I will show you why you are in error. Brown is not disagreeing with scripture. So yes, your actions were dishonest. It also shows a lack of understanding of scripture on your part.
Brown leaves open a question which Jesus and the NT writers have shut--the question of
murder guilt. . .that is disagreeing with Scripture, because it is
not an open question.
Background on what Brown is speaking about.
Brown is speaking specifically about the trial and execution of Jesus. Brown clearly states that the Jews (specifically those in charge) held some responsibility in the death of Jesus. If you read his book on the subject, he would explain this in more detail. However, it should be enough to state that Brown is specifically stating that the Jews held partial responsibility in the death of Jesus.
Moving to your verses that supposedly contradict Brown.
Brown stated no conclusion regarding guilt. Therefore, the verses do not "contradict" him, because he said nothing to contradict.
It is the saying
nothing and leaving the question open that puts Brown at odds with the NT.
For it is not an
open, but a
shut question in the NT. To agree with Scripture, he should have agreed that the Jews responsible for Jesus death were
guilty of innocent blood. But he did not (it's a concept he doesn't understand--Mt 27:24-25). That leaves him in disagreement with the NT.
First verse, Jn 8:38-47:
And an important verse: John 8:31
Yes, it refers to the Jews who had said they believed him, like the ones in Jn 6:66, but whose words in v.34 and in v.41--which appear to be a veiled slander
aimed at Jesus' virgin birth, show they were not true believers.
But let's start with the NT testimony of the
apostles that the Jews were guilty of murdering the Righteous One:
Ac 5:28,
7:51-53,
3:12-15;
1 Th 2:15.
I posted both verses from the NIV, as I know that is a translation you trust. The second verse I pointed out is especially needed, as it clearly shows that Jesus is saying that there were Jews who followed and believed him. Thus, not all Jews could be guilty anyway.
I didn't say
all Jews were guilty. The ones who arranged to have him killed are
guilty, not just responsible, but also
guilty of innocent blood.
Now, going to the verse you posted. Where does it talk about Jesus dying? These verses have nothing to do with the death of Jesus. The context of these verses is a debate that Jesus is having with fellow Jews. It has nothing to do with Jesus being put to death. It doesn't even lead up to his death. It is not concerning the death of Jesus at all, and thus can not show guilt of some Jews who have nothing to do with the death of Jesus.
I did not say all Jews were guilty. Only the ones responsible for his death are guilty of innocent blood.
The scripture does not support what you are saying. And Brown is not even referring to this separate incident at all.
The operative words in this passage are:
1) "you are ready to
kill me, because you have no room for my word" - v.37--that's a charge of murderous intent
2) "you are determined to
kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God" - v.40--that's a charge of murderous intent
3) "you belong to your father the devil and you want to carry out his desires (of
murder), for he was a murderer from the beginning - v.44--that's a charge of murderous intent
You do the math. . .
Now to your second verse: Matthew 23:29-36
Again, this has nothing to do with Jesus being sentenced to death. It has nothing to do with his trial, or execution. Again, it is a discussion with fellow Jews. Again, Brown is not even referencing this passage. He is not contradicting this passage, or even speaking about it.
In this passage, Jesus condemns and enlarges even further the guilt of the Jews, in three areas:
1) they are descendants of those who
murdered the
prophets (v.31), and will
murder him (v.32) , the
prophet
who was to come (Dt 18:17-19; Jn 1:21, 6:14) -v.32--that's a charge of murder
2) they cannot escape condemnation to hell because they will also
kill,
crucify, flog, and pursue from town to town the apostles and disciples
Jesus sends - vv.33-34--that's a charge of murder
3) they are guilty of the shedding of all innocent blood from Abel to Zechariah - vv.35-36--that's a charge of murder
I won't expand any further than that, because that is as far as any discussion needs to go. You were being dishonest, as was shown with my post here. More so, Brown states that the Jews were at least partially responsible for the death of Jesus.
I
said that Brown states the Jews were responsible. My issue with Brown here is that he does
not state their widespread
guilt of innocent blood, in agreement with the NT. Both Jesus and the apostles make clear the extent of Jewish guilt of innocent blood.
That is what the Gospels say as well. You need to read him in order to state anything about his position. If you don't read what he has to say, then any comment about his position from you will remain ignorant.
Assumes facts not in evidence.
Just as a side note, I'm still waiting for you to point out in scripture where it specifically, what day Jesus rose from the grave. All you've shown is that scripture states he rose from the grave, not on which day.
That has already been
explained to you here:
http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/2303235-post1158.html -- just what part of it do you not understand?
Just a side note, you did a conscientious job of covering for Sparky for a while.
I will tell him how well you did.