Location of Golgotha. According to the gospels, Jesus was crucified at a place called Golgotha. The evidence suggests that this was a small hill or knoll outside Jerusalem. The traditional location, identified by Empress Helena in the fourth century, is on the northwest side of the ancient city.
Barabbas. The gospels say that Pontius Pilate could have released Jesus, but that the shouts from a crowd of spectators influenced him to free a prisoner named Barabbas instead. Many scholars think that Barabbas was a rebel leader, and that this is why the crowd wanted him set free. According to a later story, after his release he went to Golgotha and saw Jesus die there.
Why Jesus Was Crucified. The gospels blame the Jewish religious authorities for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. But some scholars think that the Romans were the main offenders. Although Jesus didn't publicly claim to be the Messiah, he did call himself the Son of Man, and as a possible equivalent title this could have aroused the suspicion of the Romans.
Judas Iscariot. Several theories have been put forward to explain why Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus. The gospels say that he either did it for the money or because the Devil made him do it. Some scholars think that Judas was a rebel (like Barabbas), and became disenchanted when he saw that Jesus didn't intend to lead an uprising.
Witnesses of the Crucifixion. Jesus was crucified at a location called Golgotha. The witnesses to his death included only a few of his followers. The gospel accounts mention Mary Magdalene, the Beloved Disciple, and Jesus' mother Mary, but Barabbas and Simon of Cyrene may have also been present.
The Nazarenes. This article discusses the original Nazarenes, the community of believers who formed the first church in Jerusalem. Their main leaders were Peter and James the Just, and a man named Matthias replaced Judas Iscariot. Most of the Nazarenes fled the city during the Jewish revolt of 66-70 AD.
Mary Magdalene. Several mysteries surround the life of Mary Magdala. Although her exact relationship to Jesus isn't known, most scholars doubt the claims that she was the Beloved Disciple. Many also doubt the story that she had worked as a prostitute. The rediscovered Gospel of Mary suggests that she had a feud with Peter, and some think that she was driven out of the original group of believers known as the Nazarenes.
Stigmata. Some very devout people have exhibited wounds or skin markings similar to those suffered by Christ during his trial and crucifixion. Called stigmata, they take various forms, and can suddenly appear or vanish unexpectedly. Some Christians regard them as a miraculous sign from God, but others think there could be natural explanations for their presence.
Hell. In traditional Christian belief, the Devil is the ruler of Hell, and his demons help administer the punishments. In Dante's Inferno, Judas Iscariot is tormented forever at the lowest circle of a hell of eternal damnation. But does such a place really exist?
The Resurrection of the Dead Saints. Matthew 27:52-53 says that some long-dead saints returned to life and left their tombs shortly after Jesus died on the cross. Who were these resurrected saints? And what is the real meaning of this passage?
The Devil. Many people blame the devil and his demons for humankind's sinful behavior. He is also blamed for natural disasters, plagues, demonic possession, and even some cases of stigmata. According to the Ransom Theory of Atonement, he took control of humankind after Adam and Eve's disobedience caused God to abandon us. But some people wonder if Satan really exists.
The Family of Jesus. The gospel accounts suggest that some members of Jesus' immediate family tried to prevent him from beginning his ministry. But apparently the rift was patched up, because his mother and brothers later joined the Nazarenes, the first group of believers.
Demonic Possession. Many ancient people believed that a person can be possessed by demons. For example, Luke 8:2-3 says that seven evil spirits had been expelled from Mary Magdalene. Demons were thought to be agents of the Devil, and demonic possession was a common explanation for epilepsy and certain psychological problems.
The Virgin Birth. There is a theoretical possibility for a natural virgin birth. But many Christians believe that the birth of Jesus was the result of a divine action. The accounts suggest that Joseph was initially suspicious of the pregnancy, and that Mary may have temporarily left her hometown to avoid public censure. There was even a rumor that she had been raped.
Son of Man. Some ancient Jewish prophesies about the Messiah appear to refer to him by the title of the Son of Man. Some scholars believe that Jesus used this term as a secret name for his own messiahship.
The Second Coming. The expected return of Jesus Christ is known as the Second Coming or Parousia. His early followers thought that he would return very soon, but many modern Christians expect it to happen during a future period called the End Times. Some people believe that it will be preceded by various signs such as wars and plagues, a resurgence in the practice of speaking in tongues, and appearances of the Son of Man and the Wandering Jew.
Witnesses to the Resurrection. The gospels describe several instances in which people saw Jesus after his resurrection. According to John 20:10-18, Mary Magdalene saw him just outside the tomb. And other accounts say that he eventually appeared to all the disciples except Judas iscariot.
Resurrection Theories. Most non-Christians doubt that Jesus actually returned from a true state of death. Attempts to explain what really happened have led to several alternative theories about the resurrection. According to the most far-fetched theories, another man such as Judas Iscariot or Simon of Cyrene was mistakenly put on the cross instead of Jesus.
Speaking in Tongues. Many Christians believe that their ability to talk in tongues proves that they are filled with the Holy Spirit. Some also believe that they are speaking in a divine language. But some outsiders think that tongue-speakers are being led astray by the Devil and his demons.
Secret Gospels. Some early Christian books are known as secret gospels because they were thought to contain secret knowledge or private teachings of Jesus. Some of these gospels were lost in ancient times, but several have been found again. The two best-known examples are the Secret Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of Thomas.
Beloved Disciple. In several passages the Gospel of John mentions an unidentified disciple whom Jesus loved. There has been much speculation about who this person might be. John Zebedee and Lazarus are the two most common suggestions, but another possibility is Mary Magdalene.
Lost Gospels. Many early Christian gospels weren't included in the Bible, and as a result, they eventually disappeared. These included secret gospels and collections of the teachings of Jesus. But some of these lost gospels have been re-discovered in modern times, and they may provide valuable information about the early Christian movement.
The Atonement. Several theories have been put forward to explain the need for an atonement. According to one early theory, God had to pay the Devil a ransom before he would release his hold on humankind. Another theory is that a sacrifice had to be made before God would forgive everyone's sins.
Teachings of Jesus. Some of Jesus' teachings are very difficult for most people to follow. Several of these were controversial in the time of Christ, and still seem radical to many people today. Despite this, the early group of believers known as the Nazarenes tried very hard to adhere to them.
The Endings of Mark. Many scholars believe that the original ending of the gospel of Mark may have been lost. Several different endings are found in old manuscripts, but all of them are probably later additions. However, two rediscovered portions of a secret gospel of Mark suggest that it might have been the first version of the book and thus would have had the original ending.
James the Just. The oldest brother of Jesus, known as Righteous James, may have initially opposed his ministry. But later he became a follower, and eventually served as a leader of the Nazarenes, the community of believers in Jerusalem.
The Eucharist. Many churches have a sacrament known as the Eucharist or Holy Communion, during which a symbolic re-enactment of the Last Supper takes place. Some people believe that the bread and wine used in the ceremony is converted into the flesh and blood of JesusChrist.
Last Words from the Cross. What were the last words that Jesus said just before he died?
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