Introduction

  • Luke 1:1-4, 31
  • Luke 3:23-28 – Jesus was real – here is His family!
  • Luke 4:14-15
  • Luke 19:37 – Jesus performed miracles and gained notoriety.
  • Luke 22:54 – Jesus was arrested.
  • Luke 23:1, 4, 20, 24, 33, 46 – Jesus was crucified.
  • Luke 24:1-7 – Jesus rose from the dead!
  • Luke 24:46-53 – Jesus ascended into heaven!
  • Acts 1:1-4 – Luke wrote a sequel.
  • Acts 2 – The gospel is preached at Pentecost.
  • Many doubt the veracity of the New Testament.

Hostile and secular writers

Tacitus, Annals XV.44 (AD 110-120)

  • He mentioned Jesus as a historical figure who was executed by Pilate. He also mentioned the persecution of Christians.

Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars (AD 120)

  • Reference to Claudius persecuting Jews (see Acts 18:1-2).

Pliny the Younger, Letter 96 (AD 110)

  • Reference to persecution of Christians.

Lucian of Samosata, The Death of Peregrine (AD 125-180)

  • Reference to Christians, their beliefs, and their “crucified sage.”

Mara bar Serapion, Letter (AD 70)

  • Reference to Jesus as a real person.

Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews (AD 93-94)

  • Born AD 37
  • Pharisee at age 19
  • Later, a historian for the Romans.
  • He made reference to Jesus, His brother James, His miracles, and His resurrection (see Matthew 13:55).

Christian writers

  • Clement of Rome (AD 30-100)
  • Polycarp (AD 69-155)
  • Ignatius (AD 70-110)
  • Justin Martyr (AD 100-165)
  • Quadratus (AD 125)
  • Irenaeus (AD 130-202)
  • Aristides (2nd century AD)
  • Clement of Alexandria (AD 150-215)
  • Tertullian (AD 160-215)
  • Origen (AD 185-253)

Conclusion