Jesus of Nazareth was a 1st-century Jewish teacher and preacher from the region of Galilee in Roman Judea.

The primary sources for his life and teachings are the four Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

His teachings focused on themes of love for God and neighbor, compassion for the poor and marginalized, and the imminent arrival of the 'Kingdom of God.'

He taught using parables and gathered a group of twelve close disciples known as the apostles.

His ministry attracted a large following but also brought him into conflict with some religious authorities.

He was arrested in Jerusalem, tried by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, and executed by crucifixion.

The central belief of Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead three days after his crucifixion.

His followers came to believe that he was the Christ (the Messiah) and the Son of God.

Apostles like Peter and Paul were instrumental in spreading the new faith throughout the Roman Empire.

Christianity began as a small sect within Judaism and grew over several centuries into a major world religion.