Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., lecture by Fr. Anthony Giambrone, O.P., professor of New Testament at the École Biblique et Archéologique Française in Jerusalem: Putting Theudas in His Place (Acts 5:34–39): Anachronisms in the Interpretation of an Ancient Anachronism. In Gamaliel’s speech, a certain Theudas is mentioned to urge the Sanhedrin to exercise caution in dealing with the apostles (Acts 5:34-39). Historians have long noted a chronological discrepancy: the figure of Theudas appears in Flavius Josephus at a time that seems to be later than that of Luke’s account.
Beyond the historical difficulty, how has this question been formulated over the centuries, and to what extent do certain modern readings project onto biblical texts historiographical expectations that do not correspond to ancient practices? Where does the “anachronism” lie? In the interpretation or in the text itself? By placing the passage in the context of first-century literary and historiographical culture, Fr. Anthony will show how the author of Acts uses well-known figures from messianic movements to develop a narrative and theological argument. The episode of Gamaliel may appear less as a chronological error than as a rhetorical device intended to situate the nascent Christian movement in the religious history of Israel and to suggest discernment.
Lecture in English, open to all.
ÉBAF conference room (83-85 Nablus Road / Derekh Shekhem, Jerusalem).