The Catholic Canon Part 2 Flavius Josephus: A Complex Figure in Early Jewish History

Flavius Josephus is one of the most frequently cited early historians, especially in discussions about the Protestant biblical canon. Understanding who Josephus was is crucial for anyone who wants to grasp the context of his writings. His perspective was shaped not only by the turbulent events of his time but also by his own personal journey, marked by shifting allegiances and practical decisions for survival.

Who Was Josephus?

Born in AD 37 into a Jewish aristocratic family, Josephus grew up with a heritage that might have naturally led him toward the Sadducees, the Jewish sect often associated with the aristocracy. However, he chose a different path, aligning himself with the Pharisees. This choice was significant, as the Pharisees were mostly middle-class laypeople known for their strict adherence to the Torah and an oral tradition that expanded upon it. In contrast, the Sadducees recognized only the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Pentateuch) as authoritative and were more accommodating to the Hellenization of Jewish culture and the Roman occupation.

The Pharisees’ resistance to foreign cultural influence often put them at odds with the Sadducees, who saw the stability brought by Roman rule as a benefit. Josephus’s alignment with the Pharisees suggests a commitment to preserving traditional Jewish teachings, even as he later demonstrated a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.

A Man Caught in a Time of Conflict

The Jewish people of the first century were restless under Roman rule, with revolution always simmering beneath the surface. As tensions grew, many sought to overthrow the occupying forces. Josephus, however, was a realist. He recognized the sheer power of the Roman Empire and knew that any attempt to gain independence would be doomed. He tried to dissuade his fellow Jews from rebelling, but his counsel was not heeded.

When war finally broke out in AD 66, Josephus found himself serving as a military general in Galilee. His military efforts, however, were short-lived. The Romans besieged the region, forcing him and his troops into a desperate situation. Facing certain defeat, Josephus advocated for surrender. Yet his comrades had sworn a suicide pact to avoid capture, preferring death over surrender. Through cunning, he convinced them to draw lots, with each man killing his companion. Ultimately, only Josephus and one other survived, at which point he persuaded his companion to surrender.

A Turn Toward Rome

Captured and brought before the Roman general Vespasian, Josephus made a bold move: he prophesied that Vespasian would become the next emperor of Rome. His prediction proved accurate, and Vespasian took him under his protection. This move was not merely about survival; Josephus showed a talent for navigating the shifting political landscape.

After Vespasian ascended to the imperial throne, Josephus became a translator and negotiator for Vespasian’s son, Titus, during the siege of Jerusalem. In this capacity, Josephus witnessed and, in some ways, facilitated the destruction of the city and the temple—an event that would be a turning point for the Jewish people.

Life in Rome

Following the war, Josephus was taken to Rome, where Vespasian and Titus became his patrons. They provided him with a house and a stipend, allowing him to spend the remainder of his life as a writer. His works, including The Jewish War and Antiquities of the Jews, became crucial historical sources for understanding the first-century Jewish world. However, it’s important to remember that Josephus’s writings were not unbiased. His patrons were Romans, and he was, by this point, a pro-Roman advocate.

Why Does This Matter?

While Josephus gives us valuable insights into first-century Jewish life and thought, his political and personal circumstances shaped his perspectives. He did not hold the Romans responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, instead blaming the Jewish rebels. His bias against the revolt may have also influenced his views on the Jewish canon.

For instance, Josephus did not consider the books of Maccabees as part of the authoritative Jewish Scriptures. This exclusion may reflect his desire to distance himself from anything that could be seen as supporting revolt against Roman rule. The Maccabees, after all, were celebrated as heroes who overthrew a foreign occupier. Including such narratives in the canon could have been politically unwise for someone in Josephus’s position, living under Roman patronage.

Can We Trust Josephus’s View on the Canon?

Given these complexities, it is crucial to approach Josephus’s writings with caution when considering them as authoritative on the Jewish canon. His perspective was shaped by a desire to portray a version of Jewish history that would be acceptable, or at least palatable, to his Roman patrons. Thus, while his works offer a valuable historical account, they should not be considered definitive or unbiased regarding the Jewish canon.

In understanding the life and writings of Flavius Josephus, we gain insight not only into the events of his time but also into the ongoing struggles over cultural and religious identity. His story reminds us that history is often written by those who navigate the tides of power, sometimes at the cost of impartiality.