Jesus
The central figure of the Bible’s story, whom Christians confess as the Messiah and the Son of God.
What the sources say, and how sure we are
- The text says
The four Gospels present Jesus as the teacher, healer, and Messiah who is crucified and raised. Matthew and Luke use Mark, so the Gospels are not four fully independent accounts. John is usually thought to draw on separate traditions.Mark 1:1; Luke 1:1–4; John 20:30–31
- Outside evidence
Tacitus says Christ was executed by Pontius Pilate, and Josephus mentions Jesus and the death of his brother James. Nearly all historians, believers or not, accept that Jesus lived and was crucified under Pilate.Tacitus, Annals 15.44; Josephus, Antiquities 18.63; 20.200
- Debated
Scholars differ on how much of the Gospels can be treated as history, on the dates of Jesus’ birth and death, and on how to understand his claims about himself.Luke 3:1; Mark 14:61–62
- Debated
Historians widely agree that his followers soon sincerely claimed that he had risen and appeared to them. What caused that belief is debated, and the Gospels differ in details. Paul’s summary in 1 Corinthians 15 is earlier than the Gospels as written books.1 Cor 15:3–8
- Christian conclusion
Christians confess Jesus as Messiah, Son of God, and risen Lord, in whom the Old Testament story reaches its center.Luke 24:44–47; John 1:14; Rom 1:3–4