30 Historical Facts About Jesus Christ

Jesus of Nazareth is the central figure in Christianity. According to Time Magazine, he is the most influential person in all of history. However, much of his life is shrouded in mystery.

The most detailed accounts of Jesus comes from the Bible. In John 21:25 KJV, John tells us this:

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

We know that the gospels don't give us the entire picture of Jesus. Through the lens of the Bible, we only know a fraction of Jesus' life. But that fraction of the story has given hope and faith to the 2.3 billion Christians around the world. For the people of the Christian faith, the Bible contains the most beautiful story ever told about how Jesus died on the cross to save all of humanity.

Between the well-known parables, Biblical verses, historical records, and other historically reliable sources, we composed a list of the thirty most interesting facts about Jesus Christ.

30 Facts About Jesus Christ

1. Jesus was a Common Name in His Time

When Jesus walked the earth in the first century, he held an extremely common name. The name "Jesus" was the equivalent of "John Doe" in his time. It was clear that he did not stand out based on his name.

According to this definition by MIT:

Yahshua = Yah + shuah. Yah is short for Yahweh, and shuah is from Yeshua which means "to save, save alive, rescue."

This means that even though his name was common, it still held deep spiritual significance. It literally translates to God rescues.

2. Jesus was Believed to be 5 Foot, 5 Inches

Scholars believe that Jesus was about 5 foot 5 inches (1.7 meters) tall.

This was the average height based on the skeletal remains of men around the first-century. He most likely had brown eyes, black hair, and olive-brown skin. Historical records showed that most people kept their hair and beards well-combed and short around that time. This was to keep out the lice (which was problematic then).

3. Jesus (Most Likely) Wasn't Born on December 25

Most Christians around the world come together on December 25th every year to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But when was Jesus really born?.

Early Christians began observing the birth of Jesus' birth around this time because it was an alternative to the pagan festivals happening at this time.

According to our guide When Jesus Was Really Born, According to the Bible:

There is a great debate around the topic of the date of Christ’s birth. Between calendars changing, questionable record-keeping, and lost records, it's hard to get pinpoint specific dates. Some have used Scripture to follow the stars and others have used historical records combined with Biblical accounts and cultural traditions to narrow it down. The most widely accepted month is September (the general assumption is in the middle of the month) and the year is most commonly estimated to be around 3 B.C.

4. Jesus Appeared First to Mary Magdalene After His Resurrection

According to the gospels of Mark & John, Mary Magdalene was the first person to see Jesus after his resurrection. In fact, she thought he was a gardener when she first saw him standing there (John 20:14-17 KJV):

And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Mary Magdalene was involved in his ministry from beginning to his eventual death. She is mentioned more in the Bible than some Apostles.

5. Jesus Had Several (Half) Siblings

Jesus had at least four brothers and two sisters. According to Matthew 13:55–56 KJV:

Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?

6. Jesus was Considered a Radical in His Day

Jesus was not a conventional man. He was considered to be radical by many religious leaders in his day. This is because he talked with sinners. According to Mark 2:16-17 KJV:

When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Jesus even talked to women. In his day, Jewish men did not speak to women in public.

Eventually, the Pharisees clamored for his death because:

• Jesus claimed to be one with God the Father
• The miracles he performed
• The threat he posed to their system
• The people he socialized with
• The lack of respect he had for their traditions

7. Jesus was a Jew

Jesus was Jewish. Because of this, he most likely had Jewish features of that time, such as:

• Olive skin tone
• Brown eyes
• Black hair

He argued for his followers not to evangelize the Samaritans or gentiles. He focused his ministry saving the lost sheep of Israel.

8. Jesus Died by Crucifixion

The crucifixion of Christ was mentioned in all four gospels. They were also attested to by other ancient sources. In Matthew's Gospel (27:32-44 KJV):

And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

And sitting down they watched him there;

And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews.

Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,

He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.

He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

9. Crucifixions were Common in Rome

A crucifixion is a form of capital punishment where the victim is tied or nailed to a wooden beam to hang. The victim usually hangs there for a couple of days, where they die from exhaustion and asphyxiation.

This was a popular practice in Roman-occupied Holy Land. In 4 B.C., Roman general Varus crucified 2,000 Jews. There were also mass crucifixions in the first century A.D.

10. "Christ" is a Title

Usually, you see Jesus referred to as "Jesus of Nazareth" or "Jesus, son of Joseph". But the followers of Jesus believed him to be the Jewish messiah. He became known as "Jesus Christ", which means "Jesus the Anointed" or "Jesus the Messiah".

11. Jesus Was a Carpenter

Scripture referenced Jesus as a carpenter. His father Joseph was also a carpenter and likely taught him the trade. Being a carpenter was essentially a laborer or builder.

12. Jesus Started His Ministry Around 30 Years Old

According to Numbers 4:3 KJV, a man must be over thirty to be a priest:

From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Jesus started his ministry around thirty, according to Luke 3:23 KJV:

And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,

13. Jesus' Ministry was About 3.5 Years Long

Based on John's gospel, we know Jesus attended at least three Passover feasts in his ministry. In John 2:13 KJV:

And the Jews' Passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

In John 6:4:

And the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.

And lastly, during the time of his crucifixion in John 11:55 KJV:

And the Jews' Passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves.

Based on this information, most scholars believe that Jesus' ministry lasted about 3.5 years.

14. Jesus Spoke Multiple Languages

Jews spoke Aramaic primarily in first-century Palestine.

Jews would also need to learn Hebrew to study the Torah.

It was likely that he spoke Greek to communicate with Pontius Pilate. Romans used Greek to interact with the Hellenistic Jews.

15. Jesus' First Miracle Was at a Wedding

In John 2:1-11 KJV, we see Jesus turning water into wine at Cana in Galilee:

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.

Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.

Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink, but you have saved the best till now.”

What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.

16. Jesus Taught with Parables

Jesus taught using stories called parables. He would use these stories to illustrate a larger point about the Kingdom of God. His disciples asked why he taught in parables in Matthew 13:17 KJV:

The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”

He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’

But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

17. Jesus Fasted for 40 Days

Jesus went into the wilderness and fasted for forty days and nights, according to Matthew 4:1-3 KJV:

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Only 3 people fasted for 40 days in the Bible: Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.

18. Jesus Called God "Father"

Jesus' prayers showed a deep connection with God. When he prayed to God, he called Him Abba - or daddy. In John 10:25-30 KJV, Jesus reveals his relationship with God:

Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

19. Jesus Brought Three People Back From the Dead

In the Bible, Jesus brought back three people. In Nain, he brings back the widow's son in Luke 7:11-17 KJV:

Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

He brings back Jairus' daughter in Luke 8:51-56 KJV:

When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

In John 11:43-44 KJV, he brings back Lazarus:

And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

20. Jesus was Betrayed By Judas Iscariot

Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. In Matthew 26:14-16 KJV:

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

21. Jesus Sweated Blood Before His Death

Jesus experienced hematohidrosis, a rare condition of sweating blood while praying in the garden of Gethsemane. In Luke 22:42-44 KJV:

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

22. Mary was at Jesus' Death

Simeon, who was visited by the Holy Spirit, prophesized to Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 2:34–35 KJV):

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

The prophecy came true when Mary saw her son get crucified on the cross in John 19:25-27 KJV:

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

23. Jesus' Tomb was Highly Secure

The Romans were aware that Jesus claimed he would return in three days. They put three layers of protection:

• A boulder: The stone would be either a disk-shape or a cork. It would have been extremely difficult to move.
• A guard: Pilate demanded that a guard would guard the front of the tomb.
• A Roman seal: A Roman seal signifies the tomb belongs to Rome. It is a warning to people that whoever breaks the seal would be likely crucified as well.

24. Witnesses Saw Jesus After His Resurrection

Jesus was resurrected on the third day after his crucifixion at Calvary. In John 20:18-19 KJV:

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

25. Jesus Left His Burial Linens

When Peter went into the empty tomb, he found the linen and cloth that wrapped Jesus' body. We can see this in John 20:6–8 KJV:

Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

Stealing Jesus’ body would require taking the linens and cloth. Removing it would take a significant amount of time.

26. Jesus' Burial Site Was Prophesized

When Jesus died, a rich man offered up his burial plot. In Isaiah 53:9 KJV, Isaiah predicted that Jesus would be killed as criminal and rest in the tomb of the wealthy:

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

27. A Sign Was Placed on Jesus' Cross

In Matthew 27:36 KJV, they set up a sign that explained the charges against Jesus:

And sitting down they watched him there;

And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews.

28. One Miracle Was Recorded in All Four Gospels

There are over 40 miracles recorded in the gospels. But the common miracle listed across all four gospels is the feeding of the 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13–21; Mark 6:31–44; Luke 9:12–17; John 6:1–14).

When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.

He said, Bring them hither to me.

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

29. The Path to Jesus' Crucifixion is Call "Via Dolorosa"

The path Jesus walked to be crucified is called "Via Dolorosa", which translates to "Way of Grief" or "Way of Suffering".

Jesus walked down this old Jerusalem road while carrying his crucifixion cross.

30. Pontius Pilate Sentenced Jesus to Be Crucified

The crowd shouted for the death of Jesus. In Luke 23:23-25 KJV, Pontius Pilate sentenced Jesus to death:

And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

Conclusion

In his short life and ministry, Jesus Christ has changed the trajectory of the world. For Christians, Jesus is the symbol of hope, love, and compassion. He is the foundation of the Christian church and the Christian belief.

The life of Jesus, the aspects of Jesus, the parables of Jesus, and Jesus’ existence will be hotly discussed and debated for the rest of history. We hope that this guide has illuminated your understanding of the character and life of Jesus Christ. May you find victory through Jesus.

God bless!