Question

1. in addition to eyewitness accounts, list three other useful tests to determine a documents historical reliability.
2. how did herod the great become client king of israel? give two specific examples showing that he was a bad ruler.
3. who were the essenes and what did they believe? what did they do because of their beliefs?
4. what are three reasons why it was the ideal time in history for the messiah to appear when he did?
5. what three powers did jesus exercise on his own authority, which the jews thought belonged to god alone?

7 and 8. describe two of the main theories used by those who try to discredit the resurrection of jesus. refute these theories with two historical arguments each from the chapter.

Explanation:

1. Internal consistency test: Check if the document's content is self - consistent without contradictions. External consistency test: Compare with other known reliable sources. Authoritative test: Consider the author's credibility and expertise.
2. Herod the Great became client king through political maneuvering, allying with Rome. He was a bad ruler as he ordered the Massacre of the Innocents to eliminate potential threats to his rule and built grand palaces while the common people suffered.
3. The Essenes were a Jewish sect. They believed in strict purity laws, predestination, and the after - life. They lived in communities, separated from the general population, and engaged in ascetic practices and study of the Torah.
4. Politically, the land was under Roman rule which provided a unified communication network. Culturally, there was a longing for a savior figure among the Jewish people. Religiously, the Temple system was in place but had some corrupt elements, creating a spiritual vacuum.
5. Jesus exercised the power to forgive sins, which the Jews thought was God's exclusive right; he performed miracles like raising the dead; and he claimed lordship over the Sabbath.

7 - 8. One theory is the "stolen body" theory, which suggests that the disciples stole Jesus' body. Historical refutations: The disciples were in a state of fear and disarray after the crucifixion and were not likely to be so bold as to steal the body. Also, the Roman guards were well - trained and would not have easily allowed the body to be stolen. Another theory is the "hallucination" theory, claiming that the disciples had hallucinations of the resurrected Jesus. Refutations: Hallucinations are individual experiences, yet multiple people saw Jesus at the same time. Also, the empty tomb cannot be explained by hallucinations.

Answer:

1. Internal consistency test, External consistency test, Authoritative test
2. Became client king through political maneuvering and allying with Rome. Bad ruler examples: Massacre of the Innocents, building grand palaces while people suffered.
3. Jewish sect. Believed in strict purity laws, predestination, after - life. Lived in communities, engaged in ascetic practices and Torah study.
4. Political: Roman rule provided communication network; Cultural: longing for savior among Jews; Religious: corrupt Temple system created spiritual vacuum.
5. Forgiving sins, raising the dead, claiming lordship over the Sabbath.

7 - 8. Theory 1: Stolen body. Refutations: Disciples in fear, Roman guards' presence. Theory 2: Hallucination. Refutations: Multiple people saw Jesus, empty tomb not explained by hallucinations.