Scholarly Consensus
The percentage of modern critical scholars who affirm that Jesus of Nazareth was a real historical figure.
Universally Accepted Events
His Baptism by John and his Crucifixion under Pontius Pilate are the two events with “almost universal assent” among historians.
Core Apostles
The number of disciples Jesus selected to form the foundation of his movement and lead the early church.
The Historical Record
Jesus’s existence is affirmed by both Christian and non-Christian sources written within decades of his life. This chart visualizes the composition dates of key documents, showing how early the accounts appeared. Earlier sources are considered more historically valuable.
A Life in Timeline
Birth & Childhood
c. 6-4 BC
Birth & Childhood (c. 6-4 BC)
Born in Bethlehem, family flees to Egypt, and settles in Nazareth. At 12, displays profound wisdom in the Temple.
Ministry Begins
c. 26-27 AD
Ministry Begins (c. 26-27 AD)
Baptized by John the Baptist, endures 40 days of temptation, and begins preaching the “Kingdom of God” in Galilee.
Crucifixion
c. 30 or 33 AD
Crucifixion (c. 30 or 33 AD)
After a triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the Last Supper, he is arrested, tried, and crucified by Roman authorities at Golgotha.
The World of 1st Century Judea
Jesus navigated a complex landscape of competing Jewish sects under Roman rule. His message often created conflict with these powerful groups.
Pharisees 📖
Influential teachers who adhered to both written and oral law. They often clashed with Jesus over his interpretation of the law, Sabbath observance, and association with “sinners.”
Sadducees 🏛️
The wealthy, aristocratic priestly class who controlled the Temple. They rejected resurrection and oral law, viewing Jesus as a threat to their power and stability with Rome.
Zealots 🗡️
Militant revolutionaries who advocated armed revolt against Rome. Jesus’s circle included “Simon the Zealot,” creating tension with his non-violent teachings.
Herodians 👑
A political faction loyal to the Roman-appointed King Herod. They conspired with Pharisees to trap Jesus with political questions, like paying taxes to Caesar.
Essenes 🏜️
An ascetic, separatist group focused on ritual purity, likely associated with the Dead Sea Scrolls. No direct interactions with Jesus are recorded in the Gospels.
A Shared Opposition
Despite their own conflicts, the shared hostility of these groups toward Jesus highlights the profoundly disruptive nature of his ministry to the established order.
Core Ministry & Message
Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
The central theme of his teaching, announced with the urgent message, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” This challenged societal norms and religious legalism.
The Sermon on the Mount
A foundational discourse containing the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus offered a deeper interpretation of moral law.
Use of Parables
He used illustrative stories from everyday life (e.g., The Good Samaritan, The Prodigal Son) to make complex spiritual truths accessible.
Performance of Miracles
Miracles of healing, authority over nature, and raising the dead served as signs of his divine authority and compassion.
The Path to the Cross
The trial of Jesus was a rapid sequence of events involving multiple Jewish and Roman authorities.
1. Arrest in Gethsemane
Betrayed by Judas and arrested by Temple guards.
2. Trial before Jewish High Court
Questioned by Annas and Caiaphas; condemned by the Sanhedrin.
3. Trial before Roman Governor
Sent to Pontius Pilate, who finds no charge but yields to the crowd.
4. Crucifixion at Golgotha
Flogged, mocked, and executed by Roman soldiers.
