According to renowned biblical scholar Schnackenburg, a truly historical portrait of Jesus is unattainable because the primary sources written about Jesus were not historical records as such. What is attainable, however, is a faith interpretation of Jesus' life and works, gleaned from the writings of those closest to the life of Christ--the four Gospels.

Rudolf Schnackenburg was Professor Emeritus of New Testament Exegesis at the University of Wurzburg in Germany until his death in 2002. He is the author of monumental commentaries on the Gospel of John, the letters of John, and Ephesians.