Chasing Jesus: An Historians Search for the Historical Jesus

A casual reading of the Biblical account of the life of Jesus gives the story of one life presented in a neat and orderly fashion. However, a deeper study reveals inconsistencies and chronological problems. What was historical fact and what was presumption based on tradition and dogma? The commonly accepted chronology of Jesus life was grounded in the premise that the Gospels, for the most part, recorded the same events. Any differences in the accounts was the result of the authors intended audience. Dr Ron Charles says 'Throughout my years of research I have maintained that the Gospel records of Jesus are the unassailable truth. However the Gospels do not give exact dates. I resolved to develop a logical chronological timetable that fits within the parameters of Roman history and culture. I am still learning and I know I will have to modify my chronology so that it fits move accurately into historys timetable. I have spent the past 43 years researching and documenting the life and ministry of Jesus and will continue this quest until I die. I offer you a chronicle of Jesus life, based on both the Gospel records and a variety of extra-biblical sources that confirm the truth of the Gospels.'