So, I'm in /r/badhistory a lot, and I notice that they are constantly on about the "Jesus don't real" bit, disputing people saying that Jesus never existed. So, since Easter is just around the corner, I figured I would be the person brave (or stupid) enough to ask the question.
What first hand evidence is there that he existed? From my understanding (which may be horribly flawed, which is why I'm asking here) there is no actual first hand account of his life. The Gospel Of Mark is supposed to be, but from what I understand it also references things that happened after Mark died, meaning he couldn't have been the author. I know about the Dead Sea Scrolls and the recent "Jesus Wife" scroll, but aren't they both dated hundreds of years after he was crucified? I know I could be very wrong about all this, so I would really appreciate some expert information. Thanks in advance!
Don't be afraid to ask! The question is not that clear-cut. As you say, most historians agree that it is most likely that a historical Jesus did exist, but it not because of some incontrovertible proof of his existence. It more that given the sources we have, the most reasonable explanation is that he existed rather than he is purely mythical or fictional.
The dead sea scrolls are actually older than Jesus, and does not mention Jesus at all. The authenticity and dating of the "Jesus Wife"-papyrus is controversial, but nobody is suggesting that it is older than the canonical gospels. Most like it is several centuries younger. The canonical gospels and the letters of Paul remain the oldest sources we have to the life of Jesus.
You are correct, there is no first hand evidence. It is only tradition that ascribes the gospels of Mark to a disciple of Jesus, the gospel text itself is anonymous at does not claim to be a first-hand account.
Just be aware that the lack of first hand evidence is not evidence that he didn't exist. There are numerous historical figures which are only known from second-hand evidence.
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