Mentions of Jesus in Non-Biblical Literature

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Mentions of Jesus in Non-Biblical Literature

March 21, 2025

The existence of Jesus Christ has been mentioned in ancient literature outside of the Bible. Below are seven ancient sources that refer to Jesus, along with specific details of their mentions:

Tacitus’ Annals

  • Reference: Roman historian Tacitus mentions Jesus while discussing Nero’s persecution of Christians in AD 64. He refers to Jesus as "Christ" and records that he was executed under the governance of Pontius Pilate.

  • Content:
    "Christ, the man from whom their name is derived, was executed by Pontius Pilate. As a result, Christianity spread despite their crimes, and Nero tortured and executed them."

Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews

  • Reference: Jewish historian Josephus mentions Jesus twice. In one passage, he describes Jesus as a "wise man," a "worker of miracles," and "the king of the Jews." In another, he refers to Jesus while discussing his brother, James.

  • Content:
    "He was a worker of miracles, and many Jews and Greeks followed him. He was the Christ."

Pliny the Younger’s Letters to Emperor Trajan

  • Reference: Roman governor Pliny the Younger, in a letter to Emperor Trajan, describes Christian worship practices and mentions Jesus Christ, referring to the belief in his divinity.

  • Content:
    "They offered sacred worship to a man called Christ, regarded him as a god, and prayed to him."

Seneca, Roman Legal Scholar

  • Reference: Seneca does not mention Jesus directly, but his writings hint at situations that could be related to Jesus' existence. He discusses the suffering of the "Son of God" and extreme persecution in Roman society, which align with the circumstances of Jesus' life.

Suetonius, Greek Historian

  • Reference: Suetonius mentions "Christ" while recording disturbances in Rome caused by Christians.

  • Content:
    "A man called Christ caused uprisings and disturbances in Rome."

Martial, Roman Poet

  • Reference: Martial criticizes early Christians and refers to Jesus when satirizing their belief in his divinity.

  • Content:
    He describes how Christians worship Jesus' divinity and maintain a distinct faith from other gods.

Babylonian Talmud

  • Reference: The Talmud, a Jewish legal and theological text, contains indirect references to Jesus. It portrays him as a heretic and includes critical remarks about his teachings and fate.

  • Content:
    "Jesus deceived people with magic and sorcery, leading to his eventual execution." It also records disputes over his claim to be the "King of the Jews."

These ancient texts provide historical and social context for Jesus’ existence, demonstrating that references to him exist beyond the Bible, serving as important historical evidence. 

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