Many assume that the historical evidence for Jesus comes only from the Bible.
But several non-Christian historians and writers from the first and second centuries also mention Jesus, His followers, and early Christianity.

They had no religious motive — in fact, some were hostile.
Yet their testimonies support key elements of the Gospel accounts.

1. Tacitus (AD 56–120)

A respected Roman historian and politician, Tacitus records:

• Jesus was executed under Pontius Pilate
• During the reign of Emperor Tiberius
• Christianity spread from Judea to Rome
• Christians were persecuted for their beliefs

This matches the Gospels precisely.

2. Josephus (AD 37–100)

A Jewish historian and Roman affiliate who described:

• Jesus as a wise teacher
• His miracles
• His crucifixion under Pilate
• His apparent resurrection after 3 days
• The continued existence of His followers

Josephus had no reason to endorse Christianity — yet he confirms its historical foundations.

3. Pliny the Younger (c. AD 112)

A Roman governor who wrote that Christians:

• worshipped Jesus “as a god”
• met regularly
• refused to worship Roman idols

This shows that strong Christian belief in Jesus’ divinity existed only decades after His death.

4. Suetonius

A Roman historian who:

     . referred to disturbances among Jews in Rome

     . stated these were instigated by Chrestus, (Christ)

This is considered a key piece of non-Christian evidence of Jesus and his followers in the first century.

5. The Babylonian Talmud

A Jewish text that acknowledges:

• Jesus existed
• performed “sorcery” (their hostile interpretation of miracles)
• had followers

These sources had no Christian bias.
Yet they affirm the central historical facts present in the Gospels.

Conclusion

Even without the New Testament, non-Christian historians give us:

• a real Jesus,
• in first-century Judea,
• known as a miracle worker,
• crucified under Pilate,
• followed by devoted believers
• they proclaimed Him risen and worshipped Him as divine.

History aligns well with Scripture. Virtually, all scholars and historians agree that Jesus of Nazareth was a real historical figure who lived in the first century.

Mike.

mike@acaseforgod.com

Post 16 of a 33-part series exploring the evidence for the existence of God.

My next Blog outlines some of the archeological fundings that support the time of Jesus.

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