flavius Josephus known in Hebrew as Joseph Ben matitiahu was a Jewish historian of the first century recognized for his Works documenting Jewish history and providing significant accounts of the historical context of early Christianity and the Roman Empire he was born in Jerusalem around the year 37 shortly after the death of Jesus Josephus lived during a tumultuous period for the Jewish people marked by revolts and conflicts with Rome his life and works are essential for understanding the history of Palestine and Judaism during the second temple period in the year 66 after Christ the great Jewish revolt
against Roman rule broke out Josephus as a military leader in Galilee commanded Jewish troops against the Roman Legions however after the Jews defeat at The Fortress of jotapata he was captured by the Romans while imprisoned Josephus predicted to the Roman enal Vespasian that he would become emperor of Rome a prophecy that years later was indeed fulfilled impressed Vespasian freed Josephus who adopted the name of the Imperial family flavius as a sign of his loyalty to the Roman Empire flavius Josephus is considered one of the greatest historians of the ancient world his works are valuable sources
for studying first century Palestine Jewish religious life political conflicts and the context in which Christianity emerged though his descriptions are often viewed with suspicion due to his collaboration with the Romans Josephus provides information unavailable in other sources Josephus spent his last years in Rome enjoying Imperial patronage the exact date of his death is uncertain but it is believed to have occurred around the year 100 after Christ his work though facing challenges and contradictions remains essential for historians and Scholars of the ancient period and the origins of Christianity below we transcribe a letter written by him
although the exact date of its writing is unknown it is addressed to his compatriots greetings my brothers I write to you from Rome where rumors and accounts about our land have arrived with great force much is said about Jesus of Nazareth the one who as you know walked Among Us just a few decades ago I wish to share with you not only what I have heard from various sources but also what I saw and witnessed about this man some consider him a prophet others a teacher and some even the promised Messiah Jesus was a man
of simple appearance yet his presence was captivating in the streets and synagogues he spoke with an uncommon Authority among our teachers his speeches were filled with wisdom and many said he taught with the clarity and power of the ancient prophets I remember hearing his strong yet Serene voice pronouncing words that touched the hearts of the humble and challenged the scholars the crowds followed him thirsting for Hope and healing his Fame spread throughout Galilee and many were drawn by the accounts of his miracles the blind who regained sight the lame who walked again the lepers who
were cleansed and even the Dead who it was said came back to life I know that many of us Pharisees and Sadducees looked at him with distrust for he challenged traditions and openly confronted hypocrisy however we cannot deny that his words and actions left a deep mark on our people and our history some of our leaders however could not ignore that the people loved him he spoke of a kingdom of God that was not of this world of a father who welcomed all and invited Sinners to repentance and Reconciliation during the Passover feast agitation grew
I was in Jerusalem when I heard of his triumphant entry into the city riding on a donkey while the crowd acclaimed him as the son of David the Messiah this provoked Fury among the priests and Temple leaders who feared his growing influence some expected him to lead a revolt against the Romans but Jesus seemed more interested in transforming the human heart than in ruling By The Sword shortly after I heard of the Betrayal by one of his own disciples Judas and how he was arrested taken before the Sanhedrin and handed over to Pontius Pilate the
accusations blasphemy and political agitation I learned that he was scourged mocked and finally condemned to crucifixion the most shameful punishment reserved for criminals many thought that with his death his message would disappear but as you well know that is not what happened after his execution rumors and testimonies arose claiming that Jesus had risen from the dead some say they saw the empty tomb others claim to have seen and spoken with him there are those who assert that he ascended to heaven in the presence of his followers the truth my brothers is that his disciples those
simple men and women fishermen and tax collectors became Brave leaders who proclaimed his words with fervor and without fear Rome as always is a center of rumors and speculations many speak of those who follow this Jesus as if they were dangerous sects yet despite persecutions and imprisonments they remain steadfast it seems that something within them compels them to continue even in the face of death you must know that I do not right to judge nor to support but only to recount what I see and hear This Man from Nazareth whoever he may be left a
profound mark on our history even here in the heart of the Empire his name is mentioned with a mix of fear respect and hatred be that as it may I hope that the most high guides us to the truth and that we may understand the times we live live in with wisdom and discernment may peace and Justice be our guide and may the light of the Torah continue to illuminate our path a few years ago I returned to our land driven by the desire to better understand what had happened there I traveled to Nazareth the
small village where Jesus grew up there I met his relatives humble people who kept the memories of the son of Miriam whom they simply called Yeshua with pride and great discretion his mother Miriam known among the Greeks as Mary already elderly received me with Serenity and wisdom she spoke to me of Jesus's childhood and how from a very young age he displayed a unique understanding of the scriptures I spoke with his brother James called the just a man of firm character and great piety who led the judeo-christian community in Jerusalem one of the most intriguing
figures I met was Mary Magdalene one of his most devoted followers Upon returning to Rome I witnessed the growth of the Christian Community they are persecuted and despised yet they possess an inner strength that seems to come from something Beyond themselves flavus Josephus historian and servant of our people
