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Did Jesus Even Exist?

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Introduction
  • Luke 1:1-4, 31
  • Luke 3:23-28 – Jesus was real – here is His family!
  • Luke 4:14-15
  • Luke 19:37 – Jesus performed miracles and gained notoriety.
  • Luke 22:54 – Jesus was arrested.
  • Luke 23:1, 4, 20, 24, 33, 46 – Jesus was crucified.
  • Luke 24:1-7 – Jesus rose from the dead!
  • Luke 24:46-53 – Jesus ascended into heaven!
  • Acts 1:1-4 – Luke wrote a sequel.
  • Acts 2 – The gospel is preached at Pentecost.
  • Many doubt the veracity of the New Testament.
    • Hostile and secular writers
    Tacitus, Annals XV.44 (AD 110-120)
    • He mentioned Jesus as a historical figure who was executed by Pilate. He also mentioned the persecution of Christians.
      • Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars (AD 120)
      • Reference to Claudius persecuting Jews (see Acts 18:1-2).
        • Pliny the Younger, Letter 96 (AD 110)
        • Reference to persecution of Christians.
          • Lucian of Samosata, The Death of Peregrine (AD 125-180)
          • Reference to Christians, their beliefs, and their “crucified sage.”
            • Mara bar Serapion, Letter (AD 70)
            • Reference to Jesus as a real person.
              • Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews (AD 93-94)
              • Born AD 37
              • Pharisee at age 19
              • Later, a historian for the Romans.
              • He made reference to Jesus, His brother James, His miracles, and His resurrection (see Matthew 13:55).
                • Christian writers
                • Clement of Rome (AD 30-100)
                • Polycarp (AD 69-155)
                • Ignatius (AD 70-110)
                • Justin Martyr (AD 100-165)
                • Quadratus (AD 125)
                • Irenaeus (AD 130-202)
                • Aristides (2nd century AD)
                • Clement of Alexandria (AD 150-215)
                • Tertullian (AD 160-215)
                • Origen (AD 185-253)
                  • Conclusion
                  • Further reading: Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell
                  • There is ample evidence for Jesus if we will look for it!
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                    ScriptureStreamBy Mark Watson
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