Tyndale House Podcast Did Josephus really write about Jesus?
May 20, 2025
Tom C. Schmidt, author of 'Josephus and Jesus: New Evidence for the One they Call Christ', dives into the controversial writings of the Jewish historian Josephus regarding Jesus. He explores whether these texts have been altered by early Christians or if they truly reflect Josephus's views. Schmidt also shares his academic journey and sheds light on the intricate language used by Josephus, challenging common interpretations and inviting a deeper understanding of the historical context surrounding Jesus.
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Tom Schmidt's Academic Journey
- Tom Schmidt grew up in a Christian family but became a Christian himself in college where he developed a passion for the New Testament.
- He studied Greek, Latin, and several other ancient languages, eventually earning a PhD and becoming a professor and author.
Josephus' Unique Historical Role
- Josephus was a prominent first-century Jewish figure: priest, Pharisee, general, and historian.
- His writings are a crucial non-Christian historical source mentioning New Testament figures like Pilate and Caiaphas.
Josephus Passage Matches His Style
- The vocabulary in the controversial Josephus passage about Jesus matches Josephus' distinctive style and word frequency.
- The presence of rare words, including "Christian," fits Josephus' known use of unique words in similar proportions.
