Josephus Describes the Sacred Books of the Jews
Josephus spoke of twenty-two trusted sacred books and contrasted them with later writings that lacked the same authority.
Full Account
In Against Apion, Josephus described five books of Moses, thirteen books associated with the prophets, and four books of hymns and practical instruction. His total of twenty-two reflects a way of grouping books differently from the later Protestant count of thirty-nine.
Josephus emphasized that these books had long been regarded as authoritative and faithfully transmitted. His categories do not map neatly onto every later ordering, but his testimony strongly indicates a substantially recognized Hebrew canon by the first century.
Historical Significance
Josephus provides an important Jewish witness that the sacred collection was inherited from earlier generations rather than created by a late Christian or rabbinic decision.
People, Places and Sources
- Key people: Flavius Josephus
- Key places: Judea; Rome
- Languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek