For session 4 (14 October)...

Our next session will continue our look at the literature of the second Temple period, and we'll be focusing on the works of Philo and Josephus. By our next session you will need to have read:

• VanderKam, ch. 2, pg. 138-146 and 166-173;
  

• Excerpts from Philo (available in The Works of Philo in the library, or at the provided online links):
• On the Creation, paragraphs 1-6 (verses 1-25)
• Available online here
• Allegorical Interpretation I, paragraphs 1-8 (verses 1-20)
• Available online here
• Philo on the Logos: excerpts from ‘Into His Own’ online
• Available online here

• Excerpts from Josephus (available in the library under The Works of Flavius Josephus, or at the provided online links):
• Vita (Life), 1-6 and 19-22;
• Available online here
• Antiquities, Preface to Book 1; Book 18, chapter 3; Book 20, chapter 9;
• Book 1 available online here
• Book 18 available online here
• Book 20 available online here

You may also want to check out the Project on Ancient Cultural Engagement, set up by Steve Mason of York Univ., CA. There are lots of interesting links, including Josephus texts with commentary.

Here are some questions that we'll be discussing next session based on your reading:

Philo:

• Where does Philo live, and how does this affect his biblical interpretation?
• How do the first two paragraphs of 'On the Creation' serve as a philosophical introduction to the piece? What does he say in these paragraphs?
  
• How does Philo explain why God created in six days (paragraph 3)?
• What does Philo base his argument on that the creator created based on 'goodness' and 'truth' (paragraph 5)?
• What was your reaction to reading Philo's 'Allegorical Interpretations'?
• How does Philo interpret Moses' words in paragraph 1?
• What does Philo say about the number 7 in paragraphs 4-7?
• What do you make of the last line in paragraph 8?
• Which of the sections on Philo's use of the term 'logos' jumped out at you, and why?
• Why is Philo so attracted to the term 'logos'? Any connection between his use of the term and John's?

Josephus:

• Where is Josephus from, and how does this affect his writing, as compared with Philo?
• In Josephus' Vita (Life), section 2, Josephus tells us about several different sects within Judaism. What groups does he mention? What does it tell us that he was able to dabble in all of them?
• In section 4, what is Josephus' response to those who are talking of revolting against Rome?
• In section 22, Josephus uses the phrase 'repent and be faithful to me' or 'follow after me'. Where do we encounter this type of language in the biblical text?
• According to the preface of book 1 of his Antiquities, why did Josephus write it, and who is it for?
• Antiquities Book 18, ch. 3: in sections 1-2 we see a character named Pilate. What has Pilate done that has upset the people?
• What does this section tell us about Jesus? Any differences from the biblical account of Jesus?
• Antiquities Book 20, ch. 9: Who is the James that is referred to, and what is he doing here?
• The story of Masada is recounted only in Josephus' Wars of the Jews. Can you give a brief outline of the account?
  
  If you have any questions or comments in the meantime, feel free to let me know.