RR YESHUA BEYOND THE BIBLE By Dr. Raymond Finney 

Shavuah Tov {{firstName}},

YESHUA BEYOND THE BIBLE
By Dr. Raymond Finney 

Tanakh prophecies promised a Messiah who would come as our Redeemer. The B’rit Chadashah teaches that this Redeemer came in the person of Yeshua HaMashiach and will come again at the end of the age. Yeshua is the Body of God and our Savior. The two Bible divisions complement each other. Are later authors merely completing a good story? Was Yeshua the Divine Person He claimed to be? Did non-Believers (persons near Yeshua’s lifetime) write about Yeshua? If otherwise respected historians wrote about Yeshua, why do “scholars” accept non-Yeshua writings as valid but reject Yeshua writings as false or forged?

There is more historical evidence for Yeshua than for the Roman emperor who ruled at the time of Yeshua’s crucifixion. (Tiberius Caesar ruled Rome from AD 14-37.) Even so, some “scholars” argue that Yeshua existed only in promoters’ fantasies to create a false religious movement.

Outside of the Bible, are there non-Christian (non-Believer) authors who discuss Yeshua? Yes. A Google search reveals a number of articles which discuss the work of such authors. I use one of these articles to review briefly the work of non-Christian authors who wrote about the existence of Yeshua. This article may be read at: https://hopenomatterwhat.com/historical-sources-outside-the-bible-that-mention-jesus-christ/ (copyright 2025).

** FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS (ca AD 37-100): The earliest non-Biblical reference to Yeshua is written by respected Jewish-Roman historian Josephus in his Antiquities of the Jews. In Josephus’ passage “Testimonium Flavianum,” he refers to Yeshua as a “wise Man, well known for His virtue and teachings.” [My capitalization of divine references] Josephus confirms Yeshua attracted large crowds and was condemned to crucifixion by Pontius Pilate. Of course, some “scholars” opine that Christian scribes must have added these statements to Josephus’ work to “Christianize” the Jewish historian’s writing. Many academics feel compelled to deflect any sympathy toward religion, especially Judeo-Christianity.

** TACITUS (ca AD 56-120): Tacitus, a Roman historian, wrote in his Annals about Yeshua’s execution, when Pontius Pilate was governor and Tiberius was emperor. Tacitus refers to Yeshua as “Christus.” (Ho Christos is Greek for “the Christ” and is synonymous with Hebrew HaMashiach for “the Messiah.”) Less than a century after Yeshua’s crucifixion, Tacitus records the growing number of Yeshua’s followers (called “Christians”) and how they were viewed negatively by non-Christian Romans.

** SUETONIUS (ca AD 69-122): This well-known Roman historian, in his The Twelve Caesars, writes of early Believers in Rome and the disturbance they caused. These Believers followed “Chrestus,” which may be Suetonius’ spelling of Christos (“Christ”). Of course, some “scholars” argue these Roman Christians followed an unknown “Chrestus,” instead of the known “Christ.”

** PLINY THE YOUNGER (ca AD 61-113): This Roman governor wrote letters to Emperor Trajan, asking advice on ways to deal with the growing number of Christians. Pliny was alarmed that Believers of his time were so dedicated, worshiping the Christ as God. They gathered before dawn to sing hymns to the Christ. They took oaths to live good lives. They shared meals together (partook Communion as a body of Believers?). Pliny dealt with these Christians by giving them three chances to renounce their faith. Anyone refusing Pliny’s offer was executed.

** THALLUS (FIRST CENTURY AD): The works of historian Thallus are lost, but later generations of historians referred to and quoted from his writings. In ca AD 52, Thallus, a non-Believer, referred to an unusual darkness that occurred at the time of Yeshua’s crucifixion. As Passover season (Yeshua’s crucifixion date) comes nearer, I may explain why it is astronomically impossible for a natural phenomenon (solar eclipse, etc.) to cause a three-hour darkness. This event supports the Bible’s account of Yeshua’s crucifixion. (Matthew 27:45: Now from the sixth hour [noon], darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour [3:00 pm].) Scriptures and ancient (non-Biblical) authors discuss this unique darkness. Thallus offers other proofs of Yeshua’s crucifixion.

** PHLEGON (ca AD 80-140): This historian also records in his Chronicles an unusual darkness at the time of Yeshua’s crucifixion.

** MARA BAR-SERAPION (LATE FIRST OR EARLY SECOND CENTURY AD): In a letter to his son, Bar-Serapion writes of a “wise King and Teacher whom the Jews killed.” He said this King’s statements rivaled such great philosophers as statements of Socrates and Pythagoras. This King’s wisdom continues and inspires many others. Yeshua was not identified by name, but many Believers feel this King is Yeshua.

** JUSTIN MARTYR (ca AD 100-165): As an early Christian apologist, Justin Martyr frequently writes of Yeshua in his First Apology and other works. (For reference, Yeshua was crucified in ca AD 33.) He provides many details about Yeshua’s life and correlates the correlation of Tanakh prophecies about HaMashiach and Yeshua’s actual life. Justin Martyr describes the life and faith of early Believers (Christians).

** TERTULLIAN (ca AD 155-240): As an early Christian author and apologist, Tertullian frequently writes about Yeshua in Apology and other works. Tertullian uses existing records to defend the historical Yeshua and His impact on society and answers criticism of the faith.

** ORIGEN (ca AD 185-245): Origen, a Christian scholar studying a variety of ancient sources, writes about the authentic existence and divinity of Yeshua. Origen argues that Yeshua was both a Man and God. Origen’s works are important in explaining and defending the Yeshua we know today.

** EUSEBIUS OF CAESAREA (ca AD 260-340): Known as the Father of Church History, Eusebius writes frequently of Yeshua. Eusebius collects many ancient texts about Yeshua in his Ecclesiastical History. This historical work quotes early Believers’ views about and recollections of the living Yeshua, as well as the establishment of the early church.

** THE BABYLONIAN TALMUD (compiled in third to fifth centuries AD): The Talmud is the central text in Rabbinic Judaism. This text references “Yeshu,” which many believe is actually Yeshua. During this time, Jews and Christians were adversaries, and many of the references to “Yeshu” were negative. It is controversial whether “Yeshu” represents Yeshua or another person or group.

** EARLY CHRISTIAN AUTHORS (ca AD 50-157): Writings of these Believers-- who are not included in the Bible-- include Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, and Polycarp. These Believers’ letters are rich in details about Yeshua’s life, teachings, and the early community of Believers. The letters are meant to instruct and encourage early Believers and provide details about Yeshua’s life, death, and resurrection.

** CELSUS (ca AD 175): Celsus, a Greek philosopher, writes a critique of early Christianity in his The True Word. Celsus is critical of Yeshua and Christianity. His work is lost, but is known because of Origen’s refutation of Celsus’ arguments. Although Celsus’ views are hostile to Christianity, they are valuable to establish the historical Yeshua and the persecution of early Believers.

** LUCIAN OF SAMOSATA (ca AD 166): Lucian, a Greek satirist, mocks Yeshua and His followers in his The Passing of Peregrinus. Believers are referred to as “followers of a crucified Sage who were devoted to Him and willing to endure hardships for their faith.” Although it is unlikely Lucian will be quoted in many sermons, it shows that Yeshua was widely known outside of Judeo-Christian lands.

** LETTER OF ABGAR (AD fifth century, but based on earlier traditions): This letter purports to detail exchange of letters between Yeshua and King Abgar of Edessa. Abgar was ill and asked Yeshua for help. Yeshua wrote that He would visit and help the ill king. This letter does not seem authentic and I will not dwell more on it.

FINALLY: I am indebted to Jannah Esplanada for her efforts to compile the information I have “borrowed” in this RR. (“Borrowing” is a much nicer word than “plagiarizing.”) All of the information in Ms. Esplanada’s article is in the public domain. Her work has saved me a few hours to compile this RR information and this RR helps her reach a wider audience.

The point of this RR is to show that Yeshua existed. Anyone who tells you that Yeshua was an invention of a few Bible authors’ overly active imagination is wrong. Period. Yeshua was known, loved, and followed. A great movement of men and women followed Him and exists today. (Approximately 2.38-billion Christians/Believers– one-third of the world’s population– claim to be of this belief.) The B’rit Chadashah is written to chronicle His activities and teachings and to fulfill Tanakh prophecies. He was crucified to become our “Passover Lamb” and to shed His blood for the remission of sins. Be thankful that you follow Him. Until we meet again to study God’s precious Word, Shalom and Maranatha.


Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun1-Feb-202614th of Sh'vat, 5786
Ex 18:1-121 Ki 21     Ps 119:121-144 Jn 4:31-54 (1 Th 5)