The earliest Christian writers produced volumes of important works on the life and significance of Jesus. Many of these writings contain vital facts regarding the Christ event. We would expect these materials to report positively on the Christian faith they reflect. The point is that these faith commitments were made at a very early time in Christian history, not as the product of generational of evolution and political manipulation.

Clement of Rome (A.D. 95) is generally considered to be the earliest extra-biblical Christian author. He was the leading elder at the Roman church, and wrote Corinthians to help settle a dispute between laity and elders within the Corinth congregation. His letter sets out the divinity of Christ, and his delegation of authority to his apostles. He anchors the authority of the gospel in the resurrection of Christ.

Ignatius (A.D. 110-115) composed seven letters to six churches and one individual (Polycarp), while on the his way to execution in Rome. His letter to the Trallians documents Jesus' lineage, life, crucifixion, and resurrection; his epistle to the Smyrneans affirms his lineage and virgin birth, baptism, crucifixion, and resurrection; his letter to the Magnesians affirms the facticity of Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection.

Quadratus (A.D. 125) provides an early apologetic for the historicity of Jesus' miracles. Barnabas (dated variously) shows that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament laws. Justin the Martyr (ca. A.D. 150) provides significant and lengthy treatments of Jesus' historicity. First Apology and Dialogue with Trypho document Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

These and other early Christian documents demonstrate the historicity of Jesus' earthly life and work. They were written at a time when such claims could be countered easily, if they were fictitious. The early Christian letters reproduce much of the New Testament, and provide independent evidence for its trustworthiness and authority.

So, on the basis of non-biblical evidences, we can know that:

• Jesus Christ existed.
• He was crucified by Pontius Pilate.
• The first Christians believed him to be raised from the dead.
• The early church worshiped him as Lord and God.
• Jewish opponents tried to slander him, but never to deny his existence.
• The facts of Christian faith were settled early in church history, and are no invention of later revisionists.

The Roman Empire persecuted Christians because they claimed no King but the Lord Jesus. Their radical faith and courage, and the rapid spread of their movement, have no other explanation except that the living Christ changed their lives and empowered their faith. Multiplied thousands died because of their commitment to Jesus. And people don't die for a lie.

Extra-biblical evidences thus demonstrate the trustworthiness of Scripture's central claim: that Jesus is Lord. Such historicity is excellent evidence for the authority of the book which records his life and ministry.