Historical Jesus
-
Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou suggests a historical Jesus likely existed, executed around mid-50s AD, based on the short timeframe between Paul's writings and the probable execution date.
-
The reconciliation of Jesus and John the Baptist's stories indicates a polemic attempting to establish their relationship, with Jesus being crucified and John beheaded.
Mythological Elements
-
Stavrakopoulou considers the resurrection stories as mythological rather than historical, noting that encountering the dead was common in ancient cultures.
-
A radical view proposed is that Jesus was likely a cult leader executed around mid-50s AD, with Paul not meeting him directly, but the short timespan between Paul's writings and Jesus' execution suggesting a historical figure.
Francesca Stavrakopoulou is a true heavyweight in the field of biblical scholarship. Her work is not only intellectually rigorous and insightful, but also written with a wit and verve that makes it a pleasure to read. Whether she is exploring the ancient Near East or delving into the complexities of the OldTestament, Stavrakopoulou always manages to shed new light on the subject at hand and leave the reader with a deeper understanding of the material. If you're looking for a scholar who can make the Bible come alive, look no further than Francesca Stavrakopoulou.