Was Jesus a magical cult leader? Was he a revolutionary that failed?Or did the apostle Paul invent him out of a mystical experience?And even if he was a historical figure, how much can we reallyknow about someone who lived two thousand years ago in an obscure cornerof the Roman Empire?R. T. France explores these issues by examining in detail the whole rangeof historical data-from archaeological evidence to other non-Christiansources to Christian writings both inside and outside of the New Testament.With candor and rigor he analyzes modern New Testament scholarship thatchallenges the biblical record, and sets out a clear and solid case for what theNew Testament says about Jesus. This book is valuable resource for those whoquestion or seek to defend the reliability of the Gospels."It is difficult to praise this work too highly . . . It achieves its purpose ofpresenting the evidence for Jesus with complete success."Christian ArenaR. T. FRANCE has taught at London Bible College and was principal ofWycliffe Hall, Oxford, from 1989-1995. His many books include The LivingGod, Jesus the Radical and Jesus and the Old Testament. He is also the authorof Matthew in the Tyndale New Testament Commentary series.