The first-century historian Flavius Josephus is the oldest source we have for the historical Jesus outside of the Bible.

His 90-word paragraph about Jesus - where he calls Jesus “the Christ”, and says Jesus “appeared to them [the disciples] alive again on the third day", spending a third day restored to life - has sparked centuries of debate.

Most experts think this paragraph has an authentic core, but has been embellished by a later Christian scribe.

But new scholarly evidence has emerged that might turn our understanding of Josephus - and what he wrote about Jesus - on its head.

(00:00) - - 90 Words
(10:39) - - Flavius Josephus
(14:20) - - Traitor or pragmatist?
(22:09) - - Josephus and James
(26:22) - - Testamonium Flavianum
(41:43) - - "Would Josephus really write that?"
(55:43) - - Josephus' networks
(01:08:41) - - What did Josephus really say about Jesus?
(01:13:42) - - What did Josephus really think about Jesus?
(01:15:49) - - Rethinking history

CREDITS

Undeceptions is hosted by John Dickson, produced by Kaley Payne and directed by Mark Hadley.

Alasdair Belling is a writer-researcher.

Siobhan McGuiness is online librarian.

Lyndie Leviston remains John's wonderful assistant.

Santino Dimarco is Chief Finance and Operations Consultant.

Editing by Richard Hamwi.

Our voice actor today was Yannick Lawry.

Special thanks to our series sponsor Zondervan for making this Undeception possible.

Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com - letting the truth out.