Meaning: The quote you provided comes from Simon Greenleaf, a prominent legal scholar and professor at Harvard Law School in the 19th century. Greenleaf was also a Christian apologist who is best known for his work in the field of evidence law and for his defense of the historicity and reliability of the New Testament accounts of Jesus Christ.

In the quote, Greenleaf emphasizes the foundational nature of the Christian faith, asserting that it is based on factual events rather than mere myths or legends. He specifically refers to the birth, ministry, miracles, death, and resurrection of Jesus as being attested to by the Evangelists (the authors of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) within their own personal knowledge.

Greenleaf's assertion reflects a key aspect of Christian belief, namely the historical reality of Jesus' life, teachings, and redemptive work. It also aligns with the central claim of the New Testament that the events surrounding Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are not symbolic or allegorical but rather actual occurrences that were witnessed and documented by those who were present at the time.

Greenleaf's background as a legal scholar is significant in this context because he approached the New Testament accounts from the perspective of evaluating evidence and determining the reliability of witness testimony. His legal expertise led him to apply principles of legal reasoning and evidence assessment to the study of the Gospels, leading him to conclude that they were trustworthy historical documents.

Greenleaf's argument has been influential in Christian apologetics, particularly in the realm of historical and legal defenses of the Christian faith. His emphasis on the factual basis of the Christian religion serves to challenge skeptics and critics who might dismiss the New Testament accounts as mere myths or fabrications.

Furthermore, Greenleaf's approach underscores the importance of historical investigation and critical analysis in assessing the claims of Christianity. By highlighting the role of evidence and firsthand testimony, he invites scrutiny and inquiry into the veracity of the Gospel narratives, encouraging a rational and reasoned consideration of the Christian faith.

It's worth noting that while Greenleaf's perspective resonates with many believers who prioritize the historical grounding of their faith, it is also subject to debate and interpretation within the broader context of biblical scholarship and theological inquiry. Not all scholars and theologians agree on the extent to which the Gospel accounts should be regarded as purely factual or whether they contain elements of theological interpretation and literary expression.

In conclusion, Simon Greenleaf's quote encapsulates his conviction that the essence of Christianity rests on the bedrock of historical factuality, particularly in relation to the life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection of Jesus as recorded in the New Testament Gospels. His perspective as a legal scholar and Christian apologist continues to inspire discussions and deliberations about the evidential basis of the Christian faith, prompting ongoing exploration and dialogue within the realms of theology, history, and jurisprudence.