The Christ Commission Ch 2

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Questions and Answers

What was the name of the old man who welcomed Matthias?

Michael

Matteo

Joseph (correct)

Matthew

What is the significance of the name 'Matthias' as mentioned in the passage?

It represents a warrior.

It translates to 'King of Heaven'.

It signifies a lost soul.

It means 'Gift of God'. (correct)

How did the old man’s voice contrast with his appearance?

It was soft and frail.

It was cheerful and light.

It was loud and harsh.

It was deep and rich. (correct)

What decorative features were present in the dining room?

A pool fed by a marble lion and metallic stars. Signup and view all the answers

What personal items did Matthias realize were missing?

His watch and wedding ring. Signup and view all the answers

What piece of clothing does Matthias describe as being knee-length and belted at the waist?

A tunic Signup and view all the answers

Who does Joseph quote to explain the nature of life and reality to Matthias?

Mark Twain Signup and view all the answers

Why does Joseph believe Matthias’s words about Jesus have a significant impact?

Due to his widespread reputation and the advances in communication Signup and view all the answers

What wish did Matthias express on the television program?

To spend a week in Jerusalem for research purposes Signup and view all the answers

What year does Joseph tell Matthias it is in Jerusalem?

A.D. 36 Signup and view all the answers

What does Joseph claim about time and existence?

The past, present, and future coexist simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

How does Matthias react to Joseph's assertion about smoking?

He is shocked to learn that smoking hasn't been invented yet. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the limitations mentioned by Joseph regarding his powers?

He can only transport living tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What does Matthias associate with the mention of Mark Twain?

A story about time travel. Signup and view all the answers

Which biblical figure does Joseph of Arimathea mention as a part of his narrative?

Nicodemus. Signup and view all the answers

What concern does Matthias express regarding his situation?

He fears losing his possessions. Signup and view all the answers

What skepticism does Matthias hold about Joseph's existence?

He points out that Joseph is not mentioned until after Jesus' crucifixion. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state does Matthias experience while conversing with Joseph?

Confusion and disbelief. Signup and view all the answers

What was Matthias's initial approach to structuring the testimonies for his book?

He aimed to present testimonies based on their chronological significance to Jesus's life. Signup and view all the answers

What were the two frightening conclusions Matthias came to during his research?

He found inconsistencies in the Gospel accounts and could not answer many of his questions. Signup and view all the answers

How did Matthias's career change as he worked on 'The Christ Commission'?

He left his job as an editor to write full-time after his first detective novel became a bestseller. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of Matthias's book?

To present a detective-style inquiry into the events surrounding Jesus's life. Signup and view all the answers

What did Matthias want to achieve with his investigation into Jesus's life?

He wished to discover the truth through uncompromising evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Joseph play in Matthias's journey?

He was a primary witness for the book. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Matthias feel that accepting things on faith alone was unreasonable?

He thought it was inconsistent with how he approached other important decisions in life. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Setting

Matthias, the protagonist, finds himself in a luxurious dining room.
The room is described in detail, highlighting its opulent features: a vaulted ceiling with celestial designs, a mosaic floor with a central pool, and walls adorned with mirrors and carvings.

Joseph of Arimathea

Joseph of Arimathea introduces himself and explains that Matthias is in Jerusalem, in the year 36 AD.
Joseph clarifies that Matthias is not dead or dreaming, but has been transported to this time period.
Joseph reveals he has the power to move living tissue through time and space but not objects.

Matthias's Wish and the Christ Commission

Matthias wished to spend a week in Jerusalem, six years after the crucifixion, to investigate the facts surrounding Jesus' resurrection.
This wish has been granted.
Matthias had planned to write a book titled "The Christ Commission," which would feature interrogations of key witnesses to Jesus' life.
Matthias intended to deconstruct biblical inconsistencies and present a factual account of Jesus' life.

Joseph's Identity

Joseph is revealed to be the same Joseph of Arimathea mentioned in the Gospels.
He is a wealthy merchant who has connections with both the Roman and Jewish authorities.
Joseph offers to guide Matthias through his investigation and provide access to key witnesses.

Matthias's Doubts and the Book

Matthias's initial doubts about Jesus' resurrection led him to research and write "The Christ Commission."
His research uncovered many inconsistencies within the Gospels, leading him to question established beliefs.
The book was intended to present a factual account of Jesus's life and refute the resurrection narrative.
Matthias faced challenges finding answers to his questions and understanding the inconsistencies within the Gospels.

Matthias's Doubts

Matthias struggles to find credible sources to support his research on Jesus.
He feels that his book would be perceived as anti-Christ, which he struggles with due to his devout mother's beliefs.
He expresses numerous doubts about historical events related to Jesus, including his death, resurrection, and the actions of his disciples.

Joseph's Perspective

Joseph understands the challenges involved in answering Matthias's questions.
He acknowledges the difficulty of finding definitive truths about past events, comparing it to the assassination of President Kennedy.
Joseph believes that resolving only one key question would address all of Matthias's other doubts.

The Central Question

Matthias believes that if he could prove that Jesus' body was not removed from the tomb, then the resurrection becomes a plausible event.
He acknowledges that many people share this belief, but are hesitant to express their doubts.