Whether you’re a believer or just curious, the question of whether Jesus of Nazareth really lived is something that gets people talking. While the Bible gives the main story of His life, it’s not the only place we hear about Him. In fact, several ancient Roman and Jewish writers, people who weren’t Christians, also mentioned Jesus. And what they said actually backs up the Bible in some powerful ways.

One of the best-known Roman historians, Tacitus, wrote about Christians in his work Annals around the year 116 AD. In Book 15, Chapter 44, he talks about how Emperor Nero blamed Christians for a fire in Rome and punished them. He even mentions their founder, “Christus” (Christ), who was executed by Pontius Pilate during the reign of Emperor Tiberius. That lines up perfectly with what we read in Matthew 27:2. What’s especially interesting is that Tacitus wasn’t a fan of Christians at all. He was just reporting what he knew, likely from official Roman records. That makes his words a strong, unbiased confirmation that Jesus really was crucified.

Another Roman writer, Pliny the Younger, gives us a peek into what early Christians were up to. Around the year 112 AD, he wrote a letter to the Emperor Trajan asking how to deal with this growing group of Jesus-followers. He said they worshiped Christ “as a god” and were spreading quickly. This matches what we see in Acts 2:41, where thousands started following Jesus shortly after His resurrection. Pliny wasn’t trying to preach, he was just doing his job as a governor, which makes his report even more valuable.

Then there’s Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian who lived in the first century. In his book Antiquities of the Jews, he refers to Jesus as a wise man who did amazing things, was crucified by Pilate, and had followers who didn’t give up on Him. This section, called the “Testimonium Flavianum,” has sparked debate because it may have been edited by Christian scribes later on. But most scholars believe the basic facts, like Jesus’ crucifixion, are authentic. It’s a fascinating link to what we see in Mark 15:15.

Even the Babylonian Talmud, a collection of Jewish writings compiled later on, has something to say. In Sanhedrin 43a, it talks about a man named Yeshu who was executed on the eve of Passover for leading people astray. It’s a negative take on Jesus, but oddly enough, it lines up with John 19:14 and Matthew 26:65-66. Even though the tone is critical, it still confirms key parts of the story—Jesus’ existence, His influence, and His death.

So, what do all these sources have in common? They come from people who weren’t trying to promote Christianity. In some cases, they were even hostile to it. And yet, they confirm important details from the Gospels, like Jesus being crucified under Pilate and the rapid rise of His followers.

When you put it all together, these outside voices create a strong picture: Jesus wasn’t just a religious figure made up later. He was a real person who made a real impact—so much so that even His critics couldn’t ignore Him.

Agape,