Josephus Christianus: The Reception of Josephus in Greek Christian Literature (2nd - 15th Cent. CE)

 Josephus Christianus: The Reception of Josephus in Greek Christian Literature (2nd - 15th Cent. CE)

Located at the University of Haifa (e-Lijah Lab) and funded by the Israel Science Foundation, our research project introduces an innovative approach to studying the reception of Flavius Josephus' works within the Greek Christian tradition from the second to fourteenth centuries CE. While scholars have long acknowledged Josephus' profound influence on European intellectual history, a systematic investigation of his works' integration into Greek Christian literature has remained notably absent. This gap is particularly striking given the extraordinary status Josephus achieved within Christian circles—his Jewish War was even referred to as a "fifth gospel," while prominent Church Fathers claimed that Josephus' Jewish Antiquities had been composed specifically for Christian readers.

At the heart of our research lies a pioneering methodology that combines traditional philological analysis with advanced computational techniques. Our team has developed sophisticated text reuse detection technology that enables us to identify previously undiscovered Josephan references within Greek Christian texts. This digital approach aims to create the most comprehensive mapping of Josephus' influence on Greek Christianity to date. 

The project extends beyond mere identification of textual parallels. We are conducting in-depth historical and philological analyses of how Christian authors integrated, modified, and appropriated Josephus' writings. This includes examining famous cases like the Testimonium Flavianum—a controversial passage in Jewish Antiquities that mentions Jesus—as well as countless other, less studied instances of Christian engagement with Josephus' texts. While recent scholarship has made great progress in understanding Josephus' Latin reception, the Greek tradition has received comparatively less attention.

Our research aims to illuminate the complex interplay between Jewish and Christian thought during a pivotal period of history. By examining how Christian authors engaged with Josephus' works, we gain crucial insights into the development of Christian historiography, theology, literature and religious identity. This project will enhance our understanding of how Christian attitudes toward Judaism evolved and contribute significantly to our knowledge of European cultural heritage. Through our combination of traditional scholarship and digital innovation, we are opening new pathways for understanding the transmission and transformation of ideas across religious and cultural boundaries in the pre-modern world.