Is Jesus a Historical Figure?

A common claim by sceptics and critics is that Jesus of Nazareth is a mythical invention or a later legend. However, both pagan and Jewish sources outside the Bible — including hostile witnesses — confirm the existence, ministry, crucifixion, and even worship of Jesus. Below is a detailed survey of ancient sources that independently affirm the biblical narrative.

Thallus (c. 52 AD)

• One of the earliest secular historians to mention Jesus.
• Though his original works are lost, he is quoted by Julius Africanus (c. 221 AD).
• Thallus attempted to explain the darkness at Jesus’ crucifixion as a solar eclipse.
• his comment implies the event of darkness was well known in history.
• Biblical Parallel – Mark 15:33 (NIV): "At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon."

Tacitus (c. 56–120 AD)

• A highly respected Roman historian.
• In Annals 15.44, he records that Jesus was executed under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius.
• Mentions Nero’s persecution of Christians in Rome
• Biblical Parallel – Matthew 27:26 (NIV): "Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified."

Mara Bar-Serapion (c. 70 AD)

• A Syrian philosopher who wrote a letter to his son.
• He compared Jesus’ unjust death to that of Socrates and Pythagoras.
• Called Jesus a “wise king” whom the Jews executed.
• Biblical Parallel – Mark 15:2 (NIV): "Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “You have said so,” Jesus replied."

 Phlegon (c. 80–140 AD)

• A Roman historian whose works are quoted by early Christian writers.
• He reportedly confirmed the darkness at Jesus’ death and his prophetic powers.
• Biblical Parallel – Matthew 26:31 (NIV): "Then Jesus told them, 'This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered."

 Pliny the Younger (c. 61–113 AD)

• Roman governor who wrote to Emperor Trajan about early Christians. Described them as worshippers of Christ as a god and noted their ethical lives.
• Biblical Parallel – Acts 2:42 (NIV): "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

Suetonius (c. 69–140 AD)

• Roman historian who wrote about disturbances among the Jews due to “Chrestus” (a variation of Christus).
• Recorded the expulsion of Jews from Rome under Claudius.
• Biblical Parallel – Acts 18:9–10 (NIV): "One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: 'Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city."

Lucian of Samosata (c. 115–200 AD)

• A Greek satirist who mocked Christians.
• Acknowledged Jesus’ execution, His teachings, and His followers’ belief in immortality.
• Biblical Parallel Romans 5:5 (NIV):"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

Celsus (c. 175 AD)

• A pagan philosopher and vocal critic of Christianity.
• He attacked Christian doctrine but confirmed many facts about Jesus’ life, teachings, and crucifixion.
• Biblical Parallel – John 8:40 (NIV): "As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things."

Jewish (Non-Christian) Testimony

Josephus (c. 37–101 AD)

Renowned Jewish historian.

• In Antiquities of the Jews (Book 18, 3.3), he refers to Jesus as a wise teacher, a worker of wonders, and someone crucified by Pilate.
• He also mentions James as “the brother of Jesus, called the Christ.”
• Biblical Parallel – Matthew 21:11 (NIV): "The crowds answered, 'This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.'"

The Babylonian Talmud (c. 400–700 AD)

• Hostile to Jesus but confirms His existence.
• Refers to Him as a sorcerer who led Israel astray and was crucified on the eve of Passover.
• Biblical Parallel – Matthew 27:57–58 (NIV): "As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him."

Toledot Yeshu (10th Century AD)

• A medieval Jewish anti-Christian text.
• Though hostile, it acknowledges Jesus’ miracles and His resurrection.
• Intended to mock but ironically preserves core facts.
• Biblical Parallel – John 20:1 (NIV): "Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance."

Conclusion: What These Sources Confirm

• Even enemies of Christianity admitted the following core facts:
• Jesus was a real historical figure, born in Palestine.
• Matthew 1:23 (NIV): “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
• He taught publicly and called for repentance.
• Matthew 4:17 (NIV): “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’”
• He performed miracles.
• Mark 2:3–5 (NIV): “Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’”
• He was betrayed, tried, and crucified.
• Matthew 26:48–57 (NIV): “Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him.Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.”
• He rose from the dead.
• Matthew 28:6 (NIV): “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
• His disciples worshipped Him and were persecuted.
• Luke 24:52 (NIV): “Then they worshiped him an
• returned to Jerusalem with great joy.”
• Acts 7:59–60 (NIV):
• “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

 The historical Jesus: ancient evidence for the life of Christ by Gary R. Habermas

 Did Jesus Exist? The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth – Bart D. Ehrman

  https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/is-there-any-evidence-for-jesus-outside-the-bible/