Strong Historical Textual Evidence
for Jesus’ Existence:
There are over 42 sources within 150 years after Jesus’ death
which mention his existence and record many events of his life.
1. 9 Traditional New Testament Authors
A. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul,
Author of Hebrews, James,
Peter, and Jude.
2. 20 Early Christian Writers Outside the New Testament
A. Clement of Rome, 2 Clement, Ignatius, Polycarp,
Martyrdom of Polycarp, Didache, Barnabas, Shepherd of Hermas,
Fragments of Papias, Justin Martyr, Aristides, Athenagoras,
Theophilus of Antioch, Quadratus, Aristo of Pella, Melito of Sardis,
Diognetus, Gospel of Peter, Apocalypse of Peter,
and Epistula Apostolorum.
3. 4 Heretical Writings
A. Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Truth,
Apocryphon of John, and Treatise on Resurrection.
4. 9 Secular Sources
A. Josephus (Jewish historian),
B. Tacitus (Roman historian),
C. Pliny the Younger (Roman politician),
D. Phlegon (freed slave who wrote histories),
E. Lucian (Greek satirist),
F. Celsus (Roman philosopher),
G. Mara Bar Serapion (prisoner awaiting execution),
H. Suetonius
I. Thallus.
So, the question is, the next time someone tells you "There's no evidence that a man named Jesus of Nazareth ever historically existed!" what will you tell them?
Hey J,
ReplyDeleteI used some of this info a while ago when I was "e-evangelizing" to a friend. He said that he didn’t believe there was a man named Jesus, it’s just a fairy tale like Santa. Basically showed him the overwhelming evidence there is that a man named Jesus walked the earth, forget about his teachings etc., just to prove that one aspect of Him. Usually when someone says something against God or Jesus they just quote some random dead (or alive) atheist, but when you confront them with the hard evidence they change their story. So this was just the 1st step to prove that our God is alive.
Thanks for the great work you are doing here and on the Island.
God bless you bru!!