Suetonius Sources for the historicity of Jesus

a 1540 copy of lives of twelve caesars suetonius

the roman historian suetonius (c. 69 – after 122 ce) made references christians , leader in work lives of twelve caesars (written 121 ce). references appear in claudius 25 , nero 16 describe lives of roman emperors claudius , nero. nero 16 passage refers abuses nero , mentions how inflicted punishment on christians - dated around ce 64. passage shows clear contempt of suetonius christians - same contempt expressed tacitus , pliny younger in writings, not refer jesus himself.

the earlier passage in claudius, may include reference jesus, subject debate among scholars. in claudius 25 suetonius refers expulsion of jews claudius , states:

since jews made disturbances @ instigation of chrestus, expelled them rome.

the reference in claudius 25 involves agitations in jewish community led expulsion of jews rome claudius, , same event mentioned in acts of apostles (18:2). historians date expulsion around ce 49-50. suetonius refers leader of christians chrestus, term used used tacitus, referred in latin dictionaries (amongst other things) version of christus . however, wording used suetonius implies chrestus alive @ time of disturbance , agitating jews in rome. weakens historical value of reference whole, , there no overall scholarly agreement value reference jesus. however, confusion of suetonius points lack of christian interpolation, christian scribe not have confused jews christians.

most scholars assume in reference jesus meant , disturbances mentioned due spread of christianity in rome. however, scholars divided on value of suetonius reference. scholars such craig a. evans, john meier , craig s. keener see reference jesus. others such stephen benko , h. dixon slingerland see having little or no historical value.

menahem stern states suetonius referring jesus; because have added chrestus if had meant unknown agitator.