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Jesus in history
CHRISTIANITY IS UNIQUE AMONG THE WORLD’S RELIGIONS BECAUSE IT CLAIMS THAT GOD HAS REVEALED HIMSELF TO US NOT SIMPLY THROUGH WORDS ON A PAGE BUT IN THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST.
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Luke 1:1–4
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. ■
QUICK QUESTION
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Jesus was a historical figure.
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Tick the statements that you believe to be true.
The Bible’s account of Jesus is reliable. Jesus was born in AD 1.
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Jesus performed miracles. Jesus died on a cross. Jesus rose from the dead. History is important to Christianity.
The famous Ephesus Library
of Celsus, built in AD 135, in the ancient city of Ephesus.
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FROM THE DVD
1. Why do Christians sometimes call Jesus, ‘God’s signpost’?
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2. ‘Christianity places its neck on the chopping block of academic scrutiny.’ This is because Christianity is all about: a) a collection of dogmas (established beliefs or doctrines held by a religion, or a particular group or organisation) b) a way of life c) a series of historical events d) a holy book
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3. H ow should the ‘careful historian’ seek to learn about the Jesus of history? a) By moving to Israel and starting to dig Dead Sea Scroll caves, Qumran, Israel. b) By staying away from the Bible c) By sifting through the evidence we do have d) No careful historian would try to learn about Jesus
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