While it would not be correct to say that Philo's works have been "lost"Â--scholars have always known and used PhiloÂ--they have essentially been "misplaced" as far as the average student of the Bible is concerned. Now the translation of the eminent classicist C. D. Yonge is available in an affordable, easy-to-read edition, with a new foreword and newly translated passages, and containing supposed fragments of Philo's writings from ancient authors such as John of Damascus. The title and arrangement of the writings have been standardized according to scholarly conventions.
A contemporary of Paul and Jesus, Philo Judaeus, of Alexandria, Egypt, is unquestionably among the most important writers for historians and students of Hellenistic Judaism and early Christianity. Although Philo does not explicitly mention Jesus, or Paul, or any of the followers of Jesus, Philo lived in their world. It is from Philo, for example, that we learn about how, like the Gospel of John, Jews (and Greeks) in the Greco-Roman world spoke of the creative force of God as God's Logos. Philo, too, employs interpretive strategies that parallel those of the author of Hebrews. Most scholars would agree that Philo and the author of Hebrews are drawing from the same, or at least similar, traditions of Hellenistic Judaism. With these kind of connections to the world of Judaism and early Christianity, Philo cannot be ignored.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Wisdom:
Philo: "wisdom a very rare thing among mankind" = *Many are called YET very very few are chosen* quote from Jesus Christ St Paul says *we speak the mysteries only among the wise* Paul
New Orleans
June 20, 2008
Go to the source:
Along with Josephus no source is cited more than Philo when it comes historical biblical study. Incredibly literate and actually entertaining.
A very readable translation that is easily affordable:
I just received this excellent volume, and I'm already devoting way too much time to reading the text, reading more on line about Philo, and sending emails to others about this particular translation. My parish priest is currently focusing on some of the Wisdom literature in the Old Testament, and as an adjunct to these lessons, I decided to give Philo a try. Indeed, Philo is keenly interested in Wisdom. He describes the Tabernacle as an image of Wisdom. What is also of interest to me is Philo's... more info
Great window on First-Century life in Judea.:
Reviewing Philo is almost like reviewing the Bible. If you want detailed descriptions of Jewish thought and custom in the First Century, this volume of the complete works of Philo will be a great compliment to Josephus. Though he often strays off into personal philosophy and opinion, Philo gives us considerable insight into the customs and attitudes of educated Jews of his time. The information he shares adds greatly to the historical backdrop of the story of early Christianity.
