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
- Further reading: Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell
- There is ample evidence for Jesus if we will look for it!