Excavating the Evidence for Jesus: The Archaeology and History of Christ and the Gospels

Examine the Evidence Surrounding Jesus No other figure has impacted history like Jesus. Yet today, he’s often seen as a mythical character whose legend increased over time. So what does the historical and archaeological evidence say about Jesus? Archaeologist Dr. Titus Kennedy has investigated firsthand the discoveries connected to Jesus’ birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. He has visited and excavated where Jesus walked, and examined the artifacts connected to Jesus’ life. Here, he presents an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the research and findings that illuminate the historicity of Christ as presented in the Bible.Excavating the Evidence for Jesus progresses chronologically through the Gospels, noting the many relevant archaeological, historical, geographic, and literary findings. As you read, you’ll be able to decide for yourself whether the evidence confirms the existence and story of Jesus, and determine whether the Gospels are worthy of being approached not as legends, but as history. Further, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the historic basis of Christianity, a richer knowledge of the ancient world, and an evidence-based perspective on the reliability of the Bible. Review “In this beautifully illustrated, extensively documented and clearly written book, Titus Kennedy provides the most comprehensive archaeological defense yet in print of the historical reliability of the Gospels and their account of the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Kennedy marches systematically through the different phases of the life of Jesus-from his birth to his ministry, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection-as recorded in the New Testament. As he does, he shows that in each case, a surprising body of evidence supports the reliability of the Gospel accounts of these events. Who knew that the actual site of the trial of Jesus before Pilate has been identified by archaeologists? Or that each of the major figures in that trial-Caiaphas, Herod Antipas, Pilate, Peter, and Jesus himself-have all been independently attested by archaeological and documentary historical evidence in recent years? “Kennedy skillfully shows his readers the evidence-photographic and otherwise-that documents these important people, places, and events. A unique resource for anyone wanting to investigate the real historical Jesus.” -Dr. Stephen C. Meyer, PhD, History and Philosophy of Science, Cambridge University; author, Return of the God Hypothesis“In Excavating the Evidence for Jesus, Titus Kennedy illuminates the world of late second-temple Judaism. Kennedy’s lucid prose simplifies complicated matters such as the nativity census of Quirinius. He explores various theories and conspiracies and presciently shows readers where the weight of evidence lies. I highly recommend this well-written and well-researched book to my students and colleagues.” -Scott Stripling, PhD, Provost and Professor of Biblical Archaeology and History, The Bible Seminary, Katy, TX; Director of Excavations at Shiloh and Khirbet el-Maqatir“How credible are the Gospels, and how strong is the evidence for the historical Jesus? Kennedy’s Excavating the Evidence for Jesus is an exceptional in-depth companion to the Gospel accounts, summarizing the relevant archaeological finds and providing essential historical background for New Testament times.“Organized around specific events in the life and ministry of Jesus, one can take a bite- sized deep dive into any particular question and come back with a satisfying archaeological and historical evidence-based answer each time. Of course, one also can sit down and easily flow through the book from cover to cover: Sufficient details are provided so that one feels the weight of the evidence yet is not bogged down or overwhelmed by technicalities. In some details, Kennedy offers an evidence-based alternate to the traditional interpretation that is true to Scripture and worth considering.“What I found especiall