The Historical Jesus: the Origins of Christian Belief

The authors of the New Testament were convinced that Jesus was the promised Messiah as prophesised in the Hebrew Scriptures. However, the New Testament is not a uniform account of Christian belief or a consistent historical narrative. To explain some of these inconsistencies it is helpful to understand how the authors interpreted Hebrew Scriptures' prophesies to emphasise current events. They were also influenced by contemporary cultural and religious beliefs, and a changing political environment. The New Testament includes differing historical scenarios that are addressed. Was Jesus born in Nazareth rather than Bethlehem?

Was Jesus' message of the Kingdom of God primarily for the Jews and not the Gentiles?

Did Jesus die as a result of a summary execution rather than by trial by the Sanhedrin?

Did Jesus die on Thursday afternoon before partaking in the Passover supper? This work represents a radical new understanding of the origins of Christian belief and reflects the work of many eminent academics in recent decades.