The Historical Jesus

Examine historical evidence and discover what we really know about Jesus in this eye-opening course by Professor Bart Ehrman, a New York Times best-selling author.

Overview

Course No. 643

This 24-lecture investigation explores:

• Scholarly methods for analyzing biblical texts
• Historical context of 1st-century Palestine
• Apocalyptic teachings of Jesus
• Transition from Jesus’ religion to Christianity

What You’ll Discover:

✓ How historians evaluate gospel accounts
✓ The political and religious world Jesus inhabited
✓ Why many scholars view Jesus as an apocalyptic prophet
✓ The development of early Christian beliefs

Video Lectures

Section 1: Sources & Methods

01-04: The Gospel Puzzle (30-32 min)
Multiple perspectives and historical challenges

05-08: Alternative Sources (30-31 min)
Non-canonical gospels, Coptic texts, and lost documents

09-10: Historical Criteria (30-31 min)
Tools for separating fact from theological interpretation

Section 2: Jesus in Context

11-14: 1st-Century Palestine (30-31 min)
Roman rule, Jewish sects, and apocalyptic expectations

15-17: Jesus’ Core Message (30-31 min)
Kingdom of God, ethical teachings, and miracles

Section 3: Final Days & Legacy

18-21: Conflicts & Crucifixion (30-31 min)
Temple incident, trials, and execution

22-24: Resurrection & Beyond (30-31 min)
Early Christian beliefs and theological developments