Reverend Clinton Chisholm, Contributor
TO ASK for evidence that Jesus Christ of Bethlehem/ Nazareth was an historical figure is as legitimate as asking for evidence that there was a historical Plato or Julius Caesar or Cleopatra. Many raise questions about the historicity of Jesus but take the historicity of numerous other ancient figures for granted, which is odd, since Jesus has more and better documentary support as a historical figure than many popular ancient figures.
Before providing some of the historical evidence concerning Jesus we have to make some fundamental but neglected points.
No alleged figure in history commands credibility or probability as a historical figure except based on the calibre of the document(s) or artefact(s) being used in support of the historical claim. Calibre of document has to do with the number and quality of the manuscripts, the time lapses between the event(s) and the original document and the original document and the earliest copy and of course internal issues relating to the trustworthiness of the authors of the documents. Concerning artefacts, age and genuineness are critical.
Concerning documents about ancient individuals and ideas (before 2nd century AD, let's say) we have no originals only copies. So whether you are reading Paul or Plato, reading about Alexander the Great or probing the history written by Thucydides you have to use copies of manuscripts because the originals have not survived to our day.
In this regard, the New Testament has more and better manuscript copies than any other piece of literature from ancient times and the time lapses between event and the originals and originals and the earliest copies, in general, are shorter than that for most (though not all) other ancient documents. A few quick examples to whet your appetite. Take the life of Alexander the Great (356-323 BC). One of our best sources is Plutarch (AD 46-126), who wrote 400 to 450 years after Alexander's exploits and the earliest manuscripts are about 850 to 1500 years later. Number of manuscript copies? Less than 20.
The famous Greek historians Herodotus (484-420 BC) and Thucydides (460-400 BC) document events happening during their lifetimes and also about 60 years prior (Herodotus). The time lapse from writing to earliest manuscript is approximately 1300 years. Manuscript copies for each? About 8.
EVIDENCE OF JESUS
The New Testament gospels, our primary (though not our only) sources for the life of Jesus Christ were all written in the first century AD, between 30 to 60 years after the events. The time lapse from writing to earliest copies is 100 to 200 years. Manuscript copies? About 25,000!
The historian who has problems trusting the reliability of the New Testament documents would have no basis whatsoever for trusting the whole body of ancient classical literature. Returning now to the evidence for Jesus. Where apart from the New Testament is Jesus mentioned? In several non-Christian authors actually, not to mention the numerous early Christian authors apart from the ones in the New Testament.
Thallus, historian, wrote AD 52. His work is now lost but he is mentioned in Julius Africanus who wrote AD 221, and while dealing with the darkness at the crucifixion said, "This darkness Thallus, in the third book of his History, calls, as appears to me without reason, an eclipse of the sun." (Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 6, 130)
Josephus (AD 37/38-97), Jewish historian, became court historian for Emperor Vespasian after AD 70. In his Antiquities 20.9 (written AD 90-95) he says, "[The high priest Ananias] convened a meeting of the Sanhedrin and brought before them a man named James, the brother of Jesus, who was called the Christ, and certain others."
This now is breaking news. An ossuary (bone box) bearing the inscription "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus", in Aramaic, was recently found in Jerusalem. (The details can be found in Biblical Archaeology Review, Nov./Dec. 2002, 24-33,70). Though the study of this archaeological prize continues, it is useful to note that Andre Lemaire and Father Joseph Fitzmeyer two of the world's leading specialists in ancient Hebrew/Aramaic inscriptions, plus geologists from the Ministry of National Infrastructures in Israel, have given their studied verdict that the box and inscription are authentic.
Tacitus (AD 55-120), Roman historian, in his Annals, 15.44 (written ® AD 115), while dealing with the fire of Rome said, "- Nero fastened the guilt-on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians-Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilate -"
Seutonius, Roman historian and chief secretary of Emperor Hadrian (AD 117-138), in his Claudius, 25, (written ®AD 115), said, "Because the Jews at Rome caused continuous disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he expelled them from the city." (See also Acts 18.2).
If you wish to do further investigation of the historical facts concerning Jesus Christ I would recommend the following. Josh McDowell, He Walked Among Us; Lee Strobel, The Case For Christ; Ronald Nash, The Gospel and the Greeks and two cassettes by two prominent philosopher-theologians, Evidence For Jesus (William Lane Craig) and The Case For Jesus Christ (John Warwick Montgomery).
Local Christian bookshops should have these excellent resources.
Failing that contact me at 983-7026 or clintchis@hotmail.com and put the title of the article in the subject area.
