Josephus the Roman, Justus the Judaen; My Brother and I

Simply put, Romans think of myself as a patriot and my brother Justus as a rebel or a zealot, while the Jews think of Justus as a hero and myself as a traitor. I understand the sentiment, but I don't believe that either case is correct. Let's start with me.

While it is true that I negotiated with many village and regional leaders on behalf of the Romans, and even tried to mediate in Jerusalem, all of this was done with the goal of preserving the lives of the Chosen. Our integration into and acceptance in Roman society and governance was being threatened by a few over-enthusiastic yahoos who ran Jerusalem's most crowded neighborhoods. Though I don't doubt that they represented many of their local followers with all the intensity and passion they could muster, I believe they gave little thought to the damage they were doing to Judaic communities in Alexandria and Rome. I make no apologies for working with Titus; I made sure Galilee's defences were strong and bargained from a position of strength. My mother and I were able to arrange the peaceful surrender of many towns, sparing tens of thousands of lives and more livestock and acreage escaped the torch than otherwise would be the case. Now that I am Emperor and the sons of Jesus and John have control of the Senate (through Jews, Christians and fellow travelers alike) and significant influence in all of Rome's major families, one can argue that I helped the Chosen establish a permanent home in Europe.

It's true that the Way has been divided and moves forward along two paths, one that runs a straight and narrow route from the Garden to the Kingdom and is rooted on the southeastern shores of the Middle Earth Sea, and a New Way that meanders through the fields and over the mountains with arms wide open, welcoming and uniting believers from the four corners of the earth. In summary, it is my belief that history will show that I not only rebuilt Rome, but also brought dignity and respect to the Sons of Moses all over the world.

I remember being in Briton with my brother Justus when we were helping dedicate the shrine to mom and dad, and it makes me realize that people do not comprehend how close we were. Yes I disputed some of the facts in his books, but as a close blood soul I am not among those seeking to suppress his works. Even though I find his Judaic history perfunctory and incomplete, there are gems of heritage there that make me hope his words remain forever. Why should my voice be the only one documenting the drama preceding and unfolding in this century?

Justus deserves his high standing in Tiberias, Jerusalem and Armenia, and if you never experienced it you couldn't comprehend how much our family is loved in Briton and Gaul. As for his reputation in Roman society, the depth of this man is unknown to most of these imbibers. While I concerned myself mostly with physical health and safety of my family, relatives and neighbors in Israel and abroad, Justus focused on preserving the cultural and spiritual integrity and heritage of our faith, and his remains the more difficult struggle. His sons are fine spirits and exhibit exemplary humanity, and will rise up and lead the people to many great things.

Though we have had significant disagreements over his recording of the war, and minor disputes over Hasmonean and Levi lines, it should not be news that love my brother and his family and believe that they are both worthy Jews and exemplary Romans.

Peace 2 All.