Max Shimba Ministries: The Death of Jesus: A Historical Examination

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

The Death of Jesus: A Historical Examination

The Death of Jesus: A Historical Examination

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

Abstract

The crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth stands as a pivotal event in both religious and historical contexts. This paper endeavors to present a scholarly analysis of the historical evidence surrounding Jesus' death, drawing from canonical texts, non-Christian sources, archaeological findings, and astronomical data. By employing the criterion of multiple attestation and other historiographical methods, this study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the events leading to and following the death of Jesus.

1. Introduction

The death of Jesus is among the most documented events in ancient history. While theological interpretations abound, this paper focuses on the historical aspects of Jesus' crucifixion, examining sources that attest to this event from various perspectives.

2. Canonical Gospel Accounts

The four canonical Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—offer detailed narratives of Jesus' arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial. These texts, written within a few decades of the events they describe, provide a foundational basis for understanding the circumstances of Jesus' death. Notably, Mark's Gospel is often considered the earliest, and its account is pivotal in the study of Jesus' crucifixion.

3. Non-Christian Sources

3.1. Josephus

Flavius Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, provides a reference to Jesus' execution under Pontius Pilate in his work Antiquities of the Jews (circa AD 93). While some scholars debate the authenticity of certain passages, the consensus is that Josephus attests to Jesus' crucifixion, albeit with possible later Christian interpolations.

3.2. Tacitus

Cornelius Tacitus, a Roman historian writing in the early second century, mentions the execution of "Christus" (Latinized from Greek Χριστός) under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Emperor Tiberius in his Annals (circa AD 116). This external Roman confirmation supports the historical reality of Jesus' death.

3.3. Mara bar Serapion

A Stoic philosopher named Mara bar Serapion, writing in a letter to his son, refers to the execution of "the wise king" of the Jews. Though not explicitly named Jesus, this reference is often interpreted as an allusion to Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting its impact beyond the Christian community.

4. Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological findings have provided insights into the practices of crucifixion during the Roman era. The discovery of the remains of a crucified man in Jerusalem, dating to the first century AD, offers tangible evidence of the methods employed, including nail wounds in the feet, aligning with Gospel descriptions of Jesus' crucifixion. (Biblical Archaeology Society)

5. Astronomical Considerations

Astronomical studies have examined the possibility of a lunar eclipse coinciding with the crucifixion. Research indicates that a lunar eclipse occurred on April 3, AD 33, which some scholars propose as the date of Jesus' death, correlating with biblical descriptions of unusual celestial events. (New York Post)

6. Medical Perspectives

Medical analyses of the crucifixion process suggest that Jesus' death resulted from a combination of factors, including hypovolemic shock and exhaustion asphyxia. The spear thrust into Jesus' side, as described in the Gospels, is consistent with Roman execution practices and further corroborates the accounts of his death. (Wikipedia)

7. Conclusion

The convergence of evidence from diverse sources—canonical texts, non-Christian writings, archaeological findings, astronomical data, and medical analyses—provides a robust historical framework for understanding the death of Jesus. While theological interpretations vary, the historical consensus affirms that Jesus was a real historical figure who was crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. This multidisciplinary approach underscores the significance of Jesus' death as a historical event with profound implications for both religious thought and historical scholarship.

References

Josephus, Flavius. Antiquities of the Jews. Translated by William Whiston, 1737.
Tacitus, Cornelius. Annals. Translated by A. J. Church and W. J. Brodribb, 1864.
"Crucifixion Historicity - The Briefing." The Briefing, 24 May 2013. https://thebriefing.com.au/2013/05/crucifixion-historicity/
"Roman Crucifixion Methods Reveal the History of Crucifixion." Biblical Archaeology Society, 14 August 2025. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/crucifixion/roman-crucifixion-methods-reveal-the-history-of-crucifixion/
"Jesus' crucifixion linked to lunar eclipse, according to NASA discovery." New York Post, 18 April 2025. https://nypost.com/2025/04/18/jesus-crucifixion-linked-to-lunar-eclipse-according-to-nasa-discovery-and-it-could-pinpoint-the-day-he-died/
"Medical views on the death by crucifixion of Jesus Christ." National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2021. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8545147/