Jesus of Nazareth is perhaps the most influential figure in history. But did He really exist? And how trustworthy are the stories about Him? These are questions that interest not only believers but also historians and curious seekers. Let’s take a look at what history tells us.
Is There Evidence Outside the Bible?
Some people think Jesus is only mentioned in the Bible, but that’s not true. Several historical sources confirm His existence:
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Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian writing around AD 93, explicitly mentions Jesus. He refers to “Jesus, who was called the Christ” and states that He was crucified.
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Tacitus, a Roman historian, wrote around AD 116 about “Christ,” who was executed under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Emperor Tiberius.
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Suetonius, another Roman writer, refers to unrest among Jews in Rome caused by a certain “Chrestus,” which likely refers to Christ.
These sources come from non-Christian writers, making their testimonies particularly interesting. They show that Jesus was not just a fictional character—He was a real person who made an impact during His time.
Can We Trust the Bible as a Historical Source?
The four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are the primary sources about Jesus’ life. But how reliable are they?
Historians assess ancient texts based on how soon they were written after the events and how many copies exist. In this regard, the Gospels hold up surprisingly well:
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They were written 30 to 60 years after Jesus’ death, which is relatively short compared to other historical figures.
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There are thousands of ancient manuscripts of the Gospels—far more than any other text from that time. This makes it easier to identify errors or changes.
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Archaeological discoveries confirm details from the Gospels, such as the names of cities, government officials, and even an inscription about Pontius Pilate.
Although the Gospels contain theological elements, historians generally consider many of the core facts to be reliable.
What Do Skeptics Say?
Not everyone believes that everything in the Bible is historically accurate. Some skeptics question miracle stories or the resurrection of Jesus. These are understandable concerns since such events do not fit into ordinary historical research.
However, even many secular historians agree that:
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Jesus really existed.
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He was considered a significant teacher.
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He was crucified by the Romans.
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His followers strongly believed He had risen from the dead and spread this belief quickly.
Why Do People Believe in the Resurrection?
The resurrection of Jesus is one of the most debated and crucial aspects of Christianity. Historically, a few key facts support this claim:
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Eyewitness accounts: Jesus’ followers claimed they saw Him alive after His death—not as vague visions but in physical encounters where they talked and ate with Him.
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The disciples’ willingness to die: Almost all of Jesus’ disciples faced violent deaths because they refused to deny their belief in His resurrection. People rarely die for something they know is a lie.
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The rapid growth of Christianity: Despite intense persecution, the belief in Jesus’ resurrection spread quickly throughout the Roman Empire. Something must have deeply convinced His early followers.
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The empty tomb: Both Christian and Jewish sources acknowledge that Jesus’ tomb was found empty. If His body had been stolen, authorities could have simply presented it to disprove the resurrection.
C.S. Lewis, the author and former atheist famous for The Chronicles of Narnia, put it this way:
“A man who was merely a man and said the things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on the level of a man who says he is a poached egg—or he would be the devil of hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse.”
Bono, the lead singer of U2, also said:
“I don’t understand how anyone can say Jesus was just a great moral teacher. He said, ‘I am the Messiah.’ That’s either true, or it’s a delusion. And I don’t believe a lunatic could inspire the world the way Jesus has.”
While the resurrection remains a matter of faith, these points help explain why many people—even skeptics—struggle to dismiss the early spread of Christianity without acknowledging some extraordinary event.
Why Does This Matter?
Whether you believe in Him or not, Jesus has had a massive impact on world history. He inspired a movement that still influences billions of people today. His teachings on love, forgiveness, and justice remain relevant.
If you’re curious about Jesus, why not explore the Gospels yourself and see what you think? The Alpha Course is a great way to have open discussions about Jesus and faith—without pressure or obligation.
Whatever conclusion you reach, one thing is certain: Jesus was a historical figure who changed the world.