Josephus Confirms Jesus as Historical Figure

Ancient Jewish historian's writings provide independent evidence of Jesus' existence

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The ancient Jewish historian Flavius Josephus wrote about Jesus in his work 'Antiquities of the Jews' dated to AD 93, providing one of the earliest non-Christian accounts of Jesus as a historical figure. While the text has been the subject of debate over potential interpolations by later Christian scribes, most scholars agree the core details about Jesus being a wise teacher who was crucified by Pilate and had a devoted following are likely authentic.

Why it matters

Josephus' writings are significant because they represent independent, non-Christian evidence that corroborates the biblical accounts of Jesus as a real historical person, rather than a purely mythical figure. This helps counter claims that there is insufficient evidence outside the Bible to substantiate Jesus' existence.

The details

In the passage known as the Testimonium Flavianum, Josephus describes Jesus as 'a wise man' and 'the Messiah' who 'wrought surprising feats' and 'was a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly.' He notes that Pilate condemned Jesus to be crucified, but that 'those who had in the first place come to love him did not give up their affection for him' and that 'on the third day, he appeared to them restored to life.' While some details in the passage have been questioned by critics as potential Christian interpolations, an Arabic version of the text is believed to be less influenced by later Christian scribes and contains similar core details about Jesus' life and death.

  • Josephus wrote 'Antiquities of the Jews' in AD 93.

The players

Flavius Josephus

A Jewish historian who lived in the 1st century AD and wrote extensively about Jewish history, including mentioning Jesus in his work 'Antiquities of the Jews'.

Pontius Pilate

The Roman prefect of Judea who, according to Josephus' account, condemned Jesus to be crucified.

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What they’re saying

“About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man. For he was one who wrought surprising feats and was a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews and many Greeks. He was the Messiah.”

— Flavius Josephus, Jewish Historian (Antiquities of the Jews)

The takeaway

Josephus' writings provide valuable independent confirmation that Jesus was a real historical figure, rather than a purely mythical person, corroborating the biblical accounts. This evidence helps counter claims that there is insufficient non-Christian proof of Jesus' existence.