Chapters 5-9 Summary and Analysis

Chapter five, "External Sources," details various examples of non-Christian literature that may shed light on the life of Jesus, as well as the sciences. The first topic addressed is non-Christian literature. According to non-Christian literature, Jesus was relatively unknown during his lifetime, particularly in areas outside Palestine. In the first century literature that is still in existence, Jesus was either unknown or considered to be a "troublesome rabble-rouser" in the most rural part of their world. Even the trial and crucifixion of Jesus did not make headlines in Rome, and the Roman archives contain no mention of it. If there were any records, they were most likely destroyed during a revolt that broke out in Palestine in 66 CE. In the book, "Antiquities of the Jews," written by Josephus, there was a mention of Jesus. However, the book was revised...