Jesus of Nazareth is perhaps the most significant individual in human history, and yet some skeptics and critics have questioned his existence. How much can we actually know about him beyond the religious texts that recount his life?
Historians and archaeologists have been able to some degree to reveal some clues and confirm some of the points of the New Testament writings, but they are also faced with many challenges and limitations. Here follows some of the major areas of evidence and controversy regarding the historic Jesus.
Was Jesus a historical figure? The majority of New Testament scholars hold that Jesus was a historical figure who existed in the first century in Palestine. There are no numerous outside Bible sources mentioning him, yet some can be cited. For example, Jewish author Josephus and Roman author Tacitus both write about Jesus and his followers in their writings. But there are controversial or alleged interpolations by subsequent Christian copyists among these statements.
Where was Jesus born and raised? The New Testament states that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth. Remnants of both places have been found by archaeologists, but they have failed to establish any direct connection to Jesus or his family. Other scholars also question if Jesus was indeed born in Bethlehem, since then that would have been a way of linking him with the Messianic prophecy of the house of David.
What did Jesus teach and do? Jesus is depicted in the New Testament as a miracle-working healer and charismatic preacher who opposed the religious leaders and foretold the coming of God’s kingdom. Jesus’ main work was based on love, justice for the poor and oppressed, repentance, a nd forgiveness. He also proclaimed that he was the Son of God and the Messiah, which created hostility with some Romans and Jews.
How did Jesus die and resurrect? The New Testament reveals that Jesus was crucified on the Roman command, under Pontius Pilate, at the initiative of the Jewish leaders who had brought charges against him for blasphemy and sedition. He died on the cross and was buried in a tomb, but on the third day he arose from the dead and appeared alive to his disciples. This is the core doctrine of Christianity, but also its most disputed one. Some skeptics argue that Jesus did not perish on the cross, but survived or fainted. Others have suggested that his body was taken or transported by his disciples, who then created or fantasized about his resurrection.
The historical account of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is thin and ambiguous. There is no absolute physical or archaeological proof of either event. There is also no external confirmation from non-Christian sources. However, several scholars quote the fact that crucifixion was a common and merciless method of execution in Roman times, and that it would be impossible for anyone to live. They also argue that the earliest Christians would endanger their lives to die for faith in the risen Jesus, which would be hard to explain if they thought it was a lie.
The historical testimony for Jesus of Nazareth is not conclusive, but it is hardly irrelevant. It suggests that he was a real human person who lived sometime and somewhere, who had followers and opponents, who taught and performed deeds that made him known
