A List of Sources and Historians Outside the Bible that Mention Jesus
Introduction: (List of Sources and Historians Outside the Bible that Mention Jesus)
Jesus of Nazareth, a central figure in Christianity, continues to fascinate scholars and believers alike. While the Bible serves as the primary source for information about Jesus' life and teachings, there are several non-Christian sources and historians who also mention him. In this blog post, we will explore some of these external references, shedding light on the historical context surrounding Jesus. Here is a list of sources and historians outside the Bible that mention Jesus.
Flavius Josephus (c. 37 – c. 100 AD):
Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian writing in the late 1st century AD, mentions Jesus in his work "Antiquities of the Jews." Although there is some debate over the authenticity of the passage known as the Testimonium Flavianum, it provides valuable insights into Jesus' existence and crucifixion.
Quote: "About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man. For he was one who performed surprising deeds and was a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly."
Tacitus (c. 56 – c. 120 AD):
The Roman historian Tacitus refers to Jesus in his work "Annals," written around 116 AD. Tacitus recounts the persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero and mentions Jesus' execution by Pontius Pilate, corroborating aspects of the Gospel accounts.
Quote: "Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus."
Pliny the Younger (c. 61 – c. 113 AD):
In a letter to Emperor Trajan dated around 112 AD, Pliny the Younger, a Roman governor, describes early Christian practices and their worship of Christ. His correspondence provides evidence of Jesus' impact on early Christian communities.
Quote: "They were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up."
Suetonius (c. 69 – c. 122 AD):
Suetonius, another Roman historian, mentions disturbances among the Jews in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius. While his reference to "Chrestus" may not directly mention Jesus, it reflects the conflicts arising from early Christian beliefs.
Quote: "As the Jews were making constant disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he [Claudius] expelled them from Rome."
Lucian of Samosata (c. 125 – after 180 AD):
The Greek satirist Lucian of Samosata alludes to Jesus and Christians in his work "The Passing of Peregrinus." Although his portrayal is critical, it attests to the spread of Christianity in the ancient world.
Quote: "The Christians, you know, worship a man to this day—the distinguished personage who introduced their novel rites, and was crucified on that account."
This quote from Lucian provides a critical but noteworthy mention of Jesus and early Christians, indicating their presence and influence in the ancient world.
Mara bar Serapion (uncertain dates):
Mara bar Serapion, a Stoic philosopher, references the Jews' execution of their "wise king" in a letter to his son. While the identity of this king is debated, some scholars interpret it as a veiled reference to Jesus.
Quote: "What advantage did the Athenians gain from putting Socrates to death? Famine and plague came upon them as a judgment for their crime. What advantage did the men of Samos gain from burning Pythagoras? In a moment their land was covered with sand. What advantage did the Jews gain from executing their wise king? It was just after that their kingdom was abolished."
Thallus (uncertain dates):
Though his works are mostly lost, Thallus, a 1st-century historian, is referenced by later writers such as Julius Africanus. Thallus's attempt to explain the darkness during Jesus' crucifixion offers indirect evidence of Jesus' existence.
Quote: The quote from Thallus is not directly available as his works are mostly lost, but Julius Africanus, a later historian, references Thallus's attempt to explain the darkness during Jesus' crucifixion.
Celsus (2nd century AD):
Celsus, a Greek philosopher and critic of Christianity, is known through the writings of Origen. While Celsus's arguments are adversarial, they provide insights into early Christian beliefs and practices.
Quote: "Jesus had come from a village in Judea, and was the son of a poor Jewess who gained her living by the work of her hands. His mother had been turned out of doors by her husband, who was a carpenter by trade, on being convicted of adultery [with a soldier named Panthe]..."
Conclusion:
The mentions of Jesus in non-Christian sources and by historians outside the Bible provide valuable corroborative evidence of his existence and the impact of early Christianity. While these references vary in their details and perspectives, they collectively contribute to our understanding of Jesus' historical significance and the spread of Christianity in the ancient world.
