"How credible are the Gospels, and how strong is the evidence for the historical Jesus? Kennedy's Excavating the Evidence for Jesus is an exceptional in-depth companion to the Gospel accounts, summarizing the relevant archaeological finds and providing essential historical background for New Testament times. "Organized around specific events in the life and ministry of Jesus, one can take a bite- sized deep dive into any particular question and come back with a satisfying archaeological and historical evidence-based answer each time. Of course, one also can sit down and easily flow through the book from cover to cover: Sufficient details are provided so that one feels the weight of the evidence yet is not bogged down or overwhelmed by technicalities. In some details, Kennedy offers an evidence-based alternate to the traditional interpretation that is true to Scripture and worth considering. "What I found especially effective is Kennedy's use of the historical evidence provided by the early scoffers of Christianity and from the records detailing the early Roman efforts to stamp out this radical cult: The descriptions provided by the ancient enemies of Jesus confirm the highlights of his life. These details could not have been invented by the church centuries later if they were common knowledge and mentioned by Christian critics in the first and second centuries. "Easily accessible and readable, the refreshing message again and again is that behind the Gospel accounts are real places, real people, and real events--in short, real history. The Gospel writers were telling us what they saw and heard, not what they (or followers centuries later) imagined or hoped.

In an age where it seems that skeptics have the microphone in the popular media, Kennedy provides a detailed and convincing response: Even 2,000 years later, striking amounts of evidence survive to show why Jesus is the most important figure in human history and worth trusting. Every Christian and seeker will be strengthened by reading this book." --John A. Bloom, PhD, PhD, Professor of Physics; Director, MA of Science and Religion Program, Biola University, La Mirada, CA.