Josephus

Josephus (37–100 CE) was a Jewish Roman scholar, historian, general, and advisor to Vespasian and Titus. For a brief period he led Jewish troops in a rebellion against the Roman occupation but was eventually reconciled to Roman rule and his own role as an intermediary. According to his autobiography, divine guidance figured prominently in his life, especially when he fully expected to be executed after being captured by Vespasian in the Jewish War. Although dreams and special revelation clearly play a role, Josephus, like Philo (for whom he had a high regard), places Moses and the scriptures at the center of divine guidance. But Judaism was not monolithic, and Josephus describes some of the features distinguishing Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. In common with most Jews of his day, Josephus displays a remarkable degree of freedom in approaching biblical interpretation.