Miracles and Wonder

Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus by Elaine Pagels

From a famous National Book Award–winning scholar, this book offers a fresh look at the life of Jesus and how a poor young man inspired a religion that changed the world. Elaine Pagels, known for The Gnostic Gospels, now focuses on Jesus in the final work of her long career.

In Miracles and Wonder, Pagels explores big questions about Jesus using the stories left by his followers. Why was he said to be born of a virgin? Why do people believe he rose from the dead? Did his miracles really happen, and what did they mean?

The book reads like a historical mystery, with each chapter examining one question and explaining it through the gospels. Pagels brings both Jesus and his followers vividly to life, showing how his disciples shaped powerful stories to explain difficult facts. These stories helped keep hope alive and allowed the movement to grow.

More than just history, Miracles and Wonder explains why Jesus continues to inspire people and why his story still matters today.