Josephus on Jesus

Flavius Josephus was a prominent Jewish historian of the first century, who served as a general in Galilee during the First Jewish-Roman War. His familial connections to the high priestly families of the Second Temple granted him access to valuable information, which he later utilized in his historical writings. Josephus' experiences in Galilee, where he resided near Nazareth, allowed him to gather knowledge about the region and its inhabitants, including those who were acquainted with Jesus.

Josephus' most notable work, Antiquities of the Jews, written around AD 93-94, contains references to key figures in the New Testament, including Jesus of Nazareth and John the Baptist. His autobiography, The Life of Flavius Josephus, which is appended to Antiquities of the Jews, provides further insight into his life and interactions with groups such as the Sanhedrin and notable individuals like Ananus II, who played a role in the trials of Jesus and his brother James. Through his writings, Josephus offers an external perspective on the people and events described in the New Testament, making his work a significant historical resource.