Overview Sources for the historicity of Jesus

a page 2 corinthians in papyrus 46, c. ce 200

in context of christian sources, if other texts ignored, pauline epistles can provide information regarding jesus. information not include narrative of life of jesus, , refers existence person, adds few specific items apart death crucifixion. information comes letters of paul authenticity not disputed. paul not companion of jesus , claims information comes holy spirit acquired after jesus death.

of thirteen letters bear paul s name, 7 considered authentic scholars, , others considered pseudepigraphic. 7 undisputed letters (and approximate dates) are: 1 thessalonians (c. 51 ce), philippians (c. 52-54 ce), philemon (c. 52-54 ce), 1 corinthians (c. 53-54 ce), galatians (c. 55 ce), 2 corinthians (c. 55-56 ce) , romans (c. 55-58 ce). authenticity of these letters accepted scholars, , have been referenced , interpreted authors such origen , eusebius.

given pauline epistles dated ce 50 ce 60, earliest surviving christian texts include information jesus. these letters written approximately twenty thirty years after accepted time period death of jesus, around ce 30-36. letters written during time when paul recorded encounters disciples of jesus, e.g. galatians 1:18 states several years after conversion paul went jerusalem , stayed apostle peter fifteen days. during time, paul disputed nature of jesus message jesus s brother james, concerning importance of adhering kosher food restrictions , circumcision, important features of determining jewish identity.

the pauline letters not intended provide narrative of life of jesus, written expositions of christian teachings. in paul s view, earthly life of jesus of lower importance theology of death , resurrection,a theme permeates pauline writings. however, pauline letters indicate paul jesus real person (born of woman in gal 4.4) had disciples (1 corinthians 15.5), crucified (as in 1 corinthians 2.2 , galatians 3.1) , resurrected dead (1 corinthians 15.20, romans 1.4 , 6.5, philippians 3:10-11). , letters reflect general concept within gentillic christian church jesus existed, crucified , raised dead.

the references paul jesus not in prove existence of jesus, establish existence of jesus accepted norm within christians (including christian community in jerusalem, given references collections there) twenty thirty years after death of jesus, @ time when have been acquainted him still alive.