What does 'Jesus of History' refer to?

• A. The historical figure of Jesus known through research and non-biblical sources
• B. The risen Lord proclaimed by believers after the Resurrection
• C. A legendary figure with no historical basis
• D. A title used for Jesus in apocryphal texts

Answer: (A)

The idea behind Jesus of History is the actual person Jesus of Nazareth as a historical figure, studied by historians using critical methods to reconstruct what can be known from sources of the period, including non-biblical references that attest to his existence. This framing keeps faith claims about resurrection and divinity separate from historical reconstruction, focusing on what can be established about his life, teachings, and crucifixion through careful research. Therefore, describing him as the historical figure known through research and non-biblical sources best captures this use of the term. The notion that he is merely a legendary figure with no historical basis isn’t how the term is typically applied in historical study, and apocryphal texts don’t define this label either.