Flavius Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, is one of the most important sources of information about Jewish history during the late Second Temple period. His writings provide invaluable insights into the social, political, and religious milieu of the time. Among the many historical figures he mentions, Jesus of Nazareth is particularly significant for scholars and religious believers alike. The references to Jesus in Josephus’ works are of considerable interest because they offer a non-Christian perspective on the historical figure of Jesus and the early Christian movement. This article explores Josephus’ references to Jesus, the context in which they were written, their historical reliability, and their implications for understanding the life of Jesus and early Christianity.
Josephus and His Works
Flavius Josephus (37-100 CE) was a Jewish historian and military leader who was born in Jerusalem. His most renowned works are “The Jewish War” (c. 75-79 CE) and “Antiquities of the Jews” (c. 93-94 CE). “The Jewish War” provides a detailed account of the Jewish revolt against Roman rule from 66 to 73 CE, while “Antiquities of the Jews” covers Jewish history from Creation to the Jewish War. Josephus’ works are essential for understanding Jewish history and the context in which Christianity emerged.
Josephus’ References to Jesus
Josephus makes two references to Jesus in his writings, one in “Antiquities of the Jews” and the other in a less well-known passage. These references have been a subject of considerable debate among scholars, with discussions focusing on their authenticity, the extent of later Christian interpolation, and their historical value.
1. The Testimonium Flavianum
The most famous reference to Jesus by Josephus is found in “Antiquities of the Jews,” Book 18, Chapter 3, Section 3. This passage, known as the Testimonium Flavianum, reads:
“Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man: for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him: for he appeared to them alive again the third day: as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.”
Scholarly Debate on the Testimonium Flavianum
The Testimonium Flavianum is a subject of intense scholarly debate, mainly because of its potential for Christian interpolation. Scholars generally agree that the passage has undergone significant alterations. The main points of contention include:
Authenticity: Many scholars believe that the core of the Testimonium Flavianum is authentic but has been embellished by later Christian scribes. The reference to Jesus as “the Christ” and the resurrection may have been added or altered to support Christian beliefs.
Christian Interpolation: It is widely accepted that Christian copyists likely modified the original text to emphasize Jesus’ messianic role and resurrection. The language used in the passage, including phrases like “He was [the] Christ,” appears to reflect Christian theology rather than Josephus’ neutral historical perspective.
Historical Value: Despite the interpolations, the Testimonium Flavianum is valuable for understanding early Christian claims about Jesus. It confirms that Jesus was a historical figure who attracted a following and was executed under Roman authority, which aligns with the New Testament accounts.
See also: What Does Jesus Say About Deuteronomy?
2. The James Passage
Another reference to Jesus is found in “Antiquities of the Jews,” Book 20, Chapter 9, Section 1. This passage mentions James, the brother of Jesus, in the context of a description of the high priest Ananus:
“Ananus… convened the judges of the Sanhedrin and brought before them the brother of Jesus who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others.”
Significance of the James Passage
The James passage is considered more reliable by many scholars than the Testimonium Flavianum. The reference to James as “the brother of Jesus who was called Christ” suggests that Jesus was known in Jewish circles as a figure with a significant following. This passage provides indirect confirmation of Jesus’ existence and his association with James, a key figure in the early Christian church.
Historical Context and Implications
Josephus’ references to Jesus must be understood within the broader context of first-century Jewish and Roman history. Josephus was writing for a Roman audience and was keen to present Jewish history and customs in a manner that would be accessible and comprehensible to his readers. This context influences how he might have described Jesus and early Christianity.
Jesus in the Context of Jewish History
In Josephus’ time, various Jewish sects and messianic figures were active. The reference to Jesus aligns with the broader context of messianic expectations and social unrest in Judea. Jesus’ crucifixion under Pontius Pilate and the continued existence of his followers are consistent with what is known from other historical sources about the early Christian movement.
Implications for Early Christianity
Josephus’ accounts, especially the Testimonium Flavianum, provide a non-Christian perspective that corroborates key elements of the New Testament narrative. They are significant for understanding how early Christians were perceived by Jewish and Roman contemporaries. The existence of a historical Jesus, as affirmed by Josephus, supports the view that Christianity emerged from a historical and cultural context rather than being a purely mythological construct.
Conclusion
Josephus’ references to Jesus offer valuable insights into the historical context of early Christianity. While the Testimonium Flavianum has been subject to significant Christian interpolation, it still provides important evidence for the existence and influence of Jesus. The James passage further corroborates the historical presence of Jesus and his impact on his immediate followers. Understanding these references helps scholars piece together the complex history of Jesus and the early Christian movement, offering a more nuanced view of the period and its key figures.