The foundations of many of the world's religions have developed over periods of time spanning centuries. The scriptures relating to each religion emerge as an authorative source, which authenticate these foundations. The foundation of Christianity, the religion of Jesus Christ, is based upon historical events, the life and death of Jesus of Nazareth. This period is believed to have spanned thirty three years. This leaves one to question, "Did Jesus of Nazareth really exist?" and "Can the foundations of a religion be developed over such a short period of time?" There is historical evidence outside of the bible, which can prove the existence of Jesus of Nazareth. There is also biblical evidence from the Old Testament, which can prove the New Testament scriptures. The evidence, which will be provided, will show that Jesus of Nazareth was more than just a historical figure. It will show that Christianity developed from the Jewish beliefs and the divinity of Jesus of Nazareth.There are several non-biblical and non-Christian sources available which support the facts that Jesus actually did exist as a historical person. Josephus, Tacitus, and Pliny the Younger and the 'Talmud', all spoke of Jesus of Nazareth in their records. It is important to note that the historicity of these sources met the criteria used by historians to determine if a person lived in history, if an event occurred in history and if a work of literature could be attributed to a supposed author. They are historical documents.Flavius Josephus was born around 37 A.D. and died 100 A.D. He was a Jewish aristocrat who led rebel troops against the Romans in Galilee during the First Jewish Revolt (66-73 A.D.) He later betrayed the Jews, and served the Romans. He wrote two massive historical works, "The Jewish War" and "Jewish Antiquities". John the Baptist, James the Just (brother of Jesus), and Christ are all mentioned in "Jewish Antiquities". Twice Josephus mentions Jesus. One time is in reference to his brother James the Just (head of the Christian church in Jerusalem)."... brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others, [or, some of his companions]; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them to be stoned:"As remarkable as this statement may be there is another which is even more astounding. It is in what is now known as the Testimonium, in the 18th book of "Jewish Antiquities". We learn from this passage a great deal about the life of Jesus. We learn that Jesus lived. He was a teacher and miracle worker. He had followers both among the Jews and the Gentiles. He was condemned to the cross by Pontius Pilate. His followers didn't stop following him even after he was crucified and the Christian movement, founded in Jesus' name, still existed at the time of the writing of "Jewish Antiquities" (93-94 A.D.)"... About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a...
