Madison's Notes S5E4 The Gospel According to Josephus: A Conversation with Thomas C. Schmidt, Part 1
Apr 1, 2026
Thomas C. Schmidt, Associate Professor at Fairfield University and author of Josephus and Jesus, explores the life and world of the historian Josephus. He sketches Josephus’s aristocratic roots, Roman connections, wartime dramas, and writings. Short, vivid accounts connect Josephus to New Testament places, people, and contested passages. The conversation sets up deeper historical context for early Christianity.
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Josephus Raised In Jerusalem Aristocracy
- Thomas C. Schmidt recounts Josephus's aristocratic Jerusalem upbringing and dual priestly and royal lineage.
- Josephus was born in 37 AD, raised to be a priest, and investigated Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes from his teens.
Young Josephus Negotiates In Rome And Survives Shipwreck
- Schmidt describes Josephus's mission to Rome as a young ambassador where he successfully interceded for Jewish priests.
- Around age 25 he met the empress and survived a major shipwreck in the Adriatic en route to Rome.
The Jotapata Cave And The Josephus Problem
- Schmidt tells the Jotapata cave story where Josephus and companions cast lots to kill each other rather than surrender.
- Josephus negotiates with the last man and persuades him to surrender, avoiding suicide and eventual execution.
