Discover historically researched articles exploring Jesus, the Roman Empire, archaeology, early Christianity and the historical evidence behind the world's most influential events. Written by Reverend John Bridges, these articles combine accessible storytelling with careful historical research.

Explore the Big Questions

Roman Praetorium with an empty stool draped in a scarlet cloak, a crown of thorns and a reed, illustrating the Roman mock coronation of Jesus in first-century Jerusalem.

Why Was Jesus Given a Crown of Thorns?

Why was Jesus crowned with thorns? Discover how Roman soldiers used humiliation and political symbolism to mock those accused of challenging imperial authority.

Why Was Jesus Given a Crown of Thorns?

Why was Jesus crowned with thorns? Discover how Roman soldiers used humiliation and political symbolism to mock those accused of challenging imperial authority.

An empty Roman judgement seat overlooking the Passover crowds in Jerusalem, with a bronze basin and water jug beside it, symbolising Pontius Pilate's judicial authority during the trial of Jesus.

Why Did Pontius Pilate Really Wash His Hands?

Did Pontius Pilate really wash his hands? Explore the historical evidence, Jewish symbolism and scholarly debate surrounding one of history's most recognisable moments.

Why Did Pontius Pilate Really Wash His Hands?

Did Pontius Pilate really wash his hands? Explore the historical evidence, Jewish symbolism and scholarly debate surrounding one of history's most recognisable moments.

Pontius Pilate overlooking the Passover crowds from the Praetorium in Jerusalem before deciding whether to release Barabbas, illustrating the political tensions of first-century Judea.

Why Was Barabbas Released?

Discover why Barabbas was released during Passover and examine the historical evidence, Roman legal practices and political tensions behind Pilate's decision.

Why Was Barabbas Released?

Discover why Barabbas was released during Passover and examine the historical evidence, Roman legal practices and political tensions behind Pilate's decision.

Temple officials arriving before dawn at the residence of Caiaphas while Roman soldiers stand guard, illustrating the historical setting before the night-time hearing of Jesus in first-century Jerusalem.

Was Jesus Tried at Night?

Examine the evidence surrounding Jesus' night-time hearing before Caiaphas and the legal, historical and political questions that continue to fascinate historians.

Was Jesus Tried at Night?

Examine the evidence surrounding Jesus' night-time hearing before Caiaphas and the legal, historical and political questions that continue to fascinate historians.

Roman soldiers and Temple guards approaching the Garden of Gethsemane by torchlight before the arrest of Jesus, with Jerusalem and the Second Temple illuminated in the distance.

Why Was Jesus Arrested Secretly?

Why was Jesus arrested under the cover of darkness? Discover how Roman rule, Temple authorities and Passover tensions shaped the events in Gethsemane.

Why Was Jesus Arrested Secretly?

Why was Jesus arrested under the cover of darkness? Discover how Roman rule, Temple authorities and Passover tensions shaped the events in Gethsemane.

Roman centurion overlooking Jerusalem and the Second Temple from the Antonia Fortress during Passover, illustrating the political tensions surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus in first-century Judea.

Why Was Jesus Crucified?

Why was Jesus crucified? Explore the historical, political and religious factors that led to the execution of Jesus and what the surviving evidence tells us today.

Why Was Jesus Crucified?

Why was Jesus crucified? Explore the historical, political and religious factors that led to the execution of Jesus and what the surviving evidence tells us today.