An early non-Christian reference to the crucifixion of Jesus is likely to be Mara Bar-Serapion's letter to his son, written sometime after AD 73 but before the 3rd century AD. The letter includes no Christian themes and the author is presumed to be a pagan. The letter refers to the retributions that followed the unjust treatment of three wise men: Socrates, Pythagoras, and "the wise king" of the Jews. Some scholars see little doubt that the reference to the execution of the "king of the Jews" is about the crucifixion of Jesus, while others place less value in the letter, given the possible ambiguity in the reference. COUNT 5
QSN1 Where can an early non-Christian reference be found to the Crucifixion? ANS1 Mara Bar-Serapion's letter to his son QSN2 What is the author of the letter assumed to be? ANS2 pagan QSN3 What does the letter reference? ANS3 retributions that followed the unjust treatment of three wise men QSN4 Other than Jesus, who was one of the wisemen? ANS4 Socrates QSN5 Does everyone agree with the content of the letter? ANS5 others place less value in the letter