The Bible does not mention Flavius Josephus, but as a historian he is responsible for providing much of the extrabiblical information that gives us insight into the lives of early Christians and Jewish life from the New Testament period. When looking for sources outside of the Bible that provide information about Jewish – Christian history, the writings of the first-century historian are relied upon heavily.
Biography
Josephus was born (AD 37) in Jerusalem. He was the son of a priest. By his own account, as a teenager his advice was sought out by high priest on matters of Jewish law. At 16 he would begin what was a 3 year period in which he spent with a hermit named Bannus.
Upon returning to Jerusalem from this hiatus, Josephus joined a Jewish sect known as the Pharisees. Still in his twenties, he would later become the military governor of Galilee.
While fighting against the Romans during the Great Revolt, he and his men were put in the position of having to surrender. Cornered in a cave, his remaining men chose to commit suicide rather than surrender to the Romans. Josephus waited until almost all of his men had committed suicide and then he himself surrendered to the Romans. As a result of his actions at the cave, many Jews viewed him as a traitor.
While in captivity by the Romans, the well-educated Josephus claimed to have had a revelation from God that Flavius Vespasian would become emperor. When this prediction came true, Vespasian released Josephus from captivity and made him a Roman citizen.
Josephus became known as Flavius Josephus (Vespasian’s family name). He remained in Rome for the rest of his life. During this time he wrote all of his known works. Flavius Josephus is believed to have died around 100 A.D.
The Writings Of Josephus
In his writings Josephus mentions biblical stories, places, and people. You will find groups such as the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Essenes. Biblical figures such as Pontius Pilate, Herod the Great, John the Baptist, James the brother of Jesus, and even Jesus himself can be found in his writings.
Josephus two most well known, and some would say most important works are:
The Jewish War
(The Jewish War) provides a history of the Jewish War. It includes a sometimes eye-witness account by Josephus of the wars involving the Jewish nation’s revolt against the Romans.
The Antiquities of the Jews
(The Antiquities of the Jews) was completed in 93. It gives a complete history of God’s people, from creation to the first century.
It is the mention of Jesus in (The Antiquities of the Jews) that provides one of the earliest pieces of historical proof for the existence of Jesus outside of the Bible. Josephus describes Jesus as being a wise man and teacher who did startling deeds and gained a following among many Jews and Greeks.
Josephus writes, “And when Pilate, because of an accusation made by the leading men among us, condemned him to the cross, those who had loved him previously did not cease to do so. And up until this very day the tribe of Christians, named after him, has not died out.”
Follow THE BIBLE ANSWER on Facebook and Instagram!
