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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.
46:44
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Quick takeaways
- The portrayal of Pontius Pilate in non-canonical texts illustrates an early Christian effort to reframe his character as sympathetic, questioning Jesus' guilt.
- The Acts of Pilate highlight the emergence of anti-Jewish sentiments in early Christianity, depicting Jewish authorities as responsible for Jesus' execution.
Deep dives
Pilate's Positive Portrayal in Non-Canonical Texts
Pontius Pilate is often viewed negatively in the New Testament for his role in the crucifixion of Jesus. However, non-canonical texts like the Acts of Pilate depict him in a more favorable light, portraying him as questioning the guilt of Jesus and seemingly reluctant to carry out the execution. These texts suggest that he is portrayed as a decent man, caught between the demands of Jewish authorities and his belief in Jesus' innocence. This alternative narrative serves to illustrate how early Christians reinterpreted Pilate’s character to align with developing theological positions.
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