The narrative of Killing Jesus by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard follows the familiar storyline of the Gospels while also providing a humanistic perspective on Jesus of Nazareth and his followers. What is further added to the mix is a totally engrossing description of the intense power struggle within the Roman Empire commencing with the assassination of Julius Caesar, and the resulting struggle for succession, thus preordaining the roles played out by Herod Antipas (the fifth-born son of Herod the Great), Pontius Pilate, and, Joseph Caiaphas, leader of the Jewish court known as the Sanhedrin. It was a power struggle fueled by the dawning of Jewish prophesies. Thus, when Jesus chose to ride into Jerusalem during Passover astride a donkey, it was an act that confirmed the prophesy of Zechariah. "See your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey" (Zechariah 12:10).  It was also, in effect, a death sentence. 

Once the Pharisees, "a brood of vipers," obtained convincing evidence that Jesus, by his words and deeds, had revealed himself as the Messiah, the countdown begins. It was bad enough when Jesus created havoc amongst the moneychangers, but when, on three occasions, he reveals himself as the Son of God, he becomes a marked man. Spies follow him and report back to Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas. Judas, the treasurer for the disciples, promises Caiaphas he can deliver Jesus for a fee. The clock is ticking. Accused of blasphemy and sentenced to death, Jesus is handed over to Pontius Pilate.

Pontius Pilate recognizes that blasphemy is a Jewish offense and is reluctant to take action. When he learns Jesus is a Galilean, he refers the case to Herod Antipas. Antipas, wary of being drawn into a dispute between the Temple and Rome, refers the case back to Pontius Pilate for resolution. Pilate sentences Jesus to be punished at the scourging pole. But it's not enough and when the High Priests demand the death penalty, Pilate washes his hands and hands Jesus over to the Roman death squad, or quaternio, standing by in the Antonia Fortress.

The crucifixion scenes and the aftermath are set forth with descriptive precision. There is no question that Killing Jesus has been thoroughly researched. The research, in the end, is the quality that makes the book an informative and valuable reading experience. In this regard, the authors acknowledge the men and women "who spend their lives engaged in researching the historicity of biblical times." Killing Jesus makes a credible contribution to this ongoing effort.