One of the most common questions people ask when they begin to read the Bible or explore Christianity is: Was Jesus real? It’s a fair and important question. To answer it well, we need to look beyond personal opinions and examine both historical and biblical records.
This article offers a simple introduction to three well-supported arguments that affirm the historical existence of Jesus. Whether you’re beginning to learn about Jesus for the first time or revisiting the topic with fresh eyes, these facts offer a strong foundation for faith—and further study.
1. Jesus is Mentioned by Multiple Non-Christian Historians
Jesus is not just found in the pages of the Bible. Several respected historians from the first and second centuries mention Him in their writings—and they weren’t Christians.
One of the most well-known sources is Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian writing around A.D. 93. In Antiquities of the Jews, he refers to Jesus as “a wise man” and notes that “Pilate…had condemned him to a cross,” and that his followers “did not cease to follow him.” This supports several key facts from the Gospel accounts.
Another notable source is Tacitus, a Roman historian who wrote around A.D. 116. In his Annals, he explains that Nero blamed Christians for the fire in Rome, and adds that “Christus, from whom the name [Christian] had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of…Pontius Pilate.”
These writers had no reason to promote Christianity—if anything, they were critical of it. Their testimonies confirm that Jesus was a real person, that He was crucified, and that His followers were already spreading His message by the early first century.
2. Jesus is a Central Figure in Early Christian Writings
Even though the New Testament is a religious text, it is also a collection of historical documents written by eyewitnesses and close companions of Jesus. Scholars—both Christian and secular—agree that the books of the New Testament were written in the first century, many within decades of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Books like Acts, written by Luke, and the letters of Paul and Peter consistently refer to Jesus as a historical figure who taught, performed miracles, died by crucifixion, and rose again. These writings mention real places, events, and people that have been verified by archaeology and historical records.
This manuscript evidence is incredibly early and widespread, giving even more weight to the claim that Jesus truly lived. If you’re looking to learn about Jesus, the Gospels are not just faith documents—they are rooted in historical context and eyewitness testimony.
3. The Rapid Rise of the Early Church
Another powerful argument for the reality of Jesus is the rapid spread of Christianity in the decades after His death. The early church didn’t grow because of wealth, power, or popularity—it grew through the courage of believers who claimed to be eyewitnesses to Jesus’ resurrection.
Many of these early Christians, including apostles like Peter and Paul, were imprisoned, persecuted, and even executed for their faith. It is unlikely that such widespread devotion would grow around a fictional character. The bold message of Jesus—and the willingness of so many to suffer for it—points to a real, historical foundation.
Why Does It Matter?
So, was Jesus real? The evidence from historians, biblical texts, and the early church gives a resounding yes. These three key facts—non-Christian sources, early Christian writings, and the explosive growth of the church—make a strong historical case.
But beyond the facts, the real question becomes: What will you do with this information? If Jesus truly lived, taught, died, and rose again, then His message has eternal significance. We encourage you to keep studying, keep asking questions, and most importantly, learn about Jesus—His teachings, His love, and His invitation to follow Him.
If you have questions or want to study with someone, we would love to help. Contact us through our website or give us a call today. Let’s explore the truth about Jesus—together.