Hi Henry, just like to thank you for this fascinating overview of Josephus. I was not only attracted to the subject matter but to your delivery of the account. It's a rare and precious thing to be able to hold someone's attention through words alone. It was clear, concise, well structured and surprisingly entertaining. I look forward to hearing more of your lectures. Greentings from Scotland.
I wanted to read more about the writings of Josephus, so I bought the complete works translated by William Whiston. (Published 1998). I can only describe it as a tough read. However, when I get to the TF, it appears to glide easier in language than the previous or following passages. Josephus speaks of one calamity suffered by the Jews, then goes into the TF, which is followed by another story of calamity by the Jews. The flow is off. I’m not convinced and I’m leaning towards a complete interpolation. Additionally, if it’s true that many early church fathers had their hands on the writings of Josephus and never mentioned the TF adds to doubt of its validity. Maybe someday earlier copies will be discovered to clear things up. Just my two cents.
I've been reading a book called "Caesar's Messiah" by Joseph Atwill which talks about the parallels between the "New Testament" and "The Wars of the Jews". Atwill makes the case that Christianity was invented by the Romans to attempt to pacify the Jews. Have you read it? I think you would find it very interesting if you haven't.
Mr Abrahamson , what is ur opinion about the Piso family impact on Jewish history . Their many works include flavours Josephus. Works of Aristotle . And helping rebbe print and publish the mishna. There is story of Marcus Antonius Piso having a good relationship with rebbe . It is also said that many fictional Hebrew storys for Romans were added by them .
@@HenryAbramsonPhD Oh wow I'm glad you saw this! I love your videos and I think you are an incredible presenter. Thanks for the work you do -- my friends and I certainly enjoy the videos.
Hello Professor Abramson. I am just wondering. How did Josephus date his work? Is he the first historian to date events based on the birth of Christ? How did he date the year 67-70 AD? What year was the destruction of the Temple according to Josephus dating? Or dating was intentionally made ambiguous?
Mr. Abramson, do you think that Josephus tampered with/ changed pieces or parts of the Old Testament? Could he have gotten away with doing that in your opinion?
I know people tend to resist new ideas, (I'm drawn to them, what results do you expect if you don't investigate all new ideas in any field) -- but Ralph Ellis' theory that Paul and Flavius Josephus are the same person is lent credence by looking at the super pompous nature of Flavius Josephus as stumping sages as a kid is very similar to Paul saying I'm a Pharisee of Pharisee. (I know most Jews seem to think as Paul as very ignorant but if studying the chronological chasm present by Ralph Ellis, the timeline was actually Paul helping early ministry as a young man in 40s in 50s and that Jesus wasn't actually crucified until 70 CE, after failing to win Jewish War of which he was one of 3 major leaders, as he was a powerful Edessan/Osroene royal.)
