If faith was enough for them...
Why are there doubts about Jesus’ existence?
Some people ask whether there is sufficient evidence to prove that Jesus of Nazareth actually existed. Decades ago, as John P. Meier pointed out, non-believers imply that Biblical evidence for Jesus is biased because it belongs to a theological text written by committed believers. What they wanted to find out is: Is there non-Biblical evidence for Jesus’ existence? Unfortunately, for non-believers, when Jesus resurrected from the dead, which is a miracle performed by Himself, He didn't leave any physical evidence because no corpse was left in the grave. He's alive!
What kinds of evidence are available?
There are four general types of evidence:
Real evidence (tangible things, such as a weapon)
Demonstrative (a model of what likely happened at a given time and place)
Documentary (a letter, blog post, or other documents)
Testimonial (witness testimony)
Josephus
There was no debate about His existence in the ancient world. He has been a historical figure. Many have been written about Jesus by His detractors. He was referred to as the illegitimate child of Mary and a sorcerer, for example. The first historian who wrote about Jesus was Flavius Josephus. He wrote a history of Judaism around AD93 (Antiquities of the Jews) and referred to Jesus twice. One of these is controversial since it was allegedly corrupted by Christian scribes, possibly making a more positive account out of Josephus’s negative one. -But the second one is not suspicious. It referred to "James, the brother of “Jesus, the so-called Christ”.
Ancient Manuscripts
[Rylands P52 Manuscript]
Here's a fragment of a manuscript from the gospel of John.It belongs to John 18:31-33 as shown in the picture above.
John 18:31 New International Version (NIV): Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” “But we have no right to execute anyone,” they objected. This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die. Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
By Pe-Jo - Own work, Public Domain.
Tacitus
A Roman historian senator named Tacitus’ mentions a “Christus” who was executed by Pontius Pilate, in his last major work, Annals. Tacitus’ brief reference to Jesus adds to the historical information of Jesus’ death written in the New Testament. Robert E. Van Voorst says that the extremely negative tone of Tacitus' comments on Christians and Christianity makes the passage a very unlikely forgery by a Christian scribe. Boyd and Eddy also state that this historical reference from Tacitus is now widely accepted as a non-Biblical confirmation of Christ's existence and crucifixion.
An Important Teaching That Conforms to Reality
Even the apostles have acknowledged that many people had misbeliefs about Jesus even in their time. However, for believers, his teachings are genuine enough to positively influence humanity. Believing in God and following His doctrines through the teachings of Jesus can make such a huge positive impact in the lives of many, that it’s enough to erase any doubts about his very existence.
Luke 9:18 says:
Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”
Here is one of Jesus’ teachings and proof, at least that the teachings were real and relevant in the time of their writing.
Archeologists found Roman coins which were accounted in Matthew 22:17-21.
Tell us therefore what thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
This boils down to paying taxes whenever it’s due but what’s remarkable is the physical evidence, the coins, have been found, supporting the belief that Jesus actually existed and taught this doctrine.
This is a copy of the inscription found at Caesarea Maritima during an excavation led by Italian archaeologist Dr. Antonio Frova. It connects Pontius Pilate with the reign of Tiberius. Pilate held office from A.D. 26-36. He was in a position to defend their leadership from perceived political threats, including Jesus, who's then known as the King of the Jews.
Conclusion
There is enough historical evidence that support the existence of Jesus, Caesar and Pilate. If Christians were to exaggerate and forge miracles, it would be another point of discussion, but at least, these evidence serve to strengthen the faith of some people who possibly hava doubts about the existence of Jesus or have been exposed to anti-Christian teachings or beliefs.
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