No source other than the Bible provides more relevant information on the first century than the works of Flavius Josephus. This first-century historian's writings take on a renewed significance and clarity in this enhanced and updated edition.

The author, a first-century Jewish historian gives you a proper understanding of Jewish thought, background and history up to and around the time of Jesus Christ.

Josephus is our only source of knowledge for much of the history of Judaism in the First Century CE. His books provide essential background for an understanding of both the beginning of modern Judaism and of the New Testament in its historical setting.

Life of Flavius Josephus, The antiquities of the Jews, The wars of the Jews, Discourse concerning Hades, seven dissertations, tables of Jewish weights and measures, list of ancient testimonies and records cited by Josephus [and] texts of the Old Testament parallel to Josephus' histories." (From the Library of Congress Card Catalog)

The first work in this volume is the chapter on his life. I had no idea that he was a governor, and military commander because even though I have had this book for decades, my only use of this book so far had been when I wanted an additional source to better understand what I had read in the Bible. Here he comes across (by his own account) as someone who readily forgave his lying enemies who had a fresh conspiracy against his life on every page.

The golden calf was totally missing.

I downloaded the Libravox (public domain) recording of the Antiquities of the Jews. But, of the chapters that I listened to, most of them were read by Ann Boulet , who mispronounced Biblical names so badly that I gave up listening to it.

Wars of the Jews was written earlier, and covers some of the same material as Antiquities of the Jews, which comes later in the volume. The continual scene of betrayal after betrayal began to grow old before I finished it.

Against Apion is a welcome change of pace. I especially liked the second book.

There are online editions. Here is one that includes footnotes: http://sacred-texts.com/jud/josephus/index.htm#aoj
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