I have explained why it is almost certain that Luke did not himself write the passage describing Jesus “sweating blood” in Luke 22:43-44; the passage is not found in some of our oldest and best manuscripts, it intrudes in a context that otherwise is structured as a clear chiasmus, and it presents a view of Jesus going to his death precisely at odds with what Luke has produced otherwise. Whereas Luke goes out of his way to portray Jesus as calm and in control in the ace of death – evidently to provide a model to his readers about how they too suffer when they experience persecution – these verses show him in deep anguish to the point of needing heavenly support by an angel, as he sweats great drops as of blood. But if the verses were not originally in Luke, why were they added by scribes? Read by Petra Ortiz
This post resumes my recollections of my interactions with Bruce Metzger, my mentor. Remember: when I say “textual criticism” in this post, I am...
The last non-Christian Roman emperor had actually been raised Christian but turned back to paganism, and he made several strategic moves to stifle Christianity...
Dr. Ehrman briefly describes what he thinks death will be like and invites you to tell your own views. Read by John Paul Middlesworth