The Christian faith is not built on myth or legend. The life of Jesus is supported by ancient sources — both Christian and non-Christian.
New Testament
Roman Historians
Jewish Writings
Early Church
Click any fact to see the scriptural basis and historical context.
Historians may disagree about theology, but the historical evidence points to several strong conclusions:
Jesus lived in the first century
He was crucified under Roman authority
His followers believed He rose from the dead
The Christian movement exploded shortly afterward
The Resurrection Explains These Facts
The resurrection of Jesus is the explanation that best accounts for the empty tomb, the post-resurrection appearances, the sudden boldness of the disciples, and the explosive growth of the early church. Alternative theories — stolen body, swoon, hallucination — fail to account for all the evidence together.
The Gospel writers did not record these events merely as history. They wrote so people would believe.
"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples… But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
If Jesus truly rose from the dead, then His message must be taken seriously.
"God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."