Summary

In "Killing Jesus," Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard present a historical account of Jesus of Nazareth's life, ministry, and execution. The narrative begins with the dramatic circumstances surrounding Jesus's birth, including King Herod's order to kill all male infants in Bethlehem in an attempt to eliminate a potential rival to his throne. Jesus's family escapes to Egypt, only returning to Nazareth after Herod's death.

The book then delves into the political landscape of the Roman Empire, highlighting the reign of Julius Caesar, his assassination, and the subsequent rise of Caesar Augustus. These events shaped the world into which Jesus was born and played a significant role in the social and political unrest in Judea.

As Jesus grows, he witnesses the cruelty and oppression of Roman rule in his homeland, including the public crucifixion of rebels and the heavy taxation imposed upon the Jewish people. His early life is marked by a deep understanding of scripture and an increasing awareness of his own unique destiny.

John the Baptist emerges, preaching repentance and baptizing those who seek forgiveness of their sins. He identifies Jesus as the Son of God, a pivotal moment that launches Jesus's own public ministry.

Jesus begins preaching throughout Galilee, attracting large crowds with his message of love, forgiveness, and hope. He performs miraculous healings, further fueling his popularity and drawing attention from both Roman authorities and Jewish religious leaders.

The Pharisees and Sadducees view Jesus as a threat to their religious authority and financial interests. They challenge him repeatedly, hoping to trap him in a violation of Jewish law, but Jesus consistently outwits them with his profound understanding of scripture and his ability to connect with common people.

Tensions escalate as Jesus enters Jerusalem during Passover, riding on a donkey in fulfillment of prophecy. He confronts the money changers in the Temple, calling them thieves and further angering the religious establishment.

Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's disciples, betrays him for thirty pieces of silver, leading to Jesus's arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, and condemned for blasphemy.

Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, finds no basis for the charges against Jesus but ultimately bows to pressure from the Jewish authorities and sentences him to crucifixion.

Jesus is brutally scourged and mocked before being nailed to the cross. He dies on Golgotha, fulfilling the prophecies about his suffering and sacrifice.

The book concludes with the discovery of Jesus's empty tomb and the subsequent rise of Christianity, fueled by the belief in his resurrection and the apostles' unwavering commitment to spreading his message. It explores the martyrdom of most of the apostles and the lasting impact of Jesus's teachings on the world.