Josephus

by David Brewer

Flavius Josephus was born Joseph ben Matthias in Jerusalem around 37
AD.  He joined a sect of the Pharisees, and was selected by the Sanhedrin
to govern Galilee.  In AD 66, he participated in the Jewish revolt against
Roman rule, finally surrendering to Vespasian in 67.  He won favor and his
freedom from the Romans, changed his name to Flavius, and eventually
settled in Rome where he wrote under the patronage of Emperors Titus and
Domitian. 

A scholar in both Hebrew and Greek literature who served as a general,
Josephus lived much of what he covers in his writings. His insights make
him a very valuable authority for one who is studying NT times.  His works
include:

(1) "Concerning the Jewish War" -- there are 7 books in this work.   Book 1
-- 175 B.C. - 4 B.C.  Book 2 -- 4 B.C. to 66 A.D.    Book 3 -- events in
Galilee in 66 A.D.    Book 4 -- the events of the War up until the siege of
Jerusalem.   Book 5 and 6 -- the fall of Jerusalem.   Book 7 -- the
aftermath of the rebellion following the fall of Jerusalem.  Even though
this "work is not written with the objective accuracy of scientific
history, it is credible on the whole, except where it concerns the role
played by the author."  (The Int'l Standard Bible Encyclopedia, p. 1742).  

(2) "The Antiquities of the Jews".  This tells about the entire history of
the Jewish race, from the beginning till the War of 66 A.D.  There are 20
books total in this work.       "In this book Josephus does what he can to
disabuse the Greek-Roman educated class, although he shows curious
obliquity to the grandeur of Hebrew religion.  All in all, the work is
disappointing; but it contains many details and sidelights of first
importance to investigators."   (Ibid.).

(3) "Against Apion".  This is Josephus' most inspiring performance,
according to the Int'l Standard Bible Encyclopedia.  The older title of
this work is "Concerning the High Antiquity of the Jews".  This work tells
us what it contains -- a defense of Hebrew religion against the libels of
heathendom.  It is in 2 books.    In this book he defends the Mosaic
religion and criticizes paganism as mentioned above.  

(4) "Vita" or "Autobiography".  This is a misleading title.  "It is an echo
of old days in Galilee, directed against the traductions of an associate,
Justus of Tiberias.  We have Jos. at his worst here.  He so colors the
narrative as to convey a totally wrong impression of the part he played
during the great crisis.  In extenuation, it may be said that his relations
with the imperial court rendered it difficult, perhaps impossible, for him
to pursue another course." (Ibid.)

[See also the article on "Josephus" in the "Jewish Encyclopedia".]  

Here are some other books that provide useful historical background to the
Scriptures:

• E. Schurer, "History of the Jewish People in the Time of Jesus Christ"

• A. Hausrath, "History of NT Times"

• H. Graetz, "History of the Jews from the Earliest Times to the Present Day"

• Alfred Edersheim's "The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah".  3rd ed.  New
  York:  Longmans, 1900.  This book throws much light on the historical
  background of Christ's day.

  ---

See our BIBLIOGRAPHY for more sources.

Return to AMFI Homepage