Josephus vs. Bible by C. H. Bliss

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 8, 1875

Josephus vs. Bible.

By C. H. Bliss

Not long ago, after closing an effort in which I tried to explain the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, a minister present arose and wished to present some evidence from Josephus. He then read the description this writer gives of Hades, and claimed that the Saviour in this parable taught the ideas of Josephus, whom he thought presented it as believed by the Jews.

The following from Buck’s Theological Dictionary which I presented at that time seems to shed much light on the matter. Speaking of the writings of Josephus concerning the doctrine of the Pharisees on the nature of the soul, he says:—

“Josephus, however, either mistook the faith of his countrymen, or, which is more probable, willfully misrepresented it, to render their opinions more respected by the Roman philosophers, whom he appears to have, on every occasion, been desirous to please.” “The Pharisees had many pagan notions respecting the soul.”

To be sure, Paul claimed to be a Pharisee; but he here has special reference to their doctrine which admits of a resurrection. And even this he did not believe in the same manner they did. According to Buck’s Dictionary, the Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the seed of Abraham only, and that in the future state, as in the present, we are to eat, drink, and marry, each, however, claiming his former wife.

C. H. BLISS.