Egyptian Prophet

• ANCIENT SOURCES: see Egyptian Prophet (sources)
• SCHOLARLY AND FICTIONAL WORKS: see Category:Egyptian Prophet (subject)

The Egyptian Prophet was a Jewish Messiah claimant (around 52-58 CE).

Overview

Sometime in the 50s, an unnamed prophet came to Jerusalem "out of Egypt"--an obvious reference to his claim to be the "new Moses." He gathered a large crowd on the Mount of Olives, waiting for a miracle which would allow he and his followers to enter the city and seize the Temple. The Roman procurator Felix decided to intervene and disperse the crowd. Many were killed or taken prisoners; the Egyptian Prophet apparently was able to flee away and it was no longer heard from him.

According to the Acts of Apostles, when the presence of Paul created some turmoil in the Temple, the Roman tribune thought that he was the Egyptian Prophet who had returned.

Related categories

• Messiah -- Messiah Claimants

External links

• [ Wikipedia]
• Livius