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Evidence ID: HIS-EV63

Evidence: Jesus' Crucifixion According to Jewish Talmud

Summary: The Jewish writing in the Talmud refer to the charges brought before Jesus and his "hanging". These charges include sorcery and apostacy which were both punishable by stoning.

Description: The Talmud is a collection of the Jewish oral traditions handed down throughout the generations. It was compiled and inscribed by Rabbis Akiba and Meir between 135-200 AD. In addition to containing Jewish oral precepts for living, the Talmud also contains narrative accounts of historical events dating back to the Tannaitic period of 70 AD. Some of these accounts reference Jesus and the early Christian church. Because of the nature of the Talmud, these accounts are not favorable toward Jesus and Christians, and marshal anti-Christian propaganda to discredit the early Christian movement.

In Sanhedrin 43a, the Talmud records that Jesus was "hung" because no one came to his defense for charges of practicing sorcery and apostacy.

On the even of the Passover Yeshu was hanged. For forty days before the execution took place, a herald went forth and cried, 'He is going forth to be stoned because has practiced sorcery and enticed Israel to apostacy. Anyone who can say anything in his favor, let him come forward and plead on his behalf.' But since nothing was brought forward in his favor he was hanged on the even of the Passover! [REF-TAL03]

From this passage, we learn several facts about Jesus:

• Jesus was "hanged". This is in reference to His crucifixion. (Galatians 3:13, Luke 23:39)
• Jesus was formally charged 40 days before his hanging. While this event is not mentioned in the Gospels, it was a common practice among the Jewish ruling counsel, the Sanhedrin. On two occasions, Jesus was nearly stoned. (John 8:58-59, John 10:31-39)
• Jesus was hanged on the Eve of the Passover.
• Jesus was charged with sorcery (Mark 3:22) and apostacy for leading the people of Israel astray.

There are many other accounts of Jesus in the Talmud and Jewish sacred writings.

Resources:

• Jesus in the Talmud (REF-TAL01)

• Jesus of Nazareth’s Trial in Sanhedrin 43a (REF-TAL02)

• Tractate Sanhedrin 43a (Babylonian Talmud) (REF-TAL03)