History

Tacitus, Annals 15.44

Era: c. AD 116
Location: Rome
Discovered: ancient — transmitted

The Roman senator and historian Tacitus refers to "Christus, who suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus" — an entirely hostile witness who nevertheless confirms the crucifixion.

The find

Tacitus, describing Nero's blaming of Christians for the great fire of Rome (AD 64), explains the origin of the name: "Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus." Tacitus has no Christian sympathies — he calls the movement a "deadly superstition."

Why it matters

A senior Roman official, writing about 80 years after the crucifixion and drawing on imperial records, independently confirms the death of Jesus under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius — exactly as the Gospels report it.

Cross-linked Scripture

Luke 3:1
Matthew 27:24-26
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
John 19:16-18— Tacitus confirms Christ was executed by Pontius Pilate.
Acts 11:26— Tacitus uses "Christians" — the name Luke says was first given at Antioch.

Doctrine check

Sources

·Tacitus, Annals 15.44
·Van Voorst, R.E. (2000). Jesus Outside the New Testament, ch. 2