The Christ Commission Ch 15

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What did Matthias find wrapped in linen?

Two pieces of broken pottery

Two gold coins

Two rock-hard blackened pieces of bread (correct)

Two ancient scrolls

What is the supposed origin of the Gospel of the Hebrews?

Written in Latin

Written in Aramaic (correct)

Written in Hebrew

Written in Greek

What did James ask Matthias in disbelief?

How can you not recall the Lord's Prayer? (correct)

Have you seen the Son of man?

Are you a follower of Jesus?

Who gave you the linen cloth?

What mistake did Matthias realize regarding the Lord's Prayer?

It had only been known for seven years. Signup and view all the answers

What symbol was on the gold amulet Matthias showed to James?

A fish and an anchor Signup and view all the answers

What does Pilate demand from Matthias when they meet?

Proof of his identity Signup and view all the answers

How does Matthias feel during his encounter with Pilate?

Terrified but trying to hide it Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Matthias during his conversation with Pilate?

He is punched in the face Signup and view all the answers

What does Pilate think of Matthias upon discovering his perceived deception?

He believes Matthias has made a fool of him Signup and view all the answers

What does Matthias regret during his confrontation with Pilate?

Ignoring Joseph's advice Signup and view all the answers

How does Pilate initially treat Matthias in their meeting?

With hostility and aggression Signup and view all the answers

What is Matthias's physical condition during the encounter?

He is dazed, bloodied, and in pain Signup and view all the answers

What does Matthias need to present to prove his identity to Pilate?

His identity papers Signup and view all the answers

What does Pilate intend to do with Matthias during the Jewish Sabbath?

Use him in a gladiatorial contest Signup and view all the answers

Who is the expert gladiator known for his deadly skills?

Porcius Signup and view all the answers

Which contest involves two gladiators chained by their ankles to wooden posts?

Circle of Death Signup and view all the answers

How many javelins are each contestant allowed in the Circle of Death?

Ten javelins Signup and view all the answers

What is the tactical advice given to Matthias by Cornelius?

Throw all javelins at once Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state does Matthias experience while realizing his fate?

Fearful and distraught Signup and view all the answers

What does Pilate say about the involvement of Christians in this situation?

They are to be persecuted Signup and view all the answers

What does James do for Matthias in the cell?

Comforts and cares for his wounds Signup and view all the answers

What physical condition limits the movement of the gladiators in the contest?

They are chained to wooden posts Signup and view all the answers

What emotion does Marcellus display towards Matthias after Pilate’s declaration?

Relief Signup and view all the answers

What does James indicate was required for him to change after Jesus' death?

Personal sacrifice Signup and view all the answers

How did James initially react upon hearing the news of Jesus' crucifixion?

He felt remorse and sickness. Signup and view all the answers

What does James recall about the rumors surrounding Jesus' tomb?

His body had been stolen by his disciples. Signup and view all the answers

What vision does James describe after the news of Jesus' death?

Jesus appearing to him with wounds. Signup and view all the answers

What fabrication did the character mention regarding the lost papers?

They were lost at sea during a storm. Signup and view all the answers

What does the breaking of bread symbolize in James' story?

A confirmation of Jesus' resurrection. Signup and view all the answers

Which historian provided information about a complaint against Pilate?

Josephus Signup and view all the answers

Why does James express doubt about Matthias' intentions in writing?

He fears it will lead to their ridicule. Signup and view all the answers

What was Pilate accused of that ultimately led to a complaint against him?

The murder of Samaritans. Signup and view all the answers

How did James’ life change after witnessing the resurrection of Jesus?

He endured hardships and persecution. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the person dispatched to relieve Pilate of his command?

Marcellus Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state does James describe after receiving the crucifixion news?

Guilty and filled with self-hatred. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation for the delegation of Samaritans approaching Vitellius?

To complain about Pilate's violent actions. Signup and view all the answers

What does James imply was not enough to sustain him through his hardships?

Faith alone. Signup and view all the answers

What was Pilate's initial reaction to the claim about his conduct towards the Samaritans?

He showed anger and denial. Signup and view all the answers

What did Matthias initially come to ask James about?

The whereabouts of Jesus’ body. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Marcellus intrigued Matthias when he first saw him?

His physical appearance and scars. Signup and view all the answers

How did Matthias plan to use the historical Marcellus in his unfinished book?

As a member of a fictional commission. Signup and view all the answers

What does Matthias imply about self-preservation in the face of danger?

It can make one cowardly. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pilate question Matthias about in relation to Jesus?

Whether Matthias is a believer in Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Confrontation with Pilate

Matthias is accused by Pilate of being a liar and an impostor.
Pilate is suspicious of Matthias's identity as a historian from Rome.
Matthias is physically assaulted by Pilate.
Pilate demands proof of Matthias's identity.
Matthias claims his papers were lost at sea.
Pilate questions Matthias's claim to be a friend of Governor Lucius Vitellius.
Matthias affirms his friendship with Vitellius.
Pilate introduces Marcellus, a tribune and friend of Vitellius.
Matthias bluffs that he knows Marcellus and his role in relieving Pilate from his command.

The Plot Twist

Pilate is surprised that Matthias knows about Marcellus.
Matthias claims to know a secret about Pilate's future.
Matthias alleges that Vitellius has ordered Pilate's return to Rome for his actions against the Samaritans.
Marcellus denies any knowledge of the alleged order from Vitellius and suspects Matthias as a foreign agent.
Pilate seems to believe Matthias's claims about Marcellus's presence in Jerusalem.

The Circle of Death

Pilate decides to punish Matthias by forcing him to fight Porcius in the Circle of Death, a deadly gladiatorial contest.
The Circle of Death is a combat where two men are chained to posts and throw javelins at each other.
James explains the rules and dangers of the Circle of Death.
Porcius is a skilled and dangerous gladiator who has killed many opponents.
Cornelius, a centurion, warns Matthias about Porcius and the dangers of the fight.
Matthias expresses his fear of death and his remorse for involving James in the situation.

James's Testimony

James recounts his own experience with the resurrection of Jesus.
James describes how the belief in Jesus's resurrection transformed him from a skeptic to a devoted follower.
James states that he met Jesus after his death in the night, ate bread together, and heard Jesus's declaration of his resurrection.
James's account of the resurrection highlights the shift from skepticism to belief in the face of personal, emotional, and spiritual experience.

Meeting with James

Matthias meets with James, a disciple of Jesus
James questions Matthias' faith, demanding proof of Jesus' resurrection
Matthias presents two pieces of bread, relics of Jesus' resurrection

The Gospel of the Hebrews

Matthias recalls a passage from the Gospel of the Hebrews
The passage describes Jesus appearing to James after his resurrection
Jesus gives James bread, symbolizing his return from death

Matthias' Prayer

Matthias, overwhelmed by emotion, asks James to help him pray
Matthias reveals he doesn't remember the "Lord's Prayer"
This fact highlights the passage of time since Jesus' teachings

Identity and Belief

James is astonished by Matthias' inability to recall the Lord's Prayer
Matthias identifies himself as a follower of Jesus
They begin to pray together, with James leading in the "Lord's Prayer"

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the tense interaction between Matthias and Pilate as accusations fly and identities are questioned. Delve into the intrigue surrounding Matthias's claims and the surprise twist concerning Pilate's future. This quiz will challenge your understanding of this dramatic encounter.