Texts of Josephus

Christian Alexander said:

Church Fathers like Josephus.

Okay, stop and think. What are the chances that a Jewish historian is a Church Fathers? Try writing your answer in a single sentence without unnecessary background material.

Christian Alexander said:

I want to study parallels in John's Gospel and Josephus.

Do some basic research on the viability of the project using ChatGPT, Perplexity, Logos Smart Search, Gemini ...

Perplexity said:

Based on the search results, there are a few key events mentioned in the Gospel of John that have parallels in the writings of Josephus:

1. John the Baptist - Josephus provides an account of John the Baptist, confirming his role as a preacher and his execution by Herod Antipas. This corroborates John's Gospel mentions of John the Baptist.
2. Jesus - Josephus briefly mentions Jesus in a controversial passage called the Testimonium Flavianum. While parts of this passage are debated, it does provide some external corroboration for Jesus' existence and crucifixion.
3. Jewish religious groups - Josephus writes about groups like the Pharisees and Sadducees that are also mentioned in John's Gospel.
4. Roman officials - Josephus discusses figures like Pontius Pilate who appear in John's account of Jesus' trial and crucifixion.
5. The Temple in Jerusalem - Both John's Gospel and Josephus describe the Jerusalem Temple and its importance in Jewish life.
6. General historical context - Josephus provides background on the political and social situation in Judea during the time period covered by John's Gospel.

While Josephus does not directly parallel most of the specific events in John's narrative, his writings offer important historical context and some corroboration for key figures and institutions mentioned in the Gospel. The parallels are more about the overall setting and some key personalities rather than specific events unique to John's account.

Gemeni said:

Parallels Between the Gospel of John and Josephus

Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, provides valuable historical context for the events depicted in the Gospel of John.

Several key events in the Gospel find parallels or corroboration in Josephus' works, particularly Antiquities of the Jews and The Jewish War.  

1. Josephus, Our Primary Source | From Jesus To Christ - The First Christians | FRONTLINE | PBS

www.pbs.org

2. Josephus on John the Baptist - Livius.org

www.livius.org

Here are some notable examples:

1. John the Baptist

• Josephus' Account: While Josephus doesn't explicitly mention John's preaching or baptism, he does describe a figure named "John the Baptist" who was a prophet and considered a righteous man. Josephus notes that John was beheaded by Herod Antipas.  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  1. Where is the Head of Saint John the Baptist? - The HISTORY Channel

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  www.history.com

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
• Gospel of John: John the Baptist is portrayed as a forerunner of Jesus, baptizing him in the Jordan River and declaring him the Lamb of God.  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  1. John 1:29 – Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God - Enter the Bible

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  enterthebible.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  

2. Pontius Pilate

• Josephus' Account: Josephus mentions Pontius Pilate as the Roman governor of Judea during the time of Jesus.He describes Pilate's actions and controversies, including the incident involving the Roman eagles being brought into Jerusalem.  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  1. Pontius Pilate - Wikipedia

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  en.wikipedia.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
• Gospel of John: Pilate is the Roman official who condemns Jesus to crucifixion.

3. Herod Antipas

• Josephus' Account: Josephus provides detailed information about Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. He describes Herod's personal life, political intrigues, and his involvement in the execution of John the Baptist.  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  1. Dance floor where John the Baptist was condemned to death discovered, archaeologist says | Live Science

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  www.livescience.com

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
• Gospel of John: Herod Antipas plays a role in the Gospel, questioning Jesus and ultimately sending him to Pilate.  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  1. Jesus at Herod's court - Wikipedia

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  en.wikipedia.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  

4. The Jewish Feast of Passover

• Josephus' Account: Josephus describes the significance of Passover in Jewish tradition, including the ritual of the Passover meal and the commemoration of the Exodus from Egypt.  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  1. Passover - Jewish Virtual Library

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
• Gospel of John: The Gospel of John places the crucifixion of Jesus during the Passover week, highlighting its symbolic significance.  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  1. Reading Mark and John Side-by-Side: The Last Days of Jesus - TaborBlog

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  jamestabor.com

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  

5. The Sanhedrin

• Josephus' Account: Josephus discusses the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, and its role in governing the Jewish people.  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  1. The Sanhedrin - Jewish Virtual Library

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
• Gospel of John: The Sanhedrin is portrayed as the religious authority that tries and condemns Jesus.

While these parallels provide historical context and corroboration for certain events in the Gospel of John, it's important to note that the Gospel presents a theological and spiritual interpretation of these events, often going beyond the historical details provided by Josephus.

ChatGPT said:

Several events and themes in the Gospel of John have parallels or connections with the writings of the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, though these parallels are often indirect. Here are some key events in John’s Gospel with notable parallels or context in Josephus:

1. The Life and Activities of John the Baptist

• Gospel of John: The Gospel of John introduces John the Baptist as a key figure who baptizes people and bears witness to Jesus (John 1:19-36).
• Josephus: In Antiquities of the Jews (18.5.2), Josephus provides a more detailed description of John the Baptist as a popular preacher who called for moral reform and baptism for the purification of sins. This passage from Josephus confirms John the Baptist’s influence in the region, much like the depiction in the Gospels.

2. The Arrest of Jesus

• Gospel of John: The Gospel of John describes the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where a Roman cohort and Temple officers come to seize him (John 18:1-12).
• Josephus: In Antiquities (18.3.3), Josephus recounts the arrest of Jesus' brother James by the high priest, indicating that Roman authorities had a hand in suppressing potentially troublesome religious figures, aligning with the narrative in John where Jesus is arrested with Roman involvement.

3. The Role of Pontius Pilate

• Gospel of John: Pontius Pilate plays a central role in Jesus' trial and crucifixion, as described in John 18:28-19:16.
• Josephus: In Antiquities (18.3.2), Josephus gives a broader account of Pilate’s rule, describing him as a harsh and often brutal Roman prefect in Judea, particularly noting his interactions with the Jewish leadership, which provides context for Pilate’s interactions with Jesus in the Gospel.

4. The Jewish Leadership and Power Dynamics

• Gospel of John: Throughout the Gospel of John, Jewish leaders are depicted as antagonistic toward Jesus, seeking his death (e.g., John 11:47-53; John 18:12-14).
• Josephus: In various parts of Antiquities (e.g., 18.3.1-2; 20.9.1), Josephus describes the political power of the high priests and the Sanhedrin, often highlighting their collaboration with Roman authorities to maintain control and eliminate perceived threats, much like their portrayal in the Gospels.

5. Miracles and Signs

• Gospel of John: The Gospel of John emphasizes Jesus’ performance of signs and wonders, such as turning water into wine (John 2:1-11) or healing the blind man (John 9:1-12).
• Josephus: Although Josephus does not directly mention Jesus’ miracles, he does acknowledge in Antiquities (18.3.3) that Jesus was known for performing “surprising works,” a possible allusion to his miraculous acts, which were part of his reputation.

6. The Crucifixion of Jesus

• Gospel of John: The crucifixion of Jesus is central to the Gospel narrative (John 19:16-37), depicting the execution as a Roman practice carried out under Pilate’s authority.
• Josephus: While Josephus does not describe the crucifixion of Jesus specifically, he mentions the general practice of crucifixion by the Romans, especially during times of conflict (e.g., Jewish War 5.11.1), which provides historical background for the method of execution used on Jesus.

7. Messianic Expectations and Rebel Leaders

• Gospel of John: Jesus is presented as the Messiah (e.g., John 4:25-26), but his mission contrasts with the more militant expectations of a political liberator.
• Josephus: Josephus frequently discusses various messianic and revolutionary figures in his works (e.g., Antiquities 18.4.1-2; 20.8.6), such as Judas of Galilee and Theudas, who led rebellions against Roman rule. Josephus’ descriptions help frame the environment of messianic hopes during the time of Jesus, even though Jesus himself is depicted as non-violent in John.

These parallels show how Josephus’ writings provide historical and political context for many events and figures in the Gospel of John, although the direct overlap is often circumstantial or thematic rather than exact.

Now that you know what is readily available, what are you trying to do?

DMB said:

in that (sorry) you tend to operate at a high level ... generalizations. Scholar-talk. 

I want to reinforce this thought. Generalizations must be backed by a strong knowledge of the details - otherwise it becomes a meaningless word salad of terms misunderstood, borrowed phrases used in inappropriate contexts, and solid concepts undermined by obvious errors in the details supporting them.

MR said:

I'm mostly interested in an interlinear/tagging for Antiquitates Judaicae.

I don't see an interlinear, but there is a morphologically tagged edition.