Evidence: Ancient writers (Non-Christians, enemies, and early Christians) wrote about the birth of Christ, His life, teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection.
They also wrote about the faith and lives of the disciples and early Christians. Here are the links to some of their writings (most translated).
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ANCIENT WRITERS & |
NATIVITY PAINTINGS: |
| FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS (37-100 A.D.) was a first century Jewish historian and soldier He wrote about life and resurrection of Jesus. Antiquities XVIII, 3:3 |
 The Adoration of the Magi, Pieter Aertsen, c. 1560 |
| CELSUS was 2nd century Greek philosopher and opponent of Christianity Celsus sought to ruthlessly ridicule and disprove Christianity. But in doing so, he left proof of the existence and life of Jesus. He wrote on the Virgin Birth, Jesus’ baptism, Jesus’ Divinity, Jesus’ Miracles, the Apostles, John the Baptist. He bears witness to the antiquity of the apostolic writings – he refers to the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John; and makes allusions to quotations from the New Testament. True Discourse |
 by Franz Von Rhoden |
| CORNELIUS TACITUS (55-120 A.D.) was a Roman historian Tacitus verifies the Biblical account of Jesus’ execution at the hands of Pontius Pilate who governed Judea from 26-36 A.D. during the reign of Tiberius: Annals XV, 44 |
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| GAIUS SUETONIUS TRANQUILLUS (69-130 A.D.) was a Roman biographer Suetonius records the expulsion of the Christian Jews from Rome (mentioned in Acts 18:2) and confirms the Christian faith being founded by Christ. Life of Claudius, 25.4 |
 The Nativity (fresco) by Giotto, c.1305-06 |
| LUCIAN OF SAMOSATA (120- ~180 A.D.) was a Greek writer Lucian was a noted satirist of the second century, spoke scornfully of Christ and the Christians. The Death of Peregrinus 11-13 |
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| PLINY THE YOUNGER (62?-113 A.D) was a Roman magistrate Pliny the Younger admits to torturing and executing Christians who refused to deny Christ. A recurring theme in the correspondence between Pliny and Trajan is the willingness of the true believer to die for Christ. This would hardly be reasonable if they knew He never existed! Pliny’s letter to Emperor Trajan, Epistulae, Vol X, No. 96 (in Latin here) |
 Nativity with Saints Francis and Lawrence by Caravaggio, 1609 |
| CLEMENT OF ROME (?-98? A.D.) was a bishop of Rome Clement confirms the ministry of the disciples and some of the basic tenets of early Christianity. Corinthians 42 |
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| IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH (? – ~100 A.D) was the bishop of Antioch He reinforces early Christian beliefs in the letters he penned while in prison. Even when execution was imminent, Ignatius refused to recant his faith. Letter to the Trallians, 9:1 Letter to the Smyrneans, 1 Magnesians XI |
 The Adoration of the Magi by Peter Paul Rubens, 1634 |
| QUADRATUS OF ATHENS (126 A.D.) was an Athenian bishop and direct disciple, 1634 of the Apostles He is generally regarded as the first Christian apologist. Quadratus points out the fact that a few who were healed and resurrected by Jesus lived until modern times. Eusebius IV III, 2 |
 The Adoration of the Magi by Da Vinci, 1481-2 |
| ARISTIDES THE ATHENIAN (126 A.D.) was a 2nd century Greek Christian author Aristides describes the treatment of Jesus by His own people, the Jews, and contrasts their beliefs with those of the Christians. Apology XIV-XV |
 Adoration of the Shepherds by Gerard Van Honthorst, 1622 |
| JUSTIN MARTYR (~100 – 165 A.D.) was possibly the most well-known early Christian apologist He was an educated pagan philosopher who converted to Christianity around 130 A.D. Being a thoroughly educated man, Justin weighed the evidence carefully before accepting his new faith and explains to the reader he made his decision only after careful consideration and research. First Apology, 34, 46, 50 Dialogue with Trypho, 77 97, 107-8 |
 Mystic Nativity by Botticelli |
| HEGESIPPUS (110 A.D. – 180 A.D.) converted to Christianity from Judaism after extensively researching the Gospel story Instead of accepting the Gospel story at the word of others, he traveled extensively throughout Rome and Corinth in an effort to collect evidence of the early Christian claims. Hegesippus provides important testimony that the stories being passed around were not watered down, embellished, or fabricated. The History of the Church |
 Nativity (in an Antiphonary) by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, c. 1460 |
[Sources: pending]
MORE FACTS:
- NON-CHRISTIANS PROVE JESUS’ RESURRECTION
- THE REAL THANKSGIVING STORY – As Written by the Pilgrims
- CHURCH & STATE SEPARATION IS A MYTH
