Steven Carr

The current fashion is to say that the demonstration by Jesus in the Temple was what led to his arrest and crucifixion.

Was what Jesus did a criminal act?

mountainman

If the Gnostic account in the "Infancy Gospel of Thomas" is any indication of Jesus's criminal activities when he was a child, what should we expect of him when he grew out of his infancy?

In the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, the Child Jesus as a malevolent trickster wizard. Death and destruction follow the child jesus. A child disperses water that Jesus has collected, Jesus then curses him, which causes the child's body to wither into a corpse, found in the Greek text A, and Latin versions. The Greek text B doesn't mention Jesus cursing the boy, and simply says that the child "went on, and after a little he fell and gave up the ghost," Another child dies when Jesus curses him when he apparently accidentally bumps into him When Joseph and Mary's neighbors complain, they are miraculously struck blind by Jesus. Jesus then starts receiving lessons, but arrogantly tries to teach the teacher instead.

seyorni

If I went to a flea market and started raving and turning over tables I'd expect to be arrested.

mountainman

Is this "Jesus turns the tables in the temple business" event related to any "prophecy" to be "found" in the Greek LXX? Maybe Jesus just had to fulfil what was written about Him in the holy scriptures, even if it was criminal to do so. It would be embarrassing if he did not fullfil the scriptures.

Steve Weiss

One should be clear about talking about the Jesus character as if he were a real historical person. Obviously if there were no Jesus the question becomes moot. Separating the actions from the fictional person, on the other hand, allows one to draw conclusions based upon common law principles. Destruction of property, trespass, and disruption of commerce are violations of law and subject to legal prosecution regardless of the personalities involved.

aa5874

You mean the history of Jesus is DETERMINED by "fashion"?

If there is NO source of antiquity which shows the so-called Jesus was arrested after the supposed fracas at the Temple then we only have a "fashion statement".

We should deal with SOURCES of antiquity about the so-called Jesus not fashion statements.

In sources of antiquity Jesus was NOT arrested because of the Temple fracas.

Lugubert

If Jesus managed to this to banks during busy tourist times without Roman guards interfering, there must have been some heavy bribing as well.

Solo

Obviously also, in some mythicist circles Jesus would be guilty as charged even if he was found non-existent.

Jiri

aeebee50

Interesting, seems like you must be charged before you are tried.

Horatio Parker

Isn't that true only of the synoptics? John puts the temple incident early in Jesus' ministry.