Cornelius Tacitus Archives

The physical resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith. It transformed the apostles from frightened cowards to bold proclaimers of the gospel. The resurrection was central to Paul’s preaching and evangelism. He wrote, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith… If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:14, 19-20).

The resurrection offers comfort to believers and serves as a sign to unbelievers, the impetus for evangelism. It is what gives us hope that this life is not the end of our existence. The resurrection was the only miracle Jesus predicted beforehand, and through it, He proved that He truly was the Son of God with power over death.

As we remember what Christ did for us on the cross, we also recall that it was through the resurrection that He conquered death and hell. That’s what gives us hope. It affirms the gospel message. Earlier, we quoted a passage from the Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus. Part of that quote said Nero blamed the Christians for the fire in Rome. Tacitus wrote that the Christian “superstition” originated from “Christus” who “suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome…”

Notice that Tacitus said this “superstition” was checked for the moment, but broke out again. Why did it break out again after the instigator had been put to death? The only reason is because of the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ! This pagan Roman historian actually confirms the resurrection of Christ!

At this season of the year, we’re reminded of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. However, we must not think of it just once a year but every week and every day. That is what the Christian faith is built on and what gives us hope even when things seem hopeless. The physical resurrection of Jesus Christ is verified by both biblical and historical testimony.

A Class Hated for Their Abominations - Nero — Roman Emperor Nero

Is it possible that Christians could be a class hated for their abominations and their hatred against mankind? Unfortunately, the answer is “yes.” Building on yesterday’s account of Suetonius, we have the report of another Roman historian. Cornelius Tacitus lived around AD 55-120. He is known as “the greatest historian of ancient Rome.” Tacitus wrote Annals around AD 115, in which he recounts the great fire that burned much of Rome during Nero’s reign. Here is a shocking excerpt from that account: (Emphasis added)

“Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. 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, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their center and become popular.

“Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination when daylight had expired.

“Nero offered his gardens for the spectacle and was exhibiting a show in the circus, while he mingled with the people in the dress of a charioteer or stood aloft on a car. Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man’s cruelty, that they were being destroyed.”

Nero probably set the fire himself, but he had to blame someone, and Christians were not popular in pagan Rome, even among the Jews living there. Christians became the scapegoats. Notice Tacitus’ historical confirmation of the biblical account of Christ’s crucifixion.

Could Christians today become “a class hated for their abominations” and “hatred for mankind”? In some countries and among some groups, they already are. As Christians, we must follow Christ’s teaching and example and love even those who hate us. (See Matthew 5:43-48.)

Tag: Cornelius Tacitus

The Physical Resurrection of Jesus Christ

A Class Hated for Their Abominations