Arguments Cliffe Knechtle Avoids - Matthew 27:51-53

So in Matthew, we see dead people raised So in Matthew, we see dead people raised from tombs and come alive at Jesus' from tombs and come alive at Jesus' from tombs and come alive at Jesus' resurrection. But the question is, did resurrection. But the question is, did resurrection. But the question is, did that happen cuz it is not mentioned in that happen cuz it is not mentioned in that happen cuz it is not mentioned in Mark, Luke, or John, or any external Mark, Luke, or John, or any external Mark, Luke, or John, or any external sources. So let's see what this debate sources. So let's see what this debate sources. So let's see what this debate has to hold between Alex O'Connor and has to hold between Alex O'Connor and has to hold between Alex O'Connor and agnostic/atheist agnostic/atheist agnostic/atheist with the famous Christian apologist with the famous Christian apologist with the famous Christian apologist Cliff Knechtle and Shull Knechtle. Here Cliff Knechtle and Shull Knechtle. Here Cliff Knechtle and Shull Knechtle. Here we go. Do you think that Jesus is the we go. Do you think that Jesus is the we go. Do you think that Jesus is the only person who's ever risen from the only person who's ever risen from the only person who's ever risen from the dead? No, Jesus raised people from the dead? No, Jesus raised people from the dead? No, Jesus raised people from the dead. dead. dead. >> Outside of the people that Jesus rose >> Outside of the people that Jesus rose >> Outside of the people that Jesus rose from the dead and the apostles and Old from the dead and the apostles and Old from the dead and the apostles and Old Testament prophets rose from the dead. Testament prophets rose from the dead. Testament prophets rose from the dead. The only possible other theory is some The only possible other theory is some The only possible other theory is some type of type of type of near-death experience or some type near-death experience or some type near-death experience or some type >> I mean like physical bodily resurrection >> I mean like physical bodily resurrection >> I mean like physical bodily resurrection of the I am not intelligent enough to of the I am not intelligent enough to of the I am not intelligent enough to follow all of the claims, but the follow all of the claims, but the follow all of the claims, but the resurrection of Christ I think is resurrection of Christ I think is resurrection of Christ I think is historically validated in a very historically validated in a very historically validated in a very intellectually satisfying manner. intellectually satisfying manner. intellectually satisfying manner. So here's a question. In Matthew chapter So here's a question. In Matthew chapter So here's a question. In Matthew chapter 27 27 27 we're told that there's an earthquake, we're told that there's an earthquake, we're told that there's an earthquake, the second earthquake of Matthew, the second earthquake of Matthew, the second earthquake of Matthew, neither of which we have any other neither of which we have any other neither of which we have any other reports of, but there's an earthquake reports of, but there's an earthquake reports of, but there's an earthquake and the graves open and the holy ones of and the graves open and the holy ones of and the graves open and the holy ones of Jerusalem exit their graves and walk Jerusalem exit their graves and walk Jerusalem exit their graves and walk around the city of Jerusalem appearing around the city of Jerusalem appearing around the city of Jerusalem appearing to many. Do you think that happened?

to many. Do you think that happened? to many. Do you think that happened? Yes, I do think that happened. So that Yes, I do think that happened. So that Yes, I do think that happened. So that is quite something, the fact that he is quite something, the fact that he is quite something, the fact that he thinks it generally did happen. And a thinks it generally did happen. And a thinks it generally did happen. And a massive massive question is why does it massive massive question is why does it massive massive question is why does it not speak about it in Mark, in Luke, or not speak about it in Mark, in Luke, or not speak about it in Mark, in Luke, or even in John which really claims Jesus' even in John which really claims Jesus' even in John which really claims Jesus' divinity the most out of any gospel divinity the most out of any gospel divinity the most out of any gospel narrative. So there's a massive question narrative. So there's a massive question narrative. So there's a massive question there. Why does he think that happened? there. Why does he think that happened? there. Why does he think that happened? Because you'd think that Christian Because you'd think that Christian Because you'd think that Christian literature would say that. You would literature would say that. You would literature would say that. You would think that even Josephus for instance, think that even Josephus for instance, think that even Josephus for instance, the Jewish historian, believed that the Jewish historian, believed that the Jewish historian, believed that Jesus did perform miracles. And you'd Jesus did perform miracles. And you'd Jesus did perform miracles. And you'd think if there was such a ginormous think if there was such a ginormous think if there was such a ginormous event as dead people walking about from event as dead people walking about from event as dead people walking about from tombs in Jerusalem that there would be tombs in Jerusalem that there would be tombs in Jerusalem that there would be some other reports of it, especially some other reports of it, especially some other reports of it, especially those that believe Jesus of Nazareth was those that believe Jesus of Nazareth was those that believe Jesus of Nazareth was Lord. And now I'm a Christian and I do Lord. And now I'm a Christian and I do Lord. And now I'm a Christian and I do believe Jesus was Lord and I do believe believe Jesus was Lord and I do believe believe Jesus was Lord and I do believe scripture is breathed as Timothy speaks about. breathed as Timothy speaks about. However, did this really happen? And However, did this really happen? And However, did this really happen? And Cliff Knechtle is saying he does believe Cliff Knechtle is saying he does believe Cliff Knechtle is saying he does believe it happened. So there is it happened. So there is it happened. So there is a massive weight on why does he think a massive weight on why does he think a massive weight on why does he think that happened? And I don't think he has that happened? And I don't think he has that happened? And I don't think he has so far actually proved that. Because so far actually proved that. Because so far actually proved that. Because what he goes on to say here is he goes what he goes on to say here is he goes what he goes on to say here is he goes on to speak about Alex O'Connor how as on to speak about Alex O'Connor how as on to speak about Alex O'Connor how as an atheist he needs to make a judgment an atheist he needs to make a judgment an atheist he needs to make a judgment of how he lives. Now there is a fair of how he lives. Now there is a fair of how he lives. Now there is a fair point in that the way we live, if you point in that the way we live, if you point in that the way we live, if you strip back everything to the why to the strip back everything to the why to the strip back everything to the why to the why to the why, you have some belief.

why to the why, you have some belief. why to the why, you have some belief. That belief could be in God. That could That belief could be in God. That could That belief could be in God. That could be belief could be in a horse God. That be belief could be in a horse God. That be belief could be in a horse God. That could belief could be in a biological could belief could be in a biological could belief could be in a biological impulse. There is a big question there. impulse. There is a big question there. impulse. There is a big question there. So we'll see what else unravels here. So we'll see what else unravels here. So we'll see what else unravels here. And also what Cliff Knechtle responds to And also what Cliff Knechtle responds to And also what Cliff Knechtle responds to this question and point by Alex this question and point by Alex this question and point by Alex O'Connor. Because it is a good point. O'Connor. Because it is a good point. O'Connor. Because it is a good point. And as Christians, ladies and gentlemen, And as Christians, ladies and gentlemen, And as Christians, ladies and gentlemen, we should be honest with ourselves, you we should be honest with ourselves, you we should be honest with ourselves, you know. If we're going to claim something know. If we're going to claim something know. If we're going to claim something happened, we need to be able to defend happened, we need to be able to defend happened, we need to be able to defend it. We need to be able to say this is it. We need to be able to say this is it. We need to be able to say this is why it happened. This is where the why it happened. This is where the why it happened. This is where the evidence points to. This is why I truly evidence points to. This is why I truly evidence points to. This is why I truly believe with all my heart that this is believe with all my heart that this is believe with all my heart that this is the truth. And I feel like he did do a the truth. And I feel like he did do a the truth. And I feel like he did do a deflection there. You know, he said yes deflection there. You know, he said yes deflection there. You know, he said yes he believed it happened with Alex he believed it happened with Alex he believed it happened with Alex O'Connor being like, why does it only O'Connor being like, why does it only O'Connor being like, why does it only say that in Matthew and not the others? say that in Matthew and not the others? say that in Matthew and not the others? You know, I'm a Christian. I believe You know, I'm a Christian. I believe You know, I'm a Christian. I believe Jesus is Messiah, but we've got to be Jesus is Messiah, but we've got to be Jesus is Messiah, but we've got to be honest because honest because honest because Jesus says the truth will set you free Jesus says the truth will set you free Jesus says the truth will set you free and we must always follow the truth. and we must always follow the truth. and we must always follow the truth. My question what is the alternative to My question what is the alternative to My question what is the alternative to the biblical God, Jesus Christ, that you the biblical God, Jesus Christ, that you the biblical God, Jesus Christ, that you accept as more reliable? And secondly, accept as more reliable? And secondly, accept as more reliable? And secondly, what's the evidence that that what's the evidence that that what's the evidence that that alternative to Christ is really alternative to Christ is really alternative to Christ is really reliable?

reliable? reliable? I'm an agnostic. I I don't I don't I'm an agnostic. I I don't I don't I'm an agnostic. I I don't I don't submit to know what the ultimate answers submit to know what the ultimate answers submit to know what the ultimate answers to human existence are, but I don't to human existence are, but I don't to human existence are, but I don't think that the evidence for Christianity think that the evidence for Christianity think that the evidence for Christianity being the correct one is being the correct one is being the correct one is is plausible. is plausible. is plausible. So give me the more plausible one. That So give me the more plausible one. That So give me the more plausible one. That was my question, Alex. What's the more was my question, Alex. What's the more was my question, Alex. What's the more plausible one? plausible one? plausible one? That you have chosen to follow cuz That you have chosen to follow cuz That you have chosen to follow cuz obviously you're dressed a certain way. obviously you're dressed a certain way. obviously you're dressed a certain way. Obviously you have your hair on your Obviously you have your hair on your Obviously you have your hair on your face manicured very nicely. So obviously face manicured very nicely. So obviously face manicured very nicely. So obviously you you have motives. You have you you have motives. You have you you have motives. You have ambitions. You so you're living for ambitions. You so you're living for ambitions. You so you're living for something or someone. What is it and something or someone. What is it and something or someone. What is it and what's the evidence that what you are what's the evidence that what you are what's the evidence that what you are living for is reliable? living for is reliable? living for is reliable? I I'm I'm afraid I kind of just reject I I'm I'm afraid I kind of just reject I I'm I'm afraid I kind of just reject the grammar of the question. I I don't the grammar of the question. I I don't the grammar of the question. I I don't have a systematized theology because I have a systematized theology because I have a systematized theology because I don't even believe in the existence of don't even believe in the existence of don't even believe in the existence of God. I'm I'm an agnostic. Like I say, I God. I'm I'm an agnostic. Like I say, I God. I'm I'm an agnostic. Like I say, I don't know the answer to these don't know the answer to these don't know the answer to these questions. I don't know what my ultimate questions. I don't know what my ultimate questions. I don't know what my ultimate motivations are. I don't even have motivations are. I don't even have motivations are. I don't even have access to my own sort of deepest access to my own sort of deepest access to my own sort of deepest psychology. So I I couldn't tell you why psychology. So I I couldn't tell you why psychology. So I I couldn't tell you why it is that I shave my mustache and it is that I shave my mustache and it is that I shave my mustache and regrow a beard. I don't know, but I know regrow a beard. I don't know, but I know regrow a beard. I don't know, but I know that it's not because of a man who that it's not because of a man who that it's not because of a man who I don't even believe claimed to be God I don't even believe claimed to be God I don't even believe claimed to be God in the first place in the first place in the first place allegedly dying on a cross and leaving allegedly dying on a cross and leaving allegedly dying on a cross and leaving some scanty evidence some scanty evidence some scanty evidence uh I don't think that's fair. You are uh I don't think that's fair. You are uh I don't think that's fair. You are far too articulate. You are far too deep far too articulate. You are far too deep far too articulate. You are far too deep a thinker to convince me that there's a thinker to convince me that there's a thinker to convince me that there's not something that's powerfully not something that's powerfully not something that's powerfully motivating you. You're living for motivating you. You're living for motivating you. You're living for something, for someone, for some something, for someone, for some something, for someone, for some worldview, some philosophies, religion, worldview, some philosophies, religion, worldview, some philosophies, religion, whatever.

whatever. whatever. Come on, sir. You are not just an Come on, sir. You are not just an Come on, sir. You are not just an accident. You didn't just arrive at accident. You didn't just arrive at accident. You didn't just arrive at where you are now by chance. You know where you are now by chance. You know where you are now by chance. You know that as well as I do. I don't know that. that as well as I do. I don't know that. that as well as I do. I don't know that. I mean I mean I mean That that that's to beg the question. That that that's to beg the question. That that that's to beg the question. That's that's precisely the kind of That's that's precisely the kind of That's that's precisely the kind of thing that we're trying to discuss here. thing that we're trying to discuss here. thing that we're trying to discuss here. I I I don't know how many times I can I I I don't know how many times I can I I I don't know how many times I can tell you I'm an agnostic. I I don't know tell you I'm an agnostic. I I don't know tell you I'm an agnostic. I I don't know how we got here. I don't know how the how we got here. I don't know how the how we got here. I don't know how the universe began. I don't know if there's universe began. I don't know if there's universe began. I don't know if there's a God. What I do know is that the a God. What I do know is that the a God. What I do know is that the textual evidence for things like the textual evidence for things like the textual evidence for things like the resurrection in the New Testament is resurrection in the New Testament is resurrection in the New Testament is simply not enough to simply not enough to simply not enough to to convince me. Um for example to convince me. Um for example to convince me. Um for example >> enough to convince you that whatever >> enough to convince you that whatever >> enough to convince you that whatever you're living for is true? you're living for is true? you're living for is true? I don't know. Um but for example I don't know. Um but for example I don't know. Um but for example the the reason I brought up the raising the the reason I brought up the raising the the reason I brought up the raising of the dead in in Matthew Matthew of the dead in in Matthew Matthew of the dead in in Matthew Matthew chapter 27 is because look, this is an chapter 27 is because look, this is an chapter 27 is because look, this is an argument from silence, but some argument from silence, but some argument from silence, but some arguments from silence work. And if arguments from silence work. And if arguments from silence work. And if you'll allow if you'll allow me to you'll allow if you'll allow me to you'll allow if you'll allow me to finish this point finish this point finish this point you agree that you agree that you agree that the most extraordinary event in human the most extraordinary event in human the most extraordinary event in human history was recorded in the Gospel of history was recorded in the Gospel of history was recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. That is that numerous people Matthew. That is that numerous people Matthew. That is that numerous people rose from the dead, walked around the rose from the dead, walked around the rose from the dead, walked around the city of Jerusalem, and and were seen by city of Jerusalem, and and were seen by city of Jerusalem, and and were seen by many witnesses. That's what we're told.

many witnesses. That's what we're told. many witnesses. That's what we're told. Interestingly, the text is a little Interestingly, the text is a little Interestingly, the text is a little unclear because it says that at the time unclear because it says that at the time unclear because it says that at the time of Jesus' death of Jesus' death of Jesus' death the graves opened and then they appeared the graves opened and then they appeared the graves opened and then they appeared to people after the resurrection. to people after the resurrection. to people after the resurrection. Implying that there's this three-day Implying that there's this three-day Implying that there's this three-day period where they're either laying period where they're either laying period where they're either laying around in empty graves or hidden around in empty graves or hidden around in empty graves or hidden somehow. It seems like a bit of a somehow. It seems like a bit of a somehow. It seems like a bit of a confused text. Now, again, one confused text. Now, again, one confused text. Now, again, one hypothesis is that this actually hypothesis is that this actually hypothesis is that this actually happened happened happened and for some reason they were I guess and for some reason they were I guess and for some reason they were I guess like maybe still dead in their graves like maybe still dead in their graves like maybe still dead in their graves for three days and then they got up or for three days and then they got up or for three days and then they got up or something. And that this is although I something. And that this is although I something. And that this is although I like I say, the most extraordinary event like I say, the most extraordinary event like I say, the most extraordinary event that's ever happened in the history of that's ever happened in the history of that's ever happened in the history of our species and seen by many people, our species and seen by many people, our species and seen by many people, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew in one recorded in the Gospel of Matthew in one recorded in the Gospel of Matthew in one passing sentence, but is not mentioned passing sentence, but is not mentioned passing sentence, but is not mentioned in Mark or Luke or John. It's not in Mark or Luke or John. It's not in Mark or Luke or John. It's not mentioned in Josephus. It's not mentioned in Josephus. It's not mentioned in Josephus. It's not mentioned in Acts. It's not mentioned in mentioned in Acts. It's not mentioned in mentioned in Acts. It's not mentioned in any other historical source. People will any other historical source. People will any other historical source. People will say this is an argument from silence. say this is an argument from silence. say this is an argument from silence. Somebody said to me recently, "Well, we Somebody said to me recently, "Well, we Somebody said to me recently, "Well, we don't have any written sources of the don't have any written sources of the don't have any written sources of the destruction of Pompeii either. That destruction of Pompeii either. That destruction of Pompeii either. That doesn't mean it didn't happen." Sure. doesn't mean it didn't happen." Sure. doesn't mean it didn't happen." Sure. But imagine that we had numerous sources But imagine that we had numerous sources But imagine that we had numerous sources writing about the city of Pompeii at the writing about the city of Pompeii at the writing about the city of Pompeii at the time that it was destroyed by a volcanic time that it was destroyed by a volcanic time that it was destroyed by a volcanic eruption that didn't mention the eruption that didn't mention the eruption that didn't mention the volcano. volcano. volcano. They were writing about Pompeii at the They were writing about Pompeii at the They were writing about Pompeii at the time it's supposed to supposed to have time it's supposed to supposed to have time it's supposed to supposed to have happened and they don't mention the happened and they don't mention the happened and they don't mention the eruption. That would be incredibly eruption. That would be incredibly eruption. That would be incredibly strange and suspect. It'd make me think strange and suspect. It'd make me think strange and suspect. It'd make me think that we couldn't trust our source. So that we couldn't trust our source. So that we couldn't trust our source. So one hypothesis is that this actually one hypothesis is that this actually one hypothesis is that this actually happened and for some inexplicable happened and for some inexplicable happened and for some inexplicable reason it is just complete radio silence reason it is just complete radio silence reason it is just complete radio silence on all of our historical sources. Or it on all of our historical sources. Or it on all of our historical sources. Or it didn't happen and was an invention of didn't happen and was an invention of didn't happen and was an invention of Matthew in order to do something like Matthew in order to do something like Matthew in order to do something like fulfill the prophecy of the apocalyptic fulfill the prophecy of the apocalyptic fulfill the prophecy of the apocalyptic Jesus that soon there would be a general Jesus that soon there would be a general Jesus that soon there would be a general resurrection of the dead. Why is it that resurrection of the dead. Why is it that resurrection of the dead. Why is it that when Jesus dies the graves open, but

when Jesus dies the graves open, but when Jesus dies the graves open, but it's not until after the resurrection it's not until after the resurrection it's not until after the resurrection that they start appearing to people? Is that they start appearing to people? Is that they start appearing to people? Is it because Jesus is supposed to be the it because Jesus is supposed to be the it because Jesus is supposed to be the firstborn of the dead? Is he supposed to firstborn of the dead? Is he supposed to firstborn of the dead? Is he supposed to be the first one that's resurrected? I be the first one that's resurrected? I be the first one that's resurrected? I don't know. But like you, Cliff I'm don't know. But like you, Cliff I'm don't know. But like you, Cliff I'm asking what is the most plausible asking what is the most plausible asking what is the most plausible historical explanation here and I just historical explanation here and I just historical explanation here and I just don't think that this event happened in don't think that this event happened in don't think that this event happened in the way that you think it did. And if it the way that you think it did. And if it the way that you think it did. And if it did, it's a complete and utter mystery did, it's a complete and utter mystery did, it's a complete and utter mystery why these other sources do not even get why these other sources do not even get why these other sources do not even get a whisper of it. a whisper of it. a whisper of it. Just on the question of God, there is Just on the question of God, there is Just on the question of God, there is absolutely no problem with resurrection. absolutely no problem with resurrection. absolutely no problem with resurrection. If there's no supernatural God, then If there's no supernatural God, then If there's no supernatural God, then obviously resurrection doesn't happen. obviously resurrection doesn't happen. obviously resurrection doesn't happen. So I I think Cliff's response there is So I I think Cliff's response there is So I I think Cliff's response there is unbelievably weak because unbelievably weak because unbelievably weak because if someone lays out something where even if someone lays out something where even if someone lays out something where even if you beg that the gospels and you are if you beg that the gospels and you are if you beg that the gospels and you are a Christian and you do believe, you a Christian and you do believe, you a Christian and you do believe, you know, the gospels did happen the central know, the gospels did happen the central know, the gospels did happen the central claims of all four gospels are right or claims of all four gospels are right or claims of all four gospels are right or the synoptics, it's fair to say that the synoptics, it's fair to say that the synoptics, it's fair to say that there's still a question there's still a question there's still a question did this happen in Matthew? Because it did this happen in Matthew? Because it did this happen in Matthew? Because it didn't mention in the other gospels. Now didn't mention in the other gospels. Now didn't mention in the other gospels. Now if you take the gospels as all being if you take the gospels as all being if you take the gospels as all being right, there are contradictions. That right, there are contradictions. That right, there are contradictions. That might annoy some Christians who are might annoy some Christians who are might annoy some Christians who are listening to this that there are no listening to this that there are no listening to this that there are no contradictions in the gospel. But I'm a contradictions in the gospel. But I'm a contradictions in the gospel. But I'm a Christian and I do believe there are Christian and I do believe there are Christian and I do believe there are contradictions. There are things that contradictions. There are things that contradictions. There are things that happened in some gospels that didn't happened in some gospels that didn't happened in some gospels that didn't happen in the others. There are things happen in the others. There are things happen in the others. There are things that are not recounted in some that are that are not recounted in some that are that are not recounted in some that are recounted in others. There's things that recounted in others. There's things that recounted in others. There's things that contradict things that make the other contradict things that make the other contradict things that make the other gospel is either one's true or the gospel is either one's true or the gospel is either one's true or the other's true.

other's true. other's true. There are and you you have to be honest There are and you you have to be honest There are and you you have to be honest with that. Now there are there were with that. Now there are there were with that. Now there are there were obviously the gospel writers were obviously the gospel writers were obviously the gospel writers were writing to different people. And there's writing to different people. And there's writing to different people. And there's also a question of who actually wrote also a question of who actually wrote also a question of who actually wrote the gospels cuz the synoptics clearly the gospels cuz the synoptics clearly the gospels cuz the synoptics clearly the evidence they got was very different the evidence they got was very different the evidence they got was very different from John because the Christology in from John because the Christology in from John because the Christology in John is far beyond the others as kind of John is far beyond the others as kind of John is far beyond the others as kind of Bart Ehrman speaks about. And you know, Bart Ehrman speaks about. And you know, Bart Ehrman speaks about. And you know, you got the likes of historians like you got the likes of historians like you got the likes of historians like E.P. Sanders who say that he doesn't E.P. Sanders who say that he doesn't E.P. Sanders who say that he doesn't actually believe any of the gospel actually believe any of the gospel actually believe any of the gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, actually were the people that wrote actually were the people that wrote actually were the people that wrote them. He he doesn't really know. Um it them. He he doesn't really know. Um it them. He he doesn't really know. Um it in the book The Historical Jesus. And we in the book The Historical Jesus. And we in the book The Historical Jesus. And we must be honest with ourselves, guys. And must be honest with ourselves, guys. And must be honest with ourselves, guys. And you can't I I I think it does a lot of you can't I I I think it does a lot of you can't I I I think it does a lot of damage to Christianity. If you really do damage to Christianity. If you really do damage to Christianity. If you really do believe that Jesus of Nazareth was Lord, believe that Jesus of Nazareth was Lord, believe that Jesus of Nazareth was Lord, we cannot basically do mental gymnastics we cannot basically do mental gymnastics we cannot basically do mental gymnastics to cram anything in there. Where to cram anything in there. Where to cram anything in there. Where evidence points to, we must follow. We evidence points to, we must follow. We evidence points to, we must follow. We must go with an honest open heart must go with an honest open heart must go with an honest open heart willing to defend what is true, what is willing to defend what is true, what is willing to defend what is true, what is right. And I think Cliff Knechtle and right. And I think Cliff Knechtle and right. And I think Cliff Knechtle and Shull really do a disservice there. Now Shull really do a disservice there. Now Shull really do a disservice there. Now let don't get me wrong. I think they're let don't get me wrong. I think they're let don't get me wrong. I think they're great guys. I'm sure they're really great guys. I'm sure they're really great guys. I'm sure they're really smart, way smarter than me in all this smart, way smarter than me in all this smart, way smarter than me in all this stuff. But you've got to be honest. So stuff. But you've got to be honest. So stuff. But you've got to be honest. So let's actually do a little overview over let's actually do a little overview over let's actually do a little overview over what actually happened. So this is from what actually happened. So this is from what actually happened. So this is from biblereference.com. So there's seven biblereference.com. So there's seven biblereference.com. So there's seven dramatic things happened in the moments dramatic things happened in the moments dramatic things happened in the moments following Jesus' death. One was an following Jesus' death. One was an following Jesus' death. One was an earthquake that apparently broke open earthquake that apparently broke open earthquake that apparently broke open tombs of many saints who had died in tombs of many saints who had died in tombs of many saints who had died in Israel's past. The gist of this Israel's past. The gist of this Israel's past. The gist of this narrative is that the earthquake stirred narrative is that the earthquake stirred narrative is that the earthquake stirred the bodies bodies in some ways after his the bodies bodies in some ways after his the bodies bodies in some ways after his resurrection. These saints were seen resurrection. These saints were seen resurrection. These saints were seen alive by many people. Whether they came alive by many people. Whether they came alive by many people. Whether they came to life at the moment Jesus died or only to life at the moment Jesus died or only to life at the moment Jesus died or only uncovered and rose after death is not uncovered and rose after death is not uncovered and rose after death is not explicitly clear. That is a point that explicitly clear. That is a point that explicitly clear. That is a point that Alex makes. You know, did the tombs open

Alex makes. You know, did the tombs open Alex makes. You know, did the tombs open and they were just chilling about for a and they were just chilling about for a and they were just chilling about for a few days? I mean, that is quite a few days? I mean, that is quite a few days? I mean, that is quite a question. You'd think someone would question. You'd think someone would question. You'd think someone would notice that. Um and Matthew is the only notice that. Um and Matthew is the only notice that. Um and Matthew is the only gospel writer, as we spoke about, who gospel writer, as we spoke about, who gospel writer, as we spoke about, who writes this. So, here's the key thing. writes this. So, here's the key thing. writes this. So, here's the key thing. Biblical scholars suggest two Biblical scholars suggest two Biblical scholars suggest two possibilities for how this may have possibilities for how this may have possibilities for how this may have worked. It's possible these people were worked. It's possible these people were worked. It's possible these people were resurrected in the same way as Jesus' resurrected in the same way as Jesus' resurrected in the same way as Jesus' friend Lazarus. Lazarus turned to a friend Lazarus. Lazarus turned to a friend Lazarus. Lazarus turned to a fully human life and not glorified his fully human life and not glorified his fully human life and not glorified his body as Jesus did. In other words, body as Jesus did. In other words, body as Jesus did. In other words, Lazarus lived for a time and then died Lazarus lived for a time and then died Lazarus lived for a time and then died again. If that's what happened with again. If that's what happened with again. If that's what happened with these saints, the holy city of Jerusalem these saints, the holy city of Jerusalem these saints, the holy city of Jerusalem where they appeared to many regular where they appeared to many regular where they appeared to many regular people seeing formerly dead saints of people seeing formerly dead saints of people seeing formerly dead saints of Israel would, of course, a huge stir. Israel would, of course, a huge stir. Israel would, of course, a huge stir. After Jesus himself was resurrected, After Jesus himself was resurrected, After Jesus himself was resurrected, they likely pointed many people to the they likely pointed many people to the they likely pointed many people to the power of God for Christ. Now, this is a power of God for Christ. Now, this is a power of God for Christ. Now, this is a important point because we do know that important point because we do know that important point because we do know that very early on people were being very early on people were being very early on people were being baptized. We know that thousands of baptized. We know that thousands of baptized. We know that thousands of people were being baptized and there people were being baptized and there people were being baptized and there were followers of Jesus who really did were followers of Jesus who really did were followers of Jesus who really did think he rose again, really did see him, think he rose again, really did see him, think he rose again, really did see him, speak with him, eat with him. speak with him, eat with him. speak with him, eat with him. We know that there was many Christians We know that there was many Christians We know that there was many Christians before Constantine that converted to before Constantine that converted to before Constantine that converted to Christianity. It's fair to say that. Christianity. It's fair to say that. Christianity. It's fair to say that. But, there is a question. If there is, But, there is a question. If there is, But, there is a question. If there is, you know, loads of dead saints walking you know, loads of dead saints walking you know, loads of dead saints walking about in Jerusalem, you think more about in Jerusalem, you think more about in Jerusalem, you think more people would have converted like that.

people would have converted like that. people would have converted like that. It's a fair point to say that there It's a fair point to say that there It's a fair point to say that there would have been difficult for a Jew back would have been difficult for a Jew back would have been difficult for a Jew back then to deny Jesus' divinity. It would then to deny Jesus' divinity. It would then to deny Jesus' divinity. It would have been difficult for people to be have been difficult for people to be have been difficult for people to be like the Jewish Sanhedrin to miss all like the Jewish Sanhedrin to miss all like the Jewish Sanhedrin to miss all these dead saints walking about and these dead saints walking about and these dead saints walking about and still claim that Jesus of Nazareth was still claim that Jesus of Nazareth was still claim that Jesus of Nazareth was not Lord. not Lord. not Lord. I think I think I think like I appreciate he is striking the like I appreciate he is striking the like I appreciate he is striking the divinity and the power of Jesus in a divinity and the power of Jesus in a divinity and the power of Jesus in a poetic language, as some scholars say, poetic language, as some scholars say, poetic language, as some scholars say, with prophecies from Ezekiel, from with prophecies from Ezekiel, from with prophecies from Ezekiel, from multiple parts of the Old Testament. multiple parts of the Old Testament. multiple parts of the Old Testament. However, there is a question. Wouldn't However, there is a question. Wouldn't However, there is a question. Wouldn't have more people converted then? Like, have more people converted then? Like, have more people converted then? Like, wouldn't there have been more Christians wouldn't there have been more Christians wouldn't there have been more Christians before Constantine if this really did before Constantine if this really did before Constantine if this really did happen? happen? happen? So, here we go. Other scholars suggest So, here we go. Other scholars suggest So, here we go. Other scholars suggest that Matthew's claims here are poetic or that Matthew's claims here are poetic or that Matthew's claims here are poetic or symbolic and not being taken part of a symbolic and not being taken part of a symbolic and not being taken part of a literal narrative. This is an extremely literal narrative. This is an extremely literal narrative. This is an extremely difficult interpretation to support difficult interpretation to support difficult interpretation to support given that everything else Matthew says given that everything else Matthew says given that everything else Matthew says in this passage is framed as literal. in this passage is framed as literal. in this passage is framed as literal. Another suggestion is what this incident Another suggestion is what this incident Another suggestion is what this incident was not part of Matthew's original was not part of Matthew's original was not part of Matthew's original writings at all. Yet, there is no text writings at all. Yet, there is no text writings at all. Yet, there is no text evidence to suggest it was added. The evidence to suggest it was added. The evidence to suggest it was added. The most reasonable interpretation that it most reasonable interpretation that it most reasonable interpretation that it describes an actual event which happened describes an actual event which happened describes an actual event which happened as Matthew describes. Ultimately, we are as Matthew describes. Ultimately, we are as Matthew describes. Ultimately, we are left with almost no detail or left with almost no detail or left with almost no detail or explanation making it difficult to draw explanation making it difficult to draw explanation making it difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions. So, there any meaningful conclusions. So, there any meaningful conclusions. So, there are loads of questions to this. Did it are loads of questions to this. Did it are loads of questions to this. Did it really happen? As a Christian, I'll be really happen? As a Christian, I'll be really happen? As a Christian, I'll be completely honest, I do not believe this completely honest, I do not believe this completely honest, I do not believe this actually happened. There's a question.

actually happened. There's a question. actually happened. There's a question. Was it added to the early manuscripts? Was it added to the early manuscripts? Was it added to the early manuscripts? Who knows? Who knows? Who knows? Matthew, we know, was a very smart man. Matthew, we know, was a very smart man. Matthew, we know, was a very smart man. Obviously, he had tax collector, so he Obviously, he had tax collector, so he Obviously, he had tax collector, so he would have been very smart. Now, the big would have been very smart. Now, the big would have been very smart. Now, the big question, did he write it? I don't know question, did he write it? I don't know question, did he write it? I don't know what the scholarly consensus is over what the scholarly consensus is over what the scholarly consensus is over whether Matthew did write this, but I whether Matthew did write this, but I whether Matthew did write this, but I think it is a very, very good argument think it is a very, very good argument think it is a very, very good argument Alex makes here about did this happen? Alex makes here about did this happen? Alex makes here about did this happen? The most extraordinary event in human The most extraordinary event in human The most extraordinary event in human history, three of the gospel writers history, three of the gospel writers history, three of the gospel writers don't mention it who have bias to say it don't mention it who have bias to say it don't mention it who have bias to say it did happen because they were Christian did happen because they were Christian did happen because they were Christian writers. writers. writers. And thirdly, no external sources. Even And thirdly, no external sources. Even And thirdly, no external sources. Even Josephus, the Jewish historian, Josephus, the Jewish historian, Josephus, the Jewish historian, who admitted that Jesus did perform who admitted that Jesus did perform who admitted that Jesus did perform wonder works and miracles, didn't wonder works and miracles, didn't wonder works and miracles, didn't mention it. And you'd think that people mention it. And you'd think that people mention it. And you'd think that people with skin in the game would mention it with skin in the game would mention it with skin in the game would mention it and people not in skin in the game would and people not in skin in the game would and people not in skin in the game would mention it for the most incredible event mention it for the most incredible event mention it for the most incredible event in human history ever. And as in human history ever. And as in human history ever. And as Christians, ladies and gentlemen, we Christians, ladies and gentlemen, we Christians, ladies and gentlemen, we must be honest. We must always be must be honest. We must always be must be honest. We must always be honest. And I really do believe that I honest. And I really do believe that I honest. And I really do believe that I don't think this happened. I think it's don't think this happened. I think it's don't think this happened. I think it's poetic language. I think it's fulfilling poetic language. I think it's fulfilling poetic language. I think it's fulfilling prophecies. I think it's claiming a prophecies. I think it's claiming a prophecies. I think it's claiming a divinity. I think it's saying things divinity. I think it's saying things divinity. I think it's saying things once be true rather than what actually once be true rather than what actually once be true rather than what actually happened. And I will reiterate, the happened. And I will reiterate, the happened. And I will reiterate, the truth will set you free, as Jesus says.

truth will set you free, as Jesus says. truth will set you free, as Jesus says. I hope you did enjoy this video. Now, I I hope you did enjoy this video. Now, I I hope you did enjoy this video. Now, I know some Christians might be annoyed at know some Christians might be annoyed at know some Christians might be annoyed at what I'm saying here and be like, this what I'm saying here and be like, this what I'm saying here and be like, this is heretical. This is But, I am saying is heretical. This is But, I am saying is heretical. This is But, I am saying what I believe in my heart, what I want what I believe in my heart, what I want what I believe in my heart, what I want to find out because I do believe that as to find out because I do believe that as to find out because I do believe that as you uncover what is the truth, it will you uncover what is the truth, it will you uncover what is the truth, it will defend itself because I do believe Jesus defend itself because I do believe Jesus defend itself because I do believe Jesus of Nazareth, the man who was with us, of Nazareth, the man who was with us, of Nazareth, the man who was with us, who ate with us, was God. And I think who ate with us, was God. And I think who ate with us, was God. And I think there's no point in pushing a fantasy of there's no point in pushing a fantasy of there's no point in pushing a fantasy of what we want to be true rather than what what we want to be true rather than what what we want to be true rather than what is true. And that is why the all this is true. And that is why the all this is true. And that is why the all this channel is about is open faith. You channel is about is open faith. You channel is about is open faith. You know, I want to speak from the honesty know, I want to speak from the honesty know, I want to speak from the honesty of my heart. If there is a good argument of my heart. If there is a good argument of my heart. If there is a good argument against God, if there is a good against God, if there is a good against God, if there is a good questionable narrative about some of questionable narrative about some of questionable narrative about some of what it says in the gospels, like what what it says in the gospels, like what what it says in the gospels, like what Bart Ehrman says about John with the Bart Ehrman says about John with the Bart Ehrman says about John with the divinity being out of this world and divinity being out of this world and divinity being out of this world and then, you know, the other gospel writers then, you know, the other gospel writers then, you know, the other gospel writers not including them. These are really not including them. These are really not including them. These are really serious questions to grapple with. And serious questions to grapple with. And serious questions to grapple with. And as Christians, we cannot ignore it. And as Christians, we cannot ignore it. And as Christians, we cannot ignore it. And we must seek the truth. You know, I'm we must seek the truth. You know, I'm we must seek the truth. You know, I'm not living blissful ignorance, not doing not living blissful ignorance, not doing not living blissful ignorance, not doing mental gymnastics to what we want to mental gymnastics to what we want to mental gymnastics to what we want to believe. Um and I'm not a scholar and believe. Um and I'm not a scholar and believe. Um and I'm not a scholar and Cliff Connect and Sheldon know way more Cliff Connect and Sheldon know way more Cliff Connect and Sheldon know way more than me on a different part to me. I I I than me on a different part to me. I I I than me on a different part to me. I I I barely touch the surface of their body barely touch the surface of their body barely touch the surface of their body of knowledge. But, I will pick holes in of knowledge. But, I will pick holes in of knowledge. But, I will pick holes in what I do think I know a little bit what I do think I know a little bit what I do think I know a little bit about. Um I'm I'm not an academic bloke.

about. Um I'm I'm not an academic bloke. about. Um I'm I'm not an academic bloke. I've never gone to university. I've I've never gone to university. I've I've never gone to university. I've never studied any of this stuff. Um this never studied any of this stuff. Um this never studied any of this stuff. Um this is just my own personal research, is just my own personal research, is just my own personal research, reading the Bible, listening to reading the Bible, listening to reading the Bible, listening to scholars, reading scholarly works. You scholars, reading scholarly works. You scholars, reading scholarly works. You know, I love Lewis. I love loads of know, I love Lewis. I love loads of know, I love Lewis. I love loads of people. Um but, yeah. I hope you did people. Um but, yeah. I hope you did people. Um but, yeah. I hope you did enjoy. Check out these two videos here. enjoy. Check out these two videos here. enjoy. Check out these two videos here. God bless and I'll see you all next God bless and I'll see you all next God bless and I'll see you all next time. Bye for now. Peace.