What extra-Biblical sources mention Jesus? Why didn't He receive more attention?

[adrift]

Without Josephus’s original autographs, then all we’re comparing copies to is other copies – which doesn’t prove that it isn’t an interpolation.

When all the manuscripts we do have contain it the odd are it is not. Your point is valid but it would also be true that those who claim it an interplation can’t prove it.

 

[patrick457]

In memory of the recently-deceased Geza Vermes (1924-2013), here’s ) from 1984.Jesus: The Evidence

 

[AmbroseSJ]

We should also take into account, that according to Christianity, the Christian leader was not only the Messiah ben David but God Himself in human form. Which you would think would garner some notice. Especially when he is born and when he leaves this world there are extraordinary events reported in the Christian scriptures, a special star and the three wise men, Matthew’s account of the resurrection of Jewish saints.

To the unbelieving Second Temple Jews, none of that seemed to matter, so it would hardly be found in the writings of non-Jews, who had no interest in the Jewish religion. It is fairly startling that even in the Gospel accounts, the Jewish leaders are more irritated and judgmental over these troublesome miracles than awed. Herod wanted to snuff out the newborn King, and for all that, he didn’t even think it prudent to send spies to follow the Magi from the East. Lastly, according to the Gospels, much money and effort was spent trying to suppress the Truth of the Resurrection.

To an unbeliever, the Gospels themselves are as suspect as Jesus Himself. Therefore none of what is written in the Gospels is taken as evidence of anything more than Christian mythology.

But to a believer, all of these pieces fall into place and make perfect sense. The appearance, life, death and resurrection of Jesus were all events that were reserved for the believers. Even the Gospel account of the Resurrection has Jesus appearing infrequently to just some few believers. The unbelievers that Crucified Him were left to themselves. This is the way of God to the believer. Jesus’ first appearance on earth as the Suffering Servant, was meant to be this way. In His second coming, all will be revealed, even to the unbelievers.

The historicity of Jesus is established for both the believer and unbeliever alike, regardless of their sources and comments. That is really all that matters to the believer. The unbeliever can take comfort in the fact that everything recorded was either worthless passing mentions, lies or fabrications interjected into documents.