Flavius Josephus (Jewish Antiquities): Written around AD 93-94, Josephus, a Jewish historian, makes a brief reference to Jesus in a passage known as the Testimonium Flavianum.
Tacitus (Annals): Written around AD 116, the Roman historian Tacitus refers to Jesus (referred to as “Christus”) and the early Christians in the context of the persecution under Emperor Nero.
Suetonius (Lives of the Caesars): Written around AD 121, Suetonius mentions disturbances caused by “Chrestus,” which many scholars believe refers to Jesus Christ and his followers.
Pliny the Younger (Letters to Emperor Trajan): Written around AD 112, Pliny describes the practices of early Christians and their worship of Christ.
The Babylonian Talmud: This collection of Jewish rabbinic writings, compiled between the 3rd and 5th centuries AD, contains references to Jesus, including his execution.
Mara Bar-Serapion (Letter to His Son): Written sometime after AD 73, this letter from a Syrian Stoic philosopher makes a reference to “the wise king of the Jews” in a discussion about the fate of various philosophers.
The Gospel of Thomas: Though part of the apocryphal texts and not included in the New Testament, this early Christian text contains teachings attributed to Jesus and offers insight into early Christian beliefs.
The Gospel of Peter: Another apocryphal text that includes an account of Jesus’ resurrection and his trial, reflecting early Christian traditions.
Philo of Alexandria: Although Philo does not mention Jesus directly, his writings provide context about Jewish beliefs and practices in the first century that intersect with the early Christian context.
Justin Martyr (First Apology): Written around AD 155, Justin Martyr’s works include references to Jesus in his defense of Christianity to the Roman authorities.
Irenaeus (Against Heresies): Written around AD 180, Irenaeus mentions Jesus and provides early testimony about Christian beliefs.
Tertullian (Apology): Written around AD 197, Tertullian’s defense of Christianity includes references to Jesus and early Christian practices.
Origen (Against Celsus): Written around AD 248, Origen provides a detailed defense of Christianity and mentions various aspects of Jesus’ life and teachings.
Hegesippus: An early Christian writer whose works, though lost, are referenced by later authors and provide information about Jesus and early Christian communities.
Theophilus of Antioch (To Autolycus)
Written around AD 180, Theophilus’ writings include references to Jesus and early Christian doctrine.