Apologetics Lecture 7 Person and Work of Christ. Prophecies

Person and Work of Christ

In this lecture we will discuss the apologetic value of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Concerning the person of Christ, we will discuss Old Testament prophecies, the divinity of Christ, and the tri-lemma of whether Jesus was lunatic, liar, or Lord.

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Concerning the work of Christ, we will consider his death, burial, miracles, and resurrection.

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Concerning miracles, since the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a divine miracle, we will discuss the limitations and problems, the apologetic value, and the credibility of miracles.

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Concerning the resurrection, we will investigate the nature of Christ’s resurrection, the consequences of the Christian faith if Christ is not raised from the dead, the facts of the resurrection as an event, and an explanation and rebuttal of alternate theories of the resurrection.

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I think this will prove to be the real meat and potatoes of this course.

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Person of Christ

Old Testament Prophecies

Value: The fact that there had been many prophecies fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ is one of the authenticating proofs for the inspiration of the Bible.

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There have been hundreds of prophecies over hundreds of years and find their complete fulfillment in the lifespan of one person. In fact, many of these have been fulfilled in one day, the day of his crucifixion.

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The nature and value of these prophecies is articulated in several passages

John 20:31 (NKJV) but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

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Matthew 26:56 (NKJV) But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.

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Luke 24:25-27 (NKJV) ²⁵ Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” ²⁷ And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

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Luke 24:44 (NKJV) Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalm concerning Me.”

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The following Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ are some of the more well-known. They concern his betrayal, trial, death, and burial. Many different prophets over a period of about 500 years, yet they were fulfilled within 24 hours.

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The Betrayal and Crucifixion

1. Sold for Thirty Pieces of Silver

Prophecy: Zechariah 11:12 (NKJV) Then I said to them, “If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain.” So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver.

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Fulfillment: Matthew 26:14-15 (NKJV) ¹⁴ Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests ¹⁵ and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.

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2. Betrayed By a Friend

Prophecy: Psalm 55:12-14 (NKJV) ¹² For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him. ¹³ But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance. ¹⁴ We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng. (cf., Psalm 41:9; Zech 13:6).

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Fulfillment: Matthew 26:49-50 (NKJV) ⁴⁹ Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ⁵⁰ But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.

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3. The Money Cast to the Potter

Prophecy: Zechariah 11:13 (NKJV) And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”–that princely price they set on me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord for the potter.

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Fulfillment: Matthew 27:5-7 (NKJV) ⁵ Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. ⁶ But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.” ⁷ And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.

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NOTE:

5 Points of fulfillment

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4. The Disciples Forsook Him

Prophecy: Zechariah 13:7 (NKJV) “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, Against the Man who is My Companion,” Says the Lord of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered; Then I will turn My hand against the little ones. “

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Fulfillment: Matthew 26:56 (NKJV) But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.

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5. Smitten and Spit Upon

Prophecy: Isaiah 50:6 (NKJV) I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.

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Fulfillment: Matthew 27:30 (NKJV) Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head.

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Matthew 26:67 (NKJV) Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands (cf. Lk. 22:64)

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NOTE:

3 Points of fulfillment

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6. Silent Before His Accusers

Prophecy: Isaiah 53:7 (NKJV) He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.

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Fulfillment: Matthew 27:12-14 (NKJV) ¹² And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. ¹³ Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” ¹⁴ But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.

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7. Wounded and Bruised

Prophecy: Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

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Fulfillment: Matthew 27:26, 29 (NKJV) Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.

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8. Hands and Feet Pierced

Prophecy: Psalm 22:16 (NKJV) For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; (see Psalm 22:1)

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Fulfillment: Luke 23:33 (NKJV) And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. (cf. Isa. 53:9)

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9. Crucified with Thieves

Prophecy: Isaiah 53:12 (NKJV) Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

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Fulfillment: Matthew 27:38 (NKJV) Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left.

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10. Prayed For His Persecutors

Prophecy: Isaiah 53:12 (NKJV) Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

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Fulfillment: Luke 23:34 (NKJV) Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

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11. People Shook Their Heads

Prophecy: Psalm 109:25 I also have become a reproach to them; When they see me, they wag their head.

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Fulfillment: Matthew 27:39 And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads.

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12. People Ridiculed Him

Prophecy: Psalm 22:8 “Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.”

Fulfillment: Matthew 27:41-43 In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him, and saying, 42 “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we shall believe in Him. 43 “He trusts in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He takes pleasure in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

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13. People Astonished

Prophecy: Psalm 22:17 (NKJV) I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me.

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Fulfillment: Luke 23:35 (NKJV) And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”

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14. Garments Parted and Lots Cast

Prophecy: Psalm 22:18 (NKJV) They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.

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Fulfillment: John 19:23-24 (NKJV) ²³ Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. ²⁴ They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.

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15 His Forsaken Cry

Prophecy: Psalm 22:1 (NKJV) My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning?

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Fulfillment: Matthew 27:46 (NKJV) And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

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16. Gall and Vinegar Given Him

Prophecy: Psalm 69:21 (NKJV) They also gave me gall for my food, And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

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Fulfillment: John 19:28-29 (NKJV) ²⁸ After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” ²⁹ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth.

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17. Committed Himself to God

Prophecy: Psalm 31:5 (NKJV) Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.

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Fulfillment: Luke 23:46 (NKJV) And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ “ Having said this, He breathed His last.

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18. Friends Stood Afar Off

Prophecy: Psalm 38:11 (NKJV) My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague, And my relatives stand afar off.

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Fulfillment: Luke 23:49 (NKJV) But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

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19. Bones not Broken

Prophecy: Psalm 34:20 (NKJV) He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken.

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Fulfillment: John 19:33-36 (NKJV) ³³ But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. ³⁴ But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. ³⁵ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. ³⁶ For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.”

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See also Psalm 22:14-17

Why can he count all his bones?

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20. Heart Broken

Prophecy: Psalm 22:14 (NKJV) I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me.

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Fulfillment: John 19:34 (NKJV) But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.

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NOTE: The blood and water running out of the pierced side presented an evidence that his lungs collapsed and likely his heart burst. A cardiac rupture.^[1]

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21. His Side Pierced

Prophecy: Zechariah 12:10 (NKJV) “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.

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Fulfillment: John 19:34-37 (NKJV) ³⁴ But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. ³⁵ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. ³⁶ For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” ³⁷ And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”

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22. Darkness Over the Land

Prophecy: Amos 8:9 (NKJV) “And it shall come to pass in that day,” says the Lord God, “That I will make the sun go down at noon, And I will darken the earth in broad daylight;

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Fulfillment: Matthew 27:45 (NKJV) Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.

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NOTE: For the Jews, 12 hours was from sunrise to sunset. This would make the sixth hour about noon, and the ninth hour about three o’clock.

http://creation.com/darkness-at-the-crucifixion-metaphor-or-real-history

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23. Buried in a Rich Man’s Tomb

Prophecy: Isaiah 53:9 (NKJV) And they made His grave with the wicked– But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth.

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Fulfillment: Matthew 27:57-60 (NKJV) ⁵⁷ Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. ⁵⁸ This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. ⁵⁹ When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ⁶⁰ and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.

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Notice the contrast in Isa. 53:9 in the NASB (rich/wicked)

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After his death and burial of course, it was predicted that he would be raised from the dead (Psalm 16:10), ascend into heaven (Psalm 68:18), and sit at the right hand of God (Psalm 110:1).

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In all, Jesus fulfilled 60 major Old Testament prophecies all predicted at least 400 years before his birth.

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Let’s pick our favourite prophecies.

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Likelihood of this?

But surely all of these prophecies could be considered a coincidence, right? For example surely Jesus was not the only…

….right? 🙂

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One man in how many men has fulfilled, say, just eight prophecies?

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A whole scientific field is dedicated to statistics and probabilities. They even have their own journals.

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Peter W. Stoner applied the principles of probabilities and statistics to messianic prophecies. His conclusion was pronounced sound by the American Scientific Affiliation.

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He reviewed the probability of one man out of how many men fulfilling the following 8 prophecies: Micah 5:2; Mal. 3:1; Zech. 9:9; 13:6; 11:12; 11:13; Isa. 53:7; Psalm 22:1U+0036.

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So, one man in how many men has fulfilled, say, just eight prophecies?

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His conclusion

Ready for this?

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1 with 28 zeroes after it

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1 in 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.

That’s 10 octillion men.

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But if we ask, “What is the chance that any man might have lived from the day of these prophecies down to the present time and have fulfilled all of the eight prophecies?”

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Answer: 1 and 17 zeroes…

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100,000,000,000,000,000

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Stoner writes, “Let us try to visualize this chance. If you mark one of ten tickets, and place all of the tickets in a hat, and thoroughly stir them, and then ask a blindfolded man to draw one, his chance of getting the right ticket is one in ten. Suppose that we take 100,000,000,000,000,000 [quadrillion] silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover [the entire] state [and not only that but…] two feet deep. Now mark one of these silver dollars [say with a big fat, plain as day, “X” ] and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes…..

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…..but he must pick up [the one silver dollar with the big red X]. What chance would he have of getting the right one? Just the same chance that the prophets would have had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man, from their day to the present time, providing they wrote using their own wisdom.”

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2 Peter 1:16-19 ¹⁶ For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. ¹⁷ For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— ¹⁸ and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. ¹⁹ So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.

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****READ CHAPTER 4 AND DISCUSS IN CLASS****

HOW JEWS UNDERSTOOD DANIEL 9:24FF

https://jewsforjudaism.org/knowledge/articles/daniel-9-a-true-biblical-interpretation/

https://www.torahclass.com/archived-articles/411-daniel-924-27-daniel-and-the-messiah-part-1-by-rabbi-baruch

http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1010-99192014000300016

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The very year predicted?

One of the most precise predictions in Scripture gives the very year in which the Christ would die. The angel Gabriel gave the following to Daniel in…

Daniel 9:24-26 (NKJV) ²⁴ “Seventy [sets of seven years^[2], Lit. “sevens”] are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy. ²⁵ “Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince [this is the Christ], There shall be seven [sets of seven years] and sixty-two [sets of seven years]; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times. ²⁶ “And after the sixty-two [sets of seven years]^[3] Messiah shall be cut off, ….

So, how many years was it from the command to restore Jerusalem to the cutting off of the Messiah?

God told Daniel that it would be 7 sets of 69 years (=483 years) before the Messiah would come and be cut off (die).

Question: Was there a command to restore Jerusalem 483 years previous to the death of Jesus of Nazareth?

Yes!

King Artaxerxes ordered Nehemiah “to restore and rebuild Jerusalem” in Nehemiah 2:1-8 in the year 444 b.c. From that year, Gabriel predicted that it would be 483 years to the time of Christ’s death. Now if we take A.D. 33 for the death of Christ (widely accepted and has great arguments), the math works out perfectly.

[did Jews have leap years?] • “Leap months” are added to sync up with sun cycles

Hoehner, “Using the 360-day year the calculation would be as follows. Multiplying the sixty-nine weeks by seven years for each week by 360 days gives a total of 173,880 days. The difference between 444 B.C. and A.D. 33, then, is 476 solar years. By multiplying 476 by 365.24219879 or by 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, 45.975 seconds, one comes to 173,855.28662404 days or 173,855 days, 6 hours, 52 minutes, 44 seconds. This leaves only 25 days to be accounted for between 444 B.C. and A.D. 33. By adding the 25 days to March 5 (of 444 B.C.), one comes to March 30 (of A.D. 33) which was Nisan 10 in A.D. 33. This is the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.”^[5] So the above includes unseen the leap year calculations.

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1. https://www.apu.edu/articles/15657/ ↑

2. We know it’s years, see Dan. 9:2. Also, note other versions. ↑

3. Which occurs after the first set of 7, equaling a total of 69 sets of seven years. ↑

4. Where did get 444 BC from, lunar or solar calendar? ↑

5. Hoehner, Harold W.. Chronological Aspects of the Life of Christ (Kindle Locations 1733-1738). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. ↑