Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman Pontius Pilate in a Different Light: A Little Known Apocryphal Gospel
Oct 8, 2024
In this discussion, Bart Ehrman, a six-time New York Times bestselling author and Bible scholar, shines a light on the lesser-known Acts of Pilate. He explores why this Roman figure, usually seen unfavorably, is portrayed sympathetically in early Christian texts. Ehrman delves into the narrative evolution of Pilate, highlighting how his depiction shifted from guilty to exonerated, influenced by the Roman Empire's conversion to Christianity. The conversation also touches on the interplay between early Christianity and ancient philosophy, enriching our understanding of theological development.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Ehrman's Introduction to Acts of Pilate
- Bart Ehrman learned some Acts of Pilate stories from his mentor, Bruce Metzger.
- He became intimately familiar with the text later when producing an edition of non-canonical gospels.
Why Acts of Pilate Is Understudied
- The Acts of Pilate, a non-canonical text, is understudied because it's not in the New Testament and was written later.
- Scholars are primarily interested in texts considered relevant to the New Testament or early Christianity.
Importance of Non-Canonical Texts
- Non-canonical texts like the Acts of Pilate reveal how Christians interpreted Jesus's stories.
- These interpretations matter, influencing religious, political, and social perspectives on Jesus.