high priest, which might have included some followers of Jesus; who went to Pilate, and obtained from him a Roman Guard to surround the tomb where He had been laid.[61]
We also know that an unbreakable seal of the Roman Empire had been placed at the tomb’s entrance.
We know that before such a seal would have been placed, and a Roman Guard dispatched to the scene, the authorities, both Jewish and Roman; would have to have made absolutely certain that they had the right tomb with the right body inside; and once this would be established beyond any doubt, they would execute these orders to the letter. It would be foolish indeed for them to have gone through so much trouble and effort only to guard an empty tomb; or one with the wrong body. What’s more, considering how concerned the ruling clerics were that Jesus’ remains not be spirited away by Zealots or any other fanatical would be followers; it is highly likely that they had the body watched from the moment it was taken down from the cross to the time it was interned in Joseph’s rock-hewn tomb on the side of hill.
We can picture these agents of the High Priest keeping a guarded watch over it until such a time as the Roman Guard would arrive on the scene to relieve them, the Romans present at Jesus’ execution not far from them, within eyesight; still awaiting to be relieved of duty and reassigned.[62]
All these measures would make it impossible for anyone to come near the body, if such an attempt were ever to be made, and we know from the records that none did occur. This behavior is consistent with what the narratives tell us that every one of Jesus’ followers had fled for their lives, and were now in hiding from the authorities. Pertaining to the measures taken to insure that the Master’s body not be spirited away, Josh McDowell has written the following:
“Led by Annas and Caiaphas, their chief priests, a deputation of Jewish leaders sought out Pilate, to request that the tomb wherein Jesus was buried be sealed and that a Roman guard be stationed around it, giving as their motive their fear that the friends of Jesus might come stealthily by night and steal His body in order to make it appear that a resurrection had taken place. To this request the acquiescent Pilate responded:
‘Ye have a guard; go your way; make it secure according to your wish.’
They went their way, attended by a guard of Roman soldiers numbering from ten to thirty who, under their direction, sealed the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea with the Imperial seals of Rome, affixing thereto in wax the official stamp of the procurator himself which it would be a high crime even to deface. Thus did these jealous enemies of Jesus unwittingly prepare in advance an unanswerable challenge to their subsequent explanation of the resurrection-an explanation which did not, and could not, in the very nature of things explain it....” Professor Albert Roper continues: ‘Commanding the guard was a centurion designated by Pilate, presumably one in which he had full confidence.”[63]
It is interesting to note here that at this point neither Pilate, nor the religious authorities considered it necessary to commit a large force as they had during Jesus’ arrest, since the situation presumably by now seemed to be under some control.
Thus, Pilate committed a Roman Guard composed of between ten to thirty soldiers, accompanied by a detachment of Temple Police to guard the tomb where Jesus’ body laid.
This is completely in character considering the situation had by now changed, and all of Jesus’ followers were in hiding for fear that they’d also be arrested and crucified.
They assigned a force commensurate with the immediate need until such a time as such a need would no longer be evident.
So then, let us recap what we’ve discussed so far, and in so doing, understand to what lengths the authorities went in securing Jesus’ remains from robbery, profanation, and potential deception.
1.) The tomb chosen by Joseph for burying Jesus’ remains had only one entrance/egress point.
2.) Any attempt at entry from this point could only be accomplished by first moving the large two ton stone away from the entrance.
3.) The tomb was hewn from solid rock on the side of a hill within close proximity to where Jesus was crucified, just outside the city.[64] Any attempt at burrowing a tunnel into it would have taken both time, materiel, and would have been noticed, and above all else; if attempted, would have taken months if not years to complete.
4.) Any attempt at entry or egress could only be accomplished at the behest of the Roman Guard comprised of a Centurion leading ten to thirty soldiers, accompanied by elements of the Temple police and other interested parties of an undisclosed number, dispatched to keep watch at its entrance and perimeter.
5.) Any attempt at opening the tomb would be performed only with Pilate’s tacit approval, since an Imperial Seal had been placed over the large stone covering the tomb’s only entrance. There is no record anywhere that has survived us either of such a request ever having been made either by any of Jesus’ followers or detractors, or any permission granted by Pilate or any other Roman official to do this.
6.) Even if such a request could be made, it would not be made by Jesus’ followers, who were in hiding from the authorities, or the chief priests who themselves had no desire to have the tomb disturbed; they were the chief and only purveyors having the tomb sealed and guarded.
7.) The only group left would be Jesus’ sympathizers in the Sanhedrin, and we have already seen that this group’s interest was in keeping the Master’s remains safe and undisturbed in Joseph’s tomb.
Nothing else needs to be said or added. The evidence speaks conclusively for itself.
The events which would follow, would rock the very foundation of both the religious and secular world for the next two thousand years. Its repercussions would be felt on a global scale as has no other event in recorded history. And if one is to believe the promises of the scriptures pertaining to Israel’s restoration and the establishment of God’s Millennial Kingdom on earth, these incidents would set forth a chain of events culminating with God’s theocratic rule restored to mankind in some future date with Israel at the head of the nations, and its Messiah; Jesus enthroned on David’s throne.
ON THE THIRD DAY, AND FORTY DAYS HENCE...
We will now explore, through the narratives of those who witnessed it, the earth-shattering events that unfolded, the ramifications of which forever changed the lives of those who knew the Master; events that would later change the course of world history. Events that would henceforth shape the religious landscape of the world for the next two millennia. There have been so-called resurrection stories among many civilizations, but none of them have affected the human race quite the way this particular one has, perhaps because this one is the only true account of such an occurrence in recorded history handed down to us from eye-witnesses. On this one tenet, the entire Christian, Hebrew Christian/Messianic Jewish faith rests; the death, burial and resurrection of Israel’s Messiah. So much so that Paul writes:
Now if Messiah is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Messiah has been raised; and if Messiah has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we witnessed against God that He raised Messiah, whom He did not raise; if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Messiah has been raised; and if Messiah has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Messiah have perished. If we have hoped in Messiah in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.[65]
We are most fortunate that we do have some very detailed accounts of the events surrounding the resurrection of Messiah. The accounts we have are very faithful and present us with some tantalizing details of the next events to unfold; events so significant that rabbinical authorities sought to debunk it centuries later in what is called Toledoth Yeshu. The fact that such events did happen are evident from the reaction it solicited from its detractors. Surely no one would waste their time and energy trying to debunk a myth! Myths, in and of themselves, are so preposterous that they preclude any intelligent rebuttal. Those who had walked and talked with the Master themselves have stated that their testimony is true and based on eyewitness accounts. They have made these statements, and the records show that wherever they went the message was the same, Jesus had conquered the unconquerable; death and the grave.
Their message was a powerful one, even outside the people of Israel was a powerful one:
“And we are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And they also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. God raised Him on the third day, and granted that he should become visible, not to all people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us, who ate and drank with Him after he arose from the dead.”[66]
At the end to the book to the Hebrews, the author mentions that the witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection is so great in numbers that he calls them “a cloud.”[67]
The Master Himself had told them that as they witnessed His resurrection, they would testify of it and its implications, not only in the city of Jerusalem, but throughout the Judean region, Samaria, and throughout the ends of the earth:
“..and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and all Judea and Samaria, and even the remotest part of the earth.”[68]
In the Introduction to his Gospel narrative, Luke the historian, and physician writes:
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the gospel have handed them down to us, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.[69]
And in his forward to his Acts of the Apostle, he writes:
To these[70] He also presented Himself alive, after He had by the Holy Spirit given convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.[71]
In his historical work reconstructing the early days of the Nazarenes, Luke writes:
And with great power the apostles were giving witnesses to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.[72]
From John the beloved of the Messiah, we have the following testimony;
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.[73]
And he who has seen has borne witness, and his witness is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may also believe.[74]
And:
This is the disciple who bears witness of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his witness is true.[75]
Also this one:
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life-and the life was manifested, and we have seen and bear witness and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested, to us-what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus the Messiah. And these things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.[76]
From Simon Peter, we have the following emboldened and resolute writing; full with absolute assurance of the facts he is writing about:
For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased”-and we ourselves heard this utterance made form heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.[77]
Peter elsewhere in a public forum, where he could have been debunked arrested, and sentenced to death if convicted of being a false witness, states he and all of the other followers of the Master with him were witnesses to the fact of Jesus’ bodily resurrection and victory over death, where he declares:
“This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses.”[78]
Later, speaking to a crowd with elements of those present at Jesus’ sentence, Peter says:
“But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses.”[79]
And writing to some believers, Peter calls himself a witness to Jesus’ sufferings.[80]
And before the Sanhedrin, he and John boldly declare that they were witnesses of these things just as they recount them as happening:
“And we are witnesses of these things...”[81]
One who at one time was a bitter enemy of the Nazarenes, testified:
“But God raised Him from the dead; and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people.”[82]
And as to the records themselves and how they were compiled, in the Secret Book of James, the author tells us:
“Now the twelve disciples [used to] sit all together at the [same time], remembering what the Savior had said to each one of them, whether secretly or openly, and setting it down in books.”[83]
We are fortunate to have in our possession many of those works which form the corpus of the Brit Chadasha: the New Covenant, or New Testament.
The records we have which comprise the corpus of New Testament accounts pertaining to these events were circulated amongst the populace at a time when many if not most of the participants were still alive and available to either confirm or deny them.
“F.F. Bruce, Rylands professor of biblical criticism and exegesis at the University of Manchester, says concerning the value of the New Testament records as primary sources:
‘Had there been any tendency to depart from the facts in any material respect, the possible presence of hostile witnesses in the audience would have served as a further corrective.’[84]
Now the narratives tell us that while it was still dark, after Shabbat; towards the first day of the week, a group of women left early for the tomb. These women were Miriam of the city of Magdala, and another Miriam; having left to look at the grave so as to anoint (what they believed at that time) the dead and by now decomposing body of Jesus. On the way, they wondered how they would have the huge two ton stone rolled out of the way, so as to gain entry to the tomb and fulfill their mission. Arriving at the tomb at sunrise, they encountered the entire Roman contingency and Temple police unconscious on the grounds surrounding the grave. What they had seen and experienced had, even for seasoned veterans of many a battle, been too much for them to absorb; and they had apparently fainted as a result. Prior to the women’s arrival, there had occurred an earthquake. An angel of the Lord, the narrative tells us, had rolled away the huge and heavy stone; which had taken several men to roll in place; and was now seated above it. The Gospel narrative gives us a brief description of his appearance:
And his appearance was like lightning, and his garment as white as snow; and the guards[85] shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.[86]
The women, obviously, needed reassuring, the angel told them not to worry. This Jesus, whom had been crucified was no longer there, but had conquered death by rising again from the grave. He showed them where Jesus had lain. He told them to tell Simon Peter and the others of what they had seen, and had happened; informing them that the Master had left for Galilee, where He would meet them later. He reminded them of how the Messiah had mentioned His suffering, and His subsequent triumph over death itself. And the narrative tells us that the women remembered these things.
The women hurried off, not telling anyone along the way concerning this,[87] but only reporting all that had transpired to the eleven disciples.[88] They were received with mute skepticism. The Lukan Gospel narrative says that the eleven found the women’s story nonsensical.[89] The Johannine Gospel narrative adds a detail which the others omit: at this time, apparently, the women themselves believed that someone had stolen the body.[90] They knew from witnessing Jesus’ demise on the Roman cross, His physical condition before being nailed to it, and the final spear thrust deep into his side, that He had died, and had been beyond any hope of recovery from these wounds. To their minds, there was no bringing Him back; He had expired and they had been witnesses to this. This explains why these women thought---even now after the news from the angels at the empty tomb that He had risen, and was now alive---in spite of this, that someone had taken the body from the tomb; and for this purpose, were reporting these things to the others. Matthew’s narrative tells us that they returned from the tomb with a mixture of fear,[91] and joy; perhaps fear of not knowing precisely what happened to Jesus’ body, and joy that there may conceivably be a possibility that what the angels had told them was true---that He had risen. John’s Gospel narrative details personally Mary Magdalene’s report, which no doubt dovetailed the ones the other women were giving to the disciples at this time. It records that she returned to Simeon Kepha (Peter) and John lamenting that:
“They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”[92]
This agrees with what was reported that the other women had said from those who heard the accounts themselves, and described them as reporting:
“But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive.”[93]
Upon hearing this news, Simon Peter and John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, hurried to the tomb to see for themselves. Outrunning Peter, John arrived at the grave first; and stood outside looking in. He did not enter it himself, since he was a Priest, and contact with any corpse would defile him; precluding his being able to fulfill his priestly duties at the Temple. When Peter arrived and entered the tomb, and finding it empty, John then entered. They found the linen wrapping there with the face cloth, rolled up in a place by itself. We are not told what significance this has, but are simply given by the writer this detail, the reason being that to a first century Jew, such detail with regards to burial were unnecessary; the writer knowing that his readership was well aware of the minutia of Jewish burial practices at that time. He simply makes this detail known because had this been a grave robbery, this face cloth and the linen wrappings, neatly folded in a place at the head of the ossuary (and the condition these were discovered in) would not have been the signs of a grave robber. What’s more, just the very fact that the linen wrappings themselves were not unraveled and the face cloth was itself not unraveled was enough to convince these two skeptics that Jesus had indeed defeated death and was no longer there, but alive somewhere else!
“The body of Jesus, in accordance with Jewish burial custom, was wrapped in a linen cloth. About 100 pounds of aromatic spices, mixed together to form a gummy substance, were applied to the wrappings of cloth about the body. After the body was placed in a solid rock tomb, an extremely large stone was rolled against the entrance of the tomb. Large stones weighing approximately two tons were normally rolled (by means of levers) against a tomb entrance.”
“A Roman guard of strictly disciplined fighting men was stationed to guard the tomb. This guard affixed on the tomb the Roman seal, which was meant to ‘prevent any attempt at vandalizing the sepulcher. Anyone trying to move the stone from the tomb’s entrance would have broken the seal and thus incurred the wrath of Roman law.”[94]
As to Roman military discipline Justinian in Digest # 49, makes mention of every offense a Roman soldier could commit to incur a capital punishment, and how this was meted out. This military discipline insured that orders would be followed to the letter without purpose or evasion. When not certain which soldier was at fault in their duty, lots would be drawn and the one whose lot would fall would be punished accordingly. The punished would be stripped of his clothes and burned alive; their own clothing used to ignite the flames.
“Dr. George Currie, a student of Roman military discipline, wrote that fear of punishment ‘produced flawless attention to duty, especially in the night watches.’”[95]
It is likely that shifts were set up between elements of the guard watching the tomb; for example, a guard of thirty men would have three shifts of ten soldiers each, with ten soldiers keeping watch at a time at the tomb entrance, the perimeter, and all access points in and out of the perimeter.
I am inclined to consider that this particular Roman guard, led be a trusted Centurion of Pilate’s, numbered in excess of thirty, possibly forty crack troops--veterans of many a campaign--the very best Pilate could muster for this delicate mission. The reason for dispatching this force was the Jewish and Roman authorities’ wishes of keeping all elements from gaining access to the tomb, and the perception of militant elements which might attempt entry into the tomb (not from Jesus’ cowering followers, but Zealot elements among the population wishing to misuse the concept of a resurrection against the Romans and corrupt Jewish authorities).
At this juncture, they did not fully understand where all this was heading; its purpose and so forth, so they returned to their homes; Peter to Galilee, and John to his home in Jerusalem, and to their professions.
The narratives do not tell us that Miriam from Magdala had returned to the tomb, after the others had left. It simply mentions that as she wept outside the grave, visibly upset over the fate of Jesus’ remains (having thought that someone had stolen the body, and who knows what vile things they may have done to it); she entered it, and encountered two angels; one on either side of where the Master had lain. They asked her why she was weeping, to which she replied her concern over corpse’s whereabouts. Turning to leave, she encountered a Man whom she took to be the gardener, who asked also asked her why she was weeping. She replied with a request that He’d show her the body’s whereabouts, to which He replied,
“Miriam!”
And instantly, she recognized Him, and exclaimed,
“Rabboni!”
She made an attempt to embrace Him, but He told her not to do it, since He, as yet had not ascended to God, where He would commence His duties as High Priest and Intercessor according to the order of Melchizedek.[96] An order predating both the Levitical and Aaronic Orders of Priests prescribed in the Torah. An order without origin, and with no end. Jesus instructed her to tell the others that she had seen Him, which she gladly did; but again the news was received with skepticism.
Later, Jesus appeared to them in Jerusalem, and the narrative states that they worshipped Him. He instructed them to tell His other followers in Galilee; and that He would meet with them there. While this was happening, the Roman soldiers who had been guarding the tomb, returned to the religious authorities, fearing for their lives. They recounted for them all that had happened early before dawn. The religious authorities reassured them that the matter would be taken care of with their superiors, whom they would handsomely bribe; in order to spare the soldiers’ lives.
They added this injunction; if anyone were to inquire as to what had occurred, they were simply to say that the Galilean’s followers had stolen the body. The Gospel narrative tells us that this fabrication was still being disseminated throughout the Jewish communities even in the time of its composition. No doubt, this fabrication concocted by the religious authorities was the origin of Toledoth Yeshu; which we have mentioned earlier. In any event, such a story still places the responsibility on the Roman soldiers, Temple police, and the High Priest’s servants who had been watching the tomb; whether wittingly or unwittingly; making them appear dilatory in the exercise of their responsibility: guarding access to the tomb, and the tomb itself.
When it was written centuries after these events, the participants had long expired, the Roman Empire had itself been “Christianized,” and the writer simply needed only to expand slightly the myth the chief priests paid the Roman guards to fabricate for them if inquiry were to be made by anyone concerning these things. Thus, the finished account preserved for us to this day and expanded in Toledoth Yeshu.
Jesus’ next appearance was to two disciples on a road to Emmaus; a town just seven miles outside Jerusalem. The narrative only tells us that He appeared to them in a different guise; suggesting perhaps that He was traveling incognito; perhaps wearing a veil over His face, which was customary for those wishing to protect themselves from the heat of the day. Naturally, they did not recognize Him; although the Gospel narrative attributes this to supernatural means. He inquired as to the topic conversation they were engaged in, and one of them by the name of Cleopas answered His query with an answer that echoed the hopes of many in Israel at that time:
“But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel.”[97]
Again, the expectation of a physical, and political deliverance from Roman oppression. Jesus berated them for their lack of acuity, and beginning with the Torah, the prophets, and the Books; He explained to them how all these things had been foretold by the ancients. When they reached their destination in the early evening, it appeared He was going to part with them; but they prevailed upon Him to have supper with them. Taking the place of honor as they reclined at table on the floor, Jesus took bread and blessed it, no doubt reciting the old Jewish prayer which is recited even to this day:
“Blessed art Thou, Oh Lord, King of the Universe; who hath given us bread from the earth.”
The narrative tells us that at this point, they recognized Who it was before them; and in an instant, He vanished into thin air from their midst. We can only image how astonished those gathered around the table might have been at seeing the Master who moments before was present, tangible and real; vanish before their eyes. Later, they would recall how their hearts burned within them with the Messianic fire as they heard His teaching. Quickly, they made haste for Jerusalem, to report these events to the eleven there.[98] The excitement was spreading, and hearts must have been burning with anticipation. Many must have asked themselves, “Will I see Him also? If I do, what will He say to me? What will we talk about? What will I ask Him?” Unbeknownst to many, He would be seen by hundreds of people in the days which followed.
It appears that at some time, the eleven, and we may assume others, had gathered in a home (probably, John the Priest’s) in Jerusalem to field the increasing number of reports of sightings coming in from all corners. Sometime previously, the Master had appeared privately to Peter, for these disciples knew about it; and were discussing it with the others. Rabbi Shaul (Paul), in his first letter to the Corinthian Christians, some time later, makes mention of this appearance.[99] A lot was happening on that fateful first day. Reports of sightings and lengthy conversations with the risen Master were reaching Jerusalem from all over. Towards evening, Jesus appeared to the disciples in Jerusalem, and stood in their midst. Now the doors had been bolted shut and the windows had been closed tight because at this point these men and women were still cowling in fear of reprisals from the religious and civil authorities.[100] Miraculously, Jesus bypassed all barriers and gained entry into the home without any hindrance. One can wonder how astounded these people must have been when seeing Jesus alive again. He reproached them all for their unbelief. Apparently, they could not believe their eyes. The disciples were greatly troubled, thinking that what stood before them was some ghostly apparition. In order to convince them, Jesus had them inspect His wounds. Here was no disembodied spirit, but here stood a living, breathing corporeal human being of flesh and bones. As if to punctuate this, He had give Him some food; which He gladly partook. Their joy was immeasurable. He was alive! He had returned to them! The sorrow and emptiness of the previous three days slowly gave way to jubilation, and rejoicing. What would come next?[101] The Gospel narrative supply the details of this meeting:
“Having greeted them, he showed them his hands and his side. The talmidim were overjoyed to see the Lord. ‘Shalom aleichem!’ , Yeshua repeated. ‘Just as the Father sent me, I myself am also sending you.’ Having said this he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Ruach Ha Kodesh! If you forgive someone’s sins, their sins are forgiven, if you hold them, they are held.’”[102]
At this point the Holy Spirit entered ten of the eleven remaining envoys. They, as yet had not received the “Baptism in the Holy Spirit.” That would come later after the Master’s ascension just prior to Pentecost.[103] Up until then, the Spirit had “abided with them; previously doing marvelous things through them.”[104] He would later empower them with the boldness needed to speak on Jesus’ behalf as His representatives, but from this day until that day; He would “abide in their spirit.”[105] During this last appearance, Thomas had been absent. Later, when the others reported to him that they had seen the Lord, he reacted with acute skepticism. His exact statement on the matter being:
“Unless I shall see in his hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”[106]
He would not be dissuaded, and with good reason. To him, now was not the time to succumb to some kind of mass hysteria, allegedly brought on by over-zealous wishful thinking. The Master’s body had been stolen, and had to be found. And that was that. Somebody had to be strong, and in control in the midst of this mayhem.
A week later, they were all gathered at John the Priest’s place of residence in Jerusalem. Thomas was with them this time.[107] Again, the doors and windows had been shut tight. But again, Jesus stood in their midst. Immediately, He addressed the doubting Thomas, and told him to feel His wounds, and His side for himself. To be believing, and not unbelieving. We are not told if Thomas obliged, but he must have; for his reaction was immediate.
“My Lord and my God!”[108]
In addressing Jesus in such a manner,Thomas made the strongest confession of all. The evidence before him, and them all, must have been so compelling that all doubt had, by now been erased.
The next encounter occurred at Lake Tiberius; commonly known as the Sea of Galilee. It was early morning, and it was still dark. Peter went fishing with six of the others. The names given are Thomas, Nathaniel, the two sons of Zebeddee, and two others who remain nameless in the narrative, but could have been young Mark, and the beloved John the Priest.[109] It was dawning, and they had not caught a single fish. But when day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore and shouted to them; asking them if they had had a catch. When they did not answer in the affirmative, He told them to cast the net on the right side of the boat. This they did, and they could hardly contain the catch. At this point Yochanan the Priest recognized Who it was that was awaiting them as they were nearing shore about a hundred yards away. Peter, quickly dressed himself; for he had stripped for work, and impetuously dove into the water. The others. dragging the heavy fish-laden net, moved slowly towards shore. By the time they arrived, Jesus had started a camp fire, and had produced some fish and bread; which He was now cooking. The Johannine Gospel narrative tells us that none of them venture to ask Jesus His identity, because they had recognized Him. They all sat down for breakfast. Jesus specifically addressed Himself three times to Peter; telling him to tend, and feed His sheep. Thrusting on him the responsibility of teaching and administrating the fledgling Nazarene Movement that was going to explode into the scene of Jewish history. Then He prophesied by what manner Peter would meet his death:
“Truly, truly I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself, and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch your hands, and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.”[110]
This would occur many years later in Rome, just as Jesus had prophesied. Peter was preoccupied with John the beloved Priest’s fate, which he inquired Jesus about. Jesus’ reply was that if He so willed it, that disciple would remain; and by the way, what bearing would that have on him anyway? Thus, talk had it that this disciple would not die, but the narrative tells us they misunderstood His statement; that is not what the Master had meant.[111]
Next, the eleven disciples proceeded to a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus had designated as a meeting ground. There, they received what has commonly been called “the Great Commission” to spread the Good News. These new believers were to be water-immersed in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Ruach Ha Kodesh; in the name of Jesus, and to be taught.[112] The Matthean Gospel narrative tells us that they literally worshipped Him. It is possible that it was at this location where He spoke to five hundred followers of His at one time.[113]
His next appearance was to James, His younger stepbrother. James, a skeptic up until this point, became one of Jesus’ most devoted followers, and one of three “pillars” of the Nazarene community in Jerusalem.[114] So conclusive and convincing had this encounter been. In The Gospel According to the Hebrews we have this detail of Jesus’ meeting with James from Jerome, who quotes from it:
“After the resurrection the Savior, it says,
‘The lord, after he had given the linen cloth to the priests’ slave, went to James and appeared to him. (Now James had sworn not to eat bread from the time that he drank from the lord’s cup until he would see him raised from among those who sleep. Shortly after this, the lord said, ‘Bring a table and some bread.’ And immediately it is added;
He took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to James the Just and said to him,
‘My brother, eat your bread, for the Son of Adam has been raised from those who sleep.’”[115]
One thing that is quite apparent from the account above; among the Romans keeping watch on the tomb, there were also some of the High Priest’s personnel, one of whom received the linen cloth from Jesus after His resurrection. Another detail is also apparent; James fasted from the time of Jesus’ execution until His resurrection, probably in mourning as well as expectation of something happening. In The Gospel of Thomas, the disciples inquired as to whom would remain in charge of the Nazarene movement in Jesus’ absence. The Master’s reply was as follows:
“No matter where you are, you are to go to James the Just, for whose sake heaven and earth came into being.”[116]
Although this extra-canonical excerpt of the Apocryphal document is inconsistent with the teachings of the Canonical New Testament Scriptures, we see that from the very beginning, James would become one of the three pillars of the Nazarenes, and eventually; the preeminent leader of the fledgling Nazarene Messianist Community in Jerusalem and all over, eventually superseding Simon Peter, who was the community leader in the beginning.[117]
Back in Jerusalem, Jesus appeared one last time to the community of believers. He said to them,
“These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”[118]
Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them; “Thus, it is written, that the Messiah would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day; and that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.”[119]
And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which” He said, “You heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit, not many days form now.”[120]
“You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”[121]
And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time you are going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the remotest parts of the earth.”[122]
And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted His hands and blessed them.[123]
As He was doing this, He was taken up in a cloud. The disciples gazed upward in awe. The narrative tells us that two men clothed in white, probably Essenes; stood beside them and reminded them that Jesus the Master would return in the same manner that He had been taken up.[124] The new community of believers returned to Jerusalem with new hope, faith, and great rejoicing.[125] For a period of about forty days, they had been witnesses to the incontrovertible truth of the Messiah’s triumph over death.[126] He had taught them. He had walked with them. He had dined with them. He rejoiced with them in seeing their joy. He share in their joy, and gave them rock solid hope as He expounded the Scriptures to them and all it said about Him. These were great days, the greatest in memory to these faithful followers of the Master; perhaps even the greatest days they would ever experience in their collective lives. All had been as in the days of old; before the tragic events at Golgotha, except now more than ever; they knew; without any doubt that nothing could conquer the power of the God of Israel and His Messiah. The evidence before them was so incontrovertible and conclusive that their change in spirits after such a tragedy forty-three days before could only be attributed on such a scale[127] to empirical evidences which was beyond denial, as we have examined earlier. It could not be otherwise, since these people no longer feared for their lives, even knowing that the authorities could conceivably arrest and execute them on the same charge of sedition; the same charge that convicted their Master. The slightest doubt in any of these people would have caused them to lapse into fear, and soon thereafter, the movement would unravel and disappear. So convinced had these people become of what they had witnessed the past forty days, they no longer feared the wrath of their religious leaders in the Sanhedrin, but even more convincing evidence is in the fact that these people had lost all fear of even Roman wrath, and what this would entail; death by crucifixion.
F. F. Bruce has written concerning this remarkable change in Jesus’ followers, from a frightened, humiliated, and scattered group into a dynamic organization of Messianic propagandists :
“None of the authorities, whether Roman or Jewish, could have reckoned with the event that confounded all their calculations: Jesus’ rising from the dead and appearing to his disciples ‘alive again after his passion.’ Not even the disciples themselves had reckoned with it; it took them quite by surprise. But it transformed them almost on the spot from a crowd of demoralized and frightened people into a band of men with a mission and purpose in life which, without delay, they proceeded to translate into action. This ‘resurrection faith’ of the disciples is a historical fact of prime importance, but to identify it with the resurrection event is to confuse cause with effect. Were it not for the resurrection event there would have been no resurrection faith. But the resurrection faith brought the scattered followers of Jesus together again, and within a few weeks after his death they appear as a coherent, vigorous and self-propagating community in Jerusalem.”[128]
Schonfield, a skeptic in his later years, himself concedes the following:
“The belief that Jesus had risen from the dead and had ascended temporarily to heaven governs the transformation that took place....
“Resurrection means the ‘getting up’ of one who has been lying down as a corpse, the reanimation of a dead body, so that the individual breathes and moves and has all his physical functions restored. It is as the awakening from sleep or coma. Jewish resurrection teaching was quite definite about this, and the Gospels stories of the raising of the dead of the widow of Nain’s son and of Lazarus conform to it.”[129]
Writing as a believer some forty years earlier, Schonfield expressed the reality of what had occurred with regards to this monumental event:
“It was this belief, and the power of it, that invested the original community of humble persons, fishermen and artisans, with a dignity and confidence of utterance that was electrifying and contagious, and that ran like wildfire through the oppressed classes of the population and particularly attracted the patriots and religious zealots, already stirred and exalted by Messianic visions. This was the ‘good news,’ for which they had been waiting, the great fact born of actual knowledge and experience which anchored indefinite hope to the strong rock of reality.”[130]
It was not some mass hysteria that took hold of over five hundred people. The realization through empirical evidences slowly began to take form as more and more people saw for themselves the risen Messiah. If as the Torah states, that all things are to be confirmed on the testimony of at least two eyewitnesses,[131] here before all, stood the testimony of over five hundred men and women; devout Jews, who forty days earlier had abandoned all hope, and had been hiding in fear, and despair, but were soon to become the messengers of a new hope. The Gospel narratives and the Lukan Acts are what has been preserved for us of their bold and uncompromising accounts. The Messiah had come. He had conquered death and the grave, and was now providing redemption to mankind. The hostile attempts of a corrupt religious leadership would not silence that testimony. When they carried this message to the masses of Israel (and later, the nations), the bogus stories concocted by the hated and conniving religious leadership would not hold up to the pure and simple testimony of these devout people, whom many among the masses knew personally as honest and unassuming godly people. It is regrettable that official Judaism, as it has stood for the past two millennia, has accepted the lies of a power hungry cabal in place of the testimony of these devout Jewish tzaddikim. But this had already been prophesied as having to occur in the tapestry of Judaism’s history. Anti-Semitic persecution, centuries later, at the hands of the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Catholic Church, and certain sections of Protestant Christianity; claiming the cause of Christ; would crystallize this alienation of official Israel from its Messiah. The caricature of a Gentile pagan idol displayed as a demigod on a crucifix, and the horrors it would visit on Jesus’ own people centuries later as it was being carried at the head of processions of murderous religious anti-Semites; would forever ingrain in the minds of Jewish children the word pogrom, and its meaning.
Below, I have provided a listing of post-resurrection appearances of the Messiah as it has been documented, and preserved for us in the Gospel narratives, the Acts, and New Testament Apocrypha. In total, they comprise eleven recorded incidents of encounters with the risen Messiah. These are the ones which have been preserved to us, but we know that there must have been many others, since the Johannine testimony says:
Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.[132]
And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books which would be written.[133]
APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN MESSIAH IN THEIR ORDER:
I. To Mary Magdalene Mk. 16:9, Jn. 20:11
II. To the Women Mt. 28:1
III. To the Eleven Disciples (Envoys) Mk. 16:14, Jn. 20:19
IV. To the Two Disciples Traveling to Emmaus Mk. 16:12, Lk. 24:13
V. To the Eleven a Week Later Jn. 20:26
VI. To the Envoys in Galilee Mk. 16:14, Jn. 21:1
VII. To Simon Peter Lk. 24:34, 1Cor. 15:5
IIX. To Five Hundred Disciples in Galilee 1 Cor. 15:6
IX. To James, the Lord’s Brother 1 Cor. 15:7, The Gospel According to the Hebrews as quoted by Jerome, On Famous Men 2
X. To the Eleven when They were Commissioned Mt. 28:19, Mk. 16:15, Lk. 24:44
XI. To the Eleven Disciples The Gospel of Thomas, Saying 12
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[1]There is no doubt that Matthew (also called Levi), who had been a tax-collector for the Romans and proficient in record-keeping, kept a meticulous account of Jesus’ every day activities. from these, he wrote his version of Messiah’s life. It is interesting to note that Eusebius mentions him as having written his original version of the Gospel in Hebrew, which the Nazarenes had a copy of.
[2]F. F. Bruce writes, “We are thus thrown back on the new Testament writings as our primary documents, and we may congratulate ourselves on having such a well-tested and thoroughly analyzed body of source-material at our disposal. Also from the footnote to this page, The NT writings were not, of course, designed as historians’ source material, and apart from Like-Acts are not written in historiographical style; but historians will not be deterred on that account from using them as source-material; nor will they be intimidated by theologians who assure them that their task is impossible and illegitimate.” F. F. Bruce, New Testament History, New York, Doubleday, 1969.
[3]A Roman Cross.
[4]Mt. 16:21, 17:22, 23, 20:17-19. Lk. 9:22, 43,44, 17:25, 18:31-33.
[5]As quoted by Hugh J. Schonfield, The History of Jewish Christianity from the First to the Twentieth Century, London Duckworth, 1936, pg. 21.
[6]See Mt. 26:67,68. Also, Mk. 14:65. In the margin for Mt. 26:67, 68, it reads, “Or possibly, beat him with rods.” In the margin for Mk. 14:65, it reads, “Or possibly, blows with rods.”
[7]Lk. 22:63-65.
[8]A battalion.
[9]See Mt. 27:30. Also, Mk. 15:19. A staff made of reed is defined thus; “The slender, frequently jointed stem of certain tall grasses growing in wet places, or the grasses themselves.” Reader’s Digest Great Encyclopedic Dictionary, pg. 1129. The sting from the striking must have been unbearable.
[10]See Mt. 27:29. Mk. 15:17. Jn. 19:2,3. The sharp thorns from this “crown”, must have gouged His brow, and caused great lesions on His forehead. One cannot imagine the pain He must have gone through.
[11]Check for Luke 23:11. The Herodians were lead by Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, who had John the Immerser beheaded rather than repenting of his adulterous relationship with his brother’s wife. “Since much of Jesus’ public ministry had been in Galilee, Pilate thought he had found a way to avoid condemning an innocent person, but Herod did not pronounce Jesus guilty or innocent. Luke had contacts within Herod’s household (cf. Luke 8:3, Sec 78) that enabled him to describe a phase of the trial not found in the other gospels, just as John had access to information about what happened at Annas’ house (cf. Sec. 228).” Robert L. Thomas, and Stanley N. Gundry, A Harmony of the Gospels, pg. 234, Chicago, Ill., Moody Bible Institute, Moody Press, 1978.
[12]The prophet Isaiah provides a striking picture of this disfigurement; “Behold, My servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up, and greatly exalted. just as many were astonished at you, My people, So His appearance was marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men. Thus He will sprinkle many nations, Kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; for what they had not heard they will see, and what they had not heard they will understand” (Is. 52:13-15).
[13]Although not mentioned in the Gospels, clearly this occurred; for Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would suffer this indignity at the hands of godless men (Is. 50:6). The Gospels do mention the spitting that Jesus had to endure (Cf. Mk. 14:65, 15:19. Lk. 18:32).
[14]Jn. 19:1. The whip used for flogging by the Romans was a leather whip with sharp pieces of bone and metal, which when thrown against a prisoner’s back, would tear open the flesh, causing deep lacerations, resulting in heavy bleeding and loss of blood.
[15]Miriam (Mary), Jesus’ mother, was told by an elderly sage by the name of Simeon that a sword would pierce her heart, such was the grief of a mother for her Son (Lk. 2:35).
[16]Hugh J. Schonfield, The Jesus Party, New York, N. Y., Macmillan Publishing Company, pg. 89.
[17]Lk. 9:45 and 18:34 tell us that they didn’t fully understand Jesus’ constant reminder that He would suffer at the hands of the religious and political authorities; and were afraid to inquire about it.
[18]Indeed, it was some among this number who had at one time warned Jesus about a plot Herod had in capturing Him and putting Him to death, Lk. 13:31.
[19]According to the Gospel narratives, from the third hour (9:00am) to the ninth hour (3:00PM). See Mk. 15:25, 33, 37. Lk. mentions that darkness came over all the land from noon to 3:00 PM, the hour of Jesus’ passing.
[20]This could not have been the incident where the soldier pierced Jesus’ side, because in John’s account of the events, Jesus’ side was pierced while He was still on the cross. In the event that Jesus might be feigning death (or even drugged), the Romans thrust a spear deep into His side. Any possibility that He may have been swooned, and have survived crucifixion, would conclusively be dashed with this single action (the spearing on His side). The narrative tells us that when this happened, both blood and water issued from His side, which is a sign that He had been dead a sufficient amount of time for His blood to have deteriorated to the point where this would be medically evident (Jn.19:34,35).
[21]Jn. 19:32, 33.
[22]Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, Gran Rapids, Mich., Wm. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1962, pg. 612, 613.
[23]The stone was extremely heavy, and no doubt, took several men to roll it into place. In the same way, it would have taken several men to roll it out of the way by anyone wishing to steal His corpse. And in order to do that, they would have to first engage the Roman Guard of ten to thirty battle-tested professional soldiers, not to mention, a detachment of temple police and the High Priest’s servants; and if successful (which would seem highly improbable); further incur the wrath of Roman might if they were to attempt to break the seal of Caesar.
[24]Mk. 15:42-47. Apparently Jesus had had a following even amongst the members of the Sanhedrin, amongst whom also was Nakdimon (Nichodemus). Unfortunately, for Him, they had not been in the majority, and could not have changed the course of events that followed.
[25]The Sabbath. And not just a Sabbath, but one that fell on during the days of Passover, having been preceded by the Day of Preparation (see Mt. 27:62, Mk. 15:42, Lk. 23:54, 56, Jn. 19:42).
[26]Called Pesach in Hebrew.
[27]Mk. 15:47.
[28]See Deut. 21:22, 23, and Gal. 3:13.
[29]Jn. 19:31.
[30]Jn. 19:32, 33.
[31]Jn. 19:34.
[32]1Yn 4:2, and N (1Jn. 4:2).
[33]Jewish New Testament Commentary, Dr. David H. Stern, pg. 209, 210, commentary on Jn. 19:34.
[34]Deut. 17:6, 19:15. Mt. 18:16. 2 Cor. 13:1. Nazarenes continued this stricture in matters of disputes and other concerns, 1 Tim. 5:19. Heb. 10:28.
[35]Deut. 19:15-21.
[36]Jn. 19:35.
[37]The events of Jn. 19:36 being a fulfillment of Ps. 34:20.
[38]The events of Jn. 19:37 being a fulfillment of Zech. 12:10.
[39]Even by today’s standards and medical technology, the physical trauma Jesus suffered precluded any recovery from either a prolonged comatose state, or death (even if today’s medical science were to preserve His remains).
[40]Nothing is said with regards to the two other prisoners, but one can only speculate that their bodies were also taken down from their crosses by those whom had been relatives or friends of theirs during their lifetimes, if indeed they were present at the execution, and buried; otherwise, their bodies might have been taken down and put in a common grave somewhere in accordance to Jewish Law.
[41]In Hebrew, Ramatayim.
[42]Mt. 27:57, 58. Mk. 15:42, 43. Lk. 23:50-52. Jn. 19:38a,b.
[43]Nicodemus.
[44]Mt. 27:57. Mk. 15:42. Jn. 19:38---John simply says “After these things,” which is to say after the Messiah’s death, and the Roman’s confirmation of such.
[45]Lk. 23:51a.
[46]Mk. 15:44, 45.
[47]Mt. 27:59. Mk. 15:46a. Lk. 23:53. Jn. 9:39, 40. One note; even if by some remote probability Jesus had survived all of the physical punishment visited upon Him earlier, and was now in some catatonic or comatose state awaiting some unknown alchemist’s care of His condition, and His recovery from everything He had suffered in less than three days time, just the method used in mummifying Him would have killed any chances of reviving Him, since by then He would have expired from not being able to breath oxygen through the caked and tightly covered face cloth; asphyxiation setting in almost immediately. This alone would kill anyone, Hugh Schonfield’s fanciful theory notwithstanding (The Passover Plot).
[48]Mt. 27:60. Mk 15:46b. Lk. 23:53b. Jn. 19:41.
[49]Jn. 19:41.
[50]Lk. 23:54.
[51]Mt. 27:62.
[52]Obviously, some of them had recalled the prophecy which promised that Messiah Ben Yosef’s body would not undergo decay, but would rise from the grave(Ps. 16:9,10). While some of the others amongst their number misunderstood Jesus’ statements to mean that He would destroy the temple and build it in three days (Mk. 14:57,58). Check also Jn. 2:18-21, which we are fortunate to have, for it provides Jesus’ exact statement, and how it was misunderstood, and used against Him by the Sanhedrin.
[53]John 27:61-66.
[54]Now it is obvious that they had done this, otherwise it would have been superfluous for them to have requested that Pilate place a Roman seal over the entrance, and a Roman guard around an empty tomb. In doing so, they would not stir the waters any more than they had been stirred already. Also, Pilate would not had authorized the use of a Guard, if he had not first checked the location of the tomb, and that the body inside was indeed Jesus.’ Any oversight on his part would be reported back to Rome.
[55]Mt. 28:65, 66.
[56]It is interesting to note that Luke mentions that the whole body of them arose and brought Him before Pilate (Lk. 23:1). Since Nicodemus and Joseph were amongst those who disagreed with the verdict of the council, more than likely, they went along with the others before Pilate in the hopes that Jesus would receive more equitable treatment at the hands the Romans. Therefore their motives for bringing Jesus before the civil authorities would have been much different than those of their co-religionists.
[57]Although such a concern could only manifest itself only after the participants and witnesses to Jesus’ life and those who had come in contact with Him had all expired and could not be contacted for verification. Such contentions would only surface centuries later when such outlandish statements could be made, presumably without fear of rebuttal by eyewitnesses, spectators, and bystanders to these events.
[58]While some might have survived a crucifixion, it is obvious from the records that He did not. The combination of acute exhaustion from no sleep, violent physical assaults visited upon Him on the part of the religious, civil, and military authorities; the loss of blood due to the flogging, the crown of thorns, the piercing of His wrists and feet, the pulmonary edema brought on by liquid in His lungs, dehydration; all of these things would hasten death in any normal human being. For all intents and purpose, He possessed normal human attributes, while still being uniquely divine (Php. 2:7,8, Heb. 2:17).
[59]They had said as much, when they stated, by their own admission, “We know when He was alive.....”
[60]Mt. 26:56b, Mk. 14:50-52.
[61]A Roman Guard consisted of between ten and thirty soldiers.
[62]Recall that the records state that Jesus was buried in a tomb located where His crucifixion had taken place (Jn. 19:41).
[63]Josh McDowell, Evidence that Demands a Verdict, Campus Crusade for Christ International, 1973, pg. 218, 219.
[64]Jn. 19:7. Heb. 13:12.
[65]1 Cor. 15:12-19.
[66]Acts 10:39-41.
[67]Heb. 12:1a.
[68]Acts 1:8b.
[69]Lk. 1:1-4.
[70]His disciples.
[71]Acts 1:3.
[72]Acts 4:33.
[73]Jn.. 1:14.
[74]Jn. 19:35.
[75]Jn. 21:24.
[76]1Jn. 1:1-4.
[77]2Pt. 1:16-18. The Bath Kol. God’s voice. Here Simon alludes to Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain, to which he and two others were, witnesses. The others were James, not the Jesus’ half-brother, and John the beloved (Mt. 17:1-8, Mk. 9:2-8, Lk. 9:28-36). This alludes to Ps. 2:7, which declares: “I WILL SURELY TELL OF THE DECREE OF THE LORD: HE SAID TO ME, ‘THOU ART MY BEGOTTEN SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN THEE.” On two other occasions, the Bath Kol had been heard: when Jesus submitted to water-immersion (baptism), see Mt. 3:13-17, Mk. 1:9-11. The other occasion was after He had entered Jerusalem, when some God-fearing Greek converts to Judaism came to visit Him (Jn. 12:27-30). Some among the crowd following Him thought that it had thundered, while others believed an angel had spoken to Him.
[78]Acts 2:32.
[79]Acts 3:14, 15.
[80]1Pet. 5:1b.
[81]Acts 5:32a.
[82]Acts 13:30, 31.
[83]The Secret Book of James 2:1. Robert Miller, Editor, The Complete Gospels: Annotated Scholars Version, first Harper paperback edition, 1994.
[84] F.F. Bruce, as quoted by an Internet article by Josh McDowell.
[85]Note that here is the first mention of more than one guard, obviously since a Roman “Guard” was comprised of between ten and thirty men. No doubt, the Chief Priests insured that some of their Temple police would also be present at the site, to make sure that no one would be paid off by any potential follower of Jesus; and spirit the body away to later claim a resurrection had occurred.
[86]Mt. 28:1-4. See also Mk. 16:1. Obviously, from the narrative’s description, this was no ordinary being.
[87]Mk. 16:8b.
[88]Mt. 28:8. Lk. 24:9.
[89]Lk. 24:11.
[90]Jn. 20:2.
[91]Mt. 28:8.
[92]Jn. 20:2b.
[93]Lk. 24:22, 23.
[94]Josh McDowell, from an Internet Article authored by him.
[95]As quoted by Josh McDowell in the same Internet article authored by him.
[96]See Heb. 5:6-10, 6:19, and 20, 7:11-28, 8:1.
[97]Lk. 24:21a.
[98]Mk. 16:12, 13. Lk. 16:12, 13. Lk. 24:13-35.
[99]1Cor. 15:5.
[100]We must recall that there were false reports promulgated by the religious leadership to counter the increasing number of reports of these sightings from all over, as mentioned earlier. Not only that, but at that moment, the civil authorities were probably conducting a search for any followers of the allegedly deceased Nazarene Rabbi.
[101]Jn. 20:19-20.
[102]Jn. 20:20-23. David H. Stern, The Jewish New Testament, Clarksville, Maryland, Jewish New Testament Publications, pg. 150.
[103]In Hebrew: Shavuot.
[104]Jn. 14:16-17.
[105]Jn. 14:13-15.
[106]Jn. 21:25. Here was no zealous religious fanatic given to flights of fancy, but a realist who would have to see for himself the alleged evidence at hand.
[107]1 Cor. 15:56.
[108]Jn. 20:28.
[109]One of them was definitely John the Beloved of the Lord, for the narrative later mentions him as present.
[110]Jn. 21:18-19.
[111]The Johannine Gospel narrative tells us that this disciple; John the Priest’s testimony, was the source for the narrative. It also states that Jesus did many other marvelous things which were not recounted in the narrative; but if these were to be included, the world itself would not be able to contain the volume of literature on the subject (Jn. 21:1-25).
[112]Mt. 28:16-20. Mk. 16:15-18.
[113]1Cor. 15:6. An interesting note on a seeming contradiction, which in actually is a simple geographical contradistinction. From The Jewish New Testament Commentary, we have this interesting note on Mk. 14:28:
“ ‘But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you into the Galil.’”
In The Voice of the Martyrs, Inc. newsletter, November 1993, page 1, Richard Wurmbrand writes,
‘ “Galilee” is the name of the northern region of Israel and also of a slope of Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives. After His resurrection, Jesus first met some of His disciples in the latter place.’
Luke 24 portrays the risen Yeshua on the Mount of Olives, while Yochanan 21 describes his appearance in the Galil (i. e., in the north). The present text, as well as those at Mk. 16:7 and Mt. 28:10, 16 can be interpreted either way.” David H. Stern, The Jewish New Testament, Clarksville, Maryland, Jewish New Testament Publications, Appendix on pg. 932.
[114]Jesus and James’ other stepbrothers and stepsisters at one point had even thought of putting Him away ( ). His stepbrother’s names were James, Joseph, Simon, and Judah (Mt. 13:55, Lk. 6:3). We are not provided with His stepsister’s names. That these were relatives of His, and not as the Roman Catholic Church teaches; brothers of the faith, is quite evident, see for example Jn. 2:12, and 7:3, where the text makes a distinction between His disciples and His immediate family. The Roman Catholic Church teaches the doctrine of Miriam’s (Mary’s) perpetual virginity after giving birth to Jesus. This flies in the face of the Gospel evidence to the contrary.
[115]As quoted by Jerome, On famous Men 2. Robert Miller, Editor, The Complete Gospels: Annotated Scholars Version, first Harper paperback edition, 1994, pg. 434.
[116]The Gospel of Thomas Saying 12. Robert Miller, Editor, The Complete Gospels: Annotated Scholars Version, first Harper paperback edition, 1994.
[117]See the Chapter Eleven for more on how Jacob (James), the Lord’s brother; became the president, or Nasi of the Nazarene Beith Din, replacing Peter in that most strategic responsibility..
[118]Lk. 24:44.
[119]Lk. 24:44-49.
[120]Acts 1:4-5.
[121]Lk. 24:48-49.
[122]Acts 1:7-8.
[123]Lk. 24:50. See also, Mk. 16:19.
[124]Acts 1:9-11.
[125]Lk. 24:52-53. Acts 1:12.
[126]Acts 1:3.
[127]Between one hundred twenty and five hundred followers. As cited earlier, Rabbi Saul Paulus has stated that the five hundred saw and heard the risen Messiah at one time, as I have mentioned previously.
[128]F. F. Bruce, New Testament History, New York, N. Y., Doubleday, pg. 205, 206.
[129]Hugh J. Schonfield, The Jesus Party, New York, N. Y., Macmillan Publishing Company, pg. 94.
[130]Hugh J. Schonfield, The History of Jewish Christianity from the First to the Twentieth Century, London, Duckworth, 1936, pp. 19-20.
[131]See Nu. 35:30, Deut. 17:6, 19:15, Mt. 18:16, Jn. 8:17, 2Cor. 13:1, Heb. 10:28; scriptural references which allude to the testimony of two or three witnesses in various situations, and the weight it carries.
[132]Jn. 20:30, 31.
[133]Jn. 21:25.
There have been many articles and books on the resurrection, many very well written and researched, some of which I cite below. Here we will attempt to understand what could have transpired the days and weeks which followed the crucifixion, death, and burial of Yeshua ben Joseph, known to many as Jesus Christ (Yeshua the Messiah).
Some life changing and earth-shattering event must have transpired for forty-three days following Jesus' execution and burial to have changed a group of some five hundred or so devout Jewish followers of the Nazarene to have impelled them into bold, and fearless exponents of the messianic message of Good News about Messiah's coming. Something which has changed the coarse of Jewish and human history from the day of its infancy to this day, and which has repercussions for Israel, the Jewish people, and every tribe and nation to this day.
In order for us to understand what had transpired in the lives of His immediate followers; in changing what had become a scattered and persecuted group of dejected men and women into a dynamic movement that outstripped every other in growth during its infancy; one must consult the oldest records of their beginnings; the Gospel narratives, the Acts of the Envoys, and various independent sources of the times.
[1]We must consult the scriptural sources[2] which tell us of what had transpired for the first forty days following the Master’s death on the Roman execution stake.[3] In so doing, we will better understand the unbridled fear and remorse that these people must have felt during those fateful three days following the Messiah’s death; and the irrefutable event which transformed them all. We must recall, that so acute was their fear of arrests and reprisals by the authorities, that all of Jesus’ disciples had forgotten that their Master had spoken to them, on many occasions, that these things would have to occur.
[4] In a fragment of the Gospel of Peter, we are provided with such a detail as the situation these followers of Jesus found themselves embroiled in after the crucifixion. It has them saying that...
“we were sought for by them as malefactors, and as desiring to burn the temple.”
[5] We know that following His arrest, the twelve fled. At that time, they felt shame with being identified with a movement whose ringleader had died such an ignominious death as crucifixion. We must also recall, that they had witnessed the result of the pummeling He suffered on the part of the Sanhedrin’s fists.[6] The blows visited upon Him on the part of those who were holding Him in custody, while He awaited His final trial outside the High Priest’s home.[7] The cruel battering He endured from the soldiers of the Roman cohort[8] with a staff made of reed.[9] The crown of sharp thorns which the self-same Romans mockingly pressed on His head, along with the violet and scarlet robe.[10] And the ill-treatment He suffered at the hands of the Herodians, when they mockingly dressed Him up in gorgeous robe.[11] These incessant beatings brought on facial swelling and disfigurement.[12] The pulling of His beard.[13] The flogging with the infamous Roman whip.[14] The humiliation and the mocking must have been unbearable. Particularly, when the Person undergoing this suffering was fully cognizant of His mission and rank within the cosmic order; the only Son of God suffering terrible torture at the hands of His Father’s own creation for its reconciliation with its Creator. This cruel and incessant physical and emotional punishing was evidently much more than was suffered by the average alleged malefactor. For the disciples the monstrous suffering and torture and humiliation that the Master had borne, and His resulting death, must have struck them with an unbearable mixture of emotions; hopeless grief, humiliation, acute despair, a deep sense of loss, a gaping emptiness, and a realization of the totality and finality that one feels at the passing of a loved one.[15] We must remember that for three years or more, He had been their rabbi, and these people had been His community; more than His community; His family. We must also recall that if the multitude had mourned for Him greatly, how much more those who were His immediate devotees. The three days following His execution, must have been the longest of their collective lives. As to reaction from the others, who by now had been apprised of the events of the last few days in and around Jerusalem, Schonfield writes:
“Puzzled and disturbed, Jerusalem on the surface slowly quieted down when the shock had been absorbed, as so many other shocks had to be in these grievous times. But an undercurrent remained, both of bitterness and speculation. Among the masses there was anger with the chief priests, especially with the high priest Caiaphas, for what they had done. They were lackeys of the Romans, concerned to safeguard their wealth and privileges. They were corrupt, unworthy servants of God, anti-messianists who accepted foreign ways and tolerated heathen rule. Saints and militants alike agreed that wickedness in high places was one of the great obstacles to redemption.”[16]
The tomb where Jesus was buried was the property of a prominent Pharisee by the name of Joseph, a devout man, and secret follower who had disagreed with the Council’s verdict. This same Pharisee, along with another prominent Pharisee; Nakdimon, went to the Roman Procurator Pilate and requested the Master’s corpse. It is ironic that Jesus’ immediate followers fled in fright when He was apprehended, while these two, who had been secret followers of His, now came out in the open.[17] There is a strong possibility that Jesus had many more secret followers within the Pharisaic faction of Judaism at this time, and that some of these now included themselves with both Joseph and Nakdimon.[18] Pilate was surprised that Jesus had passed away so soon after being on the cross for only six hours,[19] so he summoned a centurion to confirm the death.[20] The reason Pilate had been surprised of Jesus’ early death was because, after witnessing many crucifixions, he no doubt had seen how some men lasted up to twenty-four hours before expiring. The criminals crucified at Jesus’ side had their legs broken by the Romans to “mercifully” speed their deaths, but the narrative tells us that when they came to the Master, they didn’t have to resort to breaking any of His legs because He had expired, no doubt due to the physical abuse He had endured at the hands of His malefactors.[21] Alfred Edersheim writes about the particular time of Jesus’ death and burial:
“The brief spring-day was verging towards the ‘evening of the Sabbath’. In general, the Law ordered that the body of a criminal should not be left hanging unburied over night. Perhaps in ordinary circumstances the Jews might not have appealed so confidently to Pilate as actually to ask him to shorten the sufferings of those on the Cross, since the punishment of crucifixion often lasted not only for hours but days, ere death ensued. But here was a special occasion. The Sabbath about to open was a ‘high-day’-it was both a Sabbath and the second Paschal Day, which was regarded as in every respect equally sacred with the first-nay, more so, since the so-called Wavesheaf was then offered to the Lord.”[22]
When he received the confirmation, he allowed Joseph to take the body. We are told that Joseph brought a linen cloth, took Him down, wrapped Him in the linen cloth, and laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of solid rock; and he had a heavy stone rolled[23] against the entrance of the tomb.[24] The Gospel narratives also tell us that His burial was hastily carried out, close to the site where He expired, in a garden. The haste was to due to the fact that the preparation day before Shabbat[25] was approaching, what’s more; it was the second day of Passover.[26] Everything had to be done properly, according to the strictures of Torah, before sunset. Mark mentions that Mary Magdalene and Miriam the mother of Joses were looking on to see where the body was being laid.[27] There would be no question as to where to go; after Shabbat to anoint the corpse. Matthew, on his part, also mentions that Mary was present when Jesus was being laid in the tomb, and that the other Mary had accompanied her; but does not explain why she was with them.
Before we continue in our study, we must pause for the moment, and examine carefully what the records say with regards to what was done with Jesus’ body, and take these into account, for in doing so, we will obtain for ourselves a much better understanding not only of the entire picture of what occurred, but a deeper appreciation of the events and how these people lived through them. For these events were to become the mortar which was used later to build the bricks of faith on which the foundation of Jesus the Messiah and His resurrection would be built in these people; and for us, in our faith.
We know from the narrative that it was the Day of Preparation,[28] and due to this, the religious authorities (the Jews as the Johannine Narrative calls them) requested the Romans break all of the prisoner’s legs in order to hasten death before Shabbat.[29]
We know from the narrative from the Johannine Gospel Narrative that the Romans complied by breaking the legs of both the prisoners crucified with Jesus, but when they came to Him, and found that He had already expired, they choose not to break His legs--it was unnecessary under the circumstances.[30]
We know that the records state that in order to confirm that Jesus had expired, one of the Roman guards thrust his pear deep into Jesus’ side as He still hung on the cross, and according to the records, what came out appeared to be blood and water,[31] evidence that Jesus had expired perhaps hours earlier due to massive heart failure, and since then His blood had ceased to circulate, its components had since began to break down.
With regards to this Dr. David H. Stern writes:
“Apart from whatever symbolism may suggest itself, such as of immersion, or communion, the p’shat, the simple sense of the text, is that Yeshua, who had been a living man, was now dead. According to medical opinion, the ‘blood and water’ are signs that the final cause of death was massive heart failure. Thus refuted are teachings already current among heretical groups when Yochanan wrote, that Yeshua had not been a flesh and blood human being.[32] This false doctrine (docetism) is echoed by modern cults that speak of a ‘Christ-figure’ who only faked being human. At the same time this report disproves the ‘swoon theory,’ probably equally ancient, that Yeshua did not die but only lost consciousness and was later revived by his talmidim, who then invented the ‘resurrection myth,’ the most imaginative recent restatement of this ancient canard is The Passover Plot, by the apostate Messianic Jew Hugh J. Schonfield (1901-1988).”[33]
We know from the records that the person who witnessed this, along with the other witnesses present attest to the veracity of the accounts recorded and preserved for us. To the casual observer this may not have much meaning, but consider to an observant Jew of the first century such statements carried weight, since according to the Torah everything was to either be proved or disproved through at the very least two or three witnesses.[34] In making such a statement, the writer was saying for the record something which if disproved by others while he (and all of the other followers of Jesus still lived), could face capital punishment for being false a witness(es) to the facts.[35] What’s more, he is putting his personal name on the account as being factual, and challenges anyone to disprove him if he/she could. This adds further weight to his account.[36]
We know that the author to the Johannine Gospel which bears his name considered that two Messianic Prophecies had their fulfillment in what he and many others had observed before their eyes, and these being;
1.) The Messiah’s bones would not be broken.[37]
2.) They, meaning all those present; Jews and Gentiles alike would gaze at Him whom they have pierced.[38]
At this point, we have established that the evidence indicates that Jesus indeed expired due to the massive physical trauma and punishment He had suffered, an event witnessed by many; on the one side by family, friends, and followers of His, and on the other by His detractors who had continued to taunt and ridicule Him as He suffered in agony before them until His death, and the Romans who cast lots for the Master’s only earthly possession.
A few things become clear to us at this point; had there been any doubt with regards to Jesus’ demise, the Romans would have broken His legs, which they did not, otherwise His detractors would have requested some other means to secure His death at this point for two very compelling reasons, these being:
1.) The Day of Preparation was approaching, in which case matters had to be resolved concerning these prisoners--they had to die, and once having died, their bodies had to be disposed in some manner in accordance to Torah strictures.
2.) Assuring that when Jesus was buried, that He would be beyond anyone’s means to affect resuscitation--meaning He would be beyond the pale of medical science, alchemy, or sorcery--He would have to be beyond humanly getting up and walking about.[39]
It is with this certainty that Jesus’ lifeless body was taken down from the cross of execution.[40]
The Gospel Narratives provide us next with the most iron-clad documentation on just what was done with the Master’s body after His death.
We read that two prominent leaders from the Sanhedrin, Joseph of Arimathea[41] and Nakdimon approached Pilate requesting that he release to their care Jesus’ body for burial.[42]
There are some details we may gather from these accounts which while not mentioned outright, nevertheless are inferred by the evidence before us;
These two leading Pharisees, members of the Sanhedrin; had in all probability been acting on behalf and with the tacit authorization of the Great Sanhedrin, in securing Jesus’ body.
We may reach this conclusion for some very good reasons;
1.) Their wish and the wish of all the entire Sanhedrin in preventing anyone of grave robbery with regards to Jesus’ remains.
2.) The wish of the Chief Priests in preventing anyone later claiming a resurrection.
3.) We may add to this list the wishes of Joseph, Nakdimon’s,[43] and the other sympathetic members of the Sanhedrin in preventing the same deception by potential fanatical elements.
3.) Joseph and Nakdimon’s own wish to protect the body from any further defacement, remember the pummeling, torture, and abuse Jesus had suffered; their own reverence for Him as the Messiah would unquestionably demand that He would suffer no further even in death.
4.) Their own wish that the Master would receive a proper burial before the onset of the Great Shabbat in accordance to Halachic strictures, for it was already evening and time was of the essence.[44]
I submit therefore, that it was not just these two men who came before Pilate, but that they led a delegation from the Sanhedrin, perhaps those from among that body like themselves who had not consented to Jesus’ execution,[45] but who nevertheless had secured authorization to appear before Pilate with the aforementioned request for the Master’ body.
And Pilate, once confirming that Jesus had indeed expired, from a trusted Centurion no less,[46] remanded the Teacher’s remains to these two religious leaders, and those accompanying them, for burial.
There are four very compelling reasons for me in bringing this belief forward:
1.) Joseph and Nicodemus, while themselves religious leaders, could not have been acting on their own, and must have secured permission from the Sanhedrin in order to appear before Pilate with the request for Jesus’ body. Remember, as the records indicate, this was a crucial period, and everyone was watched and observed, followed and being followed, which is why all of Jesus’ followers were in hiding in fear for their lives.
2.) Pilate would not have released Jesus’ body to anyone without them presenting to him first the proper authorization for such an undertaking from the religious authorities regardless of who these people were.
3.) Pilate would not have released Jesus’ body to anyone requesting it. Those making any request before Pilate would have to possess themselves the proper credentials necessary in obtaining this release, much less to approach Pilate himself on such matters. Pilate was not in the habit of personally receiving members of the Gentry, only the Ruling Class from among the populace.
4.) The Sanhedrin would approve of such an action, since it would ensure that they be apprised of the whereabouts of Jesus’ body, and the narratives do indicate that such information was known to them when the Chief Priests themselves went before Pilate with their request afterwards.
All the Gospel Narratives tell us that Jesus’ body was taken down from the cross, wrapped tightly in linen wrappings mixed with myrrh and aloes. This would leave the body completely in a mummified state, the mixture of spices would later harden.[47]
The body was laid in a tomb which had never been used before, hewn inside solid rock on the side of hill overlooking a garden.[48] And we know from the Johannine Gospel narrative that this rock hewn tomb on the side of the hill was located where Jesus had been crucified, thus facilitating the quick removal and burial of the body once authorization had been obtained from Pilate.[49]
This also would allow the Romans guarding the executed prisoners’ bodies being removed before them to observe and keep a close watch as Jesus’ body was being taken down and placed in the tomb nearby.
So that every moment, and every movement did not escape their gaze. Indeed, considering the political and religious atmosphere, it was not only prudent to do so, but of absolute necessity.
Under such circumstances, there was no room for anyone to attempt in any way to take Jesus’ remains, even if they wished to do so. All of this occurred well into midnight just before the Great Shabbat, by then the Day of Preparation would be over.[50]
The Chief Priests did everything possible on their part to insure that no one would have access to Jesus’ corpse, anticipating that some of the more fanatical followers might spirit away His body to later claim a resurrection had taken place. We read that on Shabbat, we may assume right after midnight of the previous Day of Preparation had passed; possibly right after the events we’ve recounted above, and before the Roman detachment present at the execution could be relieved of duty and reassigned elsewhere from the site, the Chief Priests and elders appeared before Pilate.[51] The records state:
Now the next day, which was the one after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, and said, “Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’” [52] “Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, lest the disciples come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.[53]
Thus, after making absolutely certain that they had the right location with the body intact inside,[54] they accomplished everything necessary; and placed a Roman seal over the stone at the tomb where He was buried. The breaking of a Roman seal was considered a crime resulting in capital punishment. Under such circumstances, no one would dare to even come close to the tomb without prior consent on the part of the civil and political authorities, and this they would have to present in the form of writing stating as such.
To complete the process, a Roman Guard was dispatched to the site, to watch over the surrounding perimeter for the next three days. The records state that Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.”
And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.[55] No doubt that Joseph and Nicodemus also might have been part of the second delegation who went to Pilate[56] to request that he place a Roman Guard at the entrance to and around the perimeter of the tomb, and a Roman seal over a two ton stone covering the only entry/egress point, which no one would dare break. This must have occurred after they had placed the body there, while keeping watch over it. Although their motives would have been quite different from those of their fellow Pharisees; they would have wanted to prevent any profanation of the Master’s remains at the hand of His more rabid enemies. Having witnessed themselves the corruption and savagery of the chief priests and their followers, they knew these men had been capable of anything. After what Jesus had suffered at the hands of this murderous cabal, there was no telling what else they would be capable of. Nothing was beyond them. Thus, His body had to be protected from both fanatical elements on either side; those who would want to steal His body and claim a resurrection, and those who would want to destroy it and later claim that He never existed.[57] No doubt the religious authorities themselves, had insured that they have some of Temple police present at the tomb to keep grave robbers away, while these negotiations transpired. This was executed flawlessly, as the records attest. There was absolutely no way anyone could gain access to the body inside.
Now coming to this juncture, we must peruse the records, and weigh the evidence at hand, which has been handed down to us by way of the Gospel narratives; so as to glean every scrap of conclusive information and how it impacted the faithful who walked and talked with the Hope of Israel.
We have already established from documentary evidence that Jesus was stone cold dead before His body was laid in Joseph’s tomb.[58]
We know that His malefactors were aware that He had died at three o’clock in the afternoon by their statements to Pilate the day after Jesus’ death.[59]
We know that at this juncture the only ones of Jesus’ followers to come forward to obtain the Master’s remains from the Roman authorities were Joseph and Nicodemus; a pair of Pharisees, as mentioned previously, possibly leading a delegation of sympathetic Pharisees from the Sanhedrin.
We know that the rest of Jesus’ followers had fled in fright when He was apprehended.[60]
We know where He was laid to rest.
We know that an extremely heavy stone had been rolled over the entrance to this tomb.
We know that the tomb had only one entrance/egress point from which to gain entry and exit.
We know that at the request of a delegation from the high priest, which might have included some followers of Jesus; who went to Pilate, and obtained from him a Roman Guard to surround the tomb where He had been laid.[61]
We also know that an unbreakable seal of the Roman Empire had been placed at the tomb’s entrance.
We know that before such a seal would have been placed, and a Roman Guard dispatched to the scene, the authorities, both Jewish and Roman; would have to have made absolutely certain that they had the right tomb with the right body inside; and once this would be established beyond any doubt, they would execute these orders to the letter. It would be foolish indeed for them to have gone through so much trouble and effort only to guard an empty tomb; or one with the wrong body. What’s more, considering how concerned the ruling clerics were that Jesus’ remains not be spirited away by Zealots or any other fanatical would be followers; it is highly likely that they had the body watched from the moment it was taken down from the cross to the time it was interned in Joseph’s rock-hewn tomb on the side of hill.
We can picture these agents of the High Priest keeping a guarded watch over it until such a time as the Roman Guard would arrive on the scene to relieve them, the Romans present at Jesus’ execution not far from them, within eyesight; still awaiting to be relieved of duty and reassigned.[62]
All these measures would make it impossible for anyone to come near the body, if such an attempt were ever to be made, and we know from the records that none did occur. This behavior is consistent with what the narratives tell us that every one of Jesus’ followers had fled for their lives, and were now in hiding from the authorities. Pertaining to the measures taken to insure that the Master’s body not be spirited away, Josh McDowell has written the following:
“Led by Annas and Caiaphas, their chief priests, a deputation of Jewish leaders sought out Pilate, to request that the tomb wherein Jesus was buried be sealed and that a Roman guard be stationed around it, giving as their motive their fear that the friends of Jesus might come stealthily by night and steal His body in order to make it appear that a resurrection had taken place. To this request the acquiescent Pilate responded:
‘Ye have a guard; go your way; make it secure according to your wish.’
They went their way, attended by a guard of Roman soldiers numbering from ten to thirty who, under their direction, sealed the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea with the Imperial seals of Rome, affixing thereto in wax the official stamp of the procurator himself which it would be a high crime even to deface. Thus did these jealous enemies of Jesus unwittingly prepare in advance an unanswerable challenge to their subsequent explanation of the resurrection-an explanation which did not, and could not, in the very nature of things explain it....” Professor Albert Roper continues: ‘Commanding the guard was a centurion designated by Pilate, presumably one in which he had full confidence.”[63]
It is interesting to note here that at this point neither Pilate, nor the religious authorities considered it necessary to commit a large force as they had during Jesus’ arrest, since the situation presumably by now seemed to be under some control.
Thus, Pilate committed a Roman Guard composed of between ten to thirty soldiers, accompanied by a detachment of Temple Police to guard the tomb where Jesus’ body laid.
This is completely in character considering the situation had by now changed, and all of Jesus’ followers were in hiding for fear that they’d also be arrested and crucified.
They assigned a force commensurate with the immediate need until such a time as such a need would no longer be evident.
So then, let us recap what we’ve discussed so far, and in so doing, understand to what lengths the authorities went in securing Jesus’ remains from robbery, profanation, and potential deception.
1.) The tomb chosen by Joseph for burying Jesus’ remains had only one entrance/egress point.
2.) Any attempt at entry from this point could only be accomplished by first moving the large two ton stone away from the entrance.
3.) The tomb was hewn from solid rock on the side of a hill within close proximity to where Jesus was crucified, just outside the city.[64] Any attempt at burrowing a tunnel into it would have taken both time, materiel, and would have been noticed, and above all else; if attempted, would have taken months if not years to complete.
4.) Any attempt at entry or egress could only be accomplished at the behest of the Roman Guard comprised of a Centurion leading ten to thirty soldiers, accompanied by elements of the Temple police and other interested parties of an undisclosed number, dispatched to keep watch at its entrance and perimeter.
5.) Any attempt at opening the tomb would be performed only with Pilate’s tacit approval, since an Imperial Seal had been placed over the large stone covering the tomb’s only entrance. There is no record anywhere that has survived us either of such a request ever having been made either by any of Jesus’ followers or detractors, or any permission granted by Pilate or any other Roman official to do this.
6.) Even if such a request could be made, it would not be made by Jesus’ followers, who were in hiding from the authorities, or the chief priests who themselves had no desire to have the tomb disturbed; they were the chief and only purveyors having the tomb sealed and guarded.
7.) The only group left would be Jesus’ sympathizers in the Sanhedrin, and we have already seen that this group’s interest was in keeping the Master’s remains safe and undisturbed in Joseph’s tomb.
Nothing else needs to be said or added. The evidence speaks conclusively for itself.
The events which would follow, would rock the very foundation of both the religious and secular world for the next two thousand years. Its repercussions would be felt on a global scale as has no other event in recorded history. And if one is to believe the promises of the scriptures pertaining to Israel’s restoration and the establishment of God’s Millennial Kingdom on earth, these incidents would set forth a chain of events culminating with God’s theocratic rule restored to mankind in some future date with Israel at the head of the nations, and its Messiah; Jesus enthroned on David’s throne.
ON THE THIRD DAY, AND FORTY DAYS HENCE...
We will now explore, through the narratives of those who witnessed it, the earth-shattering events that unfolded, the ramifications of which forever changed the lives of those who knew the Master; events that would later change the course of world history. Events that would henceforth shape the religious landscape of the world for the next two millennia. There have been so-called resurrection stories among many civilizations, but none of them have affected the human race quite the way this particular one has, perhaps because this one is the only true account of such an occurrence in recorded history handed down to us from eye-witnesses. On this one tenet, the entire Christian, Hebrew Christian/Messianic Jewish faith rests; the death, burial and resurrection of Israel’s Messiah. So much so that Paul writes:
Now if Messiah is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Messiah has been raised; and if Messiah has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we witnessed against God that He raised Messiah, whom He did not raise; if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Messiah has been raised; and if Messiah has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Messiah have perished. If we have hoped in Messiah in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.[65]
We are most fortunate that we do have some very detailed accounts of the events surrounding the resurrection of Messiah. The accounts we have are very faithful and present us with some tantalizing details of the next events to unfold; events so significant that rabbinical authorities sought to debunk it centuries later in what is called Toledoth Yeshu. The fact that such events did happen are evident from the reaction it solicited from its detractors. Surely no one would waste their time and energy trying to debunk a myth! Myths, in and of themselves, are so preposterous that they preclude any intelligent rebuttal. Those who had walked and talked with the Master themselves have stated that their testimony is true and based on eyewitness accounts. They have made these statements, and the records show that wherever they went the message was the same, Jesus had conquered the unconquerable; death and the grave.
Their message was a powerful one, even outside the people of Israel was a powerful one:
“And we are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And they also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. God raised Him on the third day, and granted that he should become visible, not to all people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us, who ate and drank with Him after he arose from the dead.”[66]
At the end to the book to the Hebrews, the author mentions that the witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection is so great in numbers that he calls them “a cloud.”[67]
The Master Himself had told them that as they witnessed His resurrection, they would testify of it and its implications, not only in the city of Jerusalem, but throughout the Judean region, Samaria, and throughout the ends of the earth:
“..and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and all Judea and Samaria, and even the remotest part of the earth.”[68]
In the Introduction to his Gospel narrative, Luke the historian, and physician writes:
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the gospel have handed them down to us, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.[69]
And in his forward to his Acts of the Apostle, he writes:
To these[70] He also presented Himself alive, after He had by the Holy Spirit given convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.[71]
In his historical work reconstructing the early days of the Nazarenes, Luke writes:
And with great power the apostles were giving witnesses to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.[72]
From John the beloved of the Messiah, we have the following testimony;
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.[73]
And he who has seen has borne witness, and his witness is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may also believe.[74]
And:
This is the disciple who bears witness of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his witness is true.[75]
Also this one:
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life-and the life was manifested, and we have seen and bear witness and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested, to us-what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus the Messiah. And these things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.[76]
From Simon Peter, we have the following emboldened and resolute writing; full with absolute assurance of the facts he is writing about:
For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased”-and we ourselves heard this utterance made form heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.[77]
Peter elsewhere in a public forum, where he could have been debunked arrested, and sentenced to death if convicted of being a false witness, states he and all of the other followers of the Master with him were witnesses to the fact of Jesus’ bodily resurrection and victory over death, where he declares:
“This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses.”[78]
Later, speaking to a crowd with elements of those present at Jesus’ sentence, Peter says:
“But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses.”[79]
And writing to some believers, Peter calls himself a witness to Jesus’ sufferings.[80]
And before the Sanhedrin, he and John boldly declare that they were witnesses of these things just as they recount them as happening:
“And we are witnesses of these things...”[81]
One who at one time was a bitter enemy of the Nazarenes, testified:
“But God raised Him from the dead; and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people.”[82]
And as to the records themselves and how they were compiled, in the Secret Book of James, the author tells us:
“Now the twelve disciples [used to] sit all together at the [same time], remembering what the Savior had said to each one of them, whether secretly or openly, and setting it down in books.”[83]
We are fortunate to have in our possession many of those works which form the corpus of the Brit Chadasha: the New Covenant, or New Testament.
The records we have which comprise the corpus of New Testament accounts pertaining to these events were circulated amongst the populace at a time when many if not most of the participants were still alive and available to either confirm or deny them.
“F.F. Bruce, Rylands professor of biblical criticism and exegesis at the University of Manchester, says concerning the value of the New Testament records as primary sources:
‘Had there been any tendency to depart from the facts in any material respect, the possible presence of hostile witnesses in the audience would have served as a further corrective.’[84]
Now the narratives tell us that while it was still dark, after Shabbat; towards the first day of the week, a group of women left early for the tomb. These women were Miriam of the city of Magdala, and another Miriam; having left to look at the grave so as to anoint (what they believed at that time) the dead and by now decomposing body of Jesus. On the way, they wondered how they would have the huge two ton stone rolled out of the way, so as to gain entry to the tomb and fulfill their mission. Arriving at the tomb at sunrise, they encountered the entire Roman contingency and Temple police unconscious on the grounds surrounding the grave. What they had seen and experienced had, even for seasoned veterans of many a battle, been too much for them to absorb; and they had apparently fainted as a result. Prior to the women’s arrival, there had occurred an earthquake. An angel of the Lord, the narrative tells us, had rolled away the huge and heavy stone; which had taken several men to roll in place; and was now seated above it. The Gospel narrative gives us a brief description of his appearance:
And his appearance was like lightning, and his garment as white as snow; and the guards[85] shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.[86]
The women, obviously, needed reassuring, the angel told them not to worry. This Jesus, whom had been crucified was no longer there, but had conquered death by rising again from the grave. He showed them where Jesus had lain. He told them to tell Simon Peter and the others of what they had seen, and had happened; informing them that the Master had left for Galilee, where He would meet them later. He reminded them of how the Messiah had mentioned His suffering, and His subsequent triumph over death itself. And the narrative tells us that the women remembered these things.
The women hurried off, not telling anyone along the way concerning this,[87] but only reporting all that had transpired to the eleven disciples.[88] They were received with mute skepticism. The Lukan Gospel narrative says that the eleven found the women’s story nonsensical.[89] The Johannine Gospel narrative adds a detail which the others omit: at this time, apparently, the women themselves believed that someone had stolen the body.[90] They knew from witnessing Jesus’ demise on the Roman cross, His physical condition before being nailed to it, and the final spear thrust deep into his side, that He had died, and had been beyond any hope of recovery from these wounds. To their minds, there was no bringing Him back; He had expired and they had been witnesses to this. This explains why these women thought---even now after the news from the angels at the empty tomb that He had risen, and was now alive---in spite of this, that someone had taken the body from the tomb; and for this purpose, were reporting these things to the others. Matthew’s narrative tells us that they returned from the tomb with a mixture of fear,[91] and joy; perhaps fear of not knowing precisely what happened to Jesus’ body, and joy that there may conceivably be a possibility that what the angels had told them was true---that He had risen. John’s Gospel narrative details personally Mary Magdalene’s report, which no doubt dovetailed the ones the other women were giving to the disciples at this time. It records that she returned to Simeon Kepha (Peter) and John lamenting that:
“They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”[92]
This agrees with what was reported that the other women had said from those who heard the accounts themselves, and described them as reporting:
“But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive.”[93]
Upon hearing this news, Simon Peter and John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, hurried to the tomb to see for themselves. Outrunning Peter, John arrived at the grave first; and stood outside looking in. He did not enter it himself, since he was a Priest, and contact with any corpse would defile him; precluding his being able to fulfill his priestly duties at the Temple. When Peter arrived and entered the tomb, and finding it empty, John then entered. They found the linen wrapping there with the face cloth, rolled up in a place by itself. We are not told what significance this has, but are simply given by the writer this detail, the reason being that to a first century Jew, such detail with regards to burial were unnecessary; the writer knowing that his readership was well aware of the minutia of Jewish burial practices at that time. He simply makes this detail known because had this been a grave robbery, this face cloth and the linen wrappings, neatly folded in a place at the head of the ossuary (and the condition these were discovered in) would not have been the signs of a grave robber. What’s more, just the very fact that the linen wrappings themselves were not unraveled and the face cloth was itself not unraveled was enough to convince these two skeptics that Jesus had indeed defeated death and was no longer there, but alive somewhere else!
“The body of Jesus, in accordance with Jewish burial custom, was wrapped in a linen cloth. About 100 pounds of aromatic spices, mixed together to form a gummy substance, were applied to the wrappings of cloth about the body. After the body was placed in a solid rock tomb, an extremely large stone was rolled against the entrance of the tomb. Large stones weighing approximately two tons were normally rolled (by means of levers) against a tomb entrance.”
“A Roman guard of strictly disciplined fighting men was stationed to guard the tomb. This guard affixed on the tomb the Roman seal, which was meant to ‘prevent any attempt at vandalizing the sepulcher. Anyone trying to move the stone from the tomb’s entrance would have broken the seal and thus incurred the wrath of Roman law.”[94]
As to Roman military discipline Justinian in Digest # 49, makes mention of every offense a Roman soldier could commit to incur a capital punishment, and how this was meted out. This military discipline insured that orders would be followed to the letter without purpose or evasion. When not certain which soldier was at fault in their duty, lots would be drawn and the one whose lot would fall would be punished accordingly. The punished would be stripped of his clothes and burned alive; their own clothing used to ignite the flames.
“Dr. George Currie, a student of Roman military discipline, wrote that fear of punishment ‘produced flawless attention to duty, especially in the night watches.’”[95]
It is likely that shifts were set up between elements of the guard watching the tomb; for example, a guard of thirty men would have three shifts of ten soldiers each, with ten soldiers keeping watch at a time at the tomb entrance, the perimeter, and all access points in and out of the perimeter.
I am inclined to consider that this particular Roman guard, led be a trusted Centurion of Pilate’s, numbered in excess of thirty, possibly forty crack troops--veterans of many a campaign--the very best Pilate could muster for this delicate mission. The reason for dispatching this force was the Jewish and Roman authorities’ wishes of keeping all elements from gaining access to the tomb, and the perception of militant elements which might attempt entry into the tomb (not from Jesus’ cowering followers, but Zealot elements among the population wishing to misuse the concept of a resurrection against the Romans and corrupt Jewish authorities).
At this juncture, they did not fully understand where all this was heading; its purpose and so forth, so they returned to their homes; Peter to Galilee, and John to his home in Jerusalem, and to their professions.
The narratives do not tell us that Miriam from Magdala had returned to the tomb, after the others had left. It simply mentions that as she wept outside the grave, visibly upset over the fate of Jesus’ remains (having thought that someone had stolen the body, and who knows what vile things they may have done to it); she entered it, and encountered two angels; one on either side of where the Master had lain. They asked her why she was weeping, to which she replied her concern over corpse’s whereabouts. Turning to leave, she encountered a Man whom she took to be the gardener, who asked also asked her why she was weeping. She replied with a request that He’d show her the body’s whereabouts, to which He replied,
“Miriam!”
And instantly, she recognized Him, and exclaimed,
“Rabboni!”
She made an attempt to embrace Him, but He told her not to do it, since He, as yet had not ascended to God, where He would commence His duties as High Priest and Intercessor according to the order of Melchizedek.[96] An order predating both the Levitical and Aaronic Orders of Priests prescribed in the Torah. An order without origin, and with no end. Jesus instructed her to tell the others that she had seen Him, which she gladly did; but again the news was received with skepticism.
Later, Jesus appeared to them in Jerusalem, and the narrative states that they worshipped Him. He instructed them to tell His other followers in Galilee; and that He would meet with them there. While this was happening, the Roman soldiers who had been guarding the tomb, returned to the religious authorities, fearing for their lives. They recounted for them all that had happened early before dawn. The religious authorities reassured them that the matter would be taken care of with their superiors, whom they would handsomely bribe; in order to spare the soldiers’ lives.
They added this injunction; if anyone were to inquire as to what had occurred, they were simply to say that the Galilean’s followers had stolen the body. The Gospel narrative tells us that this fabrication was still being disseminated throughout the Jewish communities even in the time of its composition. No doubt, this fabrication concocted by the religious authorities was the origin of Toledoth Yeshu; which we have mentioned earlier. In any event, such a story still places the responsibility on the Roman soldiers, Temple police, and the High Priest’s servants who had been watching the tomb; whether wittingly or unwittingly; making them appear dilatory in the exercise of their responsibility: guarding access to the tomb, and the tomb itself.
When it was written centuries after these events, the participants had long expired, the Roman Empire had itself been “Christianized,” and the writer simply needed only to expand slightly the myth the chief priests paid the Roman guards to fabricate for them if inquiry were to be made by anyone concerning these things. Thus, the finished account preserved for us to this day and expanded in Toledoth Yeshu.
Jesus’ next appearance was to two disciples on a road to Emmaus; a town just seven miles outside Jerusalem. The narrative only tells us that He appeared to them in a different guise; suggesting perhaps that He was traveling incognito; perhaps wearing a veil over His face, which was customary for those wishing to protect themselves from the heat of the day. Naturally, they did not recognize Him; although the Gospel narrative attributes this to supernatural means. He inquired as to the topic conversation they were engaged in, and one of them by the name of Cleopas answered His query with an answer that echoed the hopes of many in Israel at that time:
“But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel.”[97]
Again, the expectation of a physical, and political deliverance from Roman oppression. Jesus berated them for their lack of acuity, and beginning with the Torah, the prophets, and the Books; He explained to them how all these things had been foretold by the ancients. When they reached their destination in the early evening, it appeared He was going to part with them; but they prevailed upon Him to have supper with them. Taking the place of honor as they reclined at table on the floor, Jesus took bread and blessed it, no doubt reciting the old Jewish prayer which is recited even to this day:
“Blessed art Thou, Oh Lord, King of the Universe; who hath given us bread from the earth.”
The narrative tells us that at this point, they recognized Who it was before them; and in an instant, He vanished into thin air from their midst. We can only image how astonished those gathered around the table might have been at seeing the Master who moments before was present, tangible and real; vanish before their eyes. Later, they would recall how their hearts burned within them with the Messianic fire as they heard His teaching. Quickly, they made haste for Jerusalem, to report these events to the eleven there.[98] The excitement was spreading, and hearts must have been burning with anticipation. Many must have asked themselves, “Will I see Him also? If I do, what will He say to me? What will we talk about? What will I ask Him?” Unbeknownst to many, He would be seen by hundreds of people in the days which followed.
It appears that at some time, the eleven, and we may assume others, had gathered in a home (probably, John the Priest’s) in Jerusalem to field the increasing number of reports of sightings coming in from all corners. Sometime previously, the Master had appeared privately to Peter, for these disciples knew about it; and were discussing it with the others. Rabbi Shaul (Paul), in his first letter to the Corinthian Christians, some time later, makes mention of this appearance.[99] A lot was happening on that fateful first day. Reports of sightings and lengthy conversations with the risen Master were reaching Jerusalem from all over. Towards evening, Jesus appeared to the disciples in Jerusalem, and stood in their midst. Now the doors had been bolted shut and the windows had been closed tight because at this point these men and women were still cowling in fear of reprisals from the religious and civil authorities.[100] Miraculously, Jesus bypassed all barriers and gained entry into the home without any hindrance. One can wonder how astounded these people must have been when seeing Jesus alive again. He reproached them all for their unbelief. Apparently, they could not believe their eyes. The disciples were greatly troubled, thinking that what stood before them was some ghostly apparition. In order to convince them, Jesus had them inspect His wounds. Here was no disembodied spirit, but here stood a living, breathing corporeal human being of flesh and bones. As if to punctuate this, He had give Him some food; which He gladly partook. Their joy was immeasurable. He was alive! He had returned to them! The sorrow and emptiness of the previous three days slowly gave way to jubilation, and rejoicing. What would come next?[101] The Gospel narrative supply the details of this meeting:
“Having greeted them, he showed them his hands and his side. The talmidim were overjoyed to see the Lord. ‘Shalom aleichem!’ , Yeshua repeated. ‘Just as the Father sent me, I myself am also sending you.’ Having said this he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Ruach Ha Kodesh! If you forgive someone’s sins, their sins are forgiven, if you hold them, they are held.’”[102]
At this point the Holy Spirit entered ten of the eleven remaining envoys. They, as yet had not received the “Baptism in the Holy Spirit.” That would come later after the Master’s ascension just prior to Pentecost.[103] Up until then, the Spirit had “abided with them; previously doing marvelous things through them.”[104] He would later empower them with the boldness needed to speak on Jesus’ behalf as His representatives, but from this day until that day; He would “abide in their spirit.”[105] During this last appearance, Thomas had been absent. Later, when the others reported to him that they had seen the Lord, he reacted with acute skepticism. His exact statement on the matter being:
“Unless I shall see in his hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”[106]
He would not be dissuaded, and with good reason. To him, now was not the time to succumb to some kind of mass hysteria, allegedly brought on by over-zealous wishful thinking. The Master’s body had been stolen, and had to be found. And that was that. Somebody had to be strong, and in control in the midst of this mayhem.
A week later, they were all gathered at John the Priest’s place of residence in Jerusalem. Thomas was with them this time.[107] Again, the doors and windows had been shut tight. But again, Jesus stood in their midst. Immediately, He addressed the doubting Thomas, and told him to feel His wounds, and His side for himself. To be believing, and not unbelieving. We are not told if Thomas obliged, but he must have; for his reaction was immediate.
“My Lord and my God!”[108]
In addressing Jesus in such a manner,Thomas made the strongest confession of all. The evidence before him, and them all, must have been so compelling that all doubt had, by now been erased.
The next encounter occurred at Lake Tiberius; commonly known as the Sea of Galilee. It was early morning, and it was still dark. Peter went fishing with six of the others. The names given are Thomas, Nathaniel, the two sons of Zebeddee, and two others who remain nameless in the narrative, but could have been young Mark, and the beloved John the Priest.[109] It was dawning, and they had not caught a single fish. But when day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore and shouted to them; asking them if they had had a catch. When they did not answer in the affirmative, He told them to cast the net on the right side of the boat. This they did, and they could hardly contain the catch. At this point Yochanan the Priest recognized Who it was that was awaiting them as they were nearing shore about a hundred yards away. Peter, quickly dressed himself; for he had stripped for work, and impetuously dove into the water. The others. dragging the heavy fish-laden net, moved slowly towards shore. By the time they arrived, Jesus had started a camp fire, and had produced some fish and bread; which He was now cooking. The Johannine Gospel narrative tells us that none of them venture to ask Jesus His identity, because they had recognized Him. They all sat down for breakfast. Jesus specifically addressed Himself three times to Peter; telling him to tend, and feed His sheep. Thrusting on him the responsibility of teaching and administrating the fledgling Nazarene Movement that was going to explode into the scene of Jewish history. Then He prophesied by what manner Peter would meet his death:
“Truly, truly I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself, and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch your hands, and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.”[110]
This would occur many years later in Rome, just as Jesus had prophesied. Peter was preoccupied with John the beloved Priest’s fate, which he inquired Jesus about. Jesus’ reply was that if He so willed it, that disciple would remain; and by the way, what bearing would that have on him anyway? Thus, talk had it that this disciple would not die, but the narrative tells us they misunderstood His statement; that is not what the Master had meant.[111]
Next, the eleven disciples proceeded to a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus had designated as a meeting ground. There, they received what has commonly been called “the Great Commission” to spread the Good News. These new believers were to be water-immersed in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Ruach Ha Kodesh; in the name of Jesus, and to be taught.[112] The Matthean Gospel narrative tells us that they literally worshipped Him. It is possible that it was at this location where He spoke to five hundred followers of His at one time.[113]
His next appearance was to James, His younger stepbrother. James, a skeptic up until this point, became one of Jesus’ most devoted followers, and one of three “pillars” of the Nazarene community in Jerusalem.[114] So conclusive and convincing had this encounter been. In The Gospel According to the Hebrews we have this detail of Jesus’ meeting with James from Jerome, who quotes from it:
“After the resurrection the Savior, it says,
‘The lord, after he had given the linen cloth to the priests’ slave, went to James and appeared to him. (Now James had sworn not to eat bread from the time that he drank from the lord’s cup until he would see him raised from among those who sleep. Shortly after this, the lord said, ‘Bring a table and some bread.’ And immediately it is added;
He took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to James the Just and said to him,
‘My brother, eat your bread, for the Son of Adam has been raised from those who sleep.’”[115]
One thing that is quite apparent from the account above; among the Romans keeping watch on the tomb, there were also some of the High Priest’s personnel, one of whom received the linen cloth from Jesus after His resurrection. Another detail is also apparent; James fasted from the time of Jesus’ execution until His resurrection, probably in mourning as well as expectation of something happening. In The Gospel of Thomas, the disciples inquired as to whom would remain in charge of the Nazarene movement in Jesus’ absence. The Master’s reply was as follows:
“No matter where you are, you are to go to James the Just, for whose sake heaven and earth came into being.”[116]
Although this extra-canonical excerpt of the Apocryphal document is inconsistent with the teachings of the Canonical New Testament Scriptures, we see that from the very beginning, James would become one of the three pillars of the Nazarenes, and eventually; the preeminent leader of the fledgling Nazarene Messianist Community in Jerusalem and all over, eventually superseding Simon Peter, who was the community leader in the beginning.[117]
Back in Jerusalem, Jesus appeared one last time to the community of believers. He said to them,
“These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”[118]
Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them; “Thus, it is written, that the Messiah would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day; and that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.”[119]
And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which” He said, “You heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit, not many days form now.”[120]
“You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”[121]
And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time you are going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the remotest parts of the earth.”[122]
And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted His hands and blessed them.[123]
As He was doing this, He was taken up in a cloud. The disciples gazed upward in awe. The narrative tells us that two men clothed in white, probably Essenes; stood beside them and reminded them that Jesus the Master would return in the same manner that He had been taken up.[124] The new community of believers returned to Jerusalem with new hope, faith, and great rejoicing.[125] For a period of about forty days, they had been witnesses to the incontrovertible truth of the Messiah’s triumph over death.[126] He had taught them. He had walked with them. He had dined with them. He rejoiced with them in seeing their joy. He share in their joy, and gave them rock solid hope as He expounded the Scriptures to them and all it said about Him. These were great days, the greatest in memory to these faithful followers of the Master; perhaps even the greatest days they would ever experience in their collective lives. All had been as in the days of old; before the tragic events at Golgotha, except now more than ever; they knew; without any doubt that nothing could conquer the power of the God of Israel and His Messiah. The evidence before them was so incontrovertible and conclusive that their change in spirits after such a tragedy forty-three days before could only be attributed on such a scale[127] to empirical evidences which was beyond denial, as we have examined earlier. It could not be otherwise, since these people no longer feared for their lives, even knowing that the authorities could conceivably arrest and execute them on the same charge of sedition; the same charge that convicted their Master. The slightest doubt in any of these people would have caused them to lapse into fear, and soon thereafter, the movement would unravel and disappear. So convinced had these people become of what they had witnessed the past forty days, they no longer feared the wrath of their religious leaders in the Sanhedrin, but even more convincing evidence is in the fact that these people had lost all fear of even Roman wrath, and what this would entail; death by crucifixion.
F. F. Bruce has written concerning this remarkable change in Jesus’ followers, from a frightened, humiliated, and scattered group into a dynamic organization of Messianic propagandists :
“None of the authorities, whether Roman or Jewish, could have reckoned with the event that confounded all their calculations: Jesus’ rising from the dead and appearing to his disciples ‘alive again after his passion.’ Not even the disciples themselves had reckoned with it; it took them quite by surprise. But it transformed them almost on the spot from a crowd of demoralized and frightened people into a band of men with a mission and purpose in life which, without delay, they proceeded to translate into action. This ‘resurrection faith’ of the disciples is a historical fact of prime importance, but to identify it with the resurrection event is to confuse cause with effect. Were it not for the resurrection event there would have been no resurrection faith. But the resurrection faith brought the scattered followers of Jesus together again, and within a few weeks after his death they appear as a coherent, vigorous and self-propagating community in Jerusalem.”[128]
Schonfield, a skeptic in his later years, himself concedes the following:
“The belief that Jesus had risen from the dead and had ascended temporarily to heaven governs the transformation that took place....
“Resurrection means the ‘getting up’ of one who has been lying down as a corpse, the reanimation of a dead body, so that the individual breathes and moves and has all his physical functions restored. It is as the awakening from sleep or coma. Jewish resurrection teaching was quite definite about this, and the Gospels stories of the raising of the dead of the widow of Nain’s son and of Lazarus conform to it.”[129]
Writing as a believer some forty years earlier, Schonfield expressed the reality of what had occurred with regards to this monumental event:
“It was this belief, and the power of it, that invested the original community of humble persons, fishermen and artisans, with a dignity and confidence of utterance that was electrifying and contagious, and that ran like wildfire through the oppressed classes of the population and particularly attracted the patriots and religious zealots, already stirred and exalted by Messianic visions. This was the ‘good news,’ for which they had been waiting, the great fact born of actual knowledge and experience which anchored indefinite hope to the strong rock of reality.”[130]
It was not some mass hysteria that took hold of over five hundred people. The realization through empirical evidences slowly began to take form as more and more people saw for themselves the risen Messiah. If as the Torah states, that all things are to be confirmed on the testimony of at least two eyewitnesses,[131] here before all, stood the testimony of over five hundred men and women; devout Jews, who forty days earlier had abandoned all hope, and had been hiding in fear, and despair, but were soon to become the messengers of a new hope. The Gospel narratives and the Lukan Acts are what has been preserved for us of their bold and uncompromising accounts. The Messiah had come. He had conquered death and the grave, and was now providing redemption to mankind. The hostile attempts of a corrupt religious leadership would not silence that testimony. When they carried this message to the masses of Israel (and later, the nations), the bogus stories concocted by the hated and conniving religious leadership would not hold up to the pure and simple testimony of these devout people, whom many among the masses knew personally as honest and unassuming godly people. It is regrettable that official Judaism, as it has stood for the past two millennia, has accepted the lies of a power hungry cabal in place of the testimony of these devout Jewish tzaddikim. But this had already been prophesied as having to occur in the tapestry of Judaism’s history. Anti-Semitic persecution, centuries later, at the hands of the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Catholic Church, and certain sections of Protestant Christianity; claiming the cause of Christ; would crystallize this alienation of official Israel from its Messiah. The caricature of a Gentile pagan idol displayed as a demigod on a crucifix, and the horrors it would visit on Jesus’ own people centuries later as it was being carried at the head of processions of murderous religious anti-Semites; would forever ingrain in the minds of Jewish children the word pogrom, and its meaning.
Below, I have provided a listing of post-resurrection appearances of the Messiah as it has been documented, and preserved for us in the Gospel narratives, the Acts, and New Testament Apocrypha. In total, they comprise eleven recorded incidents of encounters with the risen Messiah. These are the ones which have been preserved to us, but we know that there must have been many others, since the Johannine testimony says:
Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.[132]
And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books which would be written.[133]
APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN MESSIAH IN THEIR ORDER:
I. To Mary Magdalene Mk. 16:9, Jn. 20:11
II. To the Women Mt. 28:1
III. To the Eleven Disciples (Envoys) Mk. 16:14, Jn. 20:19
IV. To the Two Disciples Traveling to Emmaus Mk. 16:12, Lk. 24:13
V. To the Eleven a Week Later Jn. 20:26
VI. To the Envoys in Galilee Mk. 16:14, Jn. 21:1
VII. To Simon Peter Lk. 24:34, 1Cor. 15:5
IIX. To Five Hundred Disciples in Galilee 1 Cor. 15:6
IX. To James, the Lord’s Brother 1 Cor. 15:7, The Gospel According to the Hebrews as quoted by Jerome, On Famous Men 2
X. To the Eleven when They were Commissioned Mt. 28:19, Mk. 16:15, Lk. 24:44
XI. To the Eleven Disciples The Gospel of Thomas, Saying 12
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[1]There is no doubt that Matthew (also called Levi), who had been a tax-collector for the Romans and proficient in record-keeping, kept a meticulous account of Jesus’ every day activities. from these, he wrote his version of Messiah’s life. It is interesting to note that Eusebius mentions him as having written his original version of the Gospel in Hebrew, which the Nazarenes had a copy of.
[2]F. F. Bruce writes, “We are thus thrown back on the new Testament writings as our primary documents, and we may congratulate ourselves on having such a well-tested and thoroughly analyzed body of source-material at our disposal. Also from the footnote to this page, The NT writings were not, of course, designed as historians’ source material, and apart from Like-Acts are not written in historiographical style; but historians will not be deterred on that account from using them as source-material; nor will they be intimidated by theologians who assure them that their task is impossible and illegitimate.” F. F. Bruce, New Testament History, New York, Doubleday, 1969.
[3]A Roman Cross.
[4]Mt. 16:21, 17:22, 23, 20:17-19. Lk. 9:22, 43,44, 17:25, 18:31-33.
[5]As quoted by Hugh J. Schonfield, The History of Jewish Christianity from the First to the Twentieth Century, London Duckworth, 1936, pg. 21.
[6]See Mt. 26:67,68. Also, Mk. 14:65. In the margin for Mt. 26:67, 68, it reads, “Or possibly, beat him with rods.” In the margin for Mk. 14:65, it reads, “Or possibly, blows with rods.”
[7]Lk. 22:63-65.
[8]A battalion.
[9]See Mt. 27:30. Also, Mk. 15:19. A staff made of reed is defined thus; “The slender, frequently jointed stem of certain tall grasses growing in wet places, or the grasses themselves.” Reader’s Digest Great Encyclopedic Dictionary, pg. 1129. The sting from the striking must have been unbearable.
[10]See Mt. 27:29. Mk. 15:17. Jn. 19:2,3. The sharp thorns from this “crown”, must have gouged His brow, and caused great lesions on His forehead. One cannot imagine the pain He must have gone through.
[11]Check for Luke 23:11. The Herodians were lead by Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, who had John the Immerser beheaded rather than repenting of his adulterous relationship with his brother’s wife. “Since much of Jesus’ public ministry had been in Galilee, Pilate thought he had found a way to avoid condemning an innocent person, but Herod did not pronounce Jesus guilty or innocent. Luke had contacts within Herod’s household (cf. Luke 8:3, Sec 78) that enabled him to describe a phase of the trial not found in the other gospels, just as John had access to information about what happened at Annas’ house (cf. Sec. 228).” Robert L. Thomas, and Stanley N. Gundry, A Harmony of the Gospels, pg. 234, Chicago, Ill., Moody Bible Institute, Moody Press, 1978.
[12]The prophet Isaiah provides a striking picture of this disfigurement; “Behold, My servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up, and greatly exalted. just as many were astonished at you, My people, So His appearance was marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men. Thus He will sprinkle many nations, Kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; for what they had not heard they will see, and what they had not heard they will understand” (Is. 52:13-15).
[13]Although not mentioned in the Gospels, clearly this occurred; for Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would suffer this indignity at the hands of godless men (Is. 50:6). The Gospels do mention the spitting that Jesus had to endure (Cf. Mk. 14:65, 15:19. Lk. 18:32).
[14]Jn. 19:1. The whip used for flogging by the Romans was a leather whip with sharp pieces of bone and metal, which when thrown against a prisoner’s back, would tear open the flesh, causing deep lacerations, resulting in heavy bleeding and loss of blood.
[15]Miriam (Mary), Jesus’ mother, was told by an elderly sage by the name of Simeon that a sword would pierce her heart, such was the grief of a mother for her Son (Lk. 2:35).
[16]Hugh J. Schonfield, The Jesus Party, New York, N. Y., Macmillan Publishing Company, pg. 89.
[17]Lk. 9:45 and 18:34 tell us that they didn’t fully understand Jesus’ constant reminder that He would suffer at the hands of the religious and political authorities; and were afraid to inquire about it.
[18]Indeed, it was some among this number who had at one time warned Jesus about a plot Herod had in capturing Him and putting Him to death, Lk. 13:31.
[19]According to the Gospel narratives, from the third hour (9:00am) to the ninth hour (3:00PM). See Mk. 15:25, 33, 37. Lk. mentions that darkness came over all the land from noon to 3:00 PM, the hour of Jesus’ passing.
[20]This could not have been the incident where the soldier pierced Jesus’ side, because in John’s account of the events, Jesus’ side was pierced while He was still on the cross. In the event that Jesus might be feigning death (or even drugged), the Romans thrust a spear deep into His side. Any possibility that He may have been swooned, and have survived crucifixion, would conclusively be dashed with this single action (the spearing on His side). The narrative tells us that when this happened, both blood and water issued from His side, which is a sign that He had been dead a sufficient amount of time for His blood to have deteriorated to the point where this would be medically evident (Jn.19:34,35).
[21]Jn. 19:32, 33.
[22]Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, Gran Rapids, Mich., Wm. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1962, pg. 612, 613.
[23]The stone was extremely heavy, and no doubt, took several men to roll it into place. In the same way, it would have taken several men to roll it out of the way by anyone wishing to steal His corpse. And in order to do that, they would have to first engage the Roman Guard of ten to thirty battle-tested professional soldiers, not to mention, a detachment of temple police and the High Priest’s servants; and if successful (which would seem highly improbable); further incur the wrath of Roman might if they were to attempt to break the seal of Caesar.
[24]Mk. 15:42-47. Apparently Jesus had had a following even amongst the members of the Sanhedrin, amongst whom also was Nakdimon (Nichodemus). Unfortunately, for Him, they had not been in the majority, and could not have changed the course of events that followed.
[25]The Sabbath. And not just a Sabbath, but one that fell on during the days of Passover, having been preceded by the Day of Preparation (see Mt. 27:62, Mk. 15:42, Lk. 23:54, 56, Jn. 19:42).
[26]Called Pesach in Hebrew.
[27]Mk. 15:47.
[28]See Deut. 21:22, 23, and Gal. 3:13.
[29]Jn. 19:31.
[30]Jn. 19:32, 33.
[31]Jn. 19:34.
[32]1Yn 4:2, and N (1Jn. 4:2).
[33]Jewish New Testament Commentary, Dr. David H. Stern, pg. 209, 210, commentary on Jn. 19:34.
[34]Deut. 17:6, 19:15. Mt. 18:16. 2 Cor. 13:1. Nazarenes continued this stricture in matters of disputes and other concerns, 1 Tim. 5:19. Heb. 10:28.
[35]Deut. 19:15-21.
[36]Jn. 19:35.
[37]The events of Jn. 19:36 being a fulfillment of Ps. 34:20.
[38]The events of Jn. 19:37 being a fulfillment of Zech. 12:10.
[39]Even by today’s standards and medical technology, the physical trauma Jesus suffered precluded any recovery from either a prolonged comatose state, or death (even if today’s medical science were to preserve His remains).
[40]Nothing is said with regards to the two other prisoners, but one can only speculate that their bodies were also taken down from their crosses by those whom had been relatives or friends of theirs during their lifetimes, if indeed they were present at the execution, and buried; otherwise, their bodies might have been taken down and put in a common grave somewhere in accordance to Jewish Law.
[41]In Hebrew, Ramatayim.
[42]Mt. 27:57, 58. Mk. 15:42, 43. Lk. 23:50-52. Jn. 19:38a,b.
[43]Nicodemus.
[44]Mt. 27:57. Mk. 15:42. Jn. 19:38---John simply says “After these things,” which is to say after the Messiah’s death, and the Roman’s confirmation of such.
[45]Lk. 23:51a.
[46]Mk. 15:44, 45.
[47]Mt. 27:59. Mk. 15:46a. Lk. 23:53. Jn. 9:39, 40. One note; even if by some remote probability Jesus had survived all of the physical punishment visited upon Him earlier, and was now in some catatonic or comatose state awaiting some unknown alchemist’s care of His condition, and His recovery from everything He had suffered in less than three days time, just the method used in mummifying Him would have killed any chances of reviving Him, since by then He would have expired from not being able to breath oxygen through the caked and tightly covered face cloth; asphyxiation setting in almost immediately. This alone would kill anyone, Hugh Schonfield’s fanciful theory notwithstanding (The Passover Plot).
[48]Mt. 27:60. Mk 15:46b. Lk. 23:53b. Jn. 19:41.
[49]Jn. 19:41.
[50]Lk. 23:54.
[51]Mt. 27:62.
[52]Obviously, some of them had recalled the prophecy which promised that Messiah Ben Yosef’s body would not undergo decay, but would rise from the grave(Ps. 16:9,10). While some of the others amongst their number misunderstood Jesus’ statements to mean that He would destroy the temple and build it in three days (Mk. 14:57,58). Check also Jn. 2:18-21, which we are fortunate to have, for it provides Jesus’ exact statement, and how it was misunderstood, and used against Him by the Sanhedrin.
[53]John 27:61-66.
[54]Now it is obvious that they had done this, otherwise it would have been superfluous for them to have requested that Pilate place a Roman seal over the entrance, and a Roman guard around an empty tomb. In doing so, they would not stir the waters any more than they had been stirred already. Also, Pilate would not had authorized the use of a Guard, if he had not first checked the location of the tomb, and that the body inside was indeed Jesus.’ Any oversight on his part would be reported back to Rome.
[55]Mt. 28:65, 66.
[56]It is interesting to note that Luke mentions that the whole body of them arose and brought Him before Pilate (Lk. 23:1). Since Nicodemus and Joseph were amongst those who disagreed with the verdict of the council, more than likely, they went along with the others before Pilate in the hopes that Jesus would receive more equitable treatment at the hands the Romans. Therefore their motives for bringing Jesus before the civil authorities would have been much different than those of their co-religionists.
[57]Although such a concern could only manifest itself only after the participants and witnesses to Jesus’ life and those who had come in contact with Him had all expired and could not be contacted for verification. Such contentions would only surface centuries later when such outlandish statements could be made, presumably without fear of rebuttal by eyewitnesses, spectators, and bystanders to these events.
[58]While some might have survived a crucifixion, it is obvious from the records that He did not. The combination of acute exhaustion from no sleep, violent physical assaults visited upon Him on the part of the religious, civil, and military authorities; the loss of blood due to the flogging, the crown of thorns, the piercing of His wrists and feet, the pulmonary edema brought on by liquid in His lungs, dehydration; all of these things would hasten death in any normal human being. For all intents and purpose, He possessed normal human attributes, while still being uniquely divine (Php. 2:7,8, Heb. 2:17).
[59]They had said as much, when they stated, by their own admission, “We know when He was alive.....”
[60]Mt. 26:56b, Mk. 14:50-52.
[61]A Roman Guard consisted of between ten and thirty soldiers.
[62]Recall that the records state that Jesus was buried in a tomb located where His crucifixion had taken place (Jn. 19:41).
[63]Josh McDowell, Evidence that Demands a Verdict, Campus Crusade for Christ International, 1973, pg. 218, 219.
[64]Jn. 19:7. Heb. 13:12.
[65]1 Cor. 15:12-19.
[66]Acts 10:39-41.
[67]Heb. 12:1a.
[68]Acts 1:8b.
[69]Lk. 1:1-4.
[70]His disciples.
[71]Acts 1:3.
[72]Acts 4:33.
[73]Jn.. 1:14.
[74]Jn. 19:35.
[75]Jn. 21:24.
[76]1Jn. 1:1-4.
[77]2Pt. 1:16-18. The Bath Kol. God’s voice. Here Simon alludes to Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain, to which he and two others were, witnesses. The others were James, not the Jesus’ half-brother, and John the beloved (Mt. 17:1-8, Mk. 9:2-8, Lk. 9:28-36). This alludes to Ps. 2:7, which declares: “I WILL SURELY TELL OF THE DECREE OF THE LORD: HE SAID TO ME, ‘THOU ART MY BEGOTTEN SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN THEE.” On two other occasions, the Bath Kol had been heard: when Jesus submitted to water-immersion (baptism), see Mt. 3:13-17, Mk. 1:9-11. The other occasion was after He had entered Jerusalem, when some God-fearing Greek converts to Judaism came to visit Him (Jn. 12:27-30). Some among the crowd following Him thought that it had thundered, while others believed an angel had spoken to Him.
[78]Acts 2:32.
[79]Acts 3:14, 15.
[80]1Pet. 5:1b.
[81]Acts 5:32a.
[82]Acts 13:30, 31.
[83]The Secret Book of James 2:1. Robert Miller, Editor, The Complete Gospels: Annotated Scholars Version, first Harper paperback edition, 1994.
[84] F.F. Bruce, as quoted by an Internet article by Josh McDowell.
[85]Note that here is the first mention of more than one guard, obviously since a Roman “Guard” was comprised of between ten and thirty men. No doubt, the Chief Priests insured that some of their Temple police would also be present at the site, to make sure that no one would be paid off by any potential follower of Jesus; and spirit the body away to later claim a resurrection had occurred.
[86]Mt. 28:1-4. See also Mk. 16:1. Obviously, from the narrative’s description, this was no ordinary being.
[87]Mk. 16:8b.
[88]Mt. 28:8. Lk. 24:9.
[89]Lk. 24:11.
[90]Jn. 20:2.
[91]Mt. 28:8.
[92]Jn. 20:2b.
[93]Lk. 24:22, 23.
[94]Josh McDowell, from an Internet Article authored by him.
[95]As quoted by Josh McDowell in the same Internet article authored by him.
[96]See Heb. 5:6-10, 6:19, and 20, 7:11-28, 8:1.
[97]Lk. 24:21a.
[98]Mk. 16:12, 13. Lk. 16:12, 13. Lk. 24:13-35.
[99]1Cor. 15:5.
[100]We must recall that there were false reports promulgated by the religious leadership to counter the increasing number of reports of these sightings from all over, as mentioned earlier. Not only that, but at that moment, the civil authorities were probably conducting a search for any followers of the allegedly deceased Nazarene Rabbi.
[101]Jn. 20:19-20.
[102]Jn. 20:20-23. David H. Stern, The Jewish New Testament, Clarksville, Maryland, Jewish New Testament Publications, pg. 150.
[103]In Hebrew: Shavuot.
[104]Jn. 14:16-17.
[105]Jn. 14:13-15.
[106]Jn. 21:25. Here was no zealous religious fanatic given to flights of fancy, but a realist who would have to see for himself the alleged evidence at hand.
[107]1 Cor. 15:56.
[108]Jn. 20:28.
[109]One of them was definitely John the Beloved of the Lord, for the narrative later mentions him as present.
[110]Jn. 21:18-19.
[111]The Johannine Gospel narrative tells us that this disciple; John the Priest’s testimony, was the source for the narrative. It also states that Jesus did many other marvelous things which were not recounted in the narrative; but if these were to be included, the world itself would not be able to contain the volume of literature on the subject (Jn. 21:1-25).
[112]Mt. 28:16-20. Mk. 16:15-18.
[113]1Cor. 15:6. An interesting note on a seeming contradiction, which in actually is a simple geographical contradistinction. From The Jewish New Testament Commentary, we have this interesting note on Mk. 14:28:
“ ‘But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you into the Galil.’”
In The Voice of the Martyrs, Inc. newsletter, November 1993, page 1, Richard Wurmbrand writes,
‘ “Galilee” is the name of the northern region of Israel and also of a slope of Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives. After His resurrection, Jesus first met some of His disciples in the latter place.’
Luke 24 portrays the risen Yeshua on the Mount of Olives, while Yochanan 21 describes his appearance in the Galil (i. e., in the north). The present text, as well as those at Mk. 16:7 and Mt. 28:10, 16 can be interpreted either way.” David H. Stern, The Jewish New Testament, Clarksville, Maryland, Jewish New Testament Publications, Appendix on pg. 932.
[114]Jesus and James’ other stepbrothers and stepsisters at one point had even thought of putting Him away ( ). His stepbrother’s names were James, Joseph, Simon, and Judah (Mt. 13:55, Lk. 6:3). We are not provided with His stepsister’s names. That these were relatives of His, and not as the Roman Catholic Church teaches; brothers of the faith, is quite evident, see for example Jn. 2:12, and 7:3, where the text makes a distinction between His disciples and His immediate family. The Roman Catholic Church teaches the doctrine of Miriam’s (Mary’s) perpetual virginity after giving birth to Jesus. This flies in the face of the Gospel evidence to the contrary.
[115]As quoted by Jerome, On famous Men 2. Robert Miller, Editor, The Complete Gospels: Annotated Scholars Version, first Harper paperback edition, 1994, pg. 434.
[116]The Gospel of Thomas Saying 12. Robert Miller, Editor, The Complete Gospels: Annotated Scholars Version, first Harper paperback edition, 1994.
[117]See the Chapter Eleven for more on how Jacob (James), the Lord’s brother; became the president, or Nasi of the Nazarene Beith Din, replacing Peter in that most strategic responsibility..
[118]Lk. 24:44.
[119]Lk. 24:44-49.
[120]Acts 1:4-5.
[121]Lk. 24:48-49.
[122]Acts 1:7-8.
[123]Lk. 24:50. See also, Mk. 16:19.
[124]Acts 1:9-11.
[125]Lk. 24:52-53. Acts 1:12.
[126]Acts 1:3.
[127]Between one hundred twenty and five hundred followers. As cited earlier, Rabbi Saul Paulus has stated that the five hundred saw and heard the risen Messiah at one time, as I have mentioned previously.
[128]F. F. Bruce, New Testament History, New York, N. Y., Doubleday, pg. 205, 206.
[129]Hugh J. Schonfield, The Jesus Party, New York, N. Y., Macmillan Publishing Company, pg. 94.
[130]Hugh J. Schonfield, The History of Jewish Christianity from the First to the Twentieth Century, London, Duckworth, 1936, pp. 19-20.
[131]See Nu. 35:30, Deut. 17:6, 19:15, Mt. 18:16, Jn. 8:17, 2Cor. 13:1, Heb. 10:28; scriptural references which allude to the testimony of two or three witnesses in various situations, and the weight it carries.
[132]Jn. 20:30, 31.
[133]Jn. 21:25.
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