{"id":25175,"date":"2026-05-06T03:33:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T03:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/?p=25175"},"modified":"2026-05-22T16:49:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T16:49:47","slug":"did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/","title":{"rendered":"Did Jesus Invent Modern Morality? Exploring Ancient Ethics (VIDEO)"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 data-fontsize=\"42\" data-lineheight=\"58.8px\"><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Did Jesus Invent Modern Morality? Exploring Ancient Ethics\u00a0<\/span>(vIDEO)<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Welcome to the home of <strong>Episode 176<\/strong> of the <a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/podcast\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Misquoting Jesus Podcast<\/a> with Bart Ehrman. \u00a0Below, you can watch the entire episode, read its description, and see links to related resources.<\/p>\n<h2 data-fontsize=\"30\" data-lineheight=\"42px\">links mentioned in this episode:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/bartehrman.com\/jesusworld?_gl=1*1axe6ld*_gcl_au*MTAxNzkyNzY0Ni4xNzc0OTk1NTU2*_ga*OTQ5NzQ4MTQzLjE3NzQ5OTU1NTY.*_ga_B0N531XLWQ*czE3NzgwMzczNzAkbzckZzAkdDE3NzgwMzczNzAkajYwJGwwJGgxNzY3ODUzMDU2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Judaism in the Time of Jesus<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"outline: currentcolor;\" href=\"http:\/\/bartehrman.com\/hbconference\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Insights into the Hebrew Bible conference<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-fontsize=\"30\" data-lineheight=\"42px\">episode description<\/h2>\n<p>Disclaimer: We use an AI generation tool for episode summaries.<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"410\" data-start=\"40\">This episode of\u00a0<em data-end=\"74\" data-start=\"56\">Misquoting Jesus<\/em>\u00a0explores the ethical landscape of Jesus\u2019 world by first stepping back into Greek and Roman philosophical traditions that shaped how people thought about \u201cthe good life.\u201d Bart Ehrman distinguishes between everyday morality (internal instincts about right and wrong) and ethics as more systematic, reasoned frameworks for human behavior.<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"764\" data-start=\"412\">The discussion begins with Aristotle, who argued that all human action ultimately aims at\u00a0<em data-end=\"514\" data-start=\"502\">eudaimonia<\/em>\u2014a deep form of fulfillment or flourishing rather than fleeting happiness. For Aristotle, <strong>virtues like courage, justice, self-control, and wisdom were essential<\/strong> for achieving this state, but only within the context of the <em data-end=\"743\" data-start=\"736\">polis<\/em>, or civic community.<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"1158\" data-start=\"766\">The conversation then moves into the Hellenistic world after Alexander the Great, where philosophical schools adapted to life under empire. Epicureans emphasized simple pleasures, friendship, and freedom from fear; Stoics centered ethics on reason (<em data-end=\"1022\" data-start=\"1015\">logos<\/em>) and aligning oneself with the rational structure of the universe; and Cynics pushed radical detachment from material goods altogether.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 50 \/ 50;\" title=\"MJ\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MJ.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"45\" height=\"45\" data-id=\"25076\" data-init-width=\"50\" data-init-height=\"50\" data-width=\"45\" data-height=\"45\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Misquoting Jesus<\/p>\n<p>Never Miss an Episode of Misquoting Jesus<\/p>\n<p>Get key insights, episode summaries, and exclusive content you won&#8217;t hear on the podcast.<\/p>\n<p>__CONFIG_colors_palette__{&#8220;active_palette&#8221;:0,&#8221;config&#8221;:{&#8220;colors&#8221;:{&#8220;68c4b&#8221;:{&#8220;name&#8221;:&#8221;Main accent&#8221;,&#8221;parent&#8221;:-1},&#8221;847d2&#8243;:{&#8220;name&#8221;:&#8221;Accent Light&#8221;,&#8221;parent&#8221;:&#8221;68c4b&#8221;,&#8221;lock&#8221;:{&#8220;lightness&#8221;:1,&#8221;saturation&#8221;:1}}},&#8221;gradients&#8221;:[]},&#8221;palettes&#8221;:[{&#8220;name&#8221;:&#8221;Default&#8221;,&#8221;value&#8221;:{&#8220;colors&#8221;:{&#8220;68c4b&#8221;:{&#8220;val&#8221;:&#8221;var(&#8211;tcb-skin-color-0)&#8221;},&#8221;847d2&#8243;:{&#8220;val&#8221;:&#8221;rgb(248, 245, 241)&#8221;,&#8221;hsl_parent_dependency&#8221;:{&#8220;h&#8221;:34,&#8221;l&#8221;:0.96,&#8221;s&#8221;:0.33}}},&#8221;gradients&#8221;:[]},&#8221;original&#8221;:{&#8220;colors&#8221;:{&#8220;68c4b&#8221;:{&#8220;val&#8221;:&#8221;rgb(47, 138, 229)&#8221;,&#8221;hsl&#8221;:{&#8220;h&#8221;:210,&#8221;s&#8221;:0.77,&#8221;l&#8221;:0.54,&#8221;a&#8221;:1}},&#8221;847d2&#8243;:{&#8220;val&#8221;:&#8221;rgb(243, 246, 249)&#8221;,&#8221;hsl_parent_dependency&#8221;:{&#8220;h&#8221;:209,&#8221;s&#8221;:0.33,&#8221;l&#8221;:0.96,&#8221;a&#8221;:1}}},&#8221;gradients&#8221;:[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__ __CONFIG_colors_palette__{&#8220;active_palette&#8221;:0,&#8221;config&#8221;:{&#8220;colors&#8221;:{&#8220;3e1f8&#8221;:{&#8220;name&#8221;:&#8221;Main Accent&#8221;,&#8221;parent&#8221;:-1}},&#8221;gradients&#8221;:[]},&#8221;palettes&#8221;:[{&#8220;name&#8221;:&#8221;Default Palette&#8221;,&#8221;value&#8221;:{&#8220;colors&#8221;:{&#8220;3e1f8&#8221;:{&#8220;val&#8221;:&#8221;rgb(199, 149, 47)&#8221;,&#8221;hsl&#8221;:{&#8220;h&#8221;:40,&#8221;s&#8221;:0.6179,&#8221;l&#8221;:0.4824,&#8221;a&#8221;:1}}},&#8221;gradients&#8221;:[]},&#8221;original&#8221;:{&#8220;colors&#8221;:{&#8220;3e1f8&#8221;:{&#8220;val&#8221;:&#8221;rgb(19, 114, 211)&#8221;,&#8221;hsl&#8221;:{&#8220;h&#8221;:210,&#8221;s&#8221;:0.83,&#8221;l&#8221;:0.45}}},&#8221;gradients&#8221;:[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__ <a href=\"#\"> Join 50,000+ listeners <\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>By signing up, you agree to receive marketing emails. Unsubscribe anytime.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 500 \/ 500;\" title=\"Bart Ehrman and Megan Lewis\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bart-Ehrman-and-Megan-Lewis.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"342\" height=\"342\" data-id=\"25094\" data-init-width=\"500\" data-init-height=\"500\" data-width=\"342\" data-height=\"342\" \/><\/p>\n<p>PLUS: Get our free course:<\/p>\n<p>Did Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Actually Write the Gospels?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 500 \/ 310;\" title=\"Did MMLJ Actually Write the Gospels\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Did-MMLJ-Actually-Write-the-Gospels.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"198\" height=\"123\" data-id=\"25097\" data-init-width=\"500\" data-init-height=\"310\" data-width=\"198\" data-height=\"123\" \/><\/p>\n<p>PLUS: Get our free course:<\/p>\n<p>Did Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Actually Write the Gospels?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 500 \/ 310;\" title=\"Did MMLJ Actually Write the Gospels\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Did-MMLJ-Actually-Write-the-Gospels.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"198\" height=\"123\" data-id=\"25097\" data-init-width=\"500\" data-init-height=\"310\" data-width=\"198\" data-height=\"123\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-end=\"1527\" data-start=\"1160\">Ehrman argues that Jesus likely did not engage directly with these philosophical systems but operated within Jewish apocalyptic traditions. His ethical vision diverged sharply from Greco-Roman ideals of personal flourishing. Instead of seeking contentment in this life, <strong>Jesus emphasized service, humility, rejection of domination, and loyalty to God\u2019s coming kingdom<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-end=\"1743\" data-start=\"1529\">The episode ultimately contrasts two ethical worlds: one focused on rational human flourishing within society, and another centered on spiritual allegiance and self-sacrifice in anticipation of divine intervention.<\/p>\n<h2 data-fontsize=\"30\" data-lineheight=\"42px\">ready to dive deeper?<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Related Courses offered by Bart Ehrman and\/or Paths in Biblical Studies:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a style=\"outline: currentcolor;\" href=\"https:\/\/courses.bartehrman.com\/jesus-and-the-old-testament\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jesus and the Old Testament<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\u200b<a style=\"outline: currentcolor;\" href=\"https:\/\/ehrman.thrivecart.com\/parables-of-jesus\/?_gl=1*1nr69hp*_gcl_au*MTAxNzkyNzY0Ni4xNzc0OTk1NTU2*_ga*OTQ5NzQ4MTQzLjE3NzQ5OTU1NTY.*_ga_B0N531XLWQ*czE3NzgwMzczNzAkbzckZzAkdDE3NzgwMzczNzAkajYwJGwwJGgxNzY3ODUzMDU2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Parables of Jesus: Jewish Insights into Gospel Ethics, Humor, and Provocation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Related Articles (Free Resources): <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/parable-of-the-good-samaritan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Parable of the Good Samaritan<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"outline: currentcolor;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/kingdom-of-god\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What is the Kingdom of God in Jesus&#8217; Teachings?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-fontsize=\"30\" data-lineheight=\"42px\">ways to watch or listen to the misquoting jesus podcast:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.7.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc. --><a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLmutpnyeVQcrRNOzPWdEothXcCVo2Npfv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Watch on YouTube<\/a><\/li>\n<li><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.7.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc. --><a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/1wJ0B9LP37m1enVOPkZUd0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spotify<\/a> (audio only)<\/li>\n<li><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.7.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc. --><a style=\"outline: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/misquoting-jesus-with-bart-ehrman\/id1650657462\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> (audio only)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">And many more! \u00a0<em>Just search for the show title in your favorite podcast app!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Did Jesus Invent Modern Morality? Exploring Ancient Ethics\u00a0(vIDEO) Welcome to the home of Episode 176 of the Misquoting Jesus Podcast with Bart Ehrman. \u00a0Below, you can watch the entire episode, read its description, and see links to related resources. links mentioned in this episode: Judaism in the Time of Jesus New Insights into the Hebrew [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":25478,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","tve_updated_post":"<div class=\"tcb-clear\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adcf4\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv-button thrv-button-v2 tcb-local-vars-root\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386add42\" style=\"\">\n\t<div class=\"thrive-colors-palette-config\" style=\"display: none !important\">__CONFIG_colors_palette__{\"active_palette\":0,\"config\":{\"colors\":{\"62516\":{\"name\":\"Main Accent\",\"parent\":-1}},\"gradients\":[]},\"palettes\":[{\"name\":\"Default Palette\",\"value\":{\"colors\":{\"62516\":{\"val\":\"var(--tcb-skin-color-0)\"}},\"gradients\":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__<\/div>\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/podcast\" class=\"tcb-button-link tcb-plain-text\" style=\"\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t<span class=\"tcb-button-texts\"><span class=\"tcb-button-text thrv-inline-text\" style=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386add65\">Misquoting Jesus Podcast<\/span><\/span>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" id=\"article-title\"><h2 class=\"fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" data-fontsize=\"42\" data-lineheight=\"58.8px\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386add74\" style=\"\"><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Did Jesus Invent Modern Morality? Exploring Ancient Ethics&nbsp;<\/span>(vIDEO)<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386add90\" style=\"\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adda7\">Welcome to the home of <strong>Episode 176<\/strong> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/podcast\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" style=\"outline: none;\">Misquoting Jesus Podcast<\/a> with Bart Ehrman. &nbsp;Below, you can watch the entire episode, read its description, and see links to related resources.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_responsive_video thrv_wrapper tcb-lazy-load rv_style_white_tablet tcb-lazy-load-youtube\" data-type=\"youtube\" data-rel=\"0\" data-modestbranding=\"1\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\" data-aspect-ratio-default=\"0\" data-url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HKObNOSDsqM\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386addb8\" data-float-position=\"top-left\" data-float-width-d=\"300px\" data-float-padding1-d=\"25px\" data-float-padding2-d=\"25px\" data-float-visibility=\"mobile\">\n\t\n\n\t<div class=\"tve_responsive_video_container\" style=\"padding-bottom: 56.25%;\">\n\t\t<div class=\"tcb-video-float-container\"><div class=\"video_overlay\"><\/div><iframe title=\"Responsive Video\" class=\"tcb-responsive-video\" data-code=\"HKObNOSDsqM\" data-hash=\"undefined\" data-provider=\"youtube\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HKObNOSDsqM?rel=0&amp;modestbranding=1&amp;controls=1&amp;showinfo=1&amp;fs=1&amp;wmode=transparent&amp;enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-type=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386addc9\" style=\"\"><h2 class=\"fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386addd7\" data-fontsize=\"30\" data-lineheight=\"42px\" style=\"\">links mentioned in this episode:<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv-styled_list\" data-icon-code=\"icon-teach-solid\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386addf1\" style=\"\"><ul class=\"tcb-styled-list\"><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade06\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style tcb-local-vars-root tcb-icon-display\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade15\" style=\"\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" data-id=\"icon-teach-solid\" data-name=\"\" style=\"\"><path d=\"M20,17A2,2 0 0,0 22,15V4A2,2 0 0,0 20,2H9.46C9.81,2.61 10,3.3 10,4H20V15H11V17M15,7V9H9V22H7V16H5V22H3V14H1.5V9A2,2 0 0,1 3.5,7H15M8,4A2,2 0 0,1 6,6A2,2 0 0,1 4,4A2,2 0 0,1 6,2A2,2 0 0,1 8,4Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade28\"><a href=\"http:\/\/bartehrman.com\/jesusworld?_gl=1*1axe6ld*_gcl_au*MTAxNzkyNzY0Ni4xNzc0OTk1NTU2*_ga*OTQ5NzQ4MTQzLjE3NzQ5OTU1NTY.*_ga_B0N531XLWQ*czE3NzgwMzczNzAkbzckZzAkdDE3NzgwMzczNzAkajYwJGwwJGgxNzY3ODUzMDU2\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\">Judaism in the Time of Jesus<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade30\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style tcb-icon-display tcb-local-vars-root\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade44\" style=\"\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" data-id=\"icon-teach-solid\" data-name=\"\" style=\"\"><path d=\"M20,17A2,2 0 0,0 22,15V4A2,2 0 0,0 20,2H9.46C9.81,2.61 10,3.3 10,4H20V15H11V17M15,7V9H9V22H7V16H5V22H3V14H1.5V9A2,2 0 0,1 3.5,7H15M8,4A2,2 0 0,1 6,6A2,2 0 0,1 4,4A2,2 0 0,1 6,2A2,2 0 0,1 8,4Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade69\"><a href=\"http:\/\/bartehrman.com\/hbconference\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" style=\"outline: currentcolor;\">New Insights into the Hebrew Bible conference<\/a><\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-type=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade77\" style=\"\"><h2 class=\"fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" data-fontsize=\"30\" data-lineheight=\"42px\" style=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade82\">episode description<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade93\" style=\"\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adeb1\" style=\"\">Disclaimer: We use an AI generation tool for episode summaries.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\"><p data-end=\"410\" data-start=\"40\">This episode of&nbsp;<em data-end=\"74\" data-start=\"56\">Misquoting Jesus<\/em>&nbsp;explores the ethical landscape of Jesus\u2019 world by first stepping back into Greek and Roman philosophical traditions that shaped how people thought about \u201cthe good life.\u201d Bart Ehrman distinguishes between everyday morality (internal instincts about right and wrong) and ethics as more systematic, reasoned frameworks for human behavior.<\/p><p data-end=\"764\" data-start=\"412\">The discussion begins with Aristotle, who argued that all human action ultimately aims at&nbsp;<em data-end=\"514\" data-start=\"502\">eudaimonia<\/em>\u2014a deep form of fulfillment or flourishing rather than fleeting happiness. For Aristotle, <strong>virtues like courage, justice, self-control, and wisdom were essential<\/strong> for achieving this state, but only within the context of the <em data-end=\"743\" data-start=\"736\">polis<\/em>, or civic community.<\/p><p data-end=\"1158\" data-start=\"766\">The conversation then moves into the Hellenistic world after Alexander the Great, where philosophical schools adapted to life under empire. Epicureans emphasized simple pleasures, friendship, and freedom from fear; Stoics centered ethics on reason (<em data-end=\"1022\" data-start=\"1015\">logos<\/em>) and aligning oneself with the rational structure of the universe; and Cynics pushed radical detachment from material goods altogether.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_symbol thrive-shortcode thrv_symbol_25109\" data-shortcode=\"thrive_symbol\" data-id=\"25109\" data-selector=\".thrv_symbol_25109\"><div class=\"thrive-shortcode-config\" style=\"display: none !important\">__CONFIG_post_symbol__{\"id\":\"25109\"}__CONFIG_post_symbol__<\/div><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\"><p data-end=\"1527\" data-start=\"1160\">Ehrman argues that Jesus likely did not engage directly with these philosophical systems but operated within Jewish apocalyptic traditions. His ethical vision diverged sharply from Greco-Roman ideals of personal flourishing. Instead of seeking contentment in this life, <strong>Jesus emphasized service, humility, rejection of domination, and loyalty to God\u2019s coming kingdom<\/strong>.<\/p><p data-end=\"1743\" data-start=\"1529\">The episode ultimately contrasts two ethical worlds: one focused on rational human flourishing within society, and another centered on spiritual allegiance and self-sacrifice in anticipation of divine intervention.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-type=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adec9\"><h2 class=\"fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" data-fontsize=\"30\" data-lineheight=\"42px\" style=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386aded7\">ready to dive deeper?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adee3\"><strong>Related Courses offered by Bart Ehrman and\/or Paths in Biblical Studies:<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv-styled_list\" data-icon-code=\"icon-teach-solid\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adef5\" style=\"\"><ul class=\"tcb-styled-list\"><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf04\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style tcb-local-vars-root tcb-icon-display\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf20\" style=\"\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" data-id=\"icon-teach-solid\" data-name=\"\" style=\"\"><path d=\"M20,17A2,2 0 0,0 22,15V4A2,2 0 0,0 20,2H9.46C9.81,2.61 10,3.3 10,4H20V15H11V17M15,7V9H9V22H7V16H5V22H3V14H1.5V9A2,2 0 0,1 3.5,7H15M8,4A2,2 0 0,1 6,6A2,2 0 0,1 4,4A2,2 0 0,1 6,2A2,2 0 0,1 8,4Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf36\"><a href=\"https:\/\/courses.bartehrman.com\/jesus-and-the-old-testament\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" style=\"outline: currentcolor;\">Jesus and the Old Testament<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf46\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style tcb-icon-display tcb-local-vars-root\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf55\" style=\"\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" data-id=\"icon-teach-solid\" data-name=\"\" style=\"\"><path d=\"M20,17A2,2 0 0,0 22,15V4A2,2 0 0,0 20,2H9.46C9.81,2.61 10,3.3 10,4H20V15H11V17M15,7V9H9V22H7V16H5V22H3V14H1.5V9A2,2 0 0,1 3.5,7H15M8,4A2,2 0 0,1 6,6A2,2 0 0,1 4,4A2,2 0 0,1 6,2A2,2 0 0,1 8,4Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf61\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ehrman.thrivecart.com\/parables-of-jesus\/?_gl=1*1nr69hp*_gcl_au*MTAxNzkyNzY0Ni4xNzc0OTk1NTU2*_ga*OTQ5NzQ4MTQzLjE3NzQ5OTU1NTY.*_ga_B0N531XLWQ*czE3NzgwMzczNzAkbzckZzAkdDE3NzgwMzczNzAkajYwJGwwJGgxNzY3ODUzMDU2\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" style=\"outline: currentcolor;\">The Parables of Jesus: Jewish Insights into Gospel Ethics, Humor, and Provocation<\/a><\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf80\"><strong>Related Articles (Free Resources): <\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv-styled_list\" data-icon-code=\"icon-text-box-search-solid\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf93\" style=\"\"><ul class=\"tcb-styled-list\"><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adfa0\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style tcb-local-vars-root tcb-icon-display\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adfc8\" style=\"\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" data-id=\"icon-text-box-search-solid\" data-name=\"\"><path d=\"M15.5,12C18,12 20,14 20,16.5C20,17.38 19.75,18.21 19.31,18.9L22.39,22L21,23.39L17.88,20.32C17.19,20.75 16.37,21 15.5,21C13,21 11,19 11,16.5C11,14 13,12 15.5,12M15.5,14A2.5,2.5 0 0,0 13,16.5A2.5,2.5 0 0,0 15.5,19A2.5,2.5 0 0,0 18,16.5A2.5,2.5 0 0,0 15.5,14M7,15V17H9C9.14,18.55 9.8,19.94 10.81,21H5C3.89,21 3,20.1 3,19V5C3,3.89 3.89,3 5,3H19A2,2 0 0,1 21,5V13.03C19.85,11.21 17.82,10 15.5,10C14.23,10 13.04,10.37 12.04,11H7V13H10C9.64,13.6 9.34,14.28 9.17,15H7M17,9V7H7V9H17Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adfd9\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/parable-of-the-good-samaritan\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\">The Parable of the Good Samaritan<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adfe1\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style tcb-icon-display tcb-local-vars-root\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adff4\" style=\"\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" data-id=\"icon-text-box-search-solid\" data-name=\"\"><path d=\"M15.5,12C18,12 20,14 20,16.5C20,17.38 19.75,18.21 19.31,18.9L22.39,22L21,23.39L17.88,20.32C17.19,20.75 16.37,21 15.5,21C13,21 11,19 11,16.5C11,14 13,12 15.5,12M15.5,14A2.5,2.5 0 0,0 13,16.5A2.5,2.5 0 0,0 15.5,19A2.5,2.5 0 0,0 18,16.5A2.5,2.5 0 0,0 15.5,14M7,15V17H9C9.14,18.55 9.8,19.94 10.81,21H5C3.89,21 3,20.1 3,19V5C3,3.89 3.89,3 5,3H19A2,2 0 0,1 21,5V13.03C19.85,11.21 17.82,10 15.5,10C14.23,10 13.04,10.37 12.04,11H7V13H10C9.64,13.6 9.34,14.28 9.17,15H7M17,9V7H7V9H17Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae019\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/kingdom-of-god\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" style=\"outline: currentcolor;\">What is the Kingdom of God in Jesus' Teachings?<\/a><\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-type=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae020\" style=\"\"><h2 class=\"fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386addd7\" data-fontsize=\"30\" data-lineheight=\"42px\" style=\"\">ways to watch or listen to the misquoting jesus podcast:<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv-styled_list\" data-icon-code=\"icon-teach-solid\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae031\" style=\"\"><ul class=\"tcb-styled-list\"><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae047\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style tcb-local-vars-root tcb-icon-display tcb-excluded-from-group-item\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae062\" style=\"\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 576 512\" data-id=\"icon-youtube-brands\" data-name=\"\" style=\"\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.7.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M549.655 124.083c-6.281-23.65-24.787-42.276-48.284-48.597C458.781 64 288 64 288 64S117.22 64 74.629 75.486c-23.497 6.322-42.003 24.947-48.284 48.597-11.412 42.867-11.412 132.305-11.412 132.305s0 89.438 11.412 132.305c6.281 23.65 24.787 41.5 48.284 47.821C117.22 448 288 448 288 448s170.78 0 213.371-11.486c23.497-6.321 42.003-24.171 48.284-47.821 11.412-42.867 11.412-132.305 11.412-132.305s0-89.438-11.412-132.305zm-317.51 213.508V175.185l142.739 81.205-142.739 81.201z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae076\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLmutpnyeVQcrRNOzPWdEothXcCVo2Npfv\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" style=\"outline: none;\">Watch on YouTube<\/a><\/span><\/li><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae081\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style tcb-icon-display tcb-local-vars-root tcb-excluded-from-group-item\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae099\" style=\"\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 496 512\" data-id=\"icon-spotify-brands\" data-name=\"\" style=\"\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.7.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M248 8C111.1 8 0 119.1 0 256s111.1 248 248 248 248-111.1 248-248S384.9 8 248 8zm100.7 364.9c-4.2 0-6.8-1.3-10.7-3.6-62.4-37.6-135-39.2-206.7-24.5-3.9 1-9 2.6-11.9 2.6-9.7 0-15.8-7.7-15.8-15.8 0-10.3 6.1-15.2 13.6-16.8 81.9-18.1 165.6-16.5 237 26.2 6.1 3.9 9.7 7.4 9.7 16.5s-7.1 15.4-15.2 15.4zm26.9-65.6c-5.2 0-8.7-2.3-12.3-4.2-62.5-37-155.7-51.9-238.6-29.4-4.8 1.3-7.4 2.6-11.9 2.6-10.7 0-19.4-8.7-19.4-19.4s5.2-17.8 15.5-20.7c27.8-7.8 56.2-13.6 97.8-13.6 64.9 0 127.6 16.1 177 45.5 8.1 4.8 11.3 11 11.3 19.7-.1 10.8-8.5 19.5-19.4 19.5zm31-76.2c-5.2 0-8.4-1.3-12.9-3.9-71.2-42.5-198.5-52.7-280.9-29.7-3.6 1-8.1 2.6-12.9 2.6-13.2 0-23.3-10.3-23.3-23.6 0-13.6 8.4-21.3 17.4-23.9 35.2-10.3 74.6-15.2 117.5-15.2 73 0 149.5 15.2 205.4 47.8 7.8 4.5 12.9 10.7 12.9 22.6 0 13.6-11 23.3-23.2 23.3z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae0b3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/1wJ0B9LP37m1enVOPkZUd0\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" style=\"outline: none;\">Spotify<\/a> (audio only)<\/span><\/li><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae081\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style tcb-icon-display tcb-local-vars-root tcb-excluded-from-group-item\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae0c5\" style=\"\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" data-id=\"icon-podcast-solid\" data-name=\"\" style=\"\"><!--! Font Awesome Free 6.7.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) Copyright 2024 Fonticons, Inc. --><path d=\"M319.4 372c48.5-31.3 80.6-85.9 80.6-148c0-97.2-78.8-176-176-176S48 126.8 48 224c0 62.1 32.1 116.6 80.6 148c1.2 17.3 4 38 7.2 57.1l.2 1C56 395.8 0 316.5 0 224C0 100.3 100.3 0 224 0S448 100.3 448 224c0 92.5-56 171.9-136 206.1l.2-1.1c3.1-19.2 6-39.8 7.2-57zm-2.3-38.1c-1.6-5.7-3.9-11.1-7-16.2c-5.8-9.7-13.5-17-21.9-22.4c19.5-17.6 31.8-43 31.8-71.3c0-53-43-96-96-96s-96 43-96 96c0 28.3 12.3 53.8 31.8 71.3c-8.4 5.4-16.1 12.7-21.9 22.4c-3.1 5.1-5.4 10.5-7 16.2C99.8 307.5 80 268 80 224c0-79.5 64.5-144 144-144s144 64.5 144 144c0 44-19.8 83.5-50.9 109.9zM224 312c32.9 0 64 8.6 64 43.8c0 33-12.9 104.1-20.6 132.9c-5.1 19-24.5 23.4-43.4 23.4s-38.2-4.4-43.4-23.4c-7.8-28.5-20.6-99.7-20.6-132.8c0-35.1 31.1-43.8 64-43.8zm0-144a56 56 0 1 1 0 112 56 56 0 1 1 0-112z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae0b3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/misquoting-jesus-with-bart-ehrman\/id1650657462\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" style=\"outline: none;\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> (audio only)<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\"><p dir=\"ltr\">And many more! &nbsp;<em>Just search for the show title in your favorite podcast app!<\/em><\/p><\/div>","tve_custom_css":"@media (min-width: 300px){:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adeb1\"] { font-size: 16px !important; font-style: italic !important; color: rgba(106, 107, 108, 0.7) !important; --tcb-applied-color: rgba(106,107,108,0.7) !important; --tve-applied-color: rgba(106,107,108,0.7) !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386add74\"] { color: rgb(19, 19, 32) !important; --tcb-applied-color: rgb(19,19,32) !important; --tve-applied-color: rgb(19,19,32) !important; font-size: 42px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386add42\"] .tcb-button-link { letter-spacing: 2px; background-image: linear-gradient(var(--tcb-local-color-62516,rgb(19,114,211)),var(--tcb-local-color-62516,rgb(19,114,211))); --tve-applied-background-image: linear-gradient(var$(--tcb-local-color-62516,rgb(19,114,211)),var$(--tcb-local-color-62516,rgb(19,114,211))); background-size: auto; background-attachment: scroll; border-radius: 5px; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-color: transparent !important; padding: 8px 10px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386add42\"] .tcb-button-link span { color: rgb(255, 255, 255); --tcb-applied-color: #fff; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386add42\"] { float: left; z-index: 3; position: relative; --tve-alignment: left; --tcb-local-color-62516: var(--tcb-skin-color-0) !important; margin-top: 1px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adcf4\"]::after { clear: both; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386add65\"] { letter-spacing: 1px; font-size: 16px !important; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adda7\"] { padding-bottom: 11px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386add90\"] { margin-top: 10px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386addc9\"] { margin-top: 46px !important; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adee3\"] { padding-bottom: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf80\"] { padding-bottom: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae031\"] { margin-top: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae047\"] { padding-bottom: 5px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae062\"] { --tcb-local-color-icon: rgb(255,0,51); --tcb-local-color-var: rgb(255,0,51); --tve-icon-size: 18px; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae062\"] > :first-child { color: rgb(255, 0, 51); --tve-applied-color: rgb(255,0,51); }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae081\"] { padding-bottom: 5px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae0c5\"] { --tcb-local-color-icon: rgb(201,129,236); --tcb-local-color-var: rgb(201,129,236); --tve-icon-size: 18px; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae0c5\"] > :first-child { color: rgb(201, 129, 236); --tve-applied-color: rgb(201,129,236); }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf93\"] { margin-top: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adfa0\"] { padding-bottom: 10px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adfc8\"] { --tcb-local-color-icon: rgb(255,133,34); --tcb-local-color-var: rgb(255,133,34); --tve-icon-size: 18px; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adfc8\"] > :first-child { color: rgb(255, 133, 34); --tve-applied-color: rgb(255,133,34); }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adfe1\"] { padding-bottom: 10px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adff4\"] { --tcb-local-color-icon: rgb(255,133,34); --tcb-local-color-var: rgb(255,133,34); --tve-icon-size: 18px; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adff4\"] > :first-child { color: rgb(255, 133, 34); --tve-applied-color: rgb(255,133,34); }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adef5\"] { margin-top: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf04\"] { padding-bottom: 10px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf20\"] { --tcb-local-color-icon: rgb(255,133,34); --tcb-local-color-var: rgb(255,133,34); --tve-icon-size: 18px; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf20\"] > :first-child { color: rgb(255, 133, 34); --tve-applied-color: rgb(255,133,34); }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf46\"] { padding-bottom: 10px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf55\"] { --tcb-local-color-icon: rgb(255,133,34); --tcb-local-color-var: rgb(255,133,34); --tve-icon-size: 18px; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386adf55\"] > :first-child { color: rgb(255, 133, 34); --tve-applied-color: rgb(255,133,34); }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade77\"] { margin-top: 0px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386addf1\"] { margin-top: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade06\"] { padding-bottom: 10px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade15\"] { --tcb-local-color-icon: rgb(255,133,34); --tcb-local-color-var: rgb(255,133,34); --tve-icon-size: 18px; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade15\"] > :first-child { color: rgb(255, 133, 34); --tve-applied-color: rgb(255,133,34); }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade30\"] { padding-bottom: 10px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade44\"] { --tcb-local-color-icon: rgb(255,133,34); --tcb-local-color-var: rgb(255,133,34); --tve-icon-size: 18px; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade44\"] > :first-child { color: rgb(255, 133, 34); --tve-applied-color: rgb(255,133,34); }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae020\"] { margin-top: 0px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae099\"] { --tcb-local-color-icon: rgb(30,215,96); --tcb-local-color-var: rgb(30,215,96); --tve-icon-size: 18px; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae099\"] > :first-child { color: rgb(30, 215, 96); --tve-applied-color: rgb(30,215,96); }}@media (max-width: 1023px){[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ae031\"] { margin-top: 0px !important; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade82\"] { padding-bottom: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386addd7\"] { padding-bottom: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386aded7\"] { padding-bottom: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386addf1\"] { margin-top: 0px !important; }}@media (max-width: 767px){[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386add42\"] { margin-top: -40px !important; margin-bottom: 10px !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386add42\"] .tcb-button-link { padding-top: 8px !important; padding-bottom: 8px !important; }:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386add74\"] { font-size: 32px !important; line-height: 1.25em !important; }[data-css=\"tve-u-69fab2386ade93\"] { margin-bottom: 10px !important; }}","tve_user_custom_css":"","tve_globals":{"e":"1","font_cls":[]},"tcb2_ready":1,"tcb_editor_enabled":1,"tve_landing_page":"","_tve_header":"0","_tve_footer":"0"},"categories":[137],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25175","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-misquoting-jesus-podcast","post-wrapper","thrv_wrapper"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6 (Yoast SEO v27.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Did Jesus Invent Modern Morality? Exploring Ancient Ethics (VIDEO)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore the ethics of Jesus\u2019 world compared to Greek philosophical traditions like Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Cynicism. Bart Ehrman explains how ancient ideas of happiness, virtue, and the good life shaped\u2014and contrasted with\u2014Jesus\u2019 teachings on service, sacrifice, and the Kingdom of God.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Did Jesus Invent Modern Morality? Exploring Ancient Ethics (VIDEO)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Explore the ethics of Jesus\u2019 world compared to Greek philosophical traditions like Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Cynicism. Bart Ehrman explains how ancient ideas of happiness, virtue, and the good life shaped\u2014and contrasted with\u2014Jesus\u2019 teachings on service, sacrifice, and the Kingdom of God.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Bart Ehrman Courses Online\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-05-06T03:33:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-22T16:49:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MJ-Podcast-Thumbnail.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Matt Rawson\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Matt Rawson\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Matt Rawson\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/448d8320bcc37cb48e8a32bd2a5a5b78\"},\"headline\":\"Did Jesus Invent Modern Morality? Exploring Ancient Ethics (VIDEO)\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-06T03:33:09+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-22T16:49:47+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":584,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/MJ-Podcast-Thumbnail.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Misquoting Jesus Podcast\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\\\/\",\"name\":\"Did Jesus Invent Modern Morality? Exploring Ancient Ethics (VIDEO)\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/MJ-Podcast-Thumbnail.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-06T03:33:09+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-22T16:49:47+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/448d8320bcc37cb48e8a32bd2a5a5b78\"},\"description\":\"Explore the ethics of Jesus\u2019 world compared to Greek philosophical traditions like Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Cynicism. Bart Ehrman explains how ancient ideas of happiness, virtue, and the good life shaped\u2014and contrasted with\u2014Jesus\u2019 teachings on service, sacrifice, and the Kingdom of God.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/MJ-Podcast-Thumbnail.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/MJ-Podcast-Thumbnail.png\",\"width\":1440,\"height\":600},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Did Jesus Invent Modern Morality? Exploring Ancient Ethics (VIDEO)\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/\",\"name\":\"Bart Ehrman Courses Online\",\"description\":\"New Testament scholar, Dr. Bart Ehrman&#039;s homepage. Bart is an author, speaker, consultant, online course creator, and professor at UNC Chapel Hill.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/448d8320bcc37cb48e8a32bd2a5a5b78\",\"name\":\"Matt Rawson\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/576c723de7460ab350921187ff02f786f3e5bf4788d2f1fe46cdb8df7541fe33?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/576c723de7460ab350921187ff02f786f3e5bf4788d2f1fe46cdb8df7541fe33?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/576c723de7460ab350921187ff02f786f3e5bf4788d2f1fe46cdb8df7541fe33?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Matt Rawson\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bartehrman.com\\\/author\\\/matthewlrawson\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Did Jesus Invent Modern Morality? Exploring Ancient Ethics (VIDEO)","description":"Explore the ethics of Jesus\u2019 world compared to Greek philosophical traditions like Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Cynicism. Bart Ehrman explains how ancient ideas of happiness, virtue, and the good life shaped\u2014and contrasted with\u2014Jesus\u2019 teachings on service, sacrifice, and the Kingdom of God.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Did Jesus Invent Modern Morality? Exploring Ancient Ethics (VIDEO)","og_description":"Explore the ethics of Jesus\u2019 world compared to Greek philosophical traditions like Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Cynicism. Bart Ehrman explains how ancient ideas of happiness, virtue, and the good life shaped\u2014and contrasted with\u2014Jesus\u2019 teachings on service, sacrifice, and the Kingdom of God.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/","og_site_name":"Bart Ehrman Courses Online","article_published_time":"2026-05-06T03:33:09+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-05-22T16:49:47+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1440,"height":600,"url":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MJ-Podcast-Thumbnail.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Matt Rawson","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Matt Rawson","Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/"},"author":{"name":"Matt Rawson","@id":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/#\/schema\/person\/448d8320bcc37cb48e8a32bd2a5a5b78"},"headline":"Did Jesus Invent Modern Morality? Exploring Ancient Ethics (VIDEO)","datePublished":"2026-05-06T03:33:09+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-22T16:49:47+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/"},"wordCount":584,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MJ-Podcast-Thumbnail.png","articleSection":["Misquoting Jesus Podcast"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/","url":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/","name":"Did Jesus Invent Modern Morality? Exploring Ancient Ethics (VIDEO)","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MJ-Podcast-Thumbnail.png","datePublished":"2026-05-06T03:33:09+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-22T16:49:47+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/#\/schema\/person\/448d8320bcc37cb48e8a32bd2a5a5b78"},"description":"Explore the ethics of Jesus\u2019 world compared to Greek philosophical traditions like Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Cynicism. Bart Ehrman explains how ancient ideas of happiness, virtue, and the good life shaped\u2014and contrasted with\u2014Jesus\u2019 teachings on service, sacrifice, and the Kingdom of God.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MJ-Podcast-Thumbnail.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MJ-Podcast-Thumbnail.png","width":1440,"height":600},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/did-jesus-invent-modern-morality-exploring-ancient-ethics\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Did Jesus Invent Modern Morality? Exploring Ancient Ethics (VIDEO)"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/","name":"Bart Ehrman Courses Online","description":"New Testament scholar, Dr. Bart Ehrman&#039;s homepage. Bart is an author, speaker, consultant, online course creator, and professor at UNC Chapel Hill.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/#\/schema\/person\/448d8320bcc37cb48e8a32bd2a5a5b78","name":"Matt Rawson","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/576c723de7460ab350921187ff02f786f3e5bf4788d2f1fe46cdb8df7541fe33?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/576c723de7460ab350921187ff02f786f3e5bf4788d2f1fe46cdb8df7541fe33?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/576c723de7460ab350921187ff02f786f3e5bf4788d2f1fe46cdb8df7541fe33?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Matt Rawson"},"url":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/author\/matthewlrawson\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25175","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25175"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25175\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25178,"href":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25175\/revisions\/25178"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25478"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25175"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25175"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25175"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}