Meaning: The quote "Both Jewish and Roman sources and traditions admit an empty tomb" by Josh McDowell touches upon a significant aspect of the historical evidence surrounding the events of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. In order to provide a comprehensive understanding of this quote, it is essential to delve into the historical and religious contexts of the time.

According to the New Testament, Jesus of Nazareth was crucified and buried in a tomb, and three days later, the tomb was found empty, signaling his resurrection. This event holds immense significance in Christian belief and theology, as it serves as a central tenet of the faith. However, the historicity of the empty tomb has been a subject of scholarly inquiry and debate.

The reference to "Jewish and Roman sources and traditions" in the quote alludes to the fact that the empty tomb was not only acknowledged within the early Christian community but also found recognition in external historical and religious records. This is an important point as it indicates that the notion of an empty tomb was not solely propagated by Christians but also found acknowledgment or at least awareness among other cultural and religious groups of the time.

In Jewish tradition, the acknowledgment of an empty tomb can be traced to the early polemical writings between the Jewish religious authorities and early Christians. The Gospel accounts themselves attest to the Jewish response to the empty tomb, with the claim that the Jewish authorities spread the rumor that Jesus' disciples had stolen his body to fabricate the resurrection story. This indirect acknowledgment of the empty tomb within the Jewish polemics suggests that the existence of the empty tomb was a known factor, and the focus of debate shifted to explaining its circumstances rather than denying its occurrence.

Furthermore, the quote also refers to "Roman sources and traditions," indicating that even within the Roman context, there were records or traditions that acknowledged the existence of the empty tomb. This is significant because it suggests that the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and the subsequent discovery of the empty tomb were not isolated to Christian accounts but were known and discussed within broader cultural and historical frameworks of the time.

In addition to the acknowledgment of the empty tomb within Jewish and Roman sources, the quote by Josh McDowell also implies that the recognition of the empty tomb was not limited to the early Christian community but had broader historical and cultural resonance. This is an important point as it underscores the multi-faceted nature of the evidence for the empty tomb, indicating that it was not merely a theological construct but a phenomenon that reverberated within diverse social and religious contexts of the time.

In conclusion, the quote "Both Jewish and Roman sources and traditions admit an empty tomb" by Josh McDowell encapsulates the historical and cultural resonance of the empty tomb within the context of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. It highlights the widespread acknowledgment of the empty tomb, not only within the Christian tradition but also within Jewish and Roman sources, indicating that the existence of the empty tomb was a well-known and recognized aspect of the historical narrative surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection. This acknowledgment from diverse sources adds layers of historical authenticity and complexity to the events of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, contributing to the rich tapestry of evidence and perspectives surrounding this pivotal moment in religious history.