Did Paul and Gospel writers borrow ideas from Euripides? - The False Prophets

The Bacchae is an ancient Greek tragedy / play written by Euripides. 11 It was premiered around 4 centuries B.C. It was based on Dionysus (a pagan god) who is very similar to Jesus. Both born of a virgin, 25th December, son of a god, a saviour, changed water into wine etc.

It is hard for a mortal to fight against someone superior power (Jesus / Dionysus)
Jesus	“Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” Acts 26:14 KJV
Dionysus	Pentheus: Spare me your lectures! You have escaped from prison: try to keep your freedom – or I’ll clap you in irons again! Dionysus: I would sacrifice to him rather than kick against the pricks in your rage, a mortal fighting against a god. The Bacchae, Euripides, Lines 790-800 22
Jesus / Dionysus both surrendered to the guards when arrested.
Jesus	“Jesus commanded Peter, ‘Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?’” John 18:12 RSV NIV “So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews seized Jesus and bound him.” John 18:12 RSV
Dionysus	Soldier: Here we are, Pentheus, we’ve caught the prey you sent after – a successful mission! But we found this a tame beast; he did’t turn and run from us, but surrendered his hands willingly. The Bacchae, Euripides, Lines Lines 430-440 22

Jesus/Dionysus both confronted , are you the son of god?
Jesus	“… both chief priests and scribes; and they led him away to their council, and they said,” Luke 22:66 RSV “And they all said, ‘Are you the Son of God, then?’” Luke 22:70 RSV
Dionysus	Pentheus: How is it that you are bringing these rites to Greece? Dionysus: Dionysus himself initiated me, the son of Zeus. Pentheus: Is there a Zeus there who fathers new gods? The Bacchae, Euripides, Lines: 460-470 22
Priests/followers of Jesus/Dionysus both imprisoned and miraculously break free
Jesus	“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them” Acts 16:25 NIV “Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken..At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” Acts 16:26 NIV
Dionysus	Solder: But the Bacchants your imprisoned, the ones you seized and put in chains in the public gaol (prison) – they’re loosed and are dancing away to the mountain-glades, calling upon Bromius (Dionysus) their god. Without the action of any guard the fetters were loosed from their ankles, and the bolts let the doors swing open untouched by mortal hand. The Bacchae, Euripides, Lines: 440-450 22

Paul quotes pagan philosophers writings

<<< Prev

Next >>>

Can you trust Paul?