Against Apion
In this passionate defense of Judaism written in the first century, the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus mounts a fierce rebuttal against Greek and Egyptian detractors who had slandered his people. The work emerged as a direct response to attacks by the Hellenized Egyptian grammarian Apion and others who dismissed Jewish history as recent and Jewish customs as barbaric. Josephus, who had defected to Rome after the Jewish revolt but never abandoned his cultural identity, marshals evidence from Greek historians, Phoenician records, and Babylonian archives to demonstrate the extraordinary antiquity of the Jewish nation. He systematically dismantles each accusation, from claims about Jewish origins to slurs about their laws and customs, while turning the critique back on the Greeks themselves for their own mythological confusions. The result is not merely a polemic but a sophisticated argument about truth, evidence, and what constitutes a civilized people. Against Apion remains essential reading for understanding how one of antiquity's most persecuted peoples defended their dignity, and it provides invaluable testimony about Jewish history during a period for which few sources survive.
About Against Apion
Chapter Summaries
- Book 1, Sections 1-11
- Josephus explains his purpose in writing and criticizes Greek historians for their unreliability and contradictions. He argues that non-Greek nations have better preserved ancient records than the Greeks themselves.
- Book 1, Sections 12-13
- Josephus explains why Jews were not mentioned by early Greek writers - their inland location and distinct customs meant little contact with maritime trading peoples who became known to the Greeks.
- Book 1, Sections 14-16
- Josephus cites Egyptian historian Manetho's account of the Hyksos (Shepherd Kings) and argues these were the ancestors of the Jews, providing evidence for Jewish antiquity and their departure from Egypt.
Key Themes
- Historical Truth vs. Fabrication
- Josephus contrasts careful historical methodology with the lies and contradictions of hostile writers. He emphasizes the importance of reliable sources and consistent testimony in establishing historical facts.
- Cultural Superiority and Defense
- The work defends Jewish cultural and religious practices as superior to pagan customs, while refuting claims that Jews are inferior or antisocial. Josephus argues for the excellence of Jewish law and morality.
- Religious Monotheism vs. Paganism
- Josephus presents Jewish monotheism as philosophically superior to pagan polytheism, criticizing the immoral and contradictory nature of Greek and Egyptian religious beliefs.
Characters
- Flavius Josephus(protagonist)
- Jewish historian and author defending his people against false accusations. Former general in the Jewish revolt who later served the Romans and wrote historical works.
- Epaphroditus(minor)
- Josephus's patron to whom the work is dedicated. A learned Roman official who supported Josephus's literary endeavors.
- Apion(antagonist)
- Alexandrian grammarian and fierce critic of the Jews. Born in Egypt but claimed Alexandrian citizenship, wrote extensively against Jewish customs and history.
- Manetho(major)
- Egyptian priest and historian who wrote about Jewish origins in Egypt. His accounts are both used by Josephus as evidence and criticized for later fabrications.
- Moses(major)
- Jewish lawgiver and leader whom Josephus defends against accusations of being an impostor. Central figure in Jewish history and law.
- Cheremon(minor)
- Egyptian historian who wrote false accounts about Jewish origins, similar to Manetho but with different details.
