Page Range
2-17
Keywords
Jesus, Tiberius, Gospels, Historiography
Abstract
Since the introduction to the critical method of studying the Old and New Testament in the nineteenth century, doubt has been thrown on the historical reliability of the biblical narrative accounts, especially the four Gospels. Yet, far less scrutiny and denigration have been applied to historical sources written during the time of the Roman Empire. A comparison, then, is proposed. It would be beneficial to compare the sources that detailed the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, namely, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and the four sources which chronicled the life of Tiberius, emperor of the Roman Empire during the Ministry of Jesus. How do the sources compare as to their composition in proximity to their subject? Do the sources agree with one another? Is there a level of objectivity in the sources that allowed them to present the correct details of their subject? These questions will determine the reliability of the documents in question and whether the four Gospels measure up to critical examination.
Recommended Citation
Chrisman, Timothy B.. 2015. "Jesus and Tiberius: An Examination of Source Reliability." Eleutheria: John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Academic Journal 4, (1). https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/eleu/vol4/iss1/2
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Biblical Studies Commons, Intellectual History Commons, Philosophy Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons