Historical Sources

Central Sources for Understanding Jesus

Josephus

Tacitus

Pliny

Suetonius

Classical Sources

Josephus: Antiquities of the Jews (94 CE) References to Jesus, John the Baptist, and

others

Josephus Jewish historian Mentioned Jesus in his writings

toward the end of the first century Discusses disturbances that

were caused by the Jews during the time Pontius Pilate was governor of the region of Judea.

These disturbances centered around a man named Jesus and his followers.

Identifies Jesus as “a wise man… a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of men who receive the truth with pleasure.”

Would have had no reason to accept the historical reality of Jesus

Classical sources

Tacitus: History (105 CE) References to a “Christus,

the founder of the name,” and his death by Pontius Pilate.

References to Nero’s famous early persecution of Christians.

Classical sources

Roman historian Referred to Jesus in his

account of a fire that burned Rome in the year 64 C.E.

Had no great love for that strange group of people called Christians

Classical Sources

Pliny the Younger: Letters to Trajan (110 CE) References to the early

Christian sect and early persecution under Emperor Trajan.

Classical Sources Governor of one of the Roman

provinces in Asia Minor He wrote to the emperor Trajan for

advice on what to do about the Christians. The Roman officials were

always concerned about the growth of any political or religious sect

Classical sources Suetonius: Twelve Caesars (120

CE) References to expulsion of “Jews

of Rome” because of riots instigated by “Chrestus”

Classical sources Roman historian and a lawyer. Compiled biographies of several

Roman emperors. He stated that Claudius expelled the

Jews from Rome because of the riots they were constantly causing “on the instigation of Chresturs.” Scholars agree that Chrestus

refers to Christ

All of these men were non-Christians. Through their

writings they support the historical existence of Jesus