Abstract:
A brief review of signifi cant developments in South African historical Jesus research during the
past three decades is given. Although historical Jesus investigations are not characteristic or even
dominant in South African New Testament scholarship, some of the achievements of the scholars
working in this fi eld are not only signifi cant contributions to the discipline but are also of considerable
relevance to the challenges facing biblical scholarship in general in the South African context.
South African historical Jesus publications show a distinct development from the almost unproblematic
application of Jesus’ words and actions at the earlier stage to a sophisticated and nuanced
juxtaposing and interrelating of modern and ancient settings at the present time. It is suggested
that these developments can contribute to the exploration of alternative and appropriate theological
discourses.