Jesus of Nazareth
Jesus of Nazareth as a historical figure: the setting of his life and death in Roman Judea, and the sources about him.
Category: Figures
- c. 5 BCEThe birth of Jesus (traditional)
Matthew places Jesus's birth in the reign of Herod, so before 4 BCE; scholars give a range of 7 to 2 BCE. Luke links it to the census of Quirinius, in 6 CE, which most critical scholars take as an error. Both put it in Bethlehem; the Gospels give no year.
- c. 28John the Baptist preaches and is killed
About 28-29 CE John the Baptist preaches and baptizes; Jesus's baptism by him is among the events scholars accept most widely. Herod Antipas has John killed, around 30. The Gospels cite his rebuke of Antipas's marriage; Josephus says Antipas feared revolt.
- c. 30The crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified in Jerusalem under Pontius Pilate, most likely at Passover in 30 or 33 CE. Tacitus mentions it, and the baptism and crucifixion are the points scholars accept most widely. The Gospels differ over how much blame falls on Pilate.
- c. 48 – c. 62Paul writes the earliest surviving Christian texts
From c. 48 CE the apostle Paul writes letters to early Christian communities, among them Galatians, 1 Thessalonians and Romans. They are the oldest writings of the New Testament.
- c. 70The Gospel of Mark, the earliest gospel, is written
Around 70 CE, near the First Jewish–Roman War and the destruction of the Temple, the Gospel of Mark is composed. Most scholars see it as the first gospel; its place of writing is debated.