A Letter from Josephus

A Letter from Josephus somebody Sun, 01/26/2025 - 12:13 am

Flavius Josephus: Historian and Witness

Flavius Josephus, in Hebrew, Joseph Ben Matityahu, was a Jewish historian of the first century, known for his works documenting Jewish history and providing significant accounts of the historical context of early Christianity and the Roman Empire.

Born in Jerusalem around the year 37 AD, shortly after the death of Jesus, Josephus lived through a tumultuous period for the Jewish people, marked by revolts and conflicts with Rome. His life and works are fundamental to understanding the history of Palestine and Judaism during the Second Temple Period.

In the year 66 AD, the great Jewish revolt against Roman rule broke out. Josephus, as a military leader in Galilee, commanded Jewish troops against Roman legions. However, following the defeat of the Jews at the fortress of Jotapata, Josephus was captured by the Romans. While imprisoned, Josephus predicted to the Roman General Vespasian that he would become Emperor of Rome, a prophecy that years later indeed came true. Impressed, Vespasian freed Josephus, who adopted the Imperial Family's name Flavius as a sign of his loyalty to the Roman Empire.

Flavius Josephus is considered one of the principal historians of the ancient world. His works are valuable sources for studying first century Palestine, Jewish religious life, political conflicts, and the context in which Christianity emerged. Although his descriptions are often viewed with suspicion due to his collaboration with the Romans, Josephus provides information unavailable in other sources. Josephus spent his final years in Rome enjoying Imperial patronage. The exact date of his death is uncertain, but it is believed to have been around the year 100 AD. His work, while facing challenges and contradictions, remains essential for historians and scholars of the ancient period and the origins of Christianity.

A Letter from Josephus

Below we transcribe a letter authored by him, although its exact date of writing is unknown, addressed to his compatriots.

Greetings my brothers.

I write to you from Rome, where the rumors and accounts of our land have arrived with great force. Much is spoken about Jesus of Nazareth, the one who, as you know, walked among us a few decades ago. I wish to share with you, not only what I have heard from various sources, but also what I saw and witnessed regarding this man, who many consider a prophet, others a teacher, and some even the promised Messiah.

Jesus was a man of simple appearance, yet his presence was captivating. In the streets and synagogues, he spoke with an authority uncommon among our teachers. His speeches were filled with wisdom and many said that he taught with the clarity and power of the ancient prophets. I recall hearing his strong, yet serene, voice, uttering words that touched the hearts of the simple and challenged the scholars. The crowds followed him thirsting for hope and healing. His fame spread throughout Galilee, and many were drawn by the accounts of his miracles; the blind who regained their sight, the lame who walked again, lepers cleansed, and even the dead who it is said were brought back to life.

I know that many of us, Pharisees and Sadducees, viewed him with distrust, for he challenged traditions and openly confronted hypocrisy. However, we cannot deny that his words and actions left a profound mark on our people and on our history. From some of our leaders however, I cannot deny that the people loved him. He spoke of a kingdom of God that was not of this world, of a father who welcomed all and invited sinners to repentance and reconciliation. During the Passover festival, the agitation grew. I was in Jerusalem when I heard about his triumphant entry into the city, riding on a donkey, while the crowds acclaimed him as the Son of David, the Messiah. That provoked a furor among the priests and leaders of the temple, who feared the growing influence of this man. Some hoped he would lead a revolt against the Romans, but Jesus seemed more interested in transforming the heart of man than in ruling by the sword.

Shortly after, I heard of the betrayal by one of his own disciples, Judas, and how he was arrested, brought before the Sanhedrin and handed over to Pontius Pilate. The charges? Blasphemy and political agitation. I learned that he was flogged, mocked, and finally sentenced to crucifixion, the most shameful punishment reserved for criminals. Many of us thought that with his death, his message would disappear, but as you well know, that was not what happened. After his execution, rumors and testimonies emerged that Jesus had risen from the dead. Some say they saw the empty tomb. Others claimed to have seen and spoken with him. There are those who assert that he ascended to heaven in the presence of his followers. The truth, my brothers, is that his disciples, those simple men and women, fishermen and tax collectors, became courageous leaders proclaiming his words with fervor and without fear.

Rome as always is a hub of rumors and speculations. Many speak of those who follow this Jesus as if they were dangerous sects. But I see that despite persecutions and imprisonments, they remain steadfast. It seems that something within them drives them to continue, even in the face of death. You should know that I do not write to judge or support, but solely to recount what I see and hear. This man from Nazareth, whoever he may be, left a profound mark on our history. Even here, in the heart of the empire, his name is spoken with a mix of fear, respect and hatred. Be that as it may, I hope the Almighty guides us to the truth and that we may understand the times we are living in with wisdom and discernment. May peace and justice be our guide and may the light of the Torah continue to illuminate our path. Josephus.

From some of our leaders however, I cannot deny that the people loved him. He spoke of a kingdom of God that was not of this world, of a father who welcomed all and invited sinners to repentance and reconciliation. During the Passover festival, the agitation grew. I was in Jerusalem when I heard about his triumphant entry into the city, riding on a donkey, while the crowds acclaimed him as the Son of David, the Messiah. That provoked a furor among the priests and leaders of the temple, who feared the growing influence of this man. Some hoped he would lead a revolt against the Romans, but Jesus seemed more interested in transforming the heart of man than in ruling by the sword. Shortly after, I heard of the betrayal by one of his own disciples, Judas, and how he was arrested, brought before the Sanhedrin and handed over to Pontius Pilate. The charges? Blasphemy and political agitation. I learned that he was flogged, mocked, and finally sentenced to crucifixion, the most shameful punishment reserved for criminals. Many of us thought that with his death, his message would disappear, but as you well know, that was not what happened. After his execution, rumors and testimonies emerged that Jesus had risen from the dead. Some say they saw the empty tomb. Others claimed to have seen and spoken with him. There are those who assert that he ascended to heaven in the presence of his followers. The truth, my brothers, is that his disciples, those simple men and women, fishermen and tax collectors, became courageous leaders proclaiming his words with fervor and without fear.

-Josephus.