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In an absolutely shocking turn of events, Bart has learned of a firstcentury Gospel that will overturn everything scholars think they know about Jesus, showing that he was a charlatan exposed by the Roman government for duping the Jewish crowds by sophisticated works of magic. The Gospel, set to be published this week by the NY Times, details how Jesus deliberately faked his famous miracles in an effort to seek fame and fortune. How did he go from magicianforhire to Son of God, and was the crucifixion a tragic illusion gone wrong? Join us this week on Misquoting Jesus to find out more.


Megan asks:



In case you hadn’t guessed, no, Bart hasn’t had some kind of academic revelation and won’t be publishing proof that Jesus was the world’s first recorded illusionist…we’re a day late, but happy April Fool’s! We will still be talking about miracles, however. Bart, why do you think it’s important for biblical scholars to examine the reports of miraculous events in the gospels, and other early Christian writings?


Miracles happen a lot in the Bible even before Jesus. When we talk about miracles today, what do we actually mean?


What miracles do we see in the OT, before Jesus comes on the scene?


As a holy man, would it have been surprising for people that Jesus was reportedly performing these miracles?


Are there any miracles that we see as being specific to Jesus, or is his repertoire in line with what we see from the rest of the ancient world?


Do the canonical gospels differ among themselves in the kinds of miracles they report?


What miracles do we see in the noncanonical gospels?


Do these reports all occur in the same literary genre?


What purpose do miracles serve in ancient literature, do they serve a different purpose in early Christian writings?


Is the identity of Jesus as a miracle worker something that was imposed upon him after his death, or does it seem that this was happening while he was still alive?


How should we evaluate reports of miracles? Why are they so common in religious traditions?
Are there reasons for thinking Jesus did miracles but that Apollonius of Tyana didn’t, or Simon Magus, or Muhammed?


Is it possible to be a Christian if you doubt that Jesus did some or all of his miracles (being born of a virgin; walking on water; raising Lazarus from the dead)?