Josephus: The Jewish Historian

Flavius Josephus wrote two books, "Jewish Antiquities," and "The Jewish War." In those two books Josephus gives us an extraordinary look at the politics, the religion, the economy, and the feelings of the Jewish nation at the time of Christ. 

Josephus was born in 37 AD, just four years after Jesus' death and resurrection.  He was a virtual eyewitness of the times in which Jesus lived.  Apart from the Bible itself, Josephus gives us more information on those times and events than anyone else.  In some cases he gives us more information than the Bible.  For example Josephus gives us as much as 300 times as much information on Herod the Great than the Gospels.  He also gives us much more detailed information about Pontius Pilate and other Biblical figures including John the Baptist, Archelaus, Herod Antipas, Herod Agrippa I, and his son Herod Agrippa II, Jesus' half brother James, and Jesus Himself.  In fact Josephus gave us so much critically important information that most Historians and Bible scholars often begin their statements with the words, "according to Josephus."  For the words of Josephus are accepted as authority on the times and events of the New Testament second only to the Bible itself.

The best translation of Flavius Josephus' works into English was done by Dr. Paul Maier, titled "Josephus The Essential Writings," you can order it off the Internet or from any Christian bookstore.  

Here is what Josephus said about Jesus...  

At this time there was a wise man called Jesus, and his conduct was good, and he was known to be virtuous.  Many people among the Jews and the other nations became his disciples.  Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die.  But those who had become his disciples did not abandon his discipleship.  They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was still alive.  Accordingly, he was perhaps the Messiah, concerning whom the prophets have reported wonders.  And the tribe of Christians, so named after him has not disappeared to this day.  

"Josephus, The Essential Writings"  by Dr. Paul Maier, page 254

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