Who Killed Jesus?
New Book Examines Roman Role in Jesus’ Death, Challenges Customary Narrative
Table of Contents
- New Book Examines Roman Role in Jesus’ Death, Challenges Customary Narrative
- Liturgical Revisions Address Anti-Jewish Bias
- Enduring Accusation of Deicide
- Historian Re-examines the Gospels
- Scholarly Precedent
- Roman law and the Trial of Jesus
- Understanding Roman Justice
- Gospel Authors’ Motives
- examining Jesus’ Death: A Q&A with Nathanael Andrade’s New Book
- What’s the main argument of Nathanael Andrade’s new book?
- Why does this perspective matter now?
- What specific evidence does Andrade offer to support his claims?
- Who was Pontius Pilate, and what role did he play in Jesus’ death?
- What were the Gospel writers’ motivations in shaping the narrative?
- How does Andrade’s work build upon the research of other scholars?
- What were the views of Jewish and Roman authorities towards Jesus?
- Can you summarize Andrade’s main points regarding Jesus’ death and the trial?
- Why is it critically important to re-examine this historical narrative?
- What are the potential repercussions of misinterpreting this historical event?
- How can understanding the historical context of Jesus’ death impact interfaith relations?
- What does Andrade hope to achieve with his book?
- Comparing Historical Accounts and Interpretations
For centuries, the narrative surrounding the death of Jesus has been a source of contention and, at times, anti-Semitism. However, recent scholarship is revisiting the historical context of the crucifixion, questioning the traditional attribution of blame.
Liturgical Revisions Address Anti-Jewish Bias
Earlier this month, the Consultation on Common Texts (CCT), an institution that shapes liturgical calendars for numerous Protestant denominations, advocated for revisions to scriptural readings. The CCT aims to dispel what it calls a “common erroneous interpretation of the Gospel” that fosters anti-Jewish sentiment.The group suggests modifying the cycle of readings to clarify that Jesus’ death resulted from the decisions of Roman officials and the collective sinfulness of humanity, rather than solely the actions of Jewish people.
Enduring Accusation of Deicide
Despite efforts to promote understanding, the accusation that Jews were responsible for Jesus’ death persists. Recent examples include a newspaper columnist’s reference to “Jewish leaders” persecuting Jesus and political rhetoric attempting to link anti-Semitism legislation to the teaching of the Gospels. NFL player Harrison Butker also referenced the issue in a graduation speech, expressing concern over potential legal repercussions for affirming biblical teachings about who killed Jesus.
Historian Re-examines the Gospels
Nathanael Andrade, a historian specializing in the Greco-Roman world, contributes to this ongoing discussion with his new book, “Killing the Messiah: The Judgment and Crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth.” Andrade argues that the Gospel writers altered the narrative to absolve the Romans of responsibility,shifting the blame to Jewish authorities in Jerusalem.
Andrade told the AP that in the New Testament, Pontius pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, is portrayed as believing in Jesus’ innocence, while the high priest is driven by jealousy or hostility. By the Gospel of John,Jesus’ executioners are simply referred to as “the Jews,” and Pilate is depicted as lacking the resolve to stand up to the crowd,effectively executing an innocent man.
Scholarly Precedent
Andrade’s work builds upon the research of other scholars who have critically examined the Gospels, including Paul Winter (“On the Trial of jesus,” 1961), Paula Fredriksen (“When Christians Were Jews,” 2018), and helen bond (“The Trial and Death of Jesus,” 2024).
Roman law and the Trial of Jesus
Andrade draws upon his expertise in Roman law and historical precedents to argue that it would have been highly unusual for a governor like Pilate to condemn someone to a cruel death while together believing in their innocence.
Andrade suggests that both Jewish and Roman authorities viewed Jesus as a disruptive figure. The Gospels portray Herod Antipas, the Jewish ruler of Galilee under Roman authority, as critical of Jesus. While the Romans may not have believed Jesus was planning an armed revolt, they likely perceived him as a threat to the established order.
“He is really imagining a reign of God who is going to subvert the ruling order and the socioeconomic hierarchy,” Andrade said. “And when he is preaching in the temple, there is a potential for his words to be incendiary enough to cause a burst of violence.”
Understanding Roman Justice
To illustrate how Roman authorities might have dealt with a dissident,Andrade cites the historical account of a trial that occurred roughly 30 years after Jesus’ execution. in that case, temple priests turned over a man who had spoken out against the temple leadership and the Romans. The Romans found him guilty but, instead of executing him, had him beaten and released.
Andrade argues that this example demonstrates that the Romans took sedition seriously, making it plausible that Pilate considered Jesus equally guilty. The severity of Jesus’ death sentence suggests that Pilate was acting decisively,not as a puppet of the Jewish leaders.
Andrade posits that the Gospel writers, writing between 70 A.D. and 110 A.D., blamed the Jews and portrayed Pilate as believing in Jesus’ innocence partly due to hostility toward Jews who did not accept Jesus as the messiah, and partly to gain favor with the Roman authorities who still governed Judea.
“They are arguing that Jesus’ followers are not really seditious, they should not be prosecuted, they comply with the law,” Andrade said.”The subsequent gospels become increasingly vocal over the innocence of Jesus, insisting that Pilate also thoght like that.”
Andrade acknowledges that his expertise lies in Roman antiquity, not the subsequent centuries in which the church used the accusation of deicide to justify the persecution of Jews. He believes this interpretation served several purposes for the early church, including establishing the New Testament’s authority over the Hebrew Bible and explaining why Jesus was not accepted by his own community.
This interpretation of Jesus’ death has fueled anti-Semitism for centuries, as acknowledged by the Vatican in Nostra Aetate and by the CCT. The CCT stated that this misinterpretation has been used to justify discrimination and violence against Jews and continues to inspire anti-Semitic actions. The group called for Christians to regret past discrimination and mistreatment of Jews and to revise their understanding of scripture to shape more positive attitudes and behaviors.
Andrade, who was raised Catholic, hopes his book will contribute to this process of reconciliation.
“I certainly want the book to deny that very harmful perception,” he said. “It may not be so much part of the main discourse as it used to be, but it exists in a way that generates a lot of concern. I like to think that if my work has an impact, it is indeed to argue against ethnic or religiously motivated hate in general, and in particular in terms of Christians and Jews.”
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examining Jesus’ Death: A Q&A with Nathanael Andrade’s New Book
The story of Jesus’ death is one of the most consequential narratives in history, but how did it really unfold? Nathanael Andrade’s new book, “Killing the messiah: The Judgment and Crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth,” delves back into the past context.Let’s explore the key questions and answers based on his research:
What’s the main argument of Nathanael Andrade’s new book?
Nathanael Andrade, a historian specializing in Greco-Roman history, argues that the Gospel writers modified the narrative of Jesus’ trial and death to shift the blame from the Romans to Jewish authorities.He suggests the Gospels portray Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, as believing in Jesus’ innocence, while the high priest is depicted as the instigator. By the Gospel of John, Jesus’ executioners are simply referred to as “the Jews,” further implicating them.
Why does this perspective matter now?
This interpretation of Jesus’ death has fueled anti-semitism for centuries.It formed the basis for accusing Jews of deicide (killing God), and it was used to justify discrimination and violence against Jewish people. Several groups such as the Consultation on Common texts (CCT) and the Vatican in nostra Aetate have acknowledged the importance of reevaluating and correcting the historical narrative to fight anti-Jewish sentiment.
What specific evidence does Andrade offer to support his claims?
Andrade uses his expertise in Roman law and historical context to argue that it would have been highly unusual for a governor like Pilate to condemn someone to a cruel death while believing in their innocence.He cites precedent, such as a case in which the Romans punished a man for speaking against the temple, not executing him.Andrade believes this shows that the Romans believed Jesus was a threat to the established order.
Who was Pontius Pilate, and what role did he play in Jesus’ death?
Pontius Pilate was the Roman prefect of Judea.The Gospels present differing accounts of his role. In some, he is portrayed as reluctant to condemn jesus, while in others, he is depicted as yielding to pressure from Jewish leaders. Andrade posits that Pilate likely viewed Jesus,who was seen as preaching a radical message of a “reign of God”,as a threat to the established order and therefore worthy of punishment. In this interpretation, Pilate was acting decisively, not as a puppet of the Jewish leaders.
What were the Gospel writers’ motivations in shaping the narrative?
Andrade suggests the gospel writers, writing between 70 A.D.and 110 A.D., may have blamed the Jews to gain favor with the Roman authorities who still governed Judea and also due to hostility toward Jews who did not accept Jesus as the Messiah. The books’ revisions likely served the goals of helping establish the New Testament’s authority over the Hebrew Bible and providing an clarification for why Jesus was rejected by his own community.
How does Andrade’s work build upon the research of other scholars?
Andrade’s work builds on the research of other scholars who have critically examined the Gospels, including Paul Winter (“On the Trial of Jesus,” 1961), Paula Fredriksen (“When Christians Were Jews,” 2018), and Helen Bond (“The Trial and Death of Jesus,” 2024).
According to andrade, both Jewish and Roman authorities viewed Jesus as a disruptive figure. The Gospels portray Herod Antipas, the Jewish ruler of Galilee under Roman authority, as critical of Jesus. While the Romans may not have believed Jesus was planning an armed revolt, they likely perceived him as a threat to the established order, especially given his preaching against the status quo.
Can you summarize Andrade’s main points regarding Jesus’ death and the trial?
Here’s a quick summary:
Blame Shift: The Gospels may have altered the narrative to shift blame away from Pilate and the Romans, and onto Jewish authorities.
Roman Justice: Pilate likely viewed Jesus as a threat to order,making his execution a decisive act,not a reluctant one.
Gospel Authors’ Intent: The Gospel writers may have focused blame on the Jews to improve their relationship with the Romans and explain Jesus’ rejection by his own community.
Historical Context: Andrade emphasizes the importance of understanding jesus’ death within the political and legal structures of the Roman Empire.
Why is it critically important to re-examine this historical narrative?
[Featured Snippet Answer] The primary reason is to combat anti-Semitism. Accusations that the Jews killed Jesus have been used for centuries to justify discrimination, persecution, and violence against Jewish people. Revising the narrative to acknowledge the role of Roman authorities is a crucial step toward reconciliation and understanding.
What are the potential repercussions of misinterpreting this historical event?
The most meaningful repercussion is the perpetuation of anti-Semitic ideologies. The misinterpretation of Jesus’ death has served as a catalyst for numerous instances of religious discrimination and hatred.This historical narrative continues to inspire and fuel anti-Semitic actions, making a re-examination of the event incredibly important.
How can understanding the historical context of Jesus’ death impact interfaith relations?
By clarifying the historical events, we can reduce the blame placed on the Jewish community, thus helping bridge the religious divide. By understanding Jesus’ teachings and the circumstances surrounding his death through a complete lens, people can foster more positive attitudes, and reduce centuries of religious conflict and prejudice.
What does Andrade hope to achieve with his book?
Andrade, who was raised Catholic, hopes his book will contribute to the process of reconciliation and deny the harmful perception that the Jews were responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion. He wants his work to argue against ethnic or religiously motivated hate in general and particularly in the context between Christians and Jews.
Comparing Historical Accounts and Interpretations
Here’s a table comparing key aspects of the traditional narrative with Andrade’s interpretation:
| Aspect | Traditional Narrative | Andrade’s Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Who is Primarily Blamed? | Jewish authorities and “the Jews” | Roman authorities, with Jesus seen as a potential threat |
| Pilate’s Role | Reluctant, but pressured by Jewish leaders | Acting decisively as a roman governor, viewing Jesus as a threat |
| Gospel Authors’ Motivation | reporting historical events | Shifting blame to the Jewish authorities to appeal to the Romans and gain favor |
| Impact | Feeds anti-Semitism | Calls for revising narrative to combat anti-Semitism |
I hope this Q&A format helps clarify the complex issues surrounding Jesus’ death and the new research that’s helping to reshape our understanding.