Why Would Later Scribes Be Interested In Having Jesus “Sweat Blood”?

November 09, 2021 00:07:00
Why Would Later Scribes Be Interested In Having Jesus “Sweat Blood”?
Ehrman Blog Daily Post Podcasts
Why Would Later Scribes Be Interested In Having Jesus “Sweat Blood”?

Nov 09 2021 | 00:07:00

/

Show Notes

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

Other Episodes

Episode

April 21, 2025 00:07:07
Episode Cover

Galatians: Who, when and why

Bart discusses the authorship and major themes of Paul's letter to the Galatians. Read by Steve McCabe.

Listen

Episode

September 04, 2024 00:06:42
Episode Cover

Were Christians Statistically Insignificant in the First 200 years?

Bart argues that Christians were likely a very small percentage of the Roman empire for the first two centuries. Read by John Paul Middlesworth.

Listen

Episode

June 07, 2025 00:07:50
Episode Cover

2 Thessalonians in a Nutshell

Bart offers a brief overview of the major themes and emphases of 2 Thessalonians. Read by Steve McCabe.

Listen