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The Use of Testimonia in Early Christian Apologetics

The Use of Testimonia in Early Christian Apologetics. Why the Need? Key Topoi Patterns of Development. Why the Need for Apologetics?. The Problem of “Christ Crucified”: Folly to Gentiles Stumbling Block to Jews.

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The Use of Testimonia in Early Christian Apologetics

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  1. The Use of Testimonia inEarly Christian Apologetics Why the Need? Key Topoi Patterns of Development

  2. Why the Need for Apologetics? The Problem of “Christ Crucified”: Folly to Gentiles Stumbling Block to Jews

  3. The Need for Apologia in Defense of the Crucified Messiah contra Gentiles “FOLLY” TO GENTILES PREMISES • A “Divine-Man” chooses his own end • The Gods punish evildoers and protect the innocent • A “Savior” must be powerful to help others OBJECTIONS • Jesus was arrested, taken by force; he died by crucifixion • Jesus was a convicted criminal, publicly chastised, condemned, and executed • Jesus could not even prevent his own death, no less save others ERGO • Jesus cannot be the Redeemer Sheila E. McGinn, Ph.D.

  4. The Need for Apologia in Defense of the Crucified Messiah contra Judaioi A “STUMBLING BLOCK” FOR JEWS PREMISE • The Messiah must win • Israel is God’s Chosen People • Israel owes God single-minded devotion • Oppressed Israel is put in untenable position of being required to “serve two masters,” God and the Romans • Thus, God’s Will is to redeem the Chosen People (i.e., liberate them, rescue them from Roman dominion) • The Messiah is God’s Chosen Instrument for Israel’s redemption • God is Ruler of the Universe (omnipotent) • God’s Will to save cannot be thwarted • Thus, the Messiah must vanquish Rome and liberate Israel OBJECTION • Rome vanquished Jesus, executing him by crucifixion ERGO • Jesus cannot be the Messiah Sheila E. McGinn, Ph.D.

  5. Key Topoi in Early Christian Apologetics Defending “Christ Crucified”

  6. Apologetic Topoi contra Gentiles • Jesus did choose his end • Jesus’ death was voluntary • John 18:4–11 • GJudas • Jesus’ death fulfilled prophecy/Divine will • John 18:37; 19:10f, 30 Sheila E. McGinn, Ph.D.

  7. Apologetic Topoi contra Gentiles • Jesus’ death was not Divine punishment of an evildoer; Jesus was guiltless • Others were culpable in Jesus’ death • Invincible ignorance — John 15:18–25; 16:1–4, 8–11 • Jealousy — Mark 15: 9–11; Matt 27:18f; John 12:9–11 • Jesus was framed • Betrayal — Mark 14:10f, 18–21, 30, 41–50, 66–72 & // • Conspiracy — Mark 14:1f, 55–59 & //; John 11:45–53; Matt 28:11–15 • Innocence — Mark 15:14 & //; Luke 23:13–16, 20–22, 41, 47; GJudas Sheila E. McGinn, Ph.D.

  8. Apologetic Topoi contra Gentiles • Jesus did/does have Divine power • Jesus chose not to use it on his own behalf — John 18:36 • The Resurrection “proved” this Divine power — John 20:17, 30f • Jesus’ power [i.e., the Spirit] is active among his disciples after his death — John 21:6, 11; Acts 1:1–11; 2:1–5:16, etc. Sheila E. McGinn, Ph.D.

  9. Apologetic Topoi contraJudaioi • Jesus did “win” • In spite of his death • Divine Vindication — Mark 16 & // • Because of his death • Cosmic Victory— John 16:28–33 • Human Repentance — Matt 27:50–56; Luke 23:27, 48 • In spite of appearances, Rome has been vanquished • Conversion of Gentiles— Acts 8:9–13, 26–49; 10:1–11:26; 13:48 • Conversion of Roman officials • Actual — Phil 1:12–14 • Potential — Acts 24:22–27 (Felix); 26:28–32 (Agrippa); Acts of Pilate Sheila E. McGinn, Ph.D.

  10. Apocryphal Testimonia as Apologia Christ Jesus Victor

  11. Rome Is Vanquished • Imperial reprisals against enemies of Christ • Punishment of Jesus’ executioner • Acts of Pilate • Death of Pilate • others • Against those who disturb Jesus’ disciples • Letter of Adrian (Hadrianus) • Letter of Marcus Aurelius Sheila E. McGinn, Ph.D.

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