Thank you for the question on the historicity of Biblical characters, “Is Martha of Bethany fake. Just another way for the Scribes to refer to Mary of Bethany (the Magdalen). And is James Bar-Zebedee fake. Just another way for the Scribes to refer to Lazarus of Bethany (i.e. John Bar-Zebedee)?
As one reads this question, is it possible that one fails to understand the character of the Pharisees and Scribes of the New Testament era. Pharisees and Scribes are known for righteous living including obedience to the 506 commandments in the Old Testament. To intentional lie would be heresy to them.
Saul of Tarsus, being a Pharisee, says that he is blameless to the Law (Phil. 3:4a-6). No one could accuse Saul of cheating on the Law. This means that he would not lie or bear false witness for anyone. He was taught under the great teacher Gamaliel. I could not imagine any Pharisee or Scribe distorting what they saw or heard from others or fabricating something that is false. That is not part of their lifestyle of being blameless before the Law.
It would paramount to think that one of the Supreme Court Justices to intentional lie to further a false narrative. One expects the Justices would be fair and objective, not bias and prejudice. To think that the Supreme Court Justices would in collusion to foster a false narrative or answer would be reprehensible and false before judges, lawyers, and even the common people. There would certainly be an outcry of calling their liars. No Jewish scribe or Christian scribe would fabricate a law for that is counter to the teaching of the Law and of Jesus. Speaking the truth is a core fundamental belief of Christians.
In addition, the writer of the Gospel of Luke, the writer states that other writers have written what they experience and their records even as he carefully investigated and wrote an orderly account of what he heard from others. In his second book, the Book of Acts at the time of his penning his letter states to the reader that he can travel to Israel to verify for himself whether what he wrote is true or false. No writer would make such a claim unless it is true otherwise he would be proven a liar (Luke 1:1–4, Acts 1:1–5).
No Christian would accept a false narrative nor would a Christian proclaim a lie. The Apostle Peter said this in II Peter 1, “16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages).
The Apostle Peter bears witness of what he saw and heard. In the selection of the 12th apostle before the Day of Pentecost, they had two men who were also witnesses of all that Jesus said and done from the time of John the Baptist. It is implausible to think that a Jewish scribe or a Christian scribe can fabricate a story without it being contested.
SUMMARY: No Jewish or Christian scribe would bear false witness in violating the Ten Commandments.
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