The Jewish War

The Jewish War by Flavius Josephus is a historical account that belongs to the category of classical Greek histories because it was written in literary Greek. The account begins with the story of the Maccabees and chronicles significant events leading to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. An Aramaic version supposedly preceded the publication of the Greek version that remains today. Josephus’ purpose in this could have been noble (a gesture to his fellow Jews) but was more likely a tool of propaganda aimed at Jews beyond the Roman Empire (Parthia, perhaps) in order to stifle any potential rebellions. Such propaganda can be expected by this Jewish priest-turned-historian (turned-deserter-turned-opportunist), for he spends undue space describing the Roman army and its general, Titus, who became the sponsor for Josephus’ writings. The Jewish War is generally thought to have been published between A.D. 75 and A.D. 79 in Rome after Josephus had been taken prisoner by the Roman forces

            The works of Josephus (mainly The Jewish War and Antiquities) are quite important for a historical understanding of the world in which Jesus and the early church lived. In fact, the works of Josephus, next to the Bible, is a main source of information for this time period. The Jewish War is incredibly important for Christians because it continues the New Testament, in a sense, by revealing in dramatic detail the destruction of Jerusalem that Jesus prophesied (Matt. 24; Mark 13). It is striking that Christians today (and in the sub-apostolic age) received and used the work of this Jewish priest so readily, but when one considers the wealth of background information to Bible places, names, and event found in The Jewish War, he will recognize the value of the works of Josephus in biblical studies.