The University of Flanders discusses the historical existence of Jesus, using various sources including biblical writings, propaganda, and enemy writings. The three waves of research on Jesus are discussed, leading to a current period of study that focuses on Jesus' Jewish context. It is noted that we know with historical certainty more about Jesus than some Roman emperors, and that he was crucified by Pontius Pilate on April 6, 30 AD. The discussion ends by noting that the story of Jesus' resurrection falls outside of history and the scope of the discussion.
1. Jesus really existed according to historical research.
2. The oldest writings about Jesus are Paul's letters written about 20 years after Jesus died.
3. The four Gospels were written from approximately 40 to 70 years after his death and are propaganda writings.
4. There are also apocryphal writings about Jesus, but they are not considered valuable sources.
5. Roman sources like Tacitus provide testimony about Jesus.
6. There have been three major waves of research into the historical Jesus.
7. The third quest for Jesus started in the 1980s and focuses on Jesus as a Jew.
8. We know with historical certainty that Jesus traveled, taught, had 12 students (and a larger group of 72), and was crucified by the Romans on April 6, 30 AD.