I think you are right to point out that most of the people who had hailed Jesus were staying outside the city and not around for his trial. I think it was early in the morning specifically to get a verdict before supporters showed up. The crowds that were there were probably Sanhedrin supporters/ anti-Jesus people informed to show up. How many people are going to fit in front of Pilate's judgement seat anyway?
I am LOVING this deep dive! Though, as someone living through current American politics, does it not seem possible that there were also grassroots-type groups and forces stirring up various elements of this as well? None of this happens in a vacuum, as you've pointed out with the Roman history angle. I think it seems likely that, in a politically-volatile environment like 1st century occupied Jerusalem, there might be any number of parties involved who didn't actually care about Jesus or Pilate or any of the main players -- Zealot-types or pro-Roman groups who would use any situation like this the same way modern Americans might use a headliner story to stir up their own people and advance their own narrative. It would be fascinating to be able to go back in time and get a glimpse of all the factors at work -- many if not most have not been preserved by any record.
I know that this is pulling out a pretty specific question, but I was a little surprised you said that the Gospels were being written during the Jewish War - it's been a while since college, but I was under the impression that later dates were still pretty standard scholarship (I favor earlier dates, but I always thought I was in a conservative minority on that). Has consensus shifted to earlier dates now? Or do you share my optimistic minority opinion?
I think you are right to point out that most of the people who had hailed Jesus were staying outside the city and not around for his trial. I think it was early in the morning specifically to get a verdict before supporters showed up. The crowds that were there were probably Sanhedrin supporters/ anti-Jesus people informed to show up. How many people are going to fit in front of Pilate's judgement seat anyway?
I am LOVING this deep dive! Though, as someone living through current American politics, does it not seem possible that there were also grassroots-type groups and forces stirring up various elements of this as well? None of this happens in a vacuum, as you've pointed out with the Roman history angle. I think it seems likely that, in a politically-volatile environment like 1st century occupied Jerusalem, there might be any number of parties involved who didn't actually care about Jesus or Pilate or any of the main players -- Zealot-types or pro-Roman groups who would use any situation like this the same way modern Americans might use a headliner story to stir up their own people and advance their own narrative. It would be fascinating to be able to go back in time and get a glimpse of all the factors at work -- many if not most have not been preserved by any record.
This is so helpful!
I know that this is pulling out a pretty specific question, but I was a little surprised you said that the Gospels were being written during the Jewish War - it's been a while since college, but I was under the impression that later dates were still pretty standard scholarship (I favor earlier dates, but I always thought I was in a conservative minority on that). Has consensus shifted to earlier dates now? Or do you share my optimistic minority opinion?
You covered everything I hoped you would cover, Dr. Robinson. Thanks!