Few words. Josephus, Tacticus, and Pliny the Younger. 11 of the 12 "disciples" described by these non-believers died a horrible death for what they believed. I don't know of many who would die for a 'folk lore' or ellaboration of stories. While many will say that Josephus' comments about Jesus were added by Christians, many 'words' may have been added (I.E. 'Christ', 'Messiah', 'resurrection') Regardless, the rest of the paragraphs relating to Jesus is clearly authentic writings of Josephus in his style and selection of words. One main point to not forget. Converting to Christianity in the 1st century was not nearly as simple as it is today. To convert meant persecution, torture, house-to-house raids. Match that with the geographical writings of eyewitness Gospel accounts (the canon) all in accord, the likelihood of such a 'fictional' story coupled with ridicule, torture, loss of freedom, and death makes for compelling authenticity of a historical Jesus with many eyewitnesses. Peace, Laz®
Josephus, Tacticus, and Pliny the Younger. 11 of the 12 "disciples" described by these non-believers died a horrible death for what they believed. I don't know of many who would die for a 'folk lore' or ellaboration of stories. While many will say that Josephus' comments about Jesus were added by Christians, many 'words' may have been added (I.E. 'Christ', 'Messiah', 'resurrection') Regardless, the rest of the paragraphs relating to Jesus is clearly authentic writings of Josephus in his style and selection of words.
One main point to not forget.
Converting to Christianity in the 1st century was not nearly as simple as it is today. To convert meant persecution, torture, house-to-house raids. Match that with the geographical writings of eyewitness Gospel accounts (the canon) all in accord, the likelihood of such a 'fictional' story coupled with ridicule, torture, loss of freedom, and death makes for compelling authenticity of a historical Jesus with many eyewitnesses.
Peace,
Laz®