Against Apion

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Against Apion

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Flavius Josephus defends Jewish antiquity against Greek critics like Apion, arguing that Jewish history is more ancient and reliable than Greek records. Written with scholarly rigor and passionate defense, this work appeals to readers seeking historical truth and cultural vindication.

Summary up to 500 words

In this 18th-century translation of Flavius Josephus's 'Against Apion,' the author systematically refutes Greek accusations that Jewish history is recent or fabricated. Josephus contrasts the fragmented, conjectural nature of Greek historiography with the meticulous, divinely guided records kept by Jewish priests. He highlights the antiquity of Jewish traditions, the accuracy of their chronology, and the moral integrity of their laws. Addressing specific claims by Apion, Manetho, and others, Josephus demonstrates that Jewish customs predate Greek civilization and that Greek writers often contradict one another due to a lack of original sources. He argues that Greek historians relied on conjecture rather than public records, leading to inconsistencies, whereas Jewish priests maintained pure genealogies and sacred archives from the earliest times. The text also defends the Jewish people against charges of immorality, citing their loyalty to Roman and Egyptian rulers. Josephus points out that Jewish privileges in Alexandria were granted by Alexander the Great and the Ptolemies as rewards for the Jews' virtue and fidelity, not as a result of conquest. He counters Apion's false claims about Jewish origins and the origin of the Sabbath, exposing them as lies designed to discredit the Jewish nation. Through extensive citations of pagan authors who inadvertently support Jewish claims, Josephus constructs a powerful case for the enduring truth and divine origin of Jewish history and theocracy. He emphasizes that while Jews may yield to Greeks in language and eloquence, they surpass them in the verity of ancient history. The work serves as a vigorous defense of Jewish identity against calumny, utilizing the very testimonies of hostile Greek writers to prove the antiquity and righteousness of the Jewish people.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Religion
• History