This book aims to introduce the work of Hellenistic Jewish writers of
the period 200 BC to AD 200. Four in particular are studied. The authors
of the Letter of Aristeas and the Sibylline Oracles came from
second-century BC Egypt. Eupolemus wrote probably in Jerusalem at the
same time. Josephus, a priest from Judaea, wrote in Rome in the late
first century AD. Using Greek, not Hebrew or Aramaic, and conscious of
the position of Jews in the Graeco-Roman world, they wished to
demonstrate that their cultural and religious heritage stood comparison
with the Graeco-Roman tradition and that Jews were neither so
philosophically naive nor so politically troublesome as they were often
supposed to be. An opening chapter describing the position of Jews in
the Hellenistic world is followed by selected passages, all newly
translated, with introductory essays and commentary. The collection
makes available to students much material hitherto not easily
accessible.