Non-Christian Sources

Tacitus in his Annals (c.116 AD) records Christus suffered the extreme penalty under Tiberius at the hands of Pontius Pilate. Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews mentions Jesus twice including the execution of James the brother of Jesus who was called Christ—widely accepted as authentic by secular scholars.

Dealing with Jesus Mythicism

Jesus Mythicism—the theory Jesus never existed—is rejected by the vast majority of scholars including atheist Bart Ehrman. Paul wrote within 15-20 years of Jesus death and claims to have met James the Lord brother (Galatians 1:19). It is historically implausible Paul would invent a biological brother for a mythical being.

The Criterion of Embarrassment

The crucifixion was a scandalous way for a claimed Messiah to die. Jews expected a conquering king. Early Christians would not have invented a shamefully crucified Messiah unless it actually happened. The very offensiveness of the crucifixion story argues for its historicity.

The Minimal Facts Approach

Scholars like Gary Habermas note virtually all historians agree: Jesus died by crucifixion; disciples believed he rose; Paul was suddenly converted; James the skeptic was suddenly converted. The best explanation fitting all four facts is the biblical account of resurrection.

Key Verses

• Tacitus Annals 15:44 — Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of Pontius Pilate.
• Galatians 1:19 — I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord brother.