thinker of the first century. Jesus was a man who lived, taught, and died in Palestine; and the Gospels are the records of His life, teachings, deeds, and the causes of His death. From one point of view, the Gospels can be studied as documents recording the historical traditions expressing what the believing community of A.D. 60–80 remembered of Jesus’ life and believed about His person, His death, and resurrection. The Word of God has been given to men through historical events and historical personages;