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The Coming of Jesus: The Olivet Discourse – Part 1

...o turn to Josephus – a first century historian who was an eyewitness to the destruction, and was involved in the events leading up to (and after) it.   The historical record and prophetic fulfillment of the "birth pangs" Here I'm going to highlight the signs Jesus gave to warn his followers about what was to come, which he called the "birth pangs" (Matt 24:8), and how they have already happened within the timeframe he gave (that generation). Matthew 24:4-5 Jesus answered them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah!’ and they will lead many astray. (cf. Mark 13:5-6; Luke 21:8) Josephu...

The Coming of Jesus: The Olivet Discourse – Part 2

...record by Josephus. I’ve included some large quotes here from Josephus, documenting the destruction of the temple. It might seem a bit lengthy, but I thought it would be worth it in order to help in understanding just how great and terrible this Day really was! Then one of the soldiers, without awaiting any orders and with no dread of so momentous a deed, but urged on by some supernatural force, snatched a blazing piece of wood and, climbing on another soldier's back, hurled the flaming brand through a low golden window that gave access, on the north side, to the rooms that surrounded the sanctuary. As the flames shot up, the Jews let out a shout of dismay...

Did Herod’s Massacre Of The Innocents Historically Happen?

...ntion it? Josephus, after all, delights in cataloguing Herod’s cruelty. He records the execution of Herod’s wife, his sons, and numerous political rivals. Herod was paranoid and vicious. As for Herod, if he had before any doubt about the slaughter of his sons, there was now no longer any room left in his soul for it; but he had banished away whatsoever might afford him the least suggestion of reasoning better about this matter, so he already made haste to bring his purpose to a conclusion. He also brought out three hundred of the officers that were under an accusation … whom the multitude stoned with whatsoever came to hand, and thereby slew them. —...

How Old Was Jesus When He Died? A Fresh Look At The Historical Clues

...historian Josephus provides several key details which put the emphasis more strongly on the 4 BC date, though: Herod died shortly after a lunar eclipse (dated March 13, 4 BC). His death occurred before Passover. Between the eclipse and Passover, several events occurred: The execution of his son Antipater. A period of illness. The gathering of elders to be executed upon his death (though this wasn’t carried out). His funeral and burial arrangements. These events suggest a gap of at least several weeks between the eclipse and Passover. The 4 BC eclipse is most commonly accepted because it better fits the Roman historical context, it aligns with t...

The Coming of Jesus: Daniel's 70 Weeks

...s decree. Josephus, a first century Jewish historian, gives a nice little insight into this aspect of Jewish history (Antiquities 11:1,2) when he recounts that King Cyrus didn't realise this was written but when it was shown to him, he then had a desire to go about and fulfil it - despite being a Persian king who didn't even know nor worship the God of the Jews (Isa 45:5)! So when did the seventy week clock begin ticking, if not with Cyrus? There are four decrees by three kings to the Jews concerning the rebuilding of the temple and the city, over a period of time: Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes (twice, although there is some dispute over whether there was a sec...

The Temptations of Jesus: Testing God

...historian Josephus makes mention of this. He wrote that, “if any one looked down from the top of the battlements, or down both those altitudes, he would be giddy”! Other commentaries say that this wing or porch was about 350 feet above the valley – so that ought to give some context about what the devil was asking of Jesus. So by this point, Satan has really amped up his game. Jesus has refuted him twice now with Scripture, and so instead, the devil takes him somewhere dangerous and then uses Scripture as part of his temptation as though to try and use Jesus’ weapon against him. This is similar to what Paul writes about the devil in 2 Cor 11:14 when h...