The Betrayal Of Flavius Josephus In The First Jewish-Roman War

This religious study will define the betrayal of Flavius Josephus in the First Jewish-Roman War and the haphazard application of the Jewish messianic tradition in regards to the victory of Vespasian over the Zealots. Josephus was a leader of the zealots during the early stages of the First Jewish Roman War, yet he was defeated and taken prisoner by the Romans at the city of Jotapata. The writings of Josephus reflect the haphazard application of the Jewish messianic tradition when he foretells the defeat of the Jewish people and of Vespasian becoming Emperor of Rome. This abuse of the messianic tradition illustrates the chaotic nature of the Orthodox Jewish community during the 1st century A.D. The cultural conflict over the “messianic tradition” during historical period defines the small role that Jesus and his followers possessed during the early community-base development of Christianity. Josephus’ betrayal …show more content…
Logically, historians have concluded the Josephus could not have made this prophecy, since Vespasian as not Jewish: “Josephus could hardly have viewed Vespasian as a messianic figure, inasmuch as the Messiah must be Jewish”. However, the application of the messianic tradition must have been utilized freely amongst many differing Jewish groups, which may have illustrated the dangerous nature of sectarian conflict during this time. In this case, Josephus’ betrayal signifies the chaotic religious and political environment of Jewish community, which fostered the growth of the Christian community as a viable alternative to Orthodox Jewry during the First Jewish-Roman War. After convincing Vespasian that he was a loyal minion of Emperor Vespasian, Josephus expresses the rogue application of the Jewish messianic tradition, which was abused for the personal salvation of his own