This book analyzes the evidence about Jesus in a broad range of sources, from ancient pagan and Jewish texts to the earliest Christian sources, including the New Testament apart from the gospel, the canonical gospels, and later Christian texts not included in the Christian canon.

Each source is examined in light of the social and cultural context in which it was written. Kee concludes that although the various portrayals of Jesus differ, there is indeed a convergence of evidence about his activities and his message.

"This book provides a helpful compilation of evidence for Christ's historicity. It's written in a scholarly yet sensitive style and should help those who want to broaden their grasp of early Christian literature."

Bookstore Journal

"It was a happy day for the common reader when Cambridge launched its series on 'Understanding Jesus Today.' If the first four titles are a true indication it is time to cheer. These handy 5 1/8" x 7 1/8", neatly, securely, and colorfully bound books are an invitation to 'take up and read.'...All who seek to know more about the Way, the Truth, and the Light in Jesus will applaud this series of handy and handsome little books on a big subject."

Congregational Journal

"Written for the layperson, these short works are packed with useful and illuminating background for understanding the life and times of Jesus. Readers will have their horizons broadened by evidence provided through extrabiblical sources such as Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Nag Hammadi Library, the Jewish Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, the Jewish historian Josephus, and Roman historians such as Suetonius and Dio Cassius to mention but a few...a valuable resource...stimulating and helpful."

"...this series has the extraordinary value of bringing to the layperson the critical and contemporary issues of the study of Jesus. Understandable and inviting, the volumes contain excellent study questions, charts, indices and notes."

"This little book offers valuable insights into the cultural, historical and religious backgrounds..."