93 C.E. Jesus, Messiah, Resurrection

This 15th-century manuscript, now in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, contains the portion of Josephus’s Testimonium Flavianum that refers to Jesus (highlighted in blue). The first sentence of the manuscript, highlighted in green, is believed by the majority of scholars to be based on the original writings of Josephus but contains later additions likely made by Christian scribes.

“AROUND THIS TIME THERE LIVED A WISE MAN, JESUS, IF INDEED ONE OUGHT TO CALL HIM A MAN.

For he was one who did surprising deeds, and a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. He was the Messiah. When Pilate, upon hearing him accused by men of the highest standing among us, had condemned him to be crucified, those who in the first place came to love him did not give up their affection for him, for on the third day, he appeared to them restored to life. The prophets of God had prophesied this and countless other marvelous things about him. And the tribe of Christians, so called after him, have still to this day not died out.”

Codex Parisinus gr. 2075, 45v. Courtesy Bibliothèque Nationale de France