Were the New Testament authors contriving anti-Jewish episodes or simply stating historical fact? Did they distort even factual events so as to blame the Jews? Let's find out.
Answer:
To answer these questions objectively one need only to read and compare the Gospel narratives of events surrounding the trial and execution of Jesus. These accounts show wide discrepancies, but it is the manner in which the blame for Jesus' death is shifted away from the local Roman authorities and placed upon all Jews, everywhere, that is most telling of the intent of the Gospel authors. Events, whether real or imaginary, are recorded in such a way as to condemn the Jewish people. A distinct effort is made to involve and accuse the entire Jewish people of being responsible for Jesus' death. Jews, especially their leader, are portrayed in the Gospels as constantly plotting the demise of the innocent Jesus, but the accusations do not stop there. The New Testament authors portray the Jews as innately evil and perverse. Yet, at the same time, not one Roman is held culpable for the execution or portrayed as evil.