Allusion Quote by Merrill C. Tenney
“One would naturally expect that the Lord Jesus Christ would be sufficiently important to receive ample notice in the literature of his time, and that extensive biographical material would be available. He was observed by multitudes of people, and his own followers numbered into the hundreds (1 Cor. 15:6), whose witness was still living in the middle of the first century. As a matter of fact, the amount of information concerning him is comparatively meager. Aside from the four Gospels, and a few scattered allusions in the epistles, contemporary history is almost silent concerning him.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Theology of the New Testament by Merrill C. Tenney, 1975
Historical records of Jesus are sparse despite his impact, showing limited contemporary documentation.
In simple terms: Jesus' life is poorly recorded in his era.
Key Takeaway
Recognize gaps in historical evidence.
Themes
history
religion
evidence
scholarship
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
historical
scholarly
When to use this quote
- academic research
- faith discussions
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Historical methodology
source criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does scarcity of sources affect belief?
- What other evidence can complement the Gospels?
A Different Perspective
Limited sources may reflect bias or loss, not insignificance.
