Jesus, the Apostles, and the New Testament — Historical Setting

The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus

c. AD 30 or 33

Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate, buried, and raised from the dead, becoming the foundation of the apostolic gospel.

Full Account

All four Gospels place Jesus' death during the governorship of Pontius Pilate and testify that He was buried and that His tomb was found empty. They report appearances to women, the apostles, and other disciples.

The apostles did not present the resurrection as a private symbol. They proclaimed it as God's historical vindication of Jesus and appealed to eyewitness testimony. Paul's summary in 1 Corinthians 15 preserves a carefully received tradition naming appearances to individuals and groups.

Historical Significance

The death and bodily resurrection of Christ are the central saving events proclaimed throughout the New Testament.

People, Places and Sources

Key people: Jesus Christ; Pontius Pilate; Mary Magdalene; Peter; John; the apostles
Key places: Jerusalem; Golgotha; the empty tomb
Languages: Aramaic, Greek
Scripture: Matthew 27-28
Luke 23-24
John 19-21
1 Corinthians 15:3-8