Is Jesus a Myth?
What Facts Do Historical, Non-Biblical Sources Corroborate?
Does Jesus belong in the same category as Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny? With so many mythical characters populating stories, how can we know Jesus existed?
Many people (even Christians) may be surprised that the Scriptures are not the only source of information about Jesus Christ. At least three non-Biblical historical sources document the life, and in some instances, also the death of Jesus of Nazareth.
A Roman governor known as Pliny the Younger who lived in Asia Minor between 62–113 A.D., wrote “They (Christians) 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… (Epistles 10.96).
Tacitus (A.D. 56-circa 120) was a highly esteemed historian in his day and is considered by scholars today as one of the best Roman historians. He held important government positions, including Proconsul of Asia, and had access to the Acta Senatus or the archives of the Roman senate.
Tacitus verified that “Christus, the founder of the name (Christians), had undergone the death penalty in the reign of Tiberius, by sentence of the procurator Pontius Pilate.” He noted that the Christian movement was “checked for a moment, only to break out once more, not merely in Judea, … but in the capital itself” (Annals Book 15, chapter 44). Tacitus was not a fan or follower of Christ. He simply documents the facts, including the way in which Nero blamed Christians for the great fire of Rome in AD 64. Tacitus wrote, “Nero substituted as culprits and punished in the utmost refinements of cruelty, a class of men, loathed for their vices, whom the crowd styled Christians” (Annals, Book 15, chapter 44).
Josephus (A.D. 37–100), a third Roman historian, described a few details about Jesus: “About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man for he was one who wrought surprising facts and was a teacher of such people who accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. When Pilate upon hearing him accused by men of the highest standing amongst us had condemned him to be crucified, those who had in the first place come to love him did not give up their affection for him. And the tribe Christians so called after him has still to this day not disappeared” (The Antiquities of the Jewish People 18.3.3).
There is enough evidence in the non-Biblical sources above to convince a jury that Jesus Christ lived and died. It is also enough evidence to demonstrate that he had loyal followers who continued to believe in him and carry on his mission even after his death.
In light of these sources, the Gospel accounts of the life and death of Christ should take on a powerful new significance to even the most jaded skeptic. Most important of all, of course, are the Gospel accounts of the Resurrection and subsequent appearances of the Risen Christ to many different people.
If you decide to read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John yourself, be forewarned: as C. S. Lewis once wrote, “A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading” (Surprised by Joy). He knew first-hand how the Holy Spirit can and will reveal the truth of the Living Word of God to a reader because C. S. Lewis himself once was an atheist before his conversion first to Theism and subsequently to Christianity.
During this Lenten season, as we once again approach the glorious Easter season, a question of tremendous significance faces all of us, a question Jesus himself asked: “But who do you say that I am?” When Jesus asked Peter (the “rock” on whom Jesus founded his Church) that question, Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 16:15–17).
