Tag Archives: Tacitus

Suetonius (and Tacitus) and the New Testament #3 Quirinius

Quirinius is mentioned once in the New Testament in the Gospel of Luke 2:1-3: And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first … Continue reading

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Tacitus and the New Testament Part 7

In the Book of Acts it is recorded that there was a large famine over the whole world (which in ancient times normally constituted the Roman Empire). Acts states that this occurred during the reign of Claudius. Acts 11:27-30 And … Continue reading

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Tacitus and the New Testament Part 6

Herod the Great reigned in Judæa for 37 years from 41 BC to 4 BC. According to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Jesus was born during his reign (Matthew 2:1; Luke 1:5). According to the Gospel of Matthew, Herod … Continue reading

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Tacitus and the New Testament part 5

Gallio, the proconsul of Achaea, is described in Acts 18:12-17 as allowing Sosthenes to be beaten without trial.  Interestingly, Gallio appears to have been the son of Seneca the Elder, and brother of the famed Seneca the Younger the tutor … Continue reading

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Tacitus and the New Testament Part 4

While Paul was in prison he was sent to Felix, the governor of Judea (which was the same government position Pontius Pilate held years before).  A letter to Felix is transcribed in Acts 23:26-30.  His dealings with Paul are spoken … Continue reading

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Tacitus and the New Testament part 3

Bernice (also spelled Berenice) is mentioned in three places in Acts as she accompanies her brother, Agrippa II, during Paul’s legal hearing (Acts 25:13, 23; 26:30).  From Josephus’ description (War 2.15.1)she seems to have been a devout Jew who begged … Continue reading

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Tacitus and the New Testament part 2-update

Tactitus also mentions Agrippa II, before whom Paul preached while given a legal hearing in Acts 25-26. According to Luke, Agrippa was quite moved by Paul’s words and said “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28). Josephus … Continue reading

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Tacitus and the New Testament part 1

One of Tactitus’ works of history is called The Annals. It details the history of Rome from Tiberius to Nero.  It’s most famous passage is when Tacitus mentions Jesus, Pontius Pilate, and Nero’s persecution of early Roman Christians (The Annals … Continue reading

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