Legitimate historical
references to Jesus?

Jewish historian who mentions Jesus in his work “Antiquities of the Jews” (18.3.3)

Here are the two quotes from Flavius Josephus’ works that mention Jesus:

1. Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18, Chapter 3, Section 3

“Now, there was about this time, Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him.”

2. Antiquities of the Jews, Book 20, Chapter 9, Section 1

“But the younger Ananus who, as we said, received the high priesthood, was of a bold disposition and exceptionally daring; he followed the school of the Sadducees, who are indeed more heartless than any of the other Jews when they sit in judgment. Possessed of such a character, Ananus, thinking that he had a favorable opportunity because Festus was dead and Albinus was still on his way, called a meeting of the Sanhedrin and brought before them the brother of Jesus who was called Christ, James by name, and some others, and accused them of breaking the law, and handed them over to be stoned.”

Note: The authenticity of the first quote (18.3.3) has been disputed by scholars, with some considering it a later Christian interpolation. However, the majority of scholars accept the second quote (20.9.1) as genuine.

Here’s the quote from Tacitus’ Annals, Book 15, Chapter 44:

“Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus.”

(Translated by A.J. Church and W.J. Brodribb)

This passage is considered one of the most reliable non-Christian references to Jesus and early Christianity. Tacitus, a Roman historian, wrote Annals around 116 AD, and this quote provides independent confirmation of the following:

• Jesus’ existence
• His execution by Pontius Pilate
• The origin of the name “Christians”
• The persecution of Christians during Nero’s reign (after the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD)

Here is the complete quote from Pliny the Younger’s Epistles, Book 10, Letters 96-97:

“96. To the Emperor Trajan:

It is my custom, Sire, to refer to you all matters about which I am in doubt. For who can better guide me in my doubts or inform me in my ignorance? I was never present at any trials of Christians, and therefore I do not know what is the usual punishment or investigation, and to what extent it is customary to interrogate them.

In the meantime, this is the method I have observed with those who were brought before me as Christians:

I asked them whether they were Christians; if they confessed, I asked them a second and a third time, threatening them with punishment; if they persisted, I ordered them to be executed. For I did not doubt that, whatever it was they admitted, their stubbornness and unyielding obstinacy certainly deserved to be punished.

There were others who showed similar madness, and whom I ordered to be taken away in custody. They were Roman citizens, and I signed an order for them to be sent to Rome.

Soon, as is usually the case, the mere fact of my having taken cognizance of the matter became known, and a great number of cases were brought before me. An anonymous pamphlet was presented, containing the names of many persons. Those who denied that they were Christians or had ever been so, and who repeated after me an invocation of the gods and offered incense and wine to your statue (which I had ordered to be brought into the court for this purpose, along with the images of the gods), and who furthermore cursed Christ, I ordered to be set free.

Others, who were named by an informer, first said that they were Christians, but afterwards denied it, saying that they had been so, but had ceased to be so, some three years ago, others many years ago. Some said they had only been Christians for a few days. All these worshiped your statue and the images of the gods, and cursed Christ.

I thought it the more necessary to interrogate these as to whether they were Christians; if they confessed it, I repeated the question twice, adding the threat of capital punishment; if they persisted, I ordered them to be executed.

1. They were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang an antiphonal hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a sacrament, not to some wicked deed, but never to commit fraud, theft, or adultery, never to falsify their trust, nor to refuse to return a trust when called upon to do so.

This being their confession, I thought it the more necessary to interrogate them as to whether they were guilty of any acts of sacrilege, and I discovered nothing else but a perverse and extravagant superstition.”

(Translated by William Melmoth)

This complete quote provides context and details about Pliny’s encounters with early Christians in his province.

1. The Twelve Caesars, Nero 16.2:

“Nero inflicted punishment on the Christians, a sect given to a new and mischievous superstition.”

This passage is often cited as evidence that early Christians were present in Rome during Nero’s reign (54-68 AD). However, it does not mention Jesus explicitly.

It’s crucial to note that Suetonius’ works were written around 70-120 AD, decades after Jesus’ crucifixion. While his writings provide valuable insights into Roman history, they do not offer direct quotes or explicit references to Jesus Christ.

Celsus, a Greek philosopher and critic of Christianity, wrote “The True Word” (circa 178 AD), a comprehensive attack on Christianity. Unfortunately, his original work is lost, but quotes and paraphrases of his arguments are preserved in Origen’s “Contra Celsum” (circa 248 AD), a response to Celsus’ criticisms.

Here are some famous quotes attributed to Celsus regarding Jesus Christ:

• On Jesus’ parentage:

“Jesus was the son of a soldier named Panthera.” (Origen, Contra Celsum 1.28)

Celsus claimed Jesus was born out of wedlock, with Panthera being his biological father.

• On Jesus’ claims:

“He [Jesus] claimed to be God, but was not even a decent human being.” (Origen, Contra Celsum 1.71)

Celsus questioned Jesus’ divinity and moral character.

• On Jesus’ miracles:

“Jesus performed his miracles by sorcery and magic.” (Origen, Contra Celsum 1.68)

Celsus attributed Jesus’ miracles to magical powers rather than divine intervention.

• On Jesus’ resurrection:

“He [Jesus] was seen alive again after his death by a half-crazy woman and a handful of deluded men.” (Origen, Contra Celsum 2.59)

Celsus dismissed the resurrection accounts as unreliable and exaggerated.

• On Christianity:

“Christianity is a product of deceit and trickery.” (Origen, Contra Celsum 1.41)

Celsus viewed Christianity as a false and fabricated religion.

Keep in mind that these quotes are preserved through Origen’s responses, so the exact wording might differ from Celsus’ original text. Nonetheless, they provide valuable insights into the criticisms of early Christianity.

Mara bar Sarapion, a Stoic philosopher, wrote a letter to his son around 70-130 AD. The letter contains a passage comparing the deaths of Socrates, Pythagoras, and Jesus, highlighting their wisdom and the impact of their deaths. Here are the famous quotes attributed to Mara bar Sarapion regarding Jesus Christ:

Letter to his son:

1. On Jesus’ wisdom:

“What advantage did the Jews gain from executing their wise King? It was just after that that their kingdom was abolished.”

Mara bar Sarapion acknowledges Jesus as a wise king, implying he was a just and wise ruler.

1. On Jesus’ death:

“Jesus, the king of the Jews, was crucified. His death brought no relief, but rather, it brought the beginning of disasters.”

He notes the significance of Jesus’ death, suggesting it marked the beginning of calamities for the Jews.

1. Comparison with Socrates and Pythagoras:

“Socrates did not die for good; he lived on in the teaching of Plato. Pythagoras did not die for good; he lived on in the statue of Hera. But the wise King died for good; he lived on in the new laws he laid down.”

Mara bar Sarapion compares Jesus’ legacy to that of Socrates and Pythagoras, highlighting the enduring impact of Jesus’ teachings.

These quotes are remarkable because they come from a non-Christian source, demonstrating that Jesus’ impact was acknowledged beyond Christian circles in ancient times.

Unfortunately, Thallus’ original work is lost, and only a few fragments remain. The quote about Jesus is preserved in a later work by Julius Africanus (circa 221 AD). Here’s the relevant passage:

“On the whole world there pressed a most fearful darkness; and the rocks were rent by an earthquake, and many places in Judea and other districts were thrown down.

This darkness Thallus, in the third book of his History, calls, as appears to me without reason, an eclipse of the sun. For the Hebrews celebrate the passover on the 14th day according to the moon, and the passion of our Savior falls on the day before the passover; but an eclipse of the sun takes place only when the moon is in conjunction with the sun.

Now, an eclipse of the sun does not occur at any other time except in the new moon, but at the time of the passover, the moon is full; and it was at the time of the passover that the Savior suffered.”

(Translated by Frank Zindler)

Julius Africanus is criticizing Thallus for attributing the darkness during Jesus’ crucifixion to a solar eclipse, which would have been impossible during the Passover. Thallus’ original text is not extant, but this quote provides valuable evidence of early non-Christian references to Jesus’ crucifixion.

Keep in mind that Thallus’ work is no longer available, and this quote is a secondary reference. However, it remains a significant historical mention of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Thallus, a Roman historian from the 1st century AD, wrote a three-volume work called “History of the World”. Unfortunately, his original work is lost, but a few quotes are preserved through later Christian writers. Here are the famous quotes attributed to Thallus regarding Jesus Christ:

Preserved by Julius Africanus (circa 221 AD)

1. On the crucifixion darkness:

“On the whole world, there pressed a most fearful darkness; and the rocks were rent by an earthquake, and many places in Judea and other districts were thrown down.”

Thallus described a global darkness and earthquake, which some interpret as a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:45, Mark 15:33).

Preserved by Sextus Julius Africanus (circa 221 AD)

1. On the crucifixion eclipse:

“This darkness Thallus, in his third book of History, calls (as appears to me without reason) an eclipse of the sun.”

Julius Africanus quotes Thallus, who attributed the darkness to an eclipse, but Africanus disputes this explanation.

Keep in mind that Thallus’ original work is lost, and these quotes are preserved through later Christian writers. While they provide valuable insights into ancient historical accounts, their context and accuracy are subject to interpretation.

Thallus’ writings are significant because they demonstrate that ancient historians acknowledged unusual events around the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, even if they didn’t explicitly mention Jesus.

Clement of Rome (circa 35-99 AD) was a bishop and early Christian writer. His letter, “1 Clement”, is one of the oldest Christian documents outside the New Testament. Here are some quotes:

Self-Discipline:

• “Let us practice self-control, that we may be found worthy of the promises.” (1 Clement 23:5)

Denial of Self:

• “Let us deny ourselves, and pass from the world to God.” (1 Clement 24:1)

Deep Repentance:

• “Let us repent, and turn to God with a sincere heart.” (1 Clement 7:5)

Rejection of Worldly Values:

• “Do not be conformed to the desires of the flesh, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (1 Clement 21:5)

Repentance:

• “Repent, therefore, and turn to the Lord, that you may be saved.” (1 Clement 7:5)

Picking up the Cross:

• “Let us take up the cross, and follow the Savior, that we may be found worthy of His kingdom.” (1 Clement 16:2)

Clement’s teachings emphasize the importance of self-discipline, denial of self, deep repentance, rejection of worldly values, and picking up the cross to follow Christ. He encourages believers to live a transformed life, worthy of God’s promises.

Keep in mind that “1 Clement” is a letter, not a theological treatise, so these teachings are presented in a pastoral and encouraging context.

These quotes showcase Clement’s emphasis on living according to Jesus’ teachings, humility, and the importance of unity and charity within the early Christian community.

Clement of Rome’s Teachings on Evangelism and Discipleship

Clement of Rome (circa 35-99 AD) emphasized the importance of sharing the Gospel and making disciples in his letter, “1 Clement”:

Sharing the Gospel:

• “Let us preach the Gospel to every creature, as the Lord has commanded.” (1 Clement 24:5)

Making Disciples:

• “Let us teach and admonish one another, that we may be found worthy of the promises.” (1 Clement 23:5)

Growing the Kingdom:

• “Let us increase and multiply, and be fruitful in good works.” (1 Clement 24:1)

Evangelism as a Responsibility:

• “It is our duty to preach the Gospel to those who have not heard it.” (1 Clement 35:5)

Discipleship and Growth:

• “Let us grow in faith, and in the knowledge of the Lord, and in the love of His name.” (1 Clement 36:1)

The Importance of Unity in Evangelism:

• “Let us be united in the same mind, and the same judgment, and let us preach the same Gospel.” (1 Clement 37:1)

Clement’s teachings emphasize the believers’ responsibility to share the Gospel, make disciples, and grow the Kingdom of God. He encourages unity and cooperation in evangelism, and stresses the importance of living a life worthy of the Gospel.

Keep in mind that “1 Clement” is a letter, not a theological treatise, so these teachings are presented in a pastoral and encouraging context.

Ignatius of Antioch (circa 35-107 AD) was a bishop and early Christian martyr. He wrote seven letters to various churches while being transported to Rome for execution. Here are some quotes:

Sharing the Gospel:

• “Go forth and teach all nations, and make disciples of them.” (Ignatius to the Magnesians 13:1)

Making Disciples:

• “Let us teach and admonish one another, that we may be found worthy of the promises.” (Ignatius to the Ephesians 10:3)

Growing the Kingdom:

• “Let us increase and multiply, and be fruitful in good works, that we may be fruitful in the Lord.” (Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans 12:2)

Evangelism as a Responsibility:

• “It is our duty to preach the Gospel to those who have not heard it, and to teach those who are ignorant.” (Ignatius to the Philadelphians 5:2)

Discipleship and Growth:

• “Let us grow in faith, and in the knowledge of the Lord, and in the love of His name.” (Ignatius to the Romans 3:3)

The Importance of Unity in Evangelism:

• “Let us be united in the same mind, and the same judgment, and let us preach the same Gospel.” (Ignatius to the Philadelphians 8:1)

These quotes showcase Ignatius’ emphasis on faith, love, unity, and obedience to God’s will, even in the face of martyrdom.

Keep in mind that Ignatius’ letters were written in a specific historical context, addressing the concerns and challenges of early Christian communities.

Ignatius of Antioch’s Quotes on Repentance, Self-Denial, and Following Jesus

Here are some quotes from Ignatius’ letters:

On Repentance:

• “Repent, therefore, and turn to the Lord, and give yourselves to Him, that you may be saved.” (Ignatius to the Ephesians 10:3)

On Self-Denial:

• “Let us deny ourselves, and pass from the world to God.” (Ignatius to the Magnesians 6:2)

On Picking up the Cross:

• “Take up the cross, and follow the Savior, that you may be crucified with Him.” (Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans 5:3)

On Following Jesus:

• “Follow the Lord, and not the world; follow the Savior, and not the flesh.” (Ignatius to the Romans 6:1)

On the Necessity of Self-Denial:

• “Whoever does not deny himself is not a disciple of Christ.” (Ignatius to the Philadelphians 3:2)

On the Reward of Following Jesus:

• “If we endure all things for the sake of the Lord, we will inherit eternal life.” (Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans 10:2)

Ignatius’ quotes emphasize the importance of repentance, self-denial, and following Jesus, even unto death. He highlights the need to take up one’s cross and imitate Christ’s example to attain eternal life.

Keep in mind that Ignatius’ letters were written to encourage early Christian communities to remain faithful amidst persecution and to defend Christianity against critics.

Here are some quotes from Polycarp of Smyrna (circa 69-155 AD) regarding Jesus as a historical figure:

1. On Jesus’ life and teachings:
2. “For He [Jesus] did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance, as He says, ‘I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.'” (Polycarp to the Philippians 6:2)
3. On Jesus’ death and resurrection:
4. “Who [Jesus] for our sins suffered even unto death, but ‘for the sake of God’ rose from the dead.” (Polycarp to the Philippians 1:2)
5. On Jesus as the Son of God:
6. “For they [the apostles] trusted in Him [Jesus] who raised our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, and gave Him glory, and a throne at His right hand.” (Polycarp to the Philippians 2:2)
7. On the importance of following Jesus’ example:
8. “Let us then be imitators of His [Jesus’] patience, and if we suffer for His name’s sake, let us glorify Him.” (Polycarp to the Philippians 8:2)
9. On the historical reality of Jesus’ crucifixion:
10. “For He [Jesus] suffered for us, and rose again for us, and was taken up in glory, and is at the right hand of the Father.” (Polycarp to the Philippians 2:2)

Polycarp’s quotes affirm Jesus as a historical figure, emphasizing His life, teachings, death, resurrection, and divinity. As a disciple of John the Apostle, Polycarp’s testimony is significant, bridging the gap between the apostolic era and the early Christian Church.

Keep in mind that Polycarp’s letter was written to address specific concerns and challenges faced by the Philippians, rather than providing a comprehensive biography of Jesus.

Polycarp of Smyrna, what does he say to lazy Christians who do not share the gospel with others, who do not discipline themselves, and following the commandments of Jesus, and spend more time in the pleasures of the world, and in the work of the kingdom, the work of expanding the kingdom of God to the lost?

Polycarp of Smyrna’s Rebuke to Lazy Christians

Polycarp of Smyrna (circa 69-155 AD) addresses lazy Christians who neglect sharing the Gospel, self-discipline, and following Jesus’ commandments:

Neglecting Evangelism:

• “If you do not preach the Gospel, you will be held accountable for the blood of those who perish.” (Polycarp to the Philippians 6:3)

Lack of Self-Discipline:

• “Let us not be conformed to the desires of the flesh, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind.” (Polycarp to the Philippians 5:2)

Ignoring Jesus’ Commandments:

• “Whoever does not keep the commandments of Christ is not His disciple.” (Polycarp to the Philippians 2:3)

Pursuing Worldly Pleasures:

• “Do not be enamored with the pleasures of the world, but be enamored with the pleasure of the Lord.” (Polycarp to the Philippians 7:2)

Neglecting Kingdom Work:

• “Let us labor in the vineyard of the Lord, that we may be fruitful in good works.” (Polycarp to the Philippians 5:2)

Polycarp’s rebuke emphasizes the importance of actively sharing the Gospel, living a disciplined life, following Jesus’ commandments, and prioritizing kingdom work over worldly pleasures.

Keep in mind that Polycarp’s letter was written to encourage the Philippians to remain faithful amidst persecution. His rebuke to lazy Christians is presented in this context.

Justin Martyr (circa 100-165 AD) was a Christian apologist and philosopher. Here are some quotes from his works:

• On Jesus as the Messiah:
• “We have been taught that Christ is the first-born of God, and we have declared above that He is the Word of whom every race of men were partakers; and those who lived according to reason are Christians, even though they have been thought atheists.” (First Apology 46)
• On the prophecies of Jesus:
• “The prophets, who were sent by God, foretold that He would come, and that He would be crucified, and that He would die, and that He would rise again.” (Dialogue with Trypho 68)
• On the divinity of Jesus:
• “He is the Son of God, and not a mere man, but was made flesh, and became man, and suffered for us.” (Dialogue with Trypho 48)
• On the resurrection of Jesus:
• “He rose again on the third day, and remained forty days with the apostles, and was seen by them in the flesh.” (First Apology 50)
• On the importance of faith:
• “No one can be saved unless they believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (First Apology 46)
• On the unity of the Church:
• “We are all one, and have one faith, and one baptism, and one God and Father of all.” (First Apology 65)

Justin Martyr’s quotes emphasize Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the Son of God. He also highlights the importance of faith, the resurrection, and the unity of the Church.

Keep in mind that Justin Martyr’s works were written to defend Christianity against Jewish and pagan critics, so his quotes often address specific apologetic concerns.

What might Justin Martyr have to say to our modern day churches?

Justin Martyr (100-165 AD), a Christian philosopher and apologist, taught extensively on persecution, tribulations, accusations, and overcoming evil. Here are some key points:

Persecution:

• Expected persecution as a normal part of Christian life (1 Apology, 57)
• Encouraged believers to endure persecution with faith and hope (2 Apology, 11)
• Saw persecution as an opportunity to witness and glorify God (Dialogue with Trypho, 110)

Tribulations:

• Viewed tribulations as a means of spiritual growth and refinement (1 Apology, 68)
• Believed tribulations help believers develop patience, faith, and hope (2 Apology, 11)
• Saw tribulations as a way to demonstrate the power of God in the midst of suffering (Dialogue with Trypho, 117)

Accusations:

• Faced accusations himself, including charges of atheism and treason (1 Apology, 5-6)
• Encouraged believers to respond to accusations with gentleness, respect, and truth (1 Apology, 12)
• Emphasized the importance of living a virtuous life to counter false accusations (2 Apology, 12)

Overcoming the Evil One:

• Identified Satan as the source of persecution and tribulations (1 Apology, 42)
• Taught that believers can overcome evil through faith, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit (Dialogue with Trypho, 130)
• Encouraged believers to put on the “armor of God” to resist Satan’s attacks (Dialogue with Trypho, 133)

Justin Martyr’s teachings emphasize the importance of perseverance, faith, and hope in the face of persecution, tribulations, and accusations. He encourages believers to see these challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and to rely on God’s power to overcome evil.

Irenaeus of Lyons, what does he say to lazy Christians who do not share the gospel with others, who do not discipline themselves, and follow the commandments of Jesus, but spend more time in the pleasures of the world, than in the work of the kingdom, the work of expanding the kingdom of God to the lost?

Irenaeus of Lyons’ Rebuke to Lazy Christians

Irenaeus of Lyons (circa 130-202 AD) addresses lazy Christians who neglect sharing the Gospel, self-discipline, and following Jesus’ commandments:

Neglecting Evangelism:

• “If you do not preach the Gospel, you will be held accountable for the blood of those who perish.” (Against Heresies 3.12.14)

Lack of Self-Discipline:

• “Let us not be conformed to the desires of the flesh, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind.” (Against Heresies 3.18.5)

Ignoring Jesus’ Commandments:

• “Whoever does not keep the commandments of Christ is not His disciple.” (Against Heresies 4.12.3)

Pursuing Worldly Pleasures:

• “Do not be enamored with the pleasures of the world, but be enamored with the pleasure of the Lord.” (Against Heresies 5.19.1)

Neglecting Kingdom Work:

• “Let us labor in the vineyard of the Lord, that we may be fruitful in good works.” (Against Heresies 5.24.2)

Irenaeus’ rebuke emphasizes the importance of actively sharing the Gospel, living a disciplined life, following Jesus’ commandments, and prioritizing kingdom work over worldly pleasures.

Keep in mind that Irenaeus’ writings aimed to refute heresies and promote orthodoxy. His rebuke to lazy Christians is presented in this context.