The Humble Skeptic

The Annunciation & Incarnation

On this episode, Shane walks through selections from the first two chapters of Luke’s Gospel as he highlights the significance of Jesus’ birth and redemptive mission. He also takes time to reflect on the meaning of the numerous Old Testament prophecies and promises that are alluded to throughout Luke’s account of the things that have been “fulfilled among us.” Click here for detailed notes related to this episode.SHOW NOTESArticlesDetailed notes for this episode, Shane RosenthalIsaiah’s Prophecy of the Messiah’s Birth, Shane RosenthalThe Bethlehem Prophecy: An Exploration of Micah 5:2, Shane RosenthalJustin Martyr on the Importance of Fulfilled Prophecy, Shane RosenthalProof of the Gospel (PDF), selections from Justin Martyr, Eusebius & AugustineFinding Christ in All of Scripture (PDF), Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible? (PDF), Shane RosenthalIsrael: The Story Behind Jacob’s New Name, Shane RosenthalArchaeological Discoveries Related to Nebuchadnezzar II, Shane RosenthalA Pre-70 Date for the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalThe Implications of 70 AD on the Date of the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalThe Date of John’s Gospel, Revisited, Shane RosenthalIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian?, Sir William RamsayBooksJesus in the Old Testament, Iain DuguidJourneys with Jesus, Dennis JohnsonEchoes of Exodus: Tracing the Theme of Redemption, Roberts & WilsonThe Angel of the Lord, Matt Foreman & Doug Van DornThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels, Craig EvansProof of the Gospel, Eusebius of CaesareaLuke’s Key Witness, Shane RosenthalAudioChristmas: Legend or History? episode #64The Messiah’s Redemptive Mission, episode #72In the Beginning was the Word, episode #75 with John RonningThe Angel of Yahweh, episode #70 with Foreman & Van DornDid The Exodus Ever Happen? episode #69 with David RohlJacob’s Ladder, episode #63 with Richard Bauckham and othersBabylon, episode #66 Decoding the Prophecies of Daniel, episode #68 Signs of the Messiah, episode #74 with Andreas KöstenbergerJewish Views of the Messiah, episode #38 with Daniel BoyarinVideoDiscovering Bethsaida, Shane RosenthalRethinking Luke’s Prologue, Shane RosenthalProphecies of The Messiah’s Birth, You Can Handle The TruthSupport this Podcast with a Year-End GiftConsider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available. Click here for more information. Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

A Forensic Approach to the Gospels

Throughout his various writing projects, J. Warner Wallace encourages his readers to study the Gospels forensically—that is, to always be on the lookout for evidence, either of deception on the one hand, or of authentic eyewitness testimony on the other. On this episode, Shane talks with him about some of the evidence he discovered when he read the Gospels for the first time and which ultimately led to his conversion to the Christian faith. They also discuss issues related to the dating of the four Gospels and some of the interpretive possibilities related to identifying Luke’s Theophilus. For more information about J. Warner Wallace, visit his website coldcasechristianity.comDuring this episode, Shane referenced his recent webinar on the prologue of Luke’s Gospel. A video recording of this presentation is available here for paid subscribers. To upgrade to a paid subscription, click here.SHOW NOTESArticlesWhy I Know The Gospels Were Written Early, J. Warner WallaceThe Date of John’s Gospel, Revisited, Shane RosenthalThe Implications of 70 AD, Shane RosenthalA Pre-70 Date for the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalWho is Theophilus? Notes to Ep. #79, Peter Bolt and othersHow to Detect Deception, Shane RosenthalThe Authenticity & Genuineness of The Fourth Gospel, J.B. LightfootAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian? Sir William RamsayOutside The Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus? Shane RosenthalCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalOn Faith & History, Shane RosenthalEpisodesDealing with Discrepancies, Episode #57 with J. Warner WallaceThe Case for Early Gospels, Cold Case Christianity podcastLuke, Theophilus & Joanna, Episode #80 with Jim SibleyWho is Theophilus? Episode #79 with Peter BoltDid Josephus Ever Mention Jesus? Episode #77 with T.C. SchmidtJesus in Josephus & Other Ancient Texts, Episode #78 with T.C. SchmidtThe Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony, Episode #48 with Richard BauckhamFaith Founded on Facts, Episode #15 with Lennox, Bauckham, and othersStories of Jesus: Can They Be Trusted? Episode. #61 with Peter J. WilliamsAre the Gospels History or Fiction? Episode #52 with John DicksonQuestioning Your Faith, Episode #21 with Fikrit Bocek, pastor of Izmir, TurkeyDeath, Ghosts & Views of the Afterlife, Episode #31 with Michael McClymondThe Gospel Creed, Episode #9BooksCold Case Christianity, J. Warner WallaceThe Truth in True Crime, J. Warner WallaceForensic Faith, J. Warner WallacePerson of Interest, J. Warner WallaceJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamReligion on Trial, Craig PartonTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrewCan We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsRedating the New Testament, John A.T. RobinsonRedating Matthew, Mark & Luke, John WenhamRethinking the Dates of the New Testament, Jonathan BernierLuke’s Key Witness, Shane RosenthalVideosCan You Trust Bible Manuscripts? J. Warner WallaceHas the Bible Changed Over Time? J. Warner WallaceDoes Christianity Have Evidence? J. Warner WallaceIs Jesus in the Old Testament? J. Warner Wallace Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

Luke, Theophilus & Joanna

In a chapter he wrote for the Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, Jim Sibley argued that Luke’s Theophilus was likely a Jewish high priest. In fact, he says this Theophilus may have been deposed from office in 41 AD because of his favorability toward the growing Christian movement. He also believes that Luke’s Joanna was likely the granddaughter of this same Theophilus. Dr. Sibley joins Shane to discuss these issues and more.During this episode, Shane referenced an upcoming livestream presentation related to the prologue of Luke’s Gospel. A video recording of this webinar is now available here.SHOW NOTESBooksA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, Jim Sibley & othersA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels, Jim Sibley & othersThe Undercover Messiah & His Coming Kingdom, Jim SibleyThe Moody Handbook on Messianic Prophecy, Rydelnik & BlumLuke: A Commentary, Peter G. BoltThe Gospel According to Luke, James R. EdwardsLukan Authorship of Hebrews (ebook), David Allen Gospel Women, Richard BauckhamCan We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrewLuke’s Key Witness, Shane RosenthalArticlesWho is Theophilus? Notes to Ep. #79, Peter Bolt, Johann Michaelis, etc.Is Luke a Trustworthy Historian? Sir William RamsayCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalOn Faith & History, Shane RosenthalWho is Sergius Paulus? Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Intriguing Archaeological Discovery, Shane RosenthalThe Implications of 70 AD, Shane RosenthalA Pre-70 Date for the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalThe Date of John’s Gospel, Revisited, Shane RosenthalOutside the Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus? Shane RosenthalEpisodesWho is Theophilus? Episode #79 with Peter BoltDid Josephus Ever Mention Jesus? Episode #77 with T.C. SchmidtJesus in Josephus & Other Ancient Texts, Episode #78 with T.C. SchmidtDid the Exodus Ever Happen? Episode #69 with David RohlLocating Golgotha, Episode #17 with David RohlStories of Jesus: Can They Be Trusted? Episode. #61 with Peter J. WilliamsAre the Gospels History or Fiction? Ep. #52 with John DicksonThe Gospel Creed, Episode #9 Faith Founded on Facts, Episode #15VideoRethinking Luke’s Prologue, a webinar by Shane RosenthalThe Alisa Childers Podcast featuring Shane RosenthalCross Examined with Frank Turek featuring Shane RosenthalF4F with Chris Rosebrough featuring Shane Rosenthal Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

Who Is Theophilus?

In his famous prologue, Luke indicates that his Gospel is addressed to a “most excellent Theophilus.” As others had done, Luke decided to write an orderly account about the things Jesus had accomplished “among us.” So, was Luke suggesting that both he and Theophilus had witnessed some of these events? And since Theophilus was described with such an honorific title, is it possible to see him as the Jerusalem high priest mentioned by Josephus? Joining Shane to discuss these questions and more is Dr. Peter G. Bolt, author of Luke: A Commentary, published by The Gospel Coalition.For detailed notes related to this episode, click here.SPECIAL OFFER — For a gift of any size, we’ll send you a pre-release PDF download of Shane’s book, Luke’s Key Witness, along with a 35-page PDF resource titled Josephus & His World. If you’re already a paid subscriber, you can access both resources here. To donate or subscribe, click here.SHOW NOTESBooksLuke: A Commentary, Peter G. Bolt — FREEGospel Women, Richard BauckhamLiving Footnotes in the Gospel of Luke, Luuk van de WegheThe Historical Tell, Luuk van de WegheRedating the New Testament, John A.T. RobinsonRedating Matthew, Mark & Luke, John WenhamCan We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrewLuke’s Key Witness, Shane RosenthalGod’s Grace Inscribed on the Human Heart, Peter Bolt (editor)The above book features Dr. Bolt’s essay on Joanna & TheophilusArticlesDetailed Notes for Episode #79Is Luke a Trustworthy Historian? Sir William RamsayCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalOn Faith & History, Shane RosenthalWho is Sergius Paulus? Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Intriguing Archaeological Discovery, Shane RosenthalThe Implications of 70 AD, Shane RosenthalA Pre-70 Date for the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalThe Date of John’s Gospel, Revisited, Shane RosenthalOutside the Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus? Shane RosenthalEpisodesDid Josephus Ever Mention Jesus? Episode #77 with T.C. SchmidtJesus in Josephus & Other Ancient Texts, Episode #78 with T.C. SchmidtDid the Exodus Ever Happen? Episode #69 with David RohlLocating Golgotha, Episode #17 with David RohlStories of Jesus: Can They Be Trusted? Episode. #61 with Peter J. WilliamsAre the Gospels History or Fiction? Ep. #52 with John DicksonThe Gospel Creed, Episode #9 Faith Founded on Facts, Episode #15Video — featuring Shane Rosenthal, discussing Luke’s Key WitnessThe Alisa Childers PodcastCross Examined with Frank TurekYou Can Handle The TruthF4F with Chris Rosebrough Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

Jesus in Josephus & Other Ancient Texts

On the last episode, Dr. T.C. Schmidt argued that there are good reasons to believe the two passages about Jesus found in the writings of Josephus are authentic. On this program, Shane continues his conversation and inquires about the Slavonic edition of Josephus’ works, as well as other references to Jesus found in the Talmud and other ancient texts. Dr. Schmidt is the author of Josephus & Jesus: New Evidence for the One Called Christ, newly released by Oxford University Press.Click here for detailed notes related to this episode.SPECIAL OFFERSTo get a FREE copy of T.C. Schmidt’s book, Josephus & Jesus, click here. Also, when you upgrade to a paid subscription or make a gift of any size, we’ll send you a 35-page PDF resource titled Josephus & His World, which includes selections from the Slavonic edition of Josephus’ work mentioned in this episode. You’ll also receive a pre-release copy of Luke’s Key Witness. If you’re already a paid subscriber, you can download both of these resources here. To donate or subscribe, use the link below.SHOW NOTESBooksJosephus & Jesus, T.C. Schmidt (click here to purchase hardcopy)The Jewish War, Vol III, Josephus (appendix includes Slavonic material)Can We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsIs Jesus History? John DicksonJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamA Doubter’s Guide To Jesus, John DicksonTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrewLuke’s Key Witness, Shane RosenthalArticlesNotes for Episode #78 & Josephus & His World, Shane RosenthalOutside The Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus? Shane RosenthalThe Egerton Papyrus, Early Christian WritingsPassover & the Last Supper, Shane RosenthalWhere Was Jesus Crucified? Shane RosenthalOn Faith & History, Shane RosenthalA Pre-70 Date for the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalThe Implications of 70 AD on the Date of the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalThe Date of John’s Gospel, Revisited, Shane RosenthalIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian? Sir William RamsayCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalAudioDid Josephus Ever Mention Jesus? ep. #77 with T.C. SchmidtFaith Founded on Facts ep. #15 with John Lennox and othersStories of Jesus: Can They Be Trusted? ep. #61 with Peter J. WilliamsAre the Gospels History or Fiction? ep. #52 with John DicksonThe Gospels As Eyewitness Testimony, ep. #48 with Richard BauckhamFake or Authentic? ep. #10 with Lydia McGrewAuthenticating The Book of Acts, ep. #24 with Lydia McGrewLocating Golgotha, ep. #17 with David RohlThe Jesus of History, ep. #12The Gospel Creed, ep. # 9 Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe