An objective analysis of Historical Jesus

 What is the proof that historical Jesus lived?

Non - Christian sources

Tacitus (c. 116 CE)

In Annals 15.44, Tacitus writes:

“Christus… suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of Pontius Pilate.”

 There was only one Roman prefect of Judea named Pontius Pilate in history.

• Governed Judea from 26–36 CE
• Appointed by Emperor Tiberius

Proof of Emperor Tiberius

• Full name: Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus

• Born: 42 BCE

• Ruled: 14 CE – 37 CE

• Predecessor: Augustus

• Successor: Caligula

Roman coins (with his portrait)

There was a man called Tiberius who lived. 100 percent certain. He had a prefect named Pilate. 100 percent certain. (pilate stone)

Probability of existence of Tiberius : 100%

Probability of the existence of Pilate: 99.9 %

Probability of the existence of Jesus: 95-99%

Probability of the crucifixion under pilate: 98-99%

• Existence without Christian sources: ~75–90% confidence

• Crucifixion without Christian sources: ~80–90% confidence

There is a high probability of the existence of Jesus and his crucifixion. All scholars and historians agree with this. 

Now the real question is 

Is the resurrection story real?

Josephus

(Born 37/38 CE – Died c. 100 CE)

“At this time there was Jesus, a wise man…
Pilate condemned him to the cross…
Those who loved him did not cease…
And the tribe of Christians is not extinct to this day.”

Now the problem is Josephus was a Jew. 

Is there a non-Jew writing of resurrection?

Writer	Writing Date	Age When Writing	Years After Crucifixion (~30 CE)	What They Say About Crucifixion
Tacitus	~116 CE	~60 yrs	~85 yrs later	Says “Christus suffered the extreme penalty under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius.” Direct execution reference.
Pliny the Younger	~112 CE	~50 yrs	~80 yrs later	Mentions Christians worship Christ “as a god.” No crucifixion detail.
Suetonius	~120 CE	~50 yrs	~90 yrs later	Mentions disturbances at Rome caused by “Chrestus.” No crucifixion description.
Celsus	~175 CE	unknown (likely middle-aged)	~145 yrs later	Criticizes Christian claims; assumes Jesus was executed but does not narrate crucifixion details.