Mark 13:6 and 21 as anti-Mythicist claims

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Giuseppe
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Mark 13:6 and 21 as anti-Mythicist claims

Post by Giuseppe »

I think it is a big mistake to think that the following passages of Mark 13 allude only to historical messianists (the various Judas, Theudas, the 'Egyptian', etc).


Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many

(Mark 13:6)

At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.

(Mark 13:21)

Really, there were other claims of a Messianic status by not-historical figures, in virtue of the fact that the same Christ was said to be appeared more times in different ages.


So I think that, if Mark 13:6 and 21 really allude to historical men claiming messianic status, then that was a way of denigrating other Christian claims according to which Christ was appeared more than a time in the human History , from the beginning of the time. Something as: ''Yes, we know that some heretics claim that Christ appeared many times, but these losers refer to the failed messianists à la Theudas, etc''.

But certain others, introducing as it were some novel tenet, appropriated parts of their system from all heresies, and procured a strange volume, which bore on the title page the name of one Elchasai. These, in like manner, acknowledge that the principles of the universe were originated by the Deity. They do not, however, confess that there is but one Christ, but that there is one that is superior to the rest, and that He is transfused into many bodies frequently, and was now in Jesus. And, in like manner, these heretics maintain that at one time Christ was begotten of God, and at another time became the Spirit, and at another time was born of a virgin, and at another time not so. And they affirm that likewise this Jesus afterwards was continually being transfused into bodies, and was manifested in many (different bodies) at different times. And they resort to incantations and baptisms in their confession of elements. And they occupy themselves with bustling activity in regard of astrological and mathematical science, and of the arts of sorcery. But also they allege themselves to have powers of prescience.

http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/050110.htm

For the true Prophet Himself also from the beginning of the world, through the course of time, hastens to rest. For He is present with us at all times; and if at any time it is necessary, He appears and corrects us, that He may bring to eternal life those who obey Him.

http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/080402.htm

Know then that Christ, who was from the beginning, and always, was ever present with the pious, though secretly, through all their generations: especially with those who waited for Him, to whom He frequently appeared.


http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/080401.htm

Therefore Abraham, when he was desirous to learn the causes of things, and was intently pondering upon what had been told him, the true Prophet appeared to him, who alone knows the hearts and purpose of men, and disclosed to him all things which he desired. He taught him the knowledge of the Divinity; intimated the origin of the world, and likewise its end; showed him the immortality of the soul, and the manner of life which was pleasing to God; declared also the resurrection of the dead, the future judgment, the reward of the good, the punishment of the evil — all to be regulated by righteous judgment: and having given him all this information plainly and sufficiently, He departed again to the invisible abodes.

http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/080401.htm

To this, I replied: I remember, Peter, that you told me of the first man that he was a prophet; but you did not say that he was anointed. If then there be no prophet without anointing, how could the first man be a prophet, since he was not anointed? Then Peter, smiling, said: If the first man prophesied, it is certain that he was also anointed. For although he who has recorded the law in his pages is silent as to his anointing, yet he has evidently left us to understand these things. For as, if he had said that he was anointed, it would not be doubted that he was also a prophet, although it were not written in the law; so, since it is certain that he was a prophet, it is in like manner certain that he was also anointed, because without anointing he could not be a prophet.

http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/080401.htm

Now the Prophet of the truth is He who always knows all things—things past as they were, things present as they are, things future as they shall be; sinless, merciful, alone entrusted with the declaration of the truth. Read, and you shall find that those were deceived who thought that they had found the truth of themselves. For this is peculiar to the Prophet, to declare the truth, even as it is peculiar to the sun to bring the day. Wherefore, as many as have even desired to know the truth, but have not had the good fortune to learn it from Him, have not found it, but have died seeking it.

http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/080802.htm

Louis Gordon Rylands:

The implication is that in all ages the Prophet could have been consulted.


The statement also, 'to whomsoever the Son may wish to reveal Him,' is also correct; for He being the Son from the beginning, was alone appointed to give the revelation to those to whom He wishes to give it. And thus the first man (protoplast) Adam must have heard of Him; and Enoch, who pleased God, must have known Him; and Noah, the righteous one, must have become acquainted with Him; and Abraam His friend must have understood Him; and Isaac must have perceived Him; and Jacob, who wrestled with Him, must have believed in Him; and the revelation must have been given to all among the people who were worthy.

http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/080818.htm

When God had made man after His own image and likeness, He grafted into His work a certain breathing and odour of His divinity, that so men, being made partakers of His Only-begotten, might through Him be also friends of God and sons of adoption. Whence also He Himself, as the true Prophet, knowing with what actions the Father is pleased, instructed them in what way they might obtain that privilege.

http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/080818.htm

But he would act most piously, if he should not allow to another to have it, but should say that he alone has it, who has changed his forms and his names from the beginning of the world, and so reappeared again and again in the world, until coming upon his own times, and being anointed with mercy for the works of God, he shall enjoy rest forever.

http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/080803.htm
Nihil enim in speciem fallacius est quam prava religio. -Liv. xxxix. 16.
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