Josephus on Jesus – One of the Most Important Non-Biblical Witnesses

When discussing the historical existence of Jesus Christ, few ancient writers are more significant than the first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (AD 37–100). Writing only a few decades after the death of Jesus, Josephus was not a Christian, nor was he writing to defend Christianity. Instead, he recorded Jewish history for a Roman audience.

His famous work, Antiquities of the Jews (written around AD 93–94), contains references to Jesus, James (the brother of Jesus), and John the Baptist. These passages have become some of the most studied and debated historical texts outside the Bible.

Although scholars disagree over whether one of Josephus' references to Jesus was later altered by Christian copyists, the overwhelming majority agree that Josephus originally referred to Jesus as a real historical person who lived in Judea and was crucified under Pontius Pilate. His writings therefore provide valuable non-Christian evidence that supports the existence of Jesus and confirms several key events recorded in the New Testament.

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Quick Facts – What Did Josephus Say About Jesus?

• Who was Josephus?

• Jewish historian born around AD 37.

• Eyewitness to many first-century events.

• Wrote Antiquities of the Jews around AD 93–94.

• Not a Christian.

• How many times did Josephus mention Jesus?

Josephus contains two references to Jesus and one reference to John the Baptist in Antiquities of the Jews.

• The first reference (Testimonium Flavianum)

Josephus describes Jesus as:

• A wise man.

• A teacher.

• One who performed remarkable deeds.

• One who gained many followers.

• One who was crucified under Pontius Pilate.

Most modern scholars believe this passage contains an authentic historical core, although they also believe that some Christian phrases were probably added by later copyists.

• The second reference

Josephus refers to:

"James, the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ."

This passage is regarded by the vast majority of modern scholars as authentic.

• Josephus also mentions John the Baptist

Josephus records that:

• John was a good and righteous man.

• He baptized people.

• Herod Antipas had him executed because he feared John's influence over the people.

This account is also widely accepted as authentic by historians.

• Why is Josephus important?

Josephus provides one of the earliest non-Christian historical references to Jesus. His writings support several historical facts also found in the New Testament, including:

• Jesus was a real historical person.

• Jesus had many followers.

• Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate.

• Jesus had a brother named James.

• John the Baptist was a real historical figure.

• What do most scholars believe today?

The broad scholarly consensus is:

• The James passage is authentic.

• The John the Baptist passage is authentic.

• The longer passage about Jesus (Testimonium Flavianum) has likely been altered by later Christian scribes, but most scholars believe it originally contained a genuine reference to Jesus by Josephus.

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Josephus on Jesus.