Titus M Kennedy - Excavating the Evidence for Jesus: The Archaeology and History of Christ and the Gospels

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 Jesusfrom his birth to his ministry, trial, crucifixion, and resurrectionas 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 trialCaiaphas, Herod Antipas, Pilate, Peter, and Jesus himselfhave all been independently attested by archaeological and documentary historical evidence in recent years?

Kennedy skillfully shows his readers the evidencephotographic and otherwisethat 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. Kennedys 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? Kennedys 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 bitesized 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 especially effective is Kennedys use of the historical evidence provided by the early scoffers of Christianity and from the records detailing the early Roman efforts to stamp out this radical cult: The descriptions provided by the ancient enemies of Jesus confirm the highlights of his life. These details could not have been invented by the church centuries later if they were common knowledge and mentioned by Christian critics in the first and second centuries.

Easily accessible and readable, the refreshing message again and again is that behind the Gospel accounts are real places, real people, and real eventsin short, real history. The Gospel writers were telling us what they saw and heard, not what they (or followers centuries later) imagined or hoped. In an age where it seems that skeptics have the microphone in the popular media, Kennedy provides a detailed and convincing response: Even 2,000 years later, striking amounts of evidence survive to show why Jesus is the most important figure in human history and worth trusting. Every Christian and seeker will be strengthened by reading this book.

John A. Bloom, PhD, PhD , Professor of Physics; Director, MA of Science and Religion Program, Biola University, La Mirada, CA

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EUGENE, OREGON

All Scripture quotations are from the (NASB)New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permisison. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org

Cover photo Morphart Creation, michelangeloop, pixels outloud / Shutterstock

Cover design by Studio Gearbox

Interior design by KUHN Design Group

Photos on pages 19, 23, 42, 86, 253, and 275 are public domain

Photos of the James Ossuary on page 224 are Paradiso and used with permission

All other photos are Titus Kennedy

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Excavating the Evidence for Jesus

Copyright 2022 by Titus Kennedy

Published by Harvest House Publishers

Eugene, Oregon 97408

www.harvesthousepublishers.com

ISBN 978-0-7369-8468-3 (pbk)

ISBN 978-0-7369-8469-0 (eBook)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021937787

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Acknowledgment and thanks should be given to all the archaeologists, explorers, historians, linguists, and biblical scholars who have come before, from ancient to modern times. Their incredible discoveries, detailed accounts, preservation of the past, and thoughtful research have enhanced the knowledge and understanding we have today and ultimately have made this book possible. Without their perseverance, dedication, curiosity, and intelligence, the world of Jesus would still be shrouded in mystery.

Also deserving of much gratitude and thanks are the archaeologists and scholars who taught and trained me, the friends who explored and worked with me, the individuals and institutions who supported and encouraged me in my research, the professors who polished my writing, and the staff and editors at Harvest House Publishers. All glory and honor to Jesus Christ.

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught (Luke 1:1-4).