Historical Facts

We've seen a few important examples of who the Prophets said He would be and who He Himself said He was, and is. But does other evidence exist? How can we be sure He is the Messiah and this isn't a giant hoax?

Let's examine a few historical facts:

1. The historian Josephus wrote about Jesus and His crucifixion in his work, Testimonium Flavianum: "Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ, and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians so named from him are not extinct to this day."
2. His grave was sealed by a Roman official to prevent anyone from stealing His body and creating a resurrection hoax.
3. Although guarded by the world's best soldiers, who would be put to death if they fell asleep on watch, the tomb was found to be empty and His wrappings were stacked neatly inside.
4. Many people saw Him alive after His death.