John the Baptist, Jesus, and Other New Testament Figures in Josephus’ Writings

This chapter discusses three paragraphs in Josephus’ Antiquities that deal with three central figures in Christianity: Jesus Christ; John the Baptist; and James, Jesus’ brother. Their authenticity is the focus of discussion. Namely, are they testimonies from the hands of Josephus or later interpolations from the hands of Christians? This chapter explores the pros and cons in research for each testimony without taking a decisive stand. Of the three testimonies, the so-called Testimonium Flavianum relative to Jesus is most suspect of interpolation, though the remaining two may also have been subject to later Christian intervention.