Replies

There are theories that as Jesus traveled and honed his message for the world, he lived briefly with the Essenes. Some of their writings discuss "the enlightened one."

The Essenes were apostate Jews.

The Jews themselves were apostate, as evidenced by John the Baptist and Jesus preaching. Matt 21:24 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? 26 But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. 27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

The Jews had lost authority and sound doctrine.

13 posted on 08/15/2006 5:54:06 AM PDT by carumba (The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you've got it made. Groucho)

??????????????????????

I thought they were just one of many different Jewish sects existing at the time, like the early Christians.

44 posted on 08/15/2006 8:41:20 AM PDT by ZULU (Non nobis, non nobis, Domine, sed nomini tuo da gloriam. God, guts, and guns made America great.)