Historical Evidence of Jesus’ Existence

 

Secular History

Of course the New Testament is an historical document that offers irrefutable proofs of Jesus’ historicity. And we will look at some of the New Testament assertions of Jesus and His deity before this lesson is finished. But are there any evidences of Jesus’ existence outside the pages of Scripture? More than you might realize.

Secular evidences of Jesus’ existence abounds. In his history of first century Israel, Jewish historian Josephus, born AD 37, recorded information about Jesus. Josephus, who was also a Pharisee, says that there was a Jesus and that Pilate crucified him. Josephus goes so far to say that there may be a possibility that Jesus is the Messiah. Here’s his account:

At this time there was a wise man who was called Jesus. And His conduct was good, and He was known to be virtuous. And many people from among the Jews and the other nations became His disciples. Pilate condemned Him to be crucified and to die. And those who had become His disciples did not abandon His discipleship. They reported that He had appeared to them three days after His crucifixion and that He was alive; accordingly, He was perhaps the Messiah concerning whom the prophets have recounted wonders. And the truths of Christians so named from Him are not extinct at this day.