Jesus of Nazareth in His Historical Setting

Christianity centers on Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish teacher from Galilee who lived in Roman-ruled Judea and was crucified in Jerusalem around 30–33 CE under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Most historians, whatever their beliefs, agree that he existed, was baptized by John the Baptist, taught about the coming 'kingdom of God', gathered disciples and was executed by Roman authorities.

His teaching, recorded in the Gospels, used parables such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son and stressed love of God and neighbor, forgiveness and concern for the poor and outcasts. His context matters: Judea was tense under Roman occupation, and Jewish groups such as the Pharisees, Sadducees and Essenes disagreed about how to live faithfully. Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead and is the Messiah (Christ) and Son of God, beliefs that historians cannot test but that explain the movement's rapid growth among his followers.

Jesus is also honored as a prophet in Islam.