Jesus Was NOT a Myth: 15 Minutes of Historical Evidence

The question of whether Jesus Christ was a real historical figure or merely a myth has been debated for centuries.

However, according to rigorous historical investigation, the evidence overwhelmingly supports Jesus’ actual existence in first-century Palestine.

Over 40 ancient sources—far more than those for many other historical figures—mention Jesus, despite his relatively humble status as a carpenter.

This alone gives strong reason to believe he lived.

Scholars from a broad spectrum, including atheists, agnostics, Muslims, and Christians, largely agree on three crucial facts: Jesus died by crucifixion under Pontius Pilate; his disciples genuinely believed he rose from the dead; and even those initially opposed to him, such as his brother James and Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus), came to believe in his resurrection.

This “minimal facts” approach is championed by historians like Gary Habermas and Michael Licona and serves as a solid foundation for examining the resurrection’s historicity.

The crucifixion is well documented not only in Christian texts but also in non-Christian sources.

Roman historian Tacitus confirms Jesus’ execution under Pilate.

Jewish historian Josephus refers to Jesus as a wise man and acknowledges his followers’ belief in his resurrection.

Even the Talmud, while critical, admits Jesus performed supernatural acts, albeit labeling them sorcery.

The transformation of early followers, many of whom faced persecution and death rather than deny their belief in the risen Christ, adds weight to the argument that something extraordinary happened.

Paul’s conversion, from persecutor to passionate apostle, is particularly compelling evidence.

Skepticism toward supernatural explanations is often based on a philosophical worldview that excludes anything beyond natural phenomena.

However, this stance itself cannot be empirically proven and is therefore a matter of belief.

When naturalistic explanations fail to adequately account for the historical data, it is reasonable to consider that a supernatural event—such as the resurrection—may have occurred.

In sum, the historical evidence strongly supports that Jesus was a real person whose life, death, and resurrection profoundly impacted history.

Far from being a myth, Jesus stands as a figure whose story continues to inspire and challenge humanity.