Jesus Was A Real Person

Biblical Scholars and Historians Agree On This

Evidence Validating Christ Was A Genuine, Flesh And Blood Man

Despite what you may have heard elsewhere, the facts and evidence for the existence of Jesus Christ is nearly irrefutable. Most reputable scholars, both Christian and non-Christian alike, attest that Jesus was a real, flesh and blood man.

Let’s begin with a list of ten facts about Jesus that biblical and historical scholars agree on. This list is summarized in this 6 1/2 minute video by Dr. Travis Campbell, a Christian scholar from Reasons To Believe.

Ten facts About Jesus That Scholars Agree On

Facts About Jesus

Consensus facts about Jesus from critical, non-Christian biblical scholars

Jesus did exist
Jesus was a profound moral teacher

Jesus had disciples
Jesus did extraordinary things including healings
Jesus claimed to be the messiah of Israel; many agree he claimed to be the unique Son of God
Jesus was crucified by order of Pontius Pilate
Jesus’ corpse was buried in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea
Jesus’ tomb was found empty by women who followed him
Jesus’ disciples believed they experienced the living Jesus after his death
Jesus’ disciples believed he had risen from the dead; that changed their lives

Testimony From A Renowned Non-Christian Scholar

Next, listen to Dr. Bart Ehrman, renowned atheist biblical scholar from the University of North Carolina. In this 2 1/2 minute video from Abrahamic Faith you’ll hear from this non-Christian expert that Jesus most certainly existed as a flesh and blood human.

Dr. Ehrman’s perspectives on the existence of Jesus

Jesus’ existence is not debated by scholars of antiquity
- No scholar in the western world in a related field doubts Jesus existed
Jesus is abundantly attested by early and independent sources
- One author knew and was an eyewitness to James and Peter
“Atheists have done themselves a disservice by jumping on the bandwagon of mythicism.” That is, believing Jesus didn’t exist.
- “Makes you look foolish to the outside world”

Ehrman Attests To Jesus

Eyewitness Accounts And Other Evidence

Finally, listen to Dr. Gary Habermas, renowned New Testament scholar from Liberty University. In this 4 minute video from Capturing Christianity Dr. Habermas highlights some of the evidence for the existence of Jesus.

Evidence of Jesus

Dr. Habermas’ key evidence for ascribing to the existence of Jesus

12½ historical document references
Bart Ehrman – atheist New Testament scholar
- 15 sources for crucifixion within 100 years
Paul – 7 Epistles as accredited sources
- Eyewitness to the eyewitnesses: Peter, James and John
- And Paul himself as eyewitness
Women’s testimony
No accredited modern specialist claims Jesus never lived

Early Texts From Independent, Non-Christian Sources

All three scholars cited above call out documents written in the 1^st century AD as their primary evidence. Here are two videos discussing that documentary evidence. The first one from Share Change is 5 minutes, the second one from the Casual Historian is 9 minutes. Be sure to watch both so you can see the direct evidence for yourself – especially the 2^nd video.

Documentary Evidence

Citations from historical authors

Tacitus: Jesus was crucified during the time of Pontius Pilate
Flavius Josephus: Jesus was a wise man, performed startling deeds, was executed by Pilate & had followers
Mara Bar Serapion: Jesus was executed by the Jews
Thallus & Phlegon: Darkness covered the land when Jesus was executed
Babylonian Talmud: Jesus was crucified before Passover

Conclusion

Jesus genuinely existed as a real person:

Ten facts about Jesus that non-Christian biblical scholars agree on
Unequivocal testimony from a renowned non-Christian biblical scholar
Eyewitness accounts and other evidence documented in the Bible
Several reliable and early texts from independent, non-Christian sources reference Jesus, his followers, his works and his impacts

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The Bible Is Reliable And Trustworthy