Category:Testimonium Flavianum (subject)

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Testimonium Flavianum refers to the passages in which the first-century Jewish historian Josephus mentions Jesus of Nazareth

Overview

Josephus contains two references to Jesus "who was called the Christ." Most scholars consider these references as authentic, even though the main passage specifically devoted to Jesus reveals some obvious Christian interpolations. Once these interpolations are removed however, the passage is consistent with Josephus' vocabulary and theology.

The positive attitude of Josephus toward Jesus as a "wise man" is in line with Josephus' positive attitude, even admiration toward Essene-type teachers (like John the Baptist or Banus). They are all described as "wise men," with the removal of any apocalyptic emphasis from their teachings.

Josephus on Jesus

Ant 18:63-64 -- About the time (of Pilate) lived Jesus, a wise man [if indeed it be lawful to call him a man]. He was a doer of wonderful things and a teacher of men who delight in accepting the truth. He attracted many Jews and also many from the Greek world. <He was called the Christ> [lit. He was indeed the Christ]; and when, on the accusation of our leading men. Pilate condemned him to the cross, those who loved him from the first did not cease to do so. [For he appeared to them again alive on the third day, the divine prophets having foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things about him.] The race of Christians named after him has survived to this day.

Cf. Ant 20:199-203 -- [The High Priest Ananias] was a bold man in his temper, and very insolent; he was also of the sect of the Sadducees, who were very rigid in judging offenders, above all the rest of the Jews... He assembled the Sanhedrin of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some of his companions; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the Law, he delivered them to be stoned.

External links

• Wikipedia (Josephus on Jesus)