Biblical Question
Jesus: A Real Historical Figure Outside of the Bible?
The Biblical Answer
The historicity of Jesus is a widely accepted fact among scholars and historians, even apart from the New Testament accounts.
In the ancient Roman historian Flavius Josephus' book 'Antiquities of the Jews', written around AD 93-94, we find a passage mentioning Jesus Christ. This passage, while possibly edited by Christian copyists, remains a significant historical reference.
Another non-biblical account of Jesus' life can be found in the writings of the Jewish historian Tacitus, particularly in his work 'Annals,' written around AD 116. In Annals, Tacitus refers to Jesus Christ as a man who was crucified during the reign of Emperor Tiberius.
These historical records validate the existence of Jesus Christ as a real historical figure, not just a myth or legend. As a theologian and pastor, I find great comfort in this historical evidence, knowing that the person and story of Jesus have had a profound impact on human history.
In the ancient Roman historian Flavius Josephus' book 'Antiquities of the Jews', written around AD 93-94, we find a passage mentioning Jesus Christ. This passage, while possibly edited by Christian copyists, remains a significant historical reference.
Another non-biblical account of Jesus' life can be found in the writings of the Jewish historian Tacitus, particularly in his work 'Annals,' written around AD 116. In Annals, Tacitus refers to Jesus Christ as a man who was crucified during the reign of Emperor Tiberius.
These historical records validate the existence of Jesus Christ as a real historical figure, not just a myth or legend. As a theologian and pastor, I find great comfort in this historical evidence, knowing that the person and story of Jesus have had a profound impact on human history.
"You are my witnesses—said the Lord, and I am God!<br/> I paid firstborn Moses and sent you on missions for me."
A Prayer for This
"Lord, help us to seek and find comfort in the historical truth of Jesus' life and message. May the knowledge of Your presence and love guide us through the uncertainties of life. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, we pray, Amen."