Summary
Josephus's "Against Apion" presents a defense of Judaism against the calumnies of Apion and other writers who falsely accused Jews of impiety, sedition, and immoral practices. The central argument is that Jewish laws and customs are divinely ordained and superior, aimed at fostering piety, communal harmony, love for humankind, justice, fortitude, and contempt of death, as evidenced by their constitution. Josephus refutes specific charges, such as the accusation that Jews worship an ass's head or do not worship the same gods as Alexandrians, arguing that their distinct laws, established before arriving in Alexandria, are a sign of their ancient and divinely sanctioned heritage, not of sedition or atheism.
Josephus systematically dismantles the accusations by highlighting the logical inconsistencies of his opponents and by appealing to the wisdom and virtue inherent in Jewish law and the history of his people. By contrasting the fabricated stories and bad morals of his detractors with the established sacredness and worldwide fame of the Jewish Temple, he aims to demonstrate the mendacity of Apion and his sources. The reader learns that Josephus views Jewish law as a comprehensive system designed for the advancement of all virtues, and that accusations against it stem from ignorance and ill-will rather than truth.
Key concepts
- Jewish Laws — The divinely given regulations that govern Jewish life, promoted by Josephus as promoting piety, communal harmony, love for mankind, justice, fortitude, and contempt of death.
- Apion's Accusations — Specific calumnies leveled against Jews, including charges of impiety for not worshipping common gods, being seditious, and fabricating stories about the Temple, such as placing an ass's head in their holy place.
- Antiquity of the Jewish Nation — Josephus uses the perceived lack of mention by Greek historiographers as a motive for his defense, asserting that his historical accounts demonstrate the ancient origin and distinct subsistence of his people.
- Constitution of Government — Josephus's intention to outline the entire structure of Jewish governance to prove that their laws are optimally designed for various virtues.
- Sacred Books — The source material for Josephus's historical accounts, used to demonstrate the antiquity and authenticity of Jewish tradition.
From the book
As for ourselves, therefore, we neither inhabit a maritime country,
Let us now put the case, therefore, that we made use of this
I shall begin with the writings of the Egyptians; not indeed of
Popular questions readers ask
- Josephus outlines his intention to "convict those that reproach us of spite and voluntary falsehood, and to correct the ignorance of others." How do these distinct motivations shape the various argumentative strategies he proposes to employ, and what does this tell us about the different types of opposition he anticipates?
- The core challenge Josephus addresses is the skepticism arising from the "bare mention by the most famous historiographers among the Grecians." How does Josephus plan to navigate this apparent absence of evidence, and what does his approach imply about the nature of historical proof in ancient contexts?
- Josephus promises to bring forth "witnesses... esteemed to be of the greatest reputation for truth... by the Greeks themselves." Why is it strategically vital for him to appeal to Greek authorities and standards of truth, rather than exclusively Jewish sources, when making his case for Jewish antiquity?
- Josephus asserts that Greek history, including their cities, arts, and laws, is "of yesterday only." How does this specific critique of Greek historical depth function as a counter-argument to those who doubt Jewish antiquity, and what does it reveal about his understanding of historical perspective itself?
- Consider the broader implications of Josephus's mission: what are the potential cultural, political, or even existential consequences for the Jewish nation if he fails to successfully demonstrate their "very great antiquity" to his audience?