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Josephus, Jewish historian
AD 37 – c. 100; wrote c. 75–94· Person· People
Historical recordConfirmed by archaeology, outside sources or contemporary records.
A Jewish priest, rebel general and later Roman client whose books are the main history of 1st-century Judea.
See it on the Bible & Christianity map →What it is
Born Joseph son of Matthias in Jerusalem in AD 37, he commanded Jewish forces in Galilee in the revolt of 66, surrendered at Jotapata in 67, and predicted that the Roman general Vespasian would become emperor. When that came true he was freed, took the family name Flavius, and accompanied Titus at the siege of Jerusalem. In Rome he wrote the Jewish War (about 75) and Jewish Antiquities (about 94), a history from Creation to his own day.
Why it matters
Without him we would know little of Herod, Pilate, the Pharisees or the Temple's fall. He names John the Baptist, James and, briefly, Jesus.
Life, legacy and sources
His works survived because Christians copied them, valuing their background to the Bible and their brief mentions of Jesus. Excavations at Masada, Gamla and Jerusalem often match his descriptions, though his numbers are usually inflated.
Questions and debates
His passage on Jesus (Antiquities 18.63–64) was clearly touched up by Christian copyists; most scholars think a shorter original mentioned Jesus, while some think it wholly forged.
Connections (4)
▸Josephus, Jewish historian records the execution of John the BaptistHistorical record
The connection
In Jewish Antiquities 18.116–119, Josephus says Herod Antipas executed John 'surnamed the Baptist', a good man who urged Jews to practice justice and piety and be baptized. Herod feared his hold on the crowds might spark a revolt. Some Jews saw Herod's later military defeat as God's punishment for it.
When and where
Written in Rome about AD 94 about events around AD 28–29; Josephus places the execution at the fortress of Machaerus, east of the Dead Sea.
Historical evidence
Nearly all scholars accept the passage as genuine: it is in every manuscript, and its account differs from the Gospels, which a Christian forger would have followed.
Questions and debates
The Gospels say Herod killed John for condemning his marriage to Herodias (Mark 6:17–29); Josephus gives a political motive. Both may be true.
▸Josephus, Jewish historian records the killing of James, brother of JesusHistorical record
The connection
Josephus reports that in AD 62, between Roman governors, the high priest Ananus convened the Sanhedrin and had 'the brother of Jesus who was called Christ, whose name was James' stoned for breaking the law. Fair-minded citizens protested, and King Agrippa II removed Ananus after three months.
When and where
Jerusalem, AD 62, after the governor Festus died and before Albinus arrived; written in Jewish Antiquities 20.197–203, about AD 94.
Historical evidence
Most scholars accept the passage as authentic: it is in every manuscript, mentions Jesus only in passing, and shows no Christian embellishment.
Questions and debates
Eusebius, quoting the 2nd-century writer Hegesippus, says James was thrown from the Temple and then killed; how this fits Josephus's simpler account is unclear.
▸Josephus, Jewish historian witnessed and described Rome destroys the Temple (AD 70)Historical record
The connection
Captured in 67, Josephus served Titus as an interpreter during the siege, calling on the defenders to surrender. He watched the Temple burn, and described the famine, factional fighting and fall of the city in the Jewish War, written in Rome about AD 75 under imperial patronage.
When and where
Jerusalem, spring to September AD 70, from the Roman lines; Jewish War, books 5–6.
Historical evidence
He was an eyewitness, and his is the only detailed account; archaeology of the destroyed city broadly confirms it.
Questions and debates
He wrote for his Roman patrons, blaming the Jewish rebels and excusing Titus. His casualty figure of 1.1 million is thought greatly inflated, though estimates vary.
▸Josephus, Jewish historian briefly mentions Jesus of NazarethMostly agreed by scholars
The connection
Josephus, a Jewish historian writing in Rome, mentions Jesus twice in his Antiquities of the Jews. One passage (18.63–64), the 'Testimonium Flavianum', describes Jesus as a wise man crucified by Pilate; another (20.200) mentions 'James, the brother of Jesus who was called Christ'.
When and where
Rome, c. AD 93–94. Josephus had been a Jewish commander in the revolt against Rome before writing under the patronage of the Flavian emperors.
How do we know?
Most scholars accept the James passage as genuine. The Testimonium is in all Greek manuscripts but contains lines no Jew would likely write, such as 'he was the Messiah'.
Questions and debates
Most scholars think Christian copyists embellished an authentic core; an Arabic version quoted by the 10th-century bishop Agapius may be closer to the original.