The Chronological Order of Paul's Letters and the Gospels: Debunking Myths and Unraveling Truths

The scholarly consensus has consistently maintained that the epistles attributed to Paul were written between the mid-to-late 40s and the mid-60s of the first century. However, a meticulous examination of historical and textual evidence suggests that the gospel of Mark, and by extension, the earlier gospels, may not have been written as early as traditionally believed.

Paul's Epistles and Historical Context

According to the scholarly consensus, the earliest epistles attributed to Paul—such as 1 Thessalonians and 1 Corinthians—were penned in the mid-to-late 40s. This period coincides with the immediate aftermath of the crucifixion of Jesus and his ascension, capturing the early stages of Christian teachings and community practices.

The Gospel of Mark: An Examination

Several scholars have proposed that the gospel of Mark was not composed until after 75 AD. This theory is based on certain historical inaccuracies and specific references within the text. One notable example is the mention of the denarius, a Roman coin used for paying taxes in Judea. Historical evidence indicates that this coin was not being used to pay taxes in Judea until 75 AD.

Another critical piece of evidence to support a later date for Mark is the passage describing the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, which occurred in 70 AD. Mark clearly demonstrates an awareness of this event, suggesting that the text was written sometime after the temple's fall.

Implications for the Chronology of Early Christian Writings

If we accept that the earliest Pauline epistles were written around 25-30 years before the first gospel, a significant timeframe emerges. This interval allows for the development and transmission of oral traditions before these epistles were formalized and written down, and before the gospels were composed.

Challenging the Orthodox Narratives in the New Testament

Parallel to the debated chronology of Paul's epistles and the gospels, there is a growing body of scholars who question many of the supernatural elements and improbable events documented in the New Testament. These narratives, often referred to as the "wild lies," include the Zombie Apocalypse of Matthew, the contradictory Virgin Birth accounts of Matthew and Luke, the mysterious Star of Bethlehem, and the numerous angelic appearances in the biblical texts.

The Zombie Apocalypse of Matthew

The gospel of Matthew mentions a supposed "zombie apocalypse" in Jerusalem, where the author states that "many" zombies appeared to "many" people. This event is unverified by any historical records from the time and is entirely absent from other biblical accounts, suggesting it may be a fictional creation by one of the authors or redactors.

The Contradictory Virgin Birth Accounts

Another contested and inconsistent account is the Virgin Birth story. Matthew and Luke provide vastly different narratives regarding the birth of Jesus. Matthew describes the attempt of Herod the Great to kill Jesus, necessitating a treacherous journey to Egypt, in stark contrast to Luke's account, which does not mention this flight and instead places the family in Jerusalem. This contradiction strongly implies that at least one of the authors was fabricating or significantly embellishing the narrative.

The Supernatural Elements in Other Gospels

Additional examples of fantastical and implausible elements include the Star of Bethlehem, which supposedly pointed to the exact location of the Christchild. Similarly, angels are depicted serenading the birth of Jesus, while the Magi and shepherds are transported to witness the miraculous event. These narratives are rich with supernatural themes and are often seen as embellishments of the original events.

The Loopy Events in the Acts of the Apostles

The book of Acts of the Apostles contains numerous episodes that are described as fanciful and improbable. For instance, the healing of entire cities with a shadow in the case of Peter is an account that stretches the bounds of credibility. These episodes suggest that as the narratives were transmitted and further embellished, the more extraordinary and supernatural the events became.

A Belt and Braces Approach to Biblical Criticism

By comparing the chronology of the earliest surviving Christian texts to what was written later, we observe a consistent trend of increasing exaggeration and fantastical embellishment. The earlier texts are often more grounded in historical and practical concerns, while later texts tend to focus on supernatural and mystical occurrences.

This critical examination of the chronology and content of the New Testament texts reveals the complexity and evolution of early Christian traditions. It underscores the importance of a belt and braces approach to biblical criticism, blending historical evidence with textual analysis to better understand the origins and development of early Christian literature.