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Historical evidence that corroborates the existence of Jesus
There are over 40 authors who contributed writings to the collection of books we call the Bible.
Yet, there are still people who do not believe in Jesus, let alone that He existed. Some would argue that the Bible is written by Christians alone and so is not authoritative.
However, here are five non-Christian sources that provide evidence that supports the existence of Jesus:
Tacitus
Tacitus was a Roman historian and politician who lived from AD 56 to AD 120. He wrote during the reigns of the emperors Tiberius, Claudius, and Nero.
His writings, the Annals, collaborated significant events from the Bible. He referred to Jesus, His crucifixion by Pontius Pilate, and the existence of early Christians in Rome.
Lucian of Samosata
Lucian was a Greek writer who lived from AD 120 to AD 180.
His writings, The Death of Peregrine, mocked Christians and the man they worshipped who was crucified.
Mara bar Serapion
Mara bar Serapion was a philosopher from Syria.
His writings, a letter to his son in AD 73, referred to the death of the King of the Jews.
Pliny the Younger
Pliny the Younger was a lawyer and author from Rome who lived from around AD 61 to AD 113.
His writings, letters to the Emperor, complained about the activities of the Christian believers.
Josephus
Josephus was a Roman-Jewish historian who lived from AD 37 to AD 100.
His writings, Antiquities of the Jews, referenced Jesus as well as John the Baptist, James, the high priests Annas and Caiaphas, and Pontius Pilate.
The more that archaeology digs up (quite literally), the more we discover the truth of the Bible. These men were not believers. Yet they wrote about Jesus, His followers, and His impact. For those who need further evidence, these ancient non-Christian sources are worth looking into.
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