Let's break down your questions one by one.
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What does the text mean when it says that Pilate washed his hands and “performed thy pleasure” in Jesus?
- The phrase about Pilate washing his hands is often understood as a symbolic act of absolving himself of guilt in the decision to condemn Jesus. In the context of the biblical narrative, Pilate sought to distance himself from the responsibility of Jesus’ death, indicating that he did not believe Jesus was guilty. The phrase “performed thy pleasure” suggests that despite Pilate’s reluctance, he ultimately complied with the wishes of those who wanted Jesus executed, implying that Jesus’ fate was intertwined with divine will or predetermined purpose.
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ANALYZING SOURCES Why does the author make a point of saying that Jesus rose from the dead with “the same form, and with the same voice, and with the same doctrine”?
- Emphasizing that Jesus rose with the same form and voice reinforces the idea of continuity in Jesus’ identity and teachings, asserting that the resurrection was not merely a spiritual event but one that maintained His physical and doctrinal integrity. This detail serves to affirm the authenticity of the resurrection and establishes that the resurrection is not a transformation into something else, but rather an affirmation of His former identity and message. This could be important for the audience to understand that Jesus remains the same figure who preached and performed miracles during His life.
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INFERRING Why might the author, who was not Pilate, have written this letter?
- The author could be attempting to provide an account of events related to Jesus from a different perspective, possibly aiming to clarify or defend certain theological points regarding Jesus’ nature and the significance of His resurrection. Additionally, writing from a third-person perspective could also be a way to address audiences who may hold differing views about Pilate’s role and responsibility in the crucifixion, or to influence the audience’s understanding of Jesus in relation to authoritative figures of the time.
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MAKE CONNECTIONS Why might this source be considered unreliable as a historical resource? In what context would this source be reliable?
- This source could be considered unreliable historically if it lacks corroboration from other historical texts or archaeological evidence, or if it seems to be biased towards a religious interpretation rather than an objective account of events. It may also reflect theological motivations rather than purely historical ones, which could skew its reliability. However, it could be considered reliable in the context of religious studies or theological discussions, where the focus is on understanding beliefs, spiritual significance, and the interpretations of events rather than strictly adhering to historical accuracy. In faith contexts, such sources often hold validity for doctrinal teachings and understanding the impact of these beliefs on communities and traditions.