Misquoting Jesus

The following is an email I wrote recently. It requires some background knowledge to understand better, so I'll give that to you before you read this monster. I went on a cruise to Alaska to kick off my summer, and while I was there I did a lot of reading. I stopped by a bookstore in one of our ports and replenished my reading supply with a couple books, both unfavorable to the Christian worldview. One was by Freud, or Nietzsche, one of those philosopher guys whose books had to be translated. Forgive my ignorance. I have yet to read that one. The second was a book called Misquoting Jesus, by a Bart D. Ehrman. He made a case, or tried to, for dismantling the reliability of the Bible, specifically the New Testament. At the very least he believes we cannot put quite as much trust in it as we would like to even if we don’t outright reject its veracity. One reason he gave for this was the fact that we could not be certain of the authorship of some of the books. No, he didn't just stick with Hebrews, the author of which we in fact are not certain. He went so far as to attack the authorship of "closed case files" (i.e. Paul's letters, of whom the authorship seems quite obvious). Maybe Paul didn’t actually write all those epistles, perhaps someone claiming to be Paul did. Or perhaps scribes later added some things to support their own worldview.

One passage specifically came into question that seems to look unfavorably upon women. Paul, however, looks quite favorably on women throughout his writings. Could this be an addition or a fraud? We shall see. With that, here is the email.


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I'm glad to see that you read the book you borrowed. Had it been me I would have been far less determined to finish reading it - especially with the way this particular author writes. I do not remember too many specifics based on what the author wrote, so I can only respond to what you have told me. This especially applies to the subject that you brought up about women teaching. I was not aware that he addressed it. Perhaps I have simply forgotten or skipped over that part like I did with a lot of that book. Anyways, here begins my rant.

When you admitted you had no answer to this apparent contradiction in Paul's theology as perhaps an evidence of his non-authorship of one or the other passage, my apologetic mind kicked in and I immediately had an answer for you. I am convinced that Paul wrote 1 Timothy 2:9-15 (I assume that’s what you meant, though you forgot the "2"), and frankly, I am surprised you were so easily convinced (or perhaps it was not easily?).

Now, I'm not sure what "bulk of his writing" you are referring to that contradicts his view in 1 Tim 2:9-15, because I know of none. However, if we simply compare his view of women using both 2 Tim 1:5 and 1 Tim 2:11-15, leaving out verses 9 and 10 - modesty doesn’t seem to be the issue - we see a healthy view of the role and value of women and of the plan of God for mankind, rather than a contradiction in the former.

Lets look first at 2 Timothy 1:5

"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well."

Paul commends two women for being sincere and devoted faithful followers of Christ. The way it is worded would imply that they passed it on to Timothy. They taught him what he knows. A later reference to his godly upbringing is made in 2 Tim 3:14-15. Timothy is told to remember, "from whom you learned it" (14). The Greek “whom” is plural, so it becomes quite obvious that Paul is referencing his earlier acknowledgement of his mother and grandmother. Clearly Paul is pleased with the fact that Timothy's mother and grandmother raised him in godly fashion, teaching him spiritual things.

Now, 1 Timothy 2

"11 Let a woman learn in quietness with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing - if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control."

First, I would like to note that this clearly is referring to women's authority over men in the church. That is of particular importance when it comes to discussing God's plan for the role of women. In the case that a woman was never allowed to exercise any authority over any male of any age in any situation, a woman would not be able to bring up her own male children! Such an interpretation of this passage would be utter foolishness.

Paul has never been one to look down on women, or consider them of less worth than men. In his epistle to the Galatians, he says, "there is neither male nor female" in the context of salvation (3:28). He encouraged an equal view of men and women, and frequently esteemed women for their service to him and the gospel, mentioning them by name in his letters. However, it had clearly been revealed to him that men and women do not serve the same purpose [that is, they do not have the same roles. They both serve the purpose of glorifying God, to be sure]. In the church, women should submit to male authority and not teach grown men.

They are, however, encouraged to bring up children in godly fashion, drawing support from both references we are using! The support from 2 Tim 1:5 is self evident, and I have already discussed it. However the evidence from 1 Tim 2:15 probably gets lost in the rest of the passage and the discussion over this often controversial matter.

"Yet she will be saved through childbearing - if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control."

It seems to me that Paul is encouraging women here to raise babies (childbearing) in godly fashion (faith, love, holiness, self-control), so that what was meant to be [God’s plan for the role of women] will be restored (saved). This is exactly what he commended Lois and Eunice for. So there is complete harmony, rather than contradiction and question of authorship.

I think there's good reason he [Ehrman] didn't use the "easy" argument.

With respect to the rest of the book, I too noticed that the author does not suggest reasoning with which to view the subject (or any other subject he makes mention of). He stated facts, but didn’t draw conclusions, and that was something else that frustrated me.

I thought it was interesting how many times he stressed that there were mistakes or changes made to the text. However, if we actually look at it, what we have as scripture is incredibly reliably preserved despite our human shortcomings, and I am convinced that we have a Book that can be trusted as the Word of Christ, leading to salvation (Rom 10:17).

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I hope this helped in convincing you of the reliability of Scripture and its ability to “give an answer” (1 Peter 3:15). Anything in brackets was added to the email to help clarify meaning that I thought might not be obvious, and the grammar/spelling was edited, though I'm sure there are more mistakes to be found. If anything is unclear, let me know.

A Harmony of the Easter Accounts

I've come across challenges before concerning the validity of the Bible, especially since it seems to disagree so much concerning the accounts of the events surrounding Christ's burial, resurrection, and ascension. Well, basically here is my answer. It's three pages long single space 12pt Times font in Word, so if its not of a particularly high concern in your mind, you don't have to read it, because it will take a while; however, I think if anyone does, they will learn some things they never knew before about this glorious event.

A Harmony of the Easter Accounts
From the Evening of Preparation Day, until His Ascension
Matthew 27:57*; Mark 15:42*; Luke 23:50*; John 19:38*

--------------Open to Editing---------------

*The verses listed are the start verses of each account, and all of them stretch until the end of the respective book.

***~*** Denotes a section of a the account that only one gospel records or that one gospel records in much detail, covering in the process the information provided by the other gospels. The full reference is given at the end of each excerpt.

On evening of Preparation Day, Joseph of Arimathea, a city of the Jews, a rich, prominent council member and secret disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews, who was also waiting for the kingdom of God to come, went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised that Jesus was dead already, and asked a centurion if He had been dead for a while. After finding out, Pilate gave Joseph that body of Jesus. Nicodemus came with 100 pounds of myrrh and aloes, and after buying fine, clean linen, wrapped Him in it with the spices. Near the place of crucifixion there was a garden and a cemetery with a tomb that was unused that Joseph had hewn out of the rock, and Joseph had him laid in that tomb, and rolled a stone in front of it. Mary Magdalene and Mary, mother of Joses and James, who had come with Him from Galilee, had followed them and witnessed where Christ was laid and helped prepare the spices and fragrant oils. They then rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

***On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard. (Matthew 27:62-66)***

The day after the Sabbath very early in the morning over a progression of time from before first light until sunrise, Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of Joses, Salome, and Joanna (possibly other women?) rose, gathered, traveled to and arrived at the tomb, wondered how they were going to move the stone, found the stone rolled away, and saw an angel on the stone, who spoke to them saying: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” They then enter the tomb and are alarmed by 3 angels, 2 standing next to them, and 1 sitting to the right of the place where Jesus was laid. They fell to the ground bowing their faces, subsequently spoken to by the angels, commanded to go tell the disciples. They obey and flee the tomb. They run into the 11, tell them what happened, but are mostly ignored. Peter and 1 other disciple get up and run to the tomb. They see and believe, then depart to their own homes. Mary Magdalene (possibly others) joins them to the tomb again. Two angels sitting by where Jesus lay because she is crying speak to Mary. She turns around and sees who she thinks is the gardener, realizes it is Jesus, worships Him, and then goes with excitement to tell the disciples, who again do not believe her.

***Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day (Matthew 28:11-15). ***

***Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.” Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread (Luke 24:13-25).***

Then Jesus appeared to the disciples in their room and spoke to them, rebuking them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, showing them his scars (proving His physical resurrection), and eating in front of them. He also opened their understanding to the Scriptures there. Thomas was absent however, and when he was told about Christ, he did not believe, but demanded proof. Eight days later Christ again appeared to the disciples when Thomas was there, and Thomas confessed Jesus as Lord.

***After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.”
And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”
Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” (John 21:1-23). ***

Then the disciples go to the mountain in Galilee Jesus told them to go to; Jesus gives them the great commission, and is taken up to heaven. The disciples go out and preach, and were continually in the temple praising God.

Note: If anything should be found missing from these accounts, do not hesitate to let me know. This account is not inspired, and prone to error!