Have you ever wondered what proofs outside of the bible there are that prove the historicity of Jesus the Nazarene?
The Bible is the oldest best preserved book from antiquity. We often forget that and associate it with the Westernisation of the world. Many have ridiculed the Bible as a tool of advancing European superiority in the advent of colonialism. Oddly, it is still the best selling book worldwide. One can only wonder how some people don't esteem it as they do New York best selling titles by modern day authors.
To answer your question:
Josephus — The writings of the 1st century Romano-Jewish historian Flavius Josephus include references to Jesus and the origins of Christianity. Josephus' Antiquities of the Jews, written around 93–94 CE, includes two references to Jesus in Books 18 and 20.Of the two passages, the James passage in Book 20 is used by scholars to support the existence of Jesus, the Testimonium Flavianum in Book 18 his crucifixion. Josephus' James passage attests to the existence of Jesus as a historical person and that some of his contemporaries considered him the Messiah.
Tacitus — The Roman historian and senator Tacitus referred to Christ, his execution by Pontius Pilate and the existence of early Christians in Rome in his final work, Annals (c. AD 116), book 15, chapter 44.The relevant passage reads: "called Christians by the populace. 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 Pilatus." Scholars generally consider Tacitus's reference to the execution of Jesus by Pontius Pilate to be both authentic, and of historical value as an independent Roman source about early Christianity that is in unison with other historical records.
Mara — Mara (son of Sarapion) was a Stoic philosopher from the Roman province of Syria. Sometime between 73 AD and the 3rd century, Mara wrote a letter to his son (also called Sarapion) which may contain an early non-Christian reference to the crucifixion of Jesus. The letter refers to the unjust treatment of "three wise men": the murder of Socrates, the burning of Pythagoras, and the execution of "the wise king" of the Jews. The author explains that in all three cases the wrongdoing resulted in the future punishment of those responsible by God and that when the wise are oppressed, not only does their wisdom triumph in the end, but God punishes their oppressors.
Dead Sea Scrolls — The Dead Sea Scrolls are first century or older writings that show the language and customs of some Jews of Jesus' time. Scholars such as Henry Chadwick see the similar uses of languages and viewpoints recorded in the New Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls as valuable in showing that the New Testament portrays the first century period that it reports and is not a product of a later period.
I'm sure with further research 😉 you will come up with more. They can only help you establish the legitimacy of the historicity of Jesus. What they won't do for you is give you eye witness accounts. Those are available in the New Testament. Why that should matter is because you won't find a notable figure of antiquity who's life is as liberally documented and attested to by his peers or contemporaries. The earliest records of Alexander the Great are dated 300 years after he died. Another notable historical figure is Tiberius Ceasar of Rome. The most reliable sources about his life and accomplishments are 80 years after his demise. Both sources are widely accepted by historinians and taught in western education system. The historicity of the King of the Jews cannot be discounted or dismissed on intellectual grounds. The birth, life, teachings and death of Jesus are the best sourced histories in the ancient world.
What of the resurrection? Did it happen? WATCH
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