Steven Carr

Here is the version of Josephus that is considered to be a pared-down 'authentic version'

'At this time there appeared Jesus, a wise man. He was a doer of startling deeds, a teacher of people who receive the truth with pleasure. And he gained a following both among many Jews and among many of Greek origin. When Pilate, because of an accusation made by the leading men among us, condemned him to the cross, those who had loved him previously did not cease to do so. And up until this very day the tribe of Christians, named after him, has not died out.'

Who were the Christians named after again?

They were called Christians because they were named after Jesus?

How did Biblical scholars come up with the idea that this was an authentic version?

hjalti

Is this the version that Bart presents in his new book?

The "toned-down" original versions of the TF I've seen always have something like: "He was thought to be the Christ" or something like that.

sotto voce

After Christ. One perceives that Jesus was called Christ from the statement that his followers were named Christ-ians.

Steven Carr

Isn't it the version Bart promotes in his book?

Does Bart comment on why Josephus had to explain to his readers who Christians were named after, as otherwise they would not know who Christians were named after? Josephus tells us who they were named after (in this new version). They were named after Jesus.

Am I missing something? How can Josephus tell us Christians were named after Jesus?

Steven Carr

Reminds me of a line in 'Only Fools and Horses' where a character says they are going to call their new son 'Rodney - after Dave.'

sotto voce

How strange.

couch_sloth

Where did you get this version?

hjalti

I don't know. Is it?

Steven Carr

From Bart Ehrman's book.

He simply reconstructs a text which pleases him, while scolding mythicists for claiming interpolations whenever it suits them.


According to Bart, Josephus informed his readers that Christians were named after Jesus. Which must have puzzled them. Why are they called Christians when the guy was called Jesus?

Perhaps Josephus was thinking of Jesuits, (or did they come later?)

Vorkosigan

Hahahaha. then "the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ" doesn't refer to this jesus.