Scholars use different tests to assess the reliability of ancient documents. One of the tests that is used looks to external evidence for the account. There are many sources to which one can look when it comes to the New Testament account of the life and resurrection of Jesus.

One is the Jewish Talmud. The Talmud contains Rabbinic teachings over the course of several hundred years. In the early accounts of the construction of the Talmud (called the Tannaitic period), we find a surprising account that provides an external witness to the New Testament account. In the part from the Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 43a, we find the following:

On the eve of Passover Yeshu was hanged. For forty days before the execution took place, a herald went forth and cried, “He is going forth to be stoned because he has practiced sorcery and enticed Israel to apostasy. Any one who can say anything in his favour, let him come forward and plead on his behalf.” But since nothing was brought forward in his favour he was hanged on the eve of the Passover!

We find in this passage crucial aspects that corroborate the Biblical account. They include the following:

1. Jesus was killed on Passover eve.
2. He practiced sorcery (or what the New Testament describes as miracles).
3. He enticed Israel to apostasy (what did he claim that incited such rage? See John 10:33.)
4. As no witnesses defended him, he was killed.
5. His death was by hanging (which was consistent with how crucifixion was described).

Numerous scholars have written on the historical reliability of the Bible. In fact, my book Reading to Grow coming out this fall deals with this to some extent. The point here is a different one. The most powerful evidence an attorney can muster in a court of law is that provided by critics. The early Jewish reports that corroborate these particular aspects of the New Testament provides powerful support for some of the most controversial claims of Christianity. These include the fact that Jesus was killed, that he did miracles, that Jesus died, and that his teaching lead some to apostasy. These accounts, if true, oppose the teachings of many different worldviews. It opposes Islam in the fact that Jesus was killed. It is contrary to naturalism in its testimony of miracles. It is against those that claim Jesus just passed out in recording his death. Last, this is testimony that Jesus claimed to be more than a man in his leading many in Israel to apostasy.

The Christian and non-Christian should examine their beliefs to see if they match reality. The evidence for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is overwhelming. The sources for this come from those that believe in Christ and those that don’t. This was part of the evidence that led me to place my faith in the one who won the battle against sin and death by dying on a cross and rising again.