Who Was Jesus? Exploring the History of Jesus’ Life
Learn about the history of Jesus’ life.
Who Was Jesus? Exploring the History of Jesus’ Life
In this FREE eBook, examine fundamental questions about Jesus of Nazareth
Jesus is the central figure of Christianity, the world’s largest religion. As a teacher in first-century Galilee, he influenced thousands. Yet many questions today surround this enigmatic person. Where was he really born—Bethlehem or Nazareth? Did he marry? Is there evidence outside of the Bible that proves he actually walked the earth?
Drawn from articles in Biblical Archaeology Review and Bible Review, the Biblical Archaeology Society eBook Who Was Jesus? Exploring the History of Jesus’ Life examines the history of Jesus’ life, from where he was born, where he grew up and whether there is extra-Biblical evidence for his existence.
Chapter 1
Did Jesus Exist?
Did Jesus of Nazareth really exist? What’s the evidence outside of the Bible? In “Did Jesus Exist? Searching for Evidence Beyond the Bible,” Lawrence Mykytiuk examines Classical and Jewish writings from the first several centuries C.E. These records give us a glimpse of the person who would become the central figure in Christianity mere decades after his crucifixion.
Chapter 2
Jesus’ Birthplace and Jesus’ Home
Where was Jesus born? The Gospels of Matthew and Luke say that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. So why is he called a Nazorean and a Galilean throughout the New Testament? In “Jesus’ Birthplace and Jesus’ Home,” Philip J. King examines what the Bible actually says about Bethlehem, traditionally considered Jesus’ birthplace, and Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown.
Chapter 3
Has Jesus’ Nazareth House Been Found?
What was Nazareth like during Jesus’ time? In “Has Jesus’ Nazareth House Been Found?” Ken Dark describes the excavation of an intriguing first-century “courtyard house” that may have been revered as Jesus’ boyhood home in the Byzantine period. Other archaeological evidence suggests that Jesus’ Nazareth was larger and wealthier than previously thought.
Chapter 4
Did Jesus Marry?
Modern movies and novels always want to marry Jesus off to one of his most prominent—and perhaps scandalous—female followers, Mary Magdalene. But Jesus’ own words suggest he wasn’t interested in such worldly matters, according to Birger A. Pearson in “Did Jesus Marry?”
Chapter 5
Was Jesus’ Last Supper a Seder?
Matthew, Mark and Luke say that Jesus was crucified on Passover, suggesting that the Last Supper was a Seder, a ritual meal held in celebration of this Jewish holiday. John indicates otherwise. Who’s right, if any of them? Jonathan Klawans examines this question in “Was Jesus’ Last Supper a Seder?”
Recent Blog Posts
The Nun of the Rings
Deborah in the Bible
Want more Bible history?
Sign up to receive our email newsletter and never miss an update.
Unlock Unlimited Access to the Bible's Past
Unlock Unlimited Access to the Bible's Past
Become an All-Access Member to explore the Bible's rich history. Get Biblical Archaeology Review in print, full online access, and FREE online talks. Plus, enjoy special Travel/Study discounts. Don't miss out—begin your journey today!
There angels and demons, for those who don’t believe Jesus is God in person then you lack the spirit to understand. In the book, Alien Interview, the alien (angel) stated the Bible is true… Who would you be if you don’t believe the alien from August 1947? Whether you believe or not you are at the mercy between God and the Devil, only Jesus can save you and protect you.
After reading just some of the above comments I am more convinced that some people should never read the Bible ,as they only find lies in truths. Their minds are just wired for hatred against anything loving! It very probably includes the the influence of humanism and evolution –satans tools !.
Matthew 1:23 – Jesus is called “Emmanuel; meaning GOD WITH US.” If you go to Isaiah 7:14 (written 760 years before the birth of Christ) You will see that a virgin shall conceive and bring forth Immanuel (Hebrew rendition of Greek Emmanuel) which also means “God With Us.”
Thomas the disciple of Jesus cried out; “My Lord and My God” when speaking to Jesus and Jesus never corrected him. Jesus accepted worship and in Revelation chapter one Jesus calls himself the “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end” which are names solely attributed to God in the Old Testament.
For a very thorough study on the deity of Jesus Christ I suggest that you visit the following page – http://www.crlord.com/the-deity-of-jesus.html There are many scriptures and a lot of information there that conclusively prove he is God for those who are able to be objective in their research instead of objective or opinionated.
Rick says, “….. in Revelation chapter one Jesus calls himself the “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end”
Do you have a problem reading, Rick………I ask this because at Revelation 1:8 is says that it was God who called himself the ‘Alpha and the Omega’ not Jesus……again at Revelation 21:6 the expression occurs again……..and again it refers to God, not Jesus.
“……….that conclusively prove he (Jesus) is God…….”
Please Rick, do not rely on what so called scholars say, its what the Bible says that counts…….and the Bible clearly states that Jesus is God’s son……John 1:1-3, 14; John 8:42; Romans 8:3; Galatians 4:4; 1 John 4:9-11; John 3:16; 1 John 4:9; etc.,etc.
It is not who was Jesus it is who is Jesus.
Jesus in English or western languages is the Yesu in Eastern languages, and this Yesu is the Lord who will be called Christ when he comes to earth after several thousand of years after the judgement of world.The Jewish people now study Yesuvites without knowing he was the Christ.
Excellent references.
Bem, acreditar na divindade de Jesus é uma questão além de histórica, muito mais de fé. Ele, Jesus, o Filho de Deus, disse: Bem-aventurados sois vós que não viram, mas creram! Isso é fé. Eu não fui um dos discípulos de Jesus: não andei com Ele, meus olhos não o viram, meus ouvidos não o ouviram, meu nariz não sentiu o seu perfume, minha mãos não O tocaram, mas… Hoje, como filho de Deus, através de Jesus Cristo, posso andar com Ele, posso vê-Lo, posso ouvi-Lo, posso sentir o seu perfume e posso tocá-Lo. Isso é sobrenatural! Enquanto escrevo estas singelas linhas, posso sentir sua presença aqui comigo. Eu te amo e sempre te amarei, YESHUA MASHIACH!
Wow, am shocked to know that there are still people who don’t believe in God and Jesus. Jesus is real, he actually came and will come again. He came the first time to give us life- He said I came that you may have life- He will come a second time to judge the earth, by then it will be too late to make any decision. Today while you still have the time, choose Him, give your heart to Christ, He loves you so much He gave up His life for you.
I believe in a saviour i wil nt debate on the name urs and myn varies
..if need be lets do lyk the appostles when they wanted a person to replace judas iscariot..prayer in unity
Graham says: Isn’t amazing how some find “the Truth” at Amazon.com rather than going to the only Truth, God’s Word, the Holy Bible. I know that my Savior is alive and real. He saved my life twice; once lost at sea in the North Atlantic Ocean and once after 21/2 hours in water after my small boat sank in Biscane Bay, Florida. After the second time, I realized that God was telling me something. We talked and I found how much I needed Jesus. It’s true, Jesus can and will forgive all your sins; one would have to be God to forgive all of my sins. But now I’m free! I’m free to serve my King of kings, my Lord of lords! For all you Christains out there, “Isn’t it great to be in the grip of the Holy Spirit!”