It is written:
“The one named Cleopas said, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who doesn’t know what has just happened there.” 19 Jesus said, “What are you talking about?” They said, “It’s about Jesus, the one from Nazareth. To God and to all the people he was a great prophet. He said and did many powerful things.” (Luke 24:18-19)
The life and ministry of Jesus were well-known and documented. Even the enemies of Jesus kept records of the penniless preacher from Nazarene. The Jewish rabbis and other historians (such as Josephus) tell us much about Him, all the while confirming the biblical testimony.
“We learn from the Jewish sources that Jesus was the firstborn son of Mary (the rabbis). He had followers (Josephus) or gathered disciples (the rabbis); he taught them and worked miracles (Josephus, the rabbis). He was put on trial and died by formal execution (Josephus, the rabbis). Either the Jews alone carried out his trial and execution (the rabbis), or the Romans did in some cooperation with Jewish leaders (Josephus). Jesus’ followers claimed that he rose from the dead (the rabbis), and his movement continued (Josephus, the rabbis). Jesus’ brother James was a leading figure in Jerusalem after Jesus’ death (Josephus).” (Robert E. Van Voorst, Jesus Outside The New Testament: An Introduction To The Ancient Evidence, 2103-2107 (Kindle Edition); Grand Rapids, Michigan; William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company)
The hostile witnesses from Jesus’ day bear testimony of the authenticity of what His Apostles and their companions reported. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
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