• Matthew 16:13
  • Introduction
    • We have 5,800 Greek manuscripts supporting the authenticity of the New Testament.
  • Tacity Annals, XV.44 (AD 110-120)
    • Hostile witness
    • Christ existed
    • Followers called Christians
    • Christians persecuted, but they spread anyway
  • Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars (AD 120)
    • Acts 18:1-2 (AD 49)
    • Possibly refers to the events of Acts 18.
  • Pliny the younger, Letter 96 (AD 110)
    • Mentions behavior of Christians at worship each week
  • Lucian of Samosota, The Death of Peregrine (AD 125-180)
    • Mocked Christians who followed a “crucified sage”
  • Mara bar Serapion, Letter (after AD 70)
    • Refers to Christ and His teaching
  • Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews (AD 93-94)
    • Born AD 37
    • Pharisee at 19
    • Later supported by Rome as a historian
    • Refers to condemnation of James, the brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55)
    • Favorable description of Jesus
  • Craig A. Evans
    • Pibicus, Greek Magical Papyrus
    • Silver phylactery from Beirut
    • Magic bowls
    • Latin curse inscription
    • Silver lamella
    • The “Jesus Cup”
      • Possibly the earliest known reference to Christ
    • Magicians at that time were trying to equate their power with Christ or call on Christ for their power. Jesus was already well known for His power.
      • Mark 9:38
      • Acts 19:13-16
  • Was Jesus real?
    • Christian writers
      • Clement of Rome 30-100 AD
      • Polycarp 69-155 AD
      • Ignatius 70-110 AD
      • Justin Martyr 100-165 AD
      • Quadratus 125 AD
      • Irenaeus 130-202 AD
      • Aristides
      • Clement of Alexandria
      • Tertullian
      • Origen