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Jesus the Son of Man · Chapter

Jephtha of Caesarea explained

Jephtha of Caesarea expresses his disdain for Jesus, rejecting His teachings and deeds as derivative and unoriginal.

What happens

Jephtha of Caesarea expresses his disdain for Jesus, rejecting His teachings and deeds as derivative and unoriginal. He praises the ancient prophets and wisdom figures, dismissing Jesus as a shadow and a gleaner of past traditions.

Themes in this chapter

  • Misunderstanding and Betrayal

    Jephtha misunderstands Jesus' identity and mission, seeing Him as a mere imitator rather than the Messiah.

Characters to notice

  • Jesus

    Jephtha criticizes Jesus, calling Him a shadow and a gleaner of past traditions.

  • Jephtha

    Jephtha of Caesarea is the speaker, expressing his rejection of Jesus.

Key passages

  • “What word did Jesus utter that Hillel had not spoken? What wisdom did He reveal that was not of Gamaliel?”

    Jesus said nothing new; His teachings were already present in the words of Hillel and Gamaliel.

    Jephtha argues that Jesus' teachings are derivative and unoriginal.

  • “Who was this Jesus of Nazareth, and what is He? A man who dared not live His mind.”

    Jesus was a man who did not have the courage to act on His own thoughts.

    Jephtha accuses Jesus of lacking authenticity and courage.

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