6. Josephus Refers to Jesus, Twice

The great 1st century Jewish historian and ancient writer Josephus Flavius affirms that James, the brother of Jesus, was martyred. In his work Antiquities 20 v.9 (95 AD) Josephus writes:

“…AND BROUGHT BEFORE THEM THE BROTHER OF JESUS, WHO WAS CALLED CHRIST, WHOSE NAME WAS JAMES, AND SOME OTHERS; AND WHEN HE HAD FORMED AN ACCUSATION AGAINST THEM AS BREAKERS OF THE LAW, HE DELIVERED THEM TO BE STONED”.

Now, before we look at the next reference (which is argued to be less trustworthy) we ought to note that this reference is, according to the world’s leading Jospehus scholar, Loius Feldman “almost universally acknowledged”, and thus beyond dispute. Here we have a legitimate reference to the historical Jesus and his brother.

The other reference we find in the Testimonium Flavium mentions Jesus in a way that a Jew like Josephus, who was particularly unsympathetic towards Jesus or Christianity, would not have mentioned him. This, correctly, has lead scholars to question its authenticity, and thus scholars have concluded that it is a Christian interpolation.

However, scholars unanimously agree that Josephus did mention Jesus in the original before altered copy. Alice Whealey, in her work Josephus on Jesus, believes that the majority of modern scholars consider it partially authentic, despite some clear Christian interpolations in the text.

We can know with certainty that Josephus mentioned the historical Jesus twice just merely 60 years after he lived. This is good historical evidence from an independent source written by a credible 1st century historian

here are many independent sources that attest to Jesus’ crucifixion. So many in fact that it is beyond doubt that Jesus really died on a cross. We find that all four canonical gospels (Mark, Matthew, Luke, John) attesting to this fact.

We also find Serapion, in his letter, refers to the crucifixion of the “wise king”. Josephus Flavius, writing within the 1st century, refers to Jesus’ crucifixion very vividly, “And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross.” Cornelius Tacitus, writing in the early 2nd century, in his work Annals also refers to Jesus’ crucifixion. Eddy and Boyd state that it is now “firmly established” that Tacitus provides a non-Christian confirmation of the crucifixion of Jesus.

The much later Jewish Talmud states that “On the eve of the Passover Yeshu (Jesus) was hanged.” The early Church fathers unanimously believed that Jesus was crucified on a cross, for instance Ignatius of Antioch, and Polycarp.

No credible historian rejects that Jesus was crucified. Scholar John Crossan, of the radical Jesus Seminar, writes: “That he was crucified is as sure as anything historical can ever be.”

According to atheist scholar Gerd Ludemann: “Jesus’ death as a result of crucifixion is indisputable.”

f Jesus did not exist then we wouldn’t have Christianity in the first place. In fact, one may argue that if Jesus did not rise from the grave the disciples and Paul & James would not have led changed lives (from their preceding Jewish norms), had a willingness to suffer, or end up martyred (in the case of a few of them) for their faith in Jesus. If Jesus did not exist, or even appear to Paul, we would not have his conversion despite him having persecuted the early Church.

The gospels tell us that Jesus’ family thought he was mad (Mark 3:21), and that not even his brothers believed in him (John 7:5). However, when Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to his brother James, James then ends up leading the Church and is killed for this (Antiquities 20 v. 9). Could a non-existent Jesus account for such a radical transformation for all of these men?

Furthermore, it is because Jesus appeared to the 500 others, as Paul mentioned (1 Corinthians 15), that the Church rapidly grew, and that he gospel so quickly spread. According to a leading New Testament scholar N.T. Wright: “That is why, as a historian, I cannot explain the rise of early Christianity unless Jesus rose again, leaving an empty tomb behind him.”

Existence

Clement was martyred in 98 AD for his belief in Jesus and his willingness to spread his belief to as many as possible. This makes Clement an early source, and he confirms the ministry of the disciples and some of the basic aspects of early Christianity, he writes:

“The Apostles received the Gospel for us from the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was sent forth from God. So then Christ is from God, and the Apostles are from Christ. Both therefore came of the will of God in the appointed order. Having therefore received a charge, and being fully assured through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and confirmed in the word of God will full assurance of the Holy Ghost, they went forth with the glad tidings that the kingdom of God should come.

So preaching everywhere in country and town, they appointed their first fruits, when they had proved them by the Spirit, to be bishops and deacons unto them that should believe.” (Corinthians 42)

Clement affirms Jesus’ existence rather clearly. What makes Clement even more significant is that Tertullian and Jerome record that Clement was personally ordained by Peter. He was thus a disciple of Peter. Now, Peter was a disciple of Jesus meaning that Clement had access to reliable testimony.

Subsequently, Clement of Rome were martyred for his belief in a risen Jesus. It would stretch credulity to believe that he would do so for an imaginary character.

21. Ignatius of Antioch Writes on Jesus Existence

Ignatius was a Bishop of Antioch reported to have been appointed to his position by Peter of whom he was a disciple. He is also believed to be a disciple of Paul and John, and was later arrested by the Romans and executed around 100 AD. Ignatius, like Clement of Rome, writes extensively on the historical Jesus in Trallians, Smyrneans 1, and Magnesians xi.

What is also significant is that Theodoret states that Ignatius was personally appointed to the Antioch by Peter (like Clement, this implies a personal relationship with 
an original Disciple, making 1st hand testimony available to him). We are also aware that John Chrysostom emphasizes the honor bestowed upon Ignatius as he personally received his dedication from the Apostles.

Even though his testimony would ultimately lead to his death, Ignatius was adamant about the things he witnessed. He reinforces early Christian beliefs in the letters he wrote while in prison. Ignatius refused to recant his faith in the face of death. Hardly something someone would do for an imaginary character of history.

22. Hypothetical Q