A proof of the miraculous beginning of the church

One of the circumstances that makes the beginning and perpetuation of the church remarkable and undeniably divine is the existence of other "Messiahs" at the time. I recently read that as many as ten Jewish leaders within 50 years (before and after) had large followings trusting in them as "Messiah," albeit for mainly political reasons.

These followings have all but disappeared from historical recognition since their leaders died. That Christ's followers, not outwardly distinct from other Jewish sects, grew exponentially after the death of their leader is remarkable.

from How Christianity Saved the World, Alvin J. Schmidt