Josephus’ Concept of Miracles

Full title
Josephus’ Concept of Miracles
Research notes

Reader Checked|OA 11/12/2013

Reference type
Author(s)
Avioz, Michael
Year
2012
Journal / Book Title || Series Title
Zutot
Volume
9
Issue / Series Volume
1
Pages
1-25
Label
21/10/2013
Abstract

This article re-examines Josephus’ dealing with the biblical miracles. It challenges the view of Feldman and others who argued that Josephus had downplayed the place of miracles in his writings to meet the needs of his intended audience. These scholars failed to define miracles and thus erroneously classified certain stories as miraculous and overlooked narratives that should indeed be classified as miraculous on the other. The main issues analysed were the omissions of miracle stories and the question of rationalization. My conclusion is that Josephus did not significantly deviate from the biblical record when he retold miracle stories.