The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ by Gary R. Habermas

The book "The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ" by Gary R. Habermas is a work that explores the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus by tracing historical evidence from sources outside the Bible. The book is divided into three main parts: contemporary challenges to the historicity of Jesus, historical data from various ancient sources, and an appendix providing supplementary material. Habermas emphasizes the importance of extra-biblical sources to support the biblical accounts, while still honoring the authority of the New Testament. The book aims to strengthen the historical foundation for the resurrection and life of Jesus while responding to skeptical views from scholars such as Rudolf Bultmann and the Jesus Seminar.

The historical foundation for the resurrection and life of Jesus can be built through critical analysis of historical facts widely accepted by scholars. These facts include the empty tomb, the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, the transformation of the disciples, and the conversions of Paul and James. These facts have been established using critical methodology and cannot be dismissed even by those who doubt other issues such as the authority of Scripture [p. 254]. In fact, using only four minimal historical facts accepted by nearly all scholars dealing with this topic, we already have a significant basis to counter naturalistic theories and provide primary evidence for the resurrection [p. 254].

First, the empty tomb of Jesus is one of the strongest pieces of evidence supporting the resurrection. This evidence is supported by secular sources that acknowledge Jesus’ tomb was found empty three days after his death [p. 254]. Additionally, the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus to his followers are recorded in various sources. Josephus, a Jewish historian, noted that the disciples claimed to have seen Jesus alive three days after the crucifixion [pp. 221–222]. Phlegon also stated that Jesus appeared and showed the nail marks in his hands [pp. 221–222]. These appearances provide a strong foundation for the disciples’ belief in the resurrection.

Second, the transformation of the disciples after Jesus’ resurrection also serves as significant evidence. The disciples, who had previously been fearful and in hiding, became bold and courageous in spreading Jesus’ teachings despite facing threats and persecution [p. 254]. Such a transformation is difficult to explain without an extraordinary event like the resurrection. Furthermore, the conversions of Paul and James, both of whom were initially skeptical, offer additional proof. Paul, originally a persecutor of Christians, experienced a dramatic change after encountering the risen Jesus [p. 168]. James, the brother of Jesus, also became a leader in the early church after a post-resurrection appearance [p. 168].

Third, the resurrection of Jesus is not merely a myth or legend arising from the creative imagination of his followers. Even more skeptical historians agree that for early Christianity, the resurrection of Jesus was a real historical event and the foundation of faith, not a mythical idea [p. 164]. These historical facts are critically accepted as knowable history and are directly connected to the experiences of the disciples [p. 164]. These facts are capable, even on a limited scale, of refuting naturalistic theories and providing positive primary evidence linking the probability of a literal resurrection [p. 164].

Fourth, naturalistic hypotheses that attempt to explain the supernatural aspect of Jesus’ resurrection in normal terms have failed to do so. This is especially true because such hypotheses are refuted by known historical data [p. 281]. There is a wealth of positive evidence for the resurrection, indicating that Jesus did rise from the dead [p. 281]. For example, the claim that the disciples stole Jesus’ body and declared him risen cannot account for the known facts [pp. 249 & 254]. Other sources also affirm that Jesus was raised from the dead, including early creeds and eyewitness reports that claim to have seen the risen Jesus personally [pp. 249 & 254].

Fifth, early reports of Jesus’ resurrection, possibly dating back to the 30s AD, provide strong evidence for resurrection appearances [pp. 249 & 254]. These reports originate from eyewitnesses who claimed to have personally seen the risen Jesus [pp. 249 & 254]. For example, in 1 Corinthians 15:3–8, Paul records a list of Jesus’ appearances to various individuals and groups, including to himself [p. 168]. These appearances were reported at a very early date, indicating that belief in Jesus’ resurrection was present from the beginning of Christianity’s development [p. 168].

Sixth, Jesus’ resurrection is also supported by various early Christian sources. For instance, in the Acts of the Apostles, the author notes that Jesus was raised on the third day after the crucifixion and appeared to his followers, even eating with them [pp. 151–152]. After his resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven and was glorified and exalted [pp. 151–152]. These facts indicate that the resurrection of Jesus was not merely a theological belief, but a historical event supported by multiple early sources.

Seventh, Jesus’ resurrection is also acknowledged in several early Gnostic writings. Although Gnostic theology often differs from orthodox Christian teachings, some Gnostic texts affirm Jesus’ resurrection [pp. 117–118]. However, early interest in Jesus’ resurrection focused more on the “chain of identifiable witnesses” rather than Gnostic theology [pp. 117–118]. This shows that the resurrection of Jesus was widely acknowledged across various early Christian traditions.

Conclusion

The historical foundation for the resurrection and life of Jesus can be built through critical analysis of historical facts widely accepted by scholars. These facts include the empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, the transformation of the disciples, and the conversions of Paul and James. These facts have been established through critical methodology and cannot be dismissed by those who doubt other issues such as Scripture. The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a myth or legend but a real event in history, supported by various pieces of evidence and early sources.

Reference

Habermas, G.R., 1996. The historical Jesus: Ancient evidence for the life of Christ. College Press.