You haven't completed your biblical understanding until you've traveled back to the lands where it all took place. Now you can hear the sounds and see the sights, meet the people who were there when it happened. This comprehensive account from the legendary Jewish historian takes you right into the action, setting up the historical relevance of first-century events, taking you all the way from Creation to Roman occupation. In the process, Josephus provides substantial first-hand corroboration of the biblical record. Most importantly, you'll meet the historical Jesus in Josephus' writings, as well as John the Baptist and other familiar faces. You'll be able to understand the background of the Bible like never before.
(Revised and expanded edition; commentary by Paul L. Maier) Unabridged. Includes harmony of Greek and English numbering systems, table of Jewish weights and measures, Old Testament text parallels, twenty full-page illustrations, and an updated index.
(Updated, full-color edition) Jewish Antiquities and The Jewish War take on a brilliant new dimension in this revised edition of the award-winning translation and condensation. Now with color photographs, charts, and maps.
The Wars of the Jews (also titled The Jewish War) is a history by Roman-Jewish author Flavius Josephus, who chronicles a series of conflicts, skirmishes and events between the Jews, Romans, and other influential groups in the Middle East in the 1st century AD. Comprised of seven books, Josephus' account of the fraught and conflicted period of Judeo-Roman history is written with an urgency expected of a man who personally witnessed and lived through the tumultuous events he describes. Josephus commences his work with an overview of Jewish history from the Maccabees through to the Roman conquest. Rome's victory celebrations, and the temporary transition of the Roman military from a conquering to an occupying force, is detailed. The subsequent suppression of the Jewish revolt and the stages of the First Jewish-Roman war are detailed. The Emperor Vespasian oversaw the renewed conflict: his son Titus proved his personal capabilities as a military commander in the Judean theater. Subsequent to Josephus's history, Titus would succeed his father as Roman Emperor with a reputation of a decorated veteran. Having personally observed the shocking destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., Josephus felt moved to write his own interpretation of the conflicts which ultimately led to the temple's demise. Having traveled throughout the Middle East and to Rome personally, Josephus had a strong grasp of Jewish and Roman cultures. Rather than echo other historians of the era by condemning the Jews for agitating the Roman forces, Josephus instead asserts that the war and consequent damage were the result of fanatical zealots. Their charisma led to swathes of the masses lending their support, leaving the traditional Jewish aristocracy - of which Josephus was a member - unable to rein in the popular fury against Rome. This edition of The Wars of the Jews contains all seven books of Josephus' history in their entirety, together with complete sets of notes which clarify certain passages and terms used in the text, appended at the conclusion of each book. The translation to English is by the respected 18th century scholar, historian and theologian William Whiston.
The Complete Works of Flavius Josephus is a seminal text that offers a comprehensive insight into the history, customs, and beliefs of the Jewish people during the first century. Written in a clear and straightforward style, Josephus provides detailed accounts of important events such as the Jewish War and the Antiquities of the Jews, offering a valuable historical perspective on the period. Josephus's literary style is marked by his ability to blend historical fact with personal anecdotes, making his works engaging and informative. His intimate knowledge of Jewish customs and traditions permeates throughout the text, offering readers a unique glimpse into the world of first-century Judea. Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian and scholar, wrote The Complete Works as a means of preserving the history and traditions of his people amidst the tumultuous political landscape of his time. His firsthand experiences and extensive research serve as the foundation for the comprehensive and authoritative nature of his works. I highly recommend The Complete Works of Flavius Josephus to anyone interested in ancient Jewish history, as it provides a valuable source of information and insight into the cultural and religious practices of the era.
This renowned reference book has served scholars, pastors, students, and those interested in the background of the New Testament for years. The insight given into the Essene community, the destruction of Jerusalem and the interpretations and traditions of the Old Testament in first century Judaism is invaluable. The outlook of Josephus, a late first century Pharisee and historian, on Jesus and the New Testament documents is enlightening and provocative. As an original reference, "The Works of Josephus" is essential to a full understanding of the first century, the time of Christ and the New Testament. Complete and unabridged, this is the best one-volume edition of the classic translation of Josephus' works. The entire text has been reset in modern, easy-to-read type; numbering corresponding to that used in the Loeb edition has been added to the text; and citations and cross-references have been updated from Roman numerals to Arabic numbers.
