The last couple of posts have briefly reviewed the ancient Jewish sources and what they reveal about Jesus and his followers. Today will be a summary of that data before looking at Gentile sources beginning tomorrow. The two Jewish sources we viewed were the Talmud [Ta] and the Toledoth Jesu [TJ].
- Jesus' death was by crucifixion (hanging). [Ta]
- The time of this event was on the eve of Passover. [Ta]
- For a forty day period it was announced that Jesus would be stoned. This is consistent with Jewish practice and though it is not recorded explicitly in the New Testament, there seem to be glimpses of this being recorded (John 8:58-59; 10:31-33, 39). [Ta]
- Jesus was judged to be guilty of "sorcery" and spiritual apostasy in leading Israel astray by his teaching. [Ta]
- He lacked anyone coming to his defense and as a result he was killed. [Ta]
- Jesus died and was buried in Joseph's tomb. [TJ]
- The Jewish leaders taught that the disciples had stolen his body. [TJ]