1. In that whole Book of Philo, concerning the Theoricks, there is no mention either of Christ, or Christians, of the Evangelists, or Apostles.
2. The Theoricks, in that Book of Philo’s, are not any new Sect of late beginning, as the Christians at that time were, as is clearly evidenced by Philo his own words. First, In calling the Doctrine of the Essenes πατρίαν φιλοσοφίαν, A philosophy derived unto them by tradition from their fore-fathers. Secondly, in saying, Habent priscorum commentarios, qui hujus sectæ autores, &c.
3. The inscription of that Book, is not only περὶ βίου θεωρητικοῦ but also περὶ ἱκετῶν. Now Philo[182] elsewhere calleth the whole Nation of the Jews, τὸ ἱκετικὸν γένος, which argueth, that those Theoricks were Jews, not Christians.
[182] Philo in Prin. lib. de legat. Caium.
CHAP. XIII.
Of the Gaulonitæ, and the Herodians.
Other Factions there were among the Jews, which are improperly termed Sects. Of these there were principally two. First, Gaulonitæ. Secondly, Herodiani. The Gaulonitæ had their names from one Judas, who sometimes[183] was called Judas Gaulonites, sometimes[184] Judas Galilæus, of whom Gamaliel speaketh, Acts 5. 37. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the daies of the tribute. The tribute here spoken of, was that made by Cyrenius, sometimes called Quirinius: the name in Greek is one and the same, but differently read by Expositors. This Cyrenius was sent from Rome by Augustus, into Syria, and from thence came into Judæa, where Coponius was President, and there he raised this Tax; which taxation is unadvisedly by some confounded with that mentioned, Luke 2. 1. Both were raised under Augustus, but they differed. First, this was only of Syria and Judæa; that in Saint Luke was universal, of the whole world. Secondly, this was, when Archelaus, Herods son, was banished into Vienna, having reigned nine years; that, under Herod the Great: Whence there is an observable Emphasis, in that Saint Luke saith, it was the first taxing, having reference unto this second.
[183] Joseph. Antiq. lib. 8. cap. 21.
[184] Jos. l. 18, c. 21.
The occasion[185] of this Faction was thus: When Cyrenius levied this Tax, and seized upon Archelaus, Herod’s sons goods; then arose this Judas opposing this Tribute; and telling the people, that Tribute was a manifest token of servitude, and that they ought to call none Lord, but only him who was Lord of Lords, the God of heaven and earth. Whence those that adhered unto him were called Gaulonitæ; they were also called Galileans.[186] It was their blood that Pilate mixed with their sacrifices, Luk. 13. 1. For Pilate had not authority over the Nation of the Galileans. The reason of this mixture is thought[187] to be, because the Galileans forbad sacrifices to be offered for the Roman Empire, or for the safety of the Emperour; whereupon, Pilate being incensed with anger, slew them whilst they were sacrificing.[188] To this faction belonged those murderers, termed Σικαριοὶ, mentioned, Acts 21. 18.