Lucian of Samosata’s Background
Lucian of Samosata lived A.D. 120-180. He was a satirist who was scornful of Christians. He wrote several books: The Passing Peregrinus and Alexander the False Prophet .
Lucian of Samosata’s Reference To Jesus Christ
“The Christians. . . worship a man to this day – the distinguished personage who introduced this new cult, and was crucified on that account. . . . You see, these misguided creatures start with the general conviction that they are immortal for all time, which explains their contempt for death and self devotion . . . their lawgiver [taught] they are all brothers, from the moment that they are converted, and deny the gods of Greece, and worship the crucified sage, and live after his laws. All this they take on faith . . .” –The Passing Peregrinus
Conclusion
Lucian of Samosata reveals several key things:
- Christians worshipped Jesus.
- Jesus was crucified for what he taught.
- Jesus started Christianity.
- Jesus’ disciples believed Jesus’ teachings.
- Early Christians taught that when one was converted he or she had eternal life.
- They lived by faith – they believed Jesus.