The Christian Account of the Barcelona Disputation

This chapter details the Christian account of the Barcelona Disposition. After a discussion with King James I of Aragon and certain friars who were present, Pablo Christiani proposed to Naḥmanides that he would prove, through writings accepted and authoritative among the Jews, the following: that the Messiah whom the Jews expect, has undoubtedly come; that the Messiah himself, as had been prophesied, must be both God and man; that he truly suffered and died for the salvation of the human race; and that legal or ceremonial matters ceased and had to cease after the coming of the said Messiah. Pablo Christiani also addresses the belief in the Holy Trinity held by Christians. Among the proofs put forward for the advent of the Messiah was one adduced from Genesis: ‘The sceptre shall not pass away from Judah’ (Genesis, 49:10). Since, therefore, it is certain that in Judah there is neither sceptre nor leader, it is certain that the Messiah who was to be sent has come.