Josephus and Patristic Literature

This chapter focuses on a period extending from the second to the fifth century C.E during which we can trace the beginnings of the Christian use, and abuse, of Flavius Josephus' works, which became standard by the Middle Ages. It provides a general picture of the Christian use of Josephus, focusing on the most representative passages. At the outset, it deals with some preliminary questions such as the status conferred on Josephus by the early Christian authors as well as the extent of their knowledge of his works. Josephus's status as a prominent figure in patristic literature can be explained in two ways. First, certain ways that the Christian authors made use of his works can justify his popularity. Second, the presence of passages related to Christianity (some of them being spurious).