Non-Christian Historical Sources: Several non-Christian authors from the era of Jesus provide independent attestations of his existence. For instance, the Roman historian Tacitus, in his work the Annals, composed around 116 AD, refers to the execution of “Christus” (Jesus) under the governance of Pontius Pilate during Emperor Tiberius’s rule.

Another significant source is Josephus, a Jewish historian. In his work Antiquities of the Jews, written circa 93-94 AD, Josephus mentions Jesus twice. Although one of these passages, known as the Testimonium Flavianum, is subject to debate, it nonetheless provides evidence of Jesus as a teacher and his crucifixion.

Pliny the Younger, serving as a Roman governor, also references Jesus in a letter to Emperor Trajan around 112 AD. He describes early Christians worshiping Christ as a deity and assembling regularly for religious practices. These accounts from non-Christian writers affirm Jesus’s existence and highlight his teachings and crucifixion.

The Pilate Inscription: In 1961, archaeologists discovered a stone inscription in Caesarea Maritima bearing the name Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor associated with Jesus’s crucifixion. This archaeological find corroborates the biblical narrative concerning Pilate’s involvement in Jesus’s trial.

The James Ossuary: Unearthed in 2002, this first-century bone box bears the inscription “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.” Although its authenticity has been contested, it potentially offers indirect evidence of Jesus’s historical existence, particularly if it pertains to the biblical James, Jesus’s brother.

Early Christian Writings: Prominent early Christian figures such as Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, and Polycarp, who were either contemporaries of the apostles or their immediate successors, documented Jesus as a genuine historical figure who lived, died, and was resurrected. These writings, embedded in early Christian tradition, further substantiate the historical reality of Jesus.

Joining Nancy Grace:

Additional Guests 

• Dr. Robert “Bobby” Duke – (Southern CA and Washington, D.C.) Chief Curatorial Officer and the Director of the Scholars Initiative at Museum of the Bible, Author of “Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic Dictionary” and “The Social Location of the Visions of Amram;” Facebook: MuseumofBible, Twitter: @museumofBible
• Dr. Robert Van Voorst – Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Western Theological Seminary, and Author of “Jesus Outside the New Testament: An Introduction to the Ancient Evidence”

“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.

[Feature Photo: The James Ossuary was on display at the Royal Ontario Museum from November 15, 2002, to January 5, 2003/Wikipedia Commons]