New Books in Biblical Studies The Gospel According to Josephus: A Conversation with Thomas C. Schmidt, Part 1
Apr 1, 2026
Thomas C. Schmidt, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and author of Josephus and Jesus, guides listeners through the life and works of Josephus. Short, vivid stories cover his aristocratic origins, role in the Jewish War, dramatic escapes, Flavian patronage, and how his writings illuminate figures and settings of the New Testament world.
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Josephus's Aristocratic Jerusalem Origins
- Thomas C. Schmidt recounts Josephus's elite upbringing and early religious training in Jerusalem as the son of an aristocratic family.
- Josephus studied Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes from age 16, served as a temple priest, and later joined the Pharisees while admiring the Essenes.
Young Josephus at Nero's Court and a Shipwreck
- Schmidt tells of Josephus's diplomatic mission to Rome where he successfully interceded for Jewish priests and befriended imperial elites.
- At ~25 he met the empress, returned circa 62–63 AD, and soon survived a major shipwreck in the Adriatic where hundreds died but about 60 reached a rescue ship.
Factionalism Helped Doom The Great Revolt
- Josephus's military role in Galilee shows how political factionalism amplified the revolt's failure.
- Schmidt explains Josephus became one of seven generals, governed Galilee, faced infighting, betrayals, and zealot factionalism that undermined Jewish resistance.
