The definitive account of the James Ossuary, one of the most significant Biblical archeology discoveries ever made—updated and expanded with new material.

When a first-century ossuary, or limestone burial box, was found bearing the inscription “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus”, it set the world of biblical archaeology abuzz. The discovery not only represented tangible evidence of Jesus’ existence, but also far-reaching implications for Christian theology.

Hershel Shanks, celebrated for making biblical archaeology accessible to general readers, and Ben Witherington III, leading New Testament expert, reveal what the James Ossuary means for our understanding of Jesus, his family, his followers, the first Christians, and the Jewish Christian movement in Jerusalem that James led.

In this updated and expanded edition, the authors discuss the accusations of forgery brought by the Israel Antiquities Authority. Addressing all aspects of the controversy, they present arguments for its authenticity.