When we talk about evidence for early Christianity outside the Bible, most people immediately think of Tacitus or Pliny the Younger. But there’s another Roman historian who gives us a small, interesting piece of the puzzle: Suetonius. His comment is short. Very short. But it still matters. Who Was Suetonius? Suetonius was a Roman historian…

Roman writers provide some of the most interesting non-Christian references to early Christianity. One such figure is Suetonius, a Roman historian and biographer writing in the early second century. Although his references to Christianity are brief and debated, they offer insight into how the early Jesus movement appeared to outsiders. This article examines Suetonius’ writings,…

One of the most important non-Christian references to early Christianity comes from a Roman official who was not writing history, theology, or propaganda. He was simply trying to do his job. Around AD 112, Pliny the Younger, a Roman provincial governor, wrote a letter to the emperor Trajan asking for guidance on how to deal…

One of the most important non-Christian references to Jesus comes from a Roman who had every reason to dismiss Christianity. His name was Tacitus, a Roman senator and historian known for his sharp criticism and disdain for what he considered dangerous superstitions. What makes his testimony especially valuable is that it is openly hostile to…

This is the first of several posts examining the historical evidence for Jesus Christ. My goal is to present the information so you can conduct your own research and decide for yourself. Who is Flavius Josephus, and what are the Antiquities of the Jews? Flavius Josephus was a Jewish historian who lived in the first…