This is the first of several posts examining the historical evidence for Jesus Christ. My goal is to present the information so you can conduct your own research and decide for yourself.
Who is Flavius Josephus, and what are the Antiquities of the Jews?
Flavius Josephus was a Jewish historian who lived in the first century CE. He was born around 37 CE in Judea and initially took part in the Jewish revolt against Rome. After being captured by Roman forces, he eventually aligned himself with them and spent the rest of his life living in Rome under Roman protection. Josephus wrote several historical works aimed at explaining Jewish history, beliefs, and major events to a Roman and non-Jewish audience. An important point for historians is that Josephus was not a Christian, which is why his references to figures like Jesus are treated as especially significant when evaluating non-Christian historical evidence.
Antiquities of the Jews is a large historical work written by Josephus around 93–94 CE. In this book, Josephus traces Jewish history from the creation of the world up to events close to his own lifetime. Its purpose is to explain Jewish laws, leaders, traditions, and major historical events to a non-Jewish audience, especially Roman readers. Through this work, Josephus seeks to present Judaism as an ancient, serious, and respectable tradition, effectively offering a full account of Jewish history in a way that outsiders could understand.
Why do some say this is not evidence?
Scholars think that later Christian scribes likely added or modified certain lines while copying the text. This view is supported by the fact that early Christian writers do not clearly quote this passage until the fourth century, which is relatively late. In addition, some of the language sounds too openly Christian to fit what a non-Christian Jewish historian like Josephus would naturally write. In short, many historians believe the passage contains later Christian edits and was not originally written in its current form by Josephus.
Why do some say this is evidence?
Many scholars believe Josephus did originally write a short, neutral reference to Jesus, but that the passage was later expanded by Christian copyists who added more positive or theological language. To evaluate this, scholars closely examine the vocabulary, writing style, and historical context of the passage and compare it with Josephus’s other writings. Using this linguistic and contextual analysis, they attempt to reconstruct what Josephus most likely wrote before later Christian additions were introduced.
The Evidence
Here are direct online links to the specific passages from Antiquities of the Jews that mention Jesus and James:
https://lexundria.com/j_aj/18.63-64/wst?
The Antiquities of the Jews, 18.63–18.64
This is the passage usually called the Testimonium Flavianum (the mention of Jesus):
- Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. 64 And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.
https://lexundria.com/j_aj/20.200/wst?
The Antiquities of the Jews, 20.200
This is the passage referring to James, “the brother of Jesus who was called Christ”:
200when, therefore, Ananus was of this disposition, he thought he had now a proper opportunity [to exercise his authority]. Festus was now dead, and Albinus was but upon the road; so he assembled the sanhedrim of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others, [or, some of his companions]; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them to be stoned.
Closing Thoughts
I use the New Living Translation because it presents Scripture in clear and readable language. I am not a Bible scholar, and I do not claim to have a complete understanding. My purpose is to help others engage with God’s Word and reflect on its meaning. I encourage you to read the Bible for yourself, seek God’s guidance, and listen to how He may be speaking to you through His Word.