Episode Summary

In this episode of The Christian Clinician, host Dr. Tanya Paynter dives into the historical evidence for the existence of Jesus as a real person, exploring both biblical and extra-biblical sources. She reviews eyewitness accounts, writings of early Christian authors, non-Christian historians, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies to build a robust case for the historical Jesus. Through accessible explanations and references, Dr. Paynter provides listeners with a foundation to explore their faith, even amidst doubts and questions about factual evidence.

Access the Episode Presentation and References

https://www.psalmmedical.com/CCdownload-season2

Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode

(For a full list, please see the episode presentation and references handout here: https://www.psalmmedical.com/CCdownload-season2)

Blomberg, Craig L. and Stewart, Robert B. The Historical Reliability of the New Testament: Countering the Challenges to Evangelical Christian Beliefs. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2016.

Ehrman, Bart D. Did Jesus Exist? The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth. San Francisco, CA: HarperOne, 2012.

Strauss, Mark L. Four Portraits, One Jesus: A Survey of Jesus and the Gospels, 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2020.

Taylor, Doug E. Jesus Before Constantine: The Church, Her Beliefs, and Her Apologetics. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2020.

Kaiser, Walter C. Jr. The Messiah in the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 1995.

McDowell, Josh. Evidence That Demands a Verdict. San Bernardino, CA: Campus Crusade for Christ, 1972.

Stoner, Peter W. and Newman, Robert C. Science Speaks: Scientific Proof of the Accuracy of Prophecy and the Bible. Chicago, IL: Moody Press Chicago, 1958.

Willmington, Harold. “The Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus Christ.” The Second Person File, 2018, accessed May16, 2024, https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/second_person/162.

Timestamps

0:00 –1:00 | Comparing historical evidence for Jesus versus Alexander the Great

1:01 –2:00 | Introduction to the historical Jesus mini-series and episode overview

2:01 –6:05 | Biblical evidence for Jesus’ existence, focusing on Paul’s letters and eyewitness accounts

6:06 –10:43 | Paul’s testimony, early Christian experiences, and the social changes sparked by Jesus’ teachings

10:44 –15:04 | Evidence from early Christian authors and extra-biblical sources

15:05 –18:36 | Input from non-Christian historians like Josephus, Tacitus, and Pliny the Younger

18:37 –24:39 | Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by Jesus and the statistical improbability of coincidence

24:40 –29:37 | Timeline for early documentation and summary of the overwhelming historical record

29:38 –End | Preview of next week’s guest and episode; Dr. Paynter’s encouragement and closing advice

About the Host

Dr. Tanya Paynter is a clinician who uniquely integrates faith with evidence-based medicine. Through The Christian Clinician podcast, she explores the intersection of health, wellness, and Christian faith, tackling difficult questions about belief, Scripture, and health from both a scientific and spiritual lens. Her thoughtful and informative interviews help listeners revitalize both their physical health and their spiritual journey.

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