Written by a team of internationally respected evangelical scholars, this book uses a carefully defined approach to historical Jesus studies and historical method to examine twelve key episodes in the life of Jesus. Focusing on six events from Jesus' ministry at large and six from his climactic activity in Jerusalem, the authors together probe into Jesus' life and work, from his baptism by John in the Jordan to the claim of his resurrection through the empty tomb and appearance accounts.

Each essay examines the case for a particular event's authenticity, explores the social and cultural background to provide a better understanding of its historical significance, and looks at how it can help shape our overall understanding of who Jesus was and what he did.

Though each chapter is the work of a single author, all of these essays, emerging from a decade-long collaborative research project, have been shaped and strengthened by stimulating discussion and debate among this remarkable group of historical Jesus scholars.