Minor sources Sources for the historicity of Jesus

pliny younger (c. 61 - c. 112), provincial governor of pontus , bithynia, wrote emperor trajan c. 112 concerning how deal christians, refused worship emperor, , instead worshiped christus . charles guignebert, not doubt jesus of gospels lived in gallilee in 1st century, nevertheless dismisses letter acceptable evidence historical jesus.

thallus, of whom little known, , none of writings survive, wrote history allegedly around middle late first century ce, eusebius referred. julius africanus, writing c 221, links reference in third book of history period of darkness described in crucifixion accounts in 3 of gospels . not known whether thallus made mention crucifixion accounts; if did, earliest noncanonical reference gospel episode, usefulness in determining historicity of jesus uncertain. dating of thallus dependent on him writing event during 207th olympiad (49-52 ad), means wrote after date, not near date. depends on text being corrupt, mean thallus have been writing after 217th olympiad (89-92 ad), or 167th olympiad (112-109 bc). first referenced theophilus, writing around 180 ad, means thallus have written time between 109 bc , 180 ad. know thallus mentioned solar eclipse, , solar eclipses not possible @ passover, mean thallus not talking crucifixion of jesus @ all.

phlegon of tralles, a.d. 80 - 140, similar thallus, julius africanus mentions historian named phlegon wrote chronicle of history around a.d. 140, records: “phlegon records that, in time of tiberius caesar, @ full moon, there full eclipse of sun sixth ninth hour.” (africanus, chronography, 18:1) phlegon mentioned origen (an church theologian , scholar, born in alexandria): “now phlegon, in thirteenth or fourteenth book, think, of chronicles, not ascribed jesus knowledge of future events . . . testified result corresponded predictions.” (origen against celsus, book 2, chapter 14) “and regard eclipse in time of tiberius caesar, in reign jesus appears have been crucified, , great earthquakes took place … ” (origen against celsus, book 2, chapter 33) “jesus, while alive, of no assistance himself, arose after death, , exhibited marks of punishment, , showed how hands had been pierced nails.” (origen against celsus, book 2, chapter 59). however, eusebius in chronicon (written in 4th century ad) records phlegon said verbatim. now, in fourth year of 202nd olympiad [32 ad], great eclipse of sun occurred @ sixth hour [noon] excelled every other before it, turning day such darkness of night stars seen in heaven, , earth moved in bithynia, toppling many buildings in city of nicaea. phlegon never mentions jesus or 3 hour darkness. mentions solar eclipse, can not occur @ passover. apart year (which may corruption), description fits earthquake , eclipse occurred in north west turkey on november, 29 ad.

celsus writing late in second century produced first full-scale attack on christianity. celsus document has not survived in third century origen replied it, , known of celsus writing through responses of origen. according origen, celsus accused jesus of being magician , sorcerer. while statements of celsus may seen valuable, have little historical value, given wording of original writings can not examined.

the dead sea scrolls first century or older writings show language , customs of jews of jesus time. scholars such henry chadwick see similar uses of languages , viewpoints recorded in new testament , dead sea scrolls valuable in showing new testament portrays first century period reports , not product of later period. however, relationship between dead sea scrolls , historicity of jesus has been subject of highly controversial theories, , although new theories continue appear, there no overall scholarly agreement impact on historicity of jesus, despite usefulness of scrolls in shedding light on first-century jewish traditions.