Sources outside the Bible all confirm what the Bible says. Josephus was a Jewish historian and mentions Jesus several times. He notes Jesus’ role as a religious teacher and his death by crucifixion. Tacitus was a Roman historian and says Jesus lived during the N.T. times and that he was referred to as the “Christ” by His followers. Modern historians accept these two as reliable reporters and historians and neither one were Christians so they didn’t have any hidden agenda.
Jewish and Pagan Historians that confirm Biblical history:
-Flavius Josephus (Jewish Antiquities) AD 93 – “About this time arose Jesus…when Pilate…. he appeared to them alive on the third day…the race of Christians, …show more content…
Luke refers to city judges of Thessalonica as “politarchs”. Critics of the Bible said Luke made up the term or was mistaken. Late 19th century William Ramsey dug up the Stone archway of the gate into the city and above the Greek names was “politarchs”
2. Luke mentions Caiaphas as the high priest. Historians claimed no such person is ever mentioned outside of Luke. During road construction in Jerusalem, heavy equipment broke through the roof of a limestone cave used for burial in 1st century-bone box ossuary. Engraved on it was “Joseph Caiaphas, high priest”.
3. Luke mentions Caesarea, where Pontius Pilot lived. He was a Roman Governor. Critics scoffed saying no such Roman ruler lived. However, a 2x3 foot cornerstone with “Pontius Pilate, the Prefect of Judea, has dedicated to the people of Caesarea a temple in honor of Tiberius” was found in an archaeological dig of this city.
4. O.T.: Sodom and Gomorrah - according to critics no such cities ever existed. When the ancient city of Eblam in northern Syria was dug up 20,000 stone tablets from 2,000-2,500 B.C. were found. These stones recorded city business transactions and referenced Sodom and Gomorrah as trading