Ankerberg Show TV Audio · Alexander Varona

An Interview with Dr. Ben Witherington III - Part 3

April 8, 2026·21 min·2 clips

Dr. Witherington explains why Jesus was not an Essene, despite sharing some beliefs with the Qumran community.

This episode features host John Ankerberg interviewing New Testament scholar Dr. Ben Witherington III. They examine historical evidence about Jesus, comparing him to contemporary Jewish movements and addressing modern scholarly interpretations. Dr. Witherington provides analysis on the Essenes, John the Baptist, and the political and theological reasons for Jesus's crucifixion. The conversation addresses the claim that Jesus was an Essene, referencing the Dead Sea Scrolls from Qumran. Witherington notes the Essenes believed the eschatological age was at hand and practiced strict ritual purification, whereas Jesus was a public figure who ministered to outcasts. He finds more similarities between John the Baptist and the Qumran community, citing their shared location in the Judean wilderness and focus on purification. The discussion evaluates the Jesus Seminar's view that Jesus was primarily a political figure executed for opposing Roman rule. Witherington acknowledges political implications but argues the core issue was theological, centered on atonement for sin. He references Mark 10:45 to support the view that Jesus saw his death as a ransom. Witherington cites multiple attestations, including later Jewish and Greco-Roman sources and Josephus, for Jesus's miracles, specifically the healing of the blind. He challenges the idea that ancient people were gullible about miracles, stating they critically distinguished between ordinary and miraculous events. Regarding exorcisms, he contends that not all accounts can be explained as psychosomatic illness. The transformation of Jesus's brother James from skeptic to church leader is attributed to a post-resurrection appearance, citing 1 Corinthians 15. Witherington explains that Jesus touching a leper was not only an act of social inclusion but a reversal of purity laws, signaling the kingdom's arrival. He argues that without the death and resurrection, Jesus would be remembered only as a sage or holy man like Honi the Circle-Drawer. The episode concludes by stating the Jesus Seminar does not represent all scholarship, which encompasses a wide spectrum of views. The tone is educational and conversational, structured as a scholarly interview exploring historical and theological nuances. This episode would appeal to listeners interested in historical Jesus studies, biblical scholarship, and apologetics. Those seeking a purely devotional or non-academic discussion might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A careful apologetics discussion that weighs Qumran, judgment language, and miracle testimony.

The episode stays in apologetics territory and moves through a narrow set of questions: the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Essenes, Jesus' language about service and judgment, and whether miracle claims can be judged historically.

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Why you'd press play

Hear a measured case for Jesus as miracle worker, with the Essenes and historical evidence in view.

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