New Books Network 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, explores the life and world of the historian Josephus. He surveys Josephus’s aristocratic roots, Roman connections, and role in the Galilean revolt. The conversation highlights how Josephus illuminates New Testament context, contested references to Jesus, dating issues, and the political and religious turmoil of first‑century Judea.
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Josephus Raised In Jerusalem Elite
- Thomas C. Schmidt recounts Josephus's elite upbringing as a Jerusalem-born aristocrat raised to be a priest and trained in Greek and Latin.
- Josephus investigated Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes, joined the Pharisees, and served as a priest before becoming an ambassador to Rome at ~25.
Shipwreck En Route To Rome
- Schmidt tells of Josephus's shipwreck en route to Rome where hundreds died and about 60 survived by swimming to a ship at dawn.
- The episode parallels Paul's shipwreck in Acts and highlights travel risk in the ancient Mediterranean.
Josephus Appointed General In Galilee
- Josephus is appointed one of seven Jewish generals and governor of Galilee as rebellion looms, gathering troops to oppose Rome.
- He operates amid rising tensions, factionalism, and multiple sects pushing toward conflict across Judea.
