Who Was Philo of Alexandria?

Philo of Alexandria, or Philo Judaeus, emerged as a significant Hellenistic Jewish philosopher in 1st century CE Alexandria, Egypt. He is recognized for his contributions to Hellenistic Judaism, a movement aimed at reconciling Jewish faith with Greek philosophical thought.

Key Insights on Philo of Alexandria:

• Influence of Greek Philosophy: Philo's work reflects a profound engagement with both Jewish traditions and Greek philosophical ideas, particularly those of Platonism and Stoicism. He sought to illustrate the compatibility and harmony between these two intellectual realms.
• Allegorical Interpretation: Renowned for his use of allegory, Philo believed that the Hebrew Bible contained deeper philosophical truths that could be unveiled through meticulous interpretation.
• A Bridge Between Traditions: His writings significantly influenced both Jewish and Christian thought. Many Christian theologians regard him as a precursor to Christian theology.
• Prolific Contributions: Philo authored numerous works covering diverse subjects, including "On the Creation," "Allegorical Interpretation," and "On the Life of Moses."

To summarize, Philo's role in shaping the intellectual landscape of the Hellenistic world is profound, influencing both Jewish and Christian philosophical traditions.

Did Philo Write About Jesus?

No, Philo did not reference Jesus of Nazareth in any of his surviving writings, despite their contemporary existence. This absence raises intriguing questions:

• Limited Awareness: It's possible that Jesus' ministry was relatively obscure within the circles where Philo operated.
• Diverse Interests: Philo's focus may have diverged from the teachings of Jesus and his followers.
• Lost Works: It's conceivable that he did address Jesus, but those writings have not survived.

The lack of mention remains a focal point of scholarly debate, particularly concerning the interplay between early Christianity and Hellenistic Judaism.

Elaine Pagels and the Significance of Philo

Indeed, during her interview with Alex O'Connor, Pagels brought Philo into the discussion, likely due to his philosophical relevance to the intellectual milieu of first-century Judaism, a central theme in her expertise.

In the conversation, Pagels may have explored several themes concerning Philo's relevance:

• Hellenistic Jewish Thought: Philo's synthesis of Jewish and Greek philosophy exemplifies the dynamic intellectual environment of Hellenistic Judaism, which Pagels could have referenced to illustrate the rich diversity of Jewish religious expression.
• Influence on Allegorical Interpretation: Philo's allegorical methods might have influenced early Christian exegesis, including techniques used in the Gospel of John.
• Logos Concept: His notion of the Logos as a divine intermediary resonates with early Christian theology, particularly in the Gospel of John, where Jesus is identified as the Word (Logos) of God.
• Judaism and Christianity: Understanding Philo's contributions sheds light on the complex relationship between early Christianity and its Jewish foundations.

The Deep Connection

Pagels highlighted a profound connection, which may relate to Philo's ideas and their reflection in early Christian thought, especially concerning the narratives in Matthew and John about Jewish responsibility for Jesus' death. Pagels argues this portrayal is fundamentally flawed, attributing the blame instead to Roman authorities, particularly to the brutal figure of Pontius Pilate.

As she posits, early Christians may have shifted the blame onto the Jews to protect themselves from Roman retribution. This narrative strategy became particularly pronounced during the rise of Constantine, leading to the establishment of anti-Semitic sentiments that would echo throughout history.

Contextualizing Jewish-Roman Relations

Philo's writings provide crucial context regarding the fraught relations between Jews and the Roman Empire. His depiction of Pilate as a cruel ruler aligns with Pagels' assertion that early Christians, fearful of persecution, sought to distance themselves from Jewish resistance by blaming them for Jesus' death.

Philo's Negative Portrayal of Pilate: By illustrating Pilate's cruelty, Philo's account underscores the complexities of the narratives in the Gospels, suggesting that they downplayed Roman culpability to secure their own safety.

Theological Reinterpretation: Philo emphasized God's divine plan, which may have influenced early Christians to reinterpret Jesus' death as part of a larger providential narrative, further deflecting blame from themselves.

In essence, Philo's philosophical contributions enrich our understanding of the historical and theological context surrounding early Christian narratives, providing insights into the complex origins of anti-Semitism.