BOOKS

JOSEPHUS THE ROMAN MOUTHPIECE

Born: 37 AD, Jerusalem
Died: c. 100 AD, Rome

Josephus, commander of the rebel forces fighting the Romans in Jerusalem in 70 AD, was captured and taken to Rome to live his life out as an author and Roman puppet.

• What was his relationship with Paul?
• What inspired him to write his Jewish histories?
• Why is his autobiography full of anomalies?
• Did he write the Gospels?

Josephus was Jewish born and bred, but captured during the Jewish-Roman war of 70AD in Jerusalem. In Rome he became a bird in a gilded cage doing the Romans bidding. Firstly, he managed Paul and Omar’s travels and preaching, and learnt a lot about Jesus. The Romans then drip fed him the idea of his books. So over 30 years he wrote the books that we still have plus some of the gospels. The Romans wanted a mechanism for controlling and integrating their conquered peoples and what better way than a new religion. So Josephus invented Jesus as the son of God. His stories were expanded and created in a such way that if Jesus said X then nobody would argue with the Son of God. Josephus became the author of Matthew, Mark, Luke, Paul’s letters, and the Acts of the Apostles.

Josephus the Roman Mouthpiece Excerpt…

‘There’s a Jewish man called Paul and his Turkish friend Omar, who have been talking in the marketplaces. They have just a single message which has reached my bosses’ ears.’

I didn’t let my face change, but immediately I could see the connections.

‘Oh? What are they saying?’

‘It’s around the idea of love thy neighbour. If we could all live in harmony with each other, then life would be easier and more pleasant and peaceful for everyone.’

‘Sounds a sensible idea.’

‘Indeed. Apparently, this idea originated in Jerusalem which is where Paul was living when he first heard about it. He’s been preaching these messages based on the supposed life and sayings of a teacher called Jesus some forty-odd years ago.’

The name didn’t resonate, but this had probably happened before I was born.

‘Now you may not be aware that one of the Roman goals is to try and achieve some unity or harmony, particularly across the different cultures in the lands that we have conquered. So, Paul’s message fits splendidly with this aim.’

I was becoming increasingly wary, wondering what was coming next.

‘What would you like me to do?’ I asked.

‘To start with, just go and listen to them. Paul doesn’t speak our language, but Omar does – he’s the translator. But do not interact with them. Don’t ask questions or get involved in any discussion that might begin in the crowd. We need you to remain inconspicuous.’

‘OK, that’s easy. I imagine you’d like me to start today?’

‘Yes please.’

‘Oh… and what am I to do after I’ve listened to them a few times?’

‘I’ll get back to you on that.’