One of the more compelling statements by ancient historians on the existence of Jesus was made by Josephus, a Jewish General and historian who died in 100 AD.

In his book, Antiquities of the Jews, Josephus wrote:

“And in this time, there was a certain Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man, for he was a doer of incredible deeds, a teacher of men who receive truisms with pleasure. And he brought over many from among the Jews and many from among the Greeks. He was [thought to be] the Christ. And, when Pilate had condemned him to the cross at the accusation of the first men among us, those who at first were devoted to him did not cease to be so, for on the third day it seemed to them that he was alive again given that the divine prophets had spoken such things and thousands of other wonderful things about him. And up till now, the tribe of Christians, who were named from him, has not disappeared.^“

Josephus wrote this passage as part of his historical description of King Herod. This included Jesus’ crucifixion at the hand of Pilate.

In this passage, the historian also described Jesus performing miracles, rising from the dead and how the Old Testament prophets spoke of the Messiah’s arrival.

Many have tried to discredit this section stating that an orthodox Jew would not have written such a glowing report about Christ.

Since, Josephus described Jesus in another passage, which is not questioned, the critics acknowledge that he undoubtedly wrote something about Christ in relation to Herod. But they insist it was later embellished by Christians.

However, in his book, Josephus and Jesus: New Evidence for the One Called Christ, T.C. Schmidt argues that Josephus’ description was not as glowing as it appears at first glance.

He noted that ancient Christian writers didn’t rave about Josephus’ description as many do today. This suggests it wasn’t viewed as positively.

In an article for The Gospel Coalition, Schmidt explains why.

Josephus described Jesus as ‘being a doer of incredible deeds.” But the Greek word that Josephus used is ‘paradoxa’. It is not only rarely used for describing miracles, it also raises questions.

It is found only once in the New Testament. It described the miracle that took place when Jesus healed the lame man lowered down through a hole in the roof of the home where Jesus was staying.

The amazed people proclaimed, “We have seen a paradoxa” (Luke 5:26).

Schmidt points out that this word paradoxa can be used both positively and negatively. For example, the NASB translates it as extraordinary miracle, but other versions, such as New King James translate it as strange.

While there is no doubt a healing took place, the use of ‘paradoxa’ suggests that Jews were not entirely convinced about the source of the miracle.

Schmidt points out that Josephus used this same Greek word, paradoxa, to describe the miracles that took place at the hands of the Egyptian magicians in Moses’ confrontation with the Pharaoh.

“Paradoxa” acknowledges the miracles, but questions their source. In this instance, it was the result of sorcery or the demonic.

By using the same word to describe the healing, Josephus was questioning the source of the Lord’s power.

In the Gospels, the Jewish leaders did exactly the same thing. The Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by a more powerful evil spirit (Matthew 12:22-30). They believed that the source of Jesus’ unusual powers was not God, but rather the demonic realm.

Regarding Christ’ resurrection from the dead, Josephus wrote that it “seemed to them” (the disciples) that it had happened. This was not an absolute declaration of Christ’s resurrection, but falls in line with the Jewish explanation.

When the disciples proclaimed that Jesus had risen from the dead, the Jewish leaders bribed the men guarding the tomb to say that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body. As a result, it would only seem to others that He risen from the dead (Matthew 28:11–15).

The counter to that accusation is would the disciples be willing to die for their faith in the risen Christ if they had stolen the body?

Josephus also used ‘seemed to them’ in relation to the disciples’ belief that Jesus fulfilled Old Testament Messianic prophecy.

Josephus substantiated the Gospel writers presentation of the Christ’s ministry and resurrection. But instead of being a glowing presentation as the critics claim, it is more of grudging admission.

This in turn confirms its authenticity.