There are a number of ancient sources that provide information about the life, ministry and death of Christ. Not all of these sources are of equal value but there is sufficient evidence of the historical Jesus revealed for the conclusion to be drawn that he did in fact exist, was crucified and his followers spread his teachings after his death.
Josephus was a Jewish historian who was born in Jerusalem four years after the crucifixion. In his works he mentions many of the people found in the New Testament, like the Roman governor Pontius Pilate and King Herod. He speaks about Christ as a wise man, mentions his disciples and refers to his death by crucifixion as well as the fact that his disciples reported resurrection sightings. There are those who question his words, feeling that they were subjected to interpolation by Christian sources.
The Roman historian Tacitus referred to Christ and the fact that Pontius Pilate ordered his execution. He talks about the existence of early Christians. It is believed by some scholars that Tacitus may have gained his information about Christ from official records, perhaps from actual reports written by Pilate. Scholars generally feel his reference is genuine and of historical value.
Pliny the Younger, who served as a governor in Asia Minor and was known for the many letters he wrote, serves as a source of the behavior of the early Christians. He was personally in charge of interrogating Christians and ordered them to be executed unless they denied their faith. He relates that they met on a certain day, sang hymns and ate food together. He mentions that they came from a cross section of society, including all ages, sexes and classes. They worshiped Christ as a deity and made oaths not to commit unrighteousness.
The Talmud, a Jewish source, does not embrace Christ as a deity and would have had no reason to sanction his existence. However, it contains references to Jesus and his disciples. It refers to the fact that he was hanged and also mentions his disciples going before judges.
In his criticism of Christians for their gullibility, Lucien, a Greek, revealed that Christ brought new teachings in Palestine and was crucified because of them. He reveals some beliefs of these Christians, including the brotherhood of all believers and their belief in their immortality which he says made them scorn death. He says that they had no regard for material possessions.
Gnostic sources affirm that Christ became flesh, taking on a human body. They say that he spoke of himself as the son of man and the son of God. The Gnostic sources are somewhat questionable because of their theological character and when they were written. However, both Pliny and Lucian affirmed that Christians believed in the deity of Christ.
There is little question as to the existence of the historical Jesus revealed in ancient extra biblical sources. Even serious scholars accept that a Jew named Jesus taught in Palestine when Tiberius reigned. They agree that he was executed by crucifixion ordered by Pontius Pilate and his followers continued to teach his message after his death.
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