Flavius Josephus

Abstract This chapter argues that Josephus drew inspiration from Philo’s writings, especially those with an apologetic dimension, because he shared some of Philo’s views and faced similar challenges. They both attempted to refute slanders against the Jews, such as those formulated by Apion. They also both experienced confrontation with Roman imperial power and exposure to Roman culture. Therefore it is certainly not a coincidence that Philo and Josephus are the only Jewish authors from antiquity who modify the literal meaning of Deut 20:10–14 to argue that Israel is a peaceful people, or claim that the Law of Moses teaches philanthrōpia and emphasizes that it commands welcoming proselytes as new “citizens.” Because Josephus knew about Philo, when specific similarities between the works of Philo and Josephus are noticed, they should be interpreted as evidence that the latter knew the writings of the former, even if only in a superficial way.