[bills217]

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Simple question - who wrote the various books of the NT? When?

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From what I understand, you are correct on the timing.

The 4 Gospels are named for their authors. Paul wrote most of the other NT books, his "letters"...John is generally regarded to have written Revelation...that covers most of them, don't feel like researching the rest right now.

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Second simple question - is there a non biblical account of the life of Jesus? Who wrote it?

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A secular historian of that time named Josephus wrote about the life of Jesus and even mentioned his resurrection. Can't remember the title of the collection of his works, something like "The Writings of Josephus." This text is easy to come by...I know a couple people who have one. It's also important to note that the passages about Jesus are contained within a much, MUCH larger secular text...he wasn't the focus by a long shot.