And his response? A powerful and passionate defense of the Jewish people, a work we know as Against Apion.

Now, the title Against Apion is a bit misleading, at least for this first book. It's not solely focused on refuting Apion's specific accusations. Instead, it's a broader argument against the prevailing Greek skepticism towards Josephus's earlier work, the 20 volumes of Antiquities of the Jews. He's taking on the likes of Agatharchides, Manetho, Cheremon, and Lysimachus – all figures who cast doubt on the antiquity and significance of the Jewish nation.

Think of it like this: Josephus had already laid out the history, but now he felt compelled to defend its truth and validity against a wave of disbelief.

Why is this work so important? Well, Jerome, upon reading Against Apion, was astounded. He marveled at how someone "instructed in sacred learning" could so expertly cite "profane authors," as if he had devoured all the Greek libraries (Epist. 8. ad Magnum). Imagine that – a scholar equally versed in Jewish tradition and Greek philosophy!

And it wasn't just Jerome who recognized the book's value. Manasseh ben Israel, a learned Jew himself, held these two books in such high esteem that he translated them into Hebrew. We know this from his own catalog of works, which is quite a testament to their enduring power.

For a long time, scholars have debated the precise time and place of its writing. The general consensus was sometime after Josephus completed his Antiquities, placing it after 93 CE. Rome was assumed to be the location, mirroring where he likely wrote his earlier works.

But, here's a twist. Some scholars suggest that the book wasn't written in Rome at all, but back in Judea, and even later than previously thought – after the third year of Trajan's reign, or around 100 CE. This idea stems from clues within the text itself, suggesting a perspective rooted more firmly in Judean soil.

So, what does it all mean? It means Against Apion is more than just a historical defense. It's a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the Jewish people, a passionate rebuttal against those who sought to diminish their story. It's a reminder that defending your heritage, your history, is a timeless and necessary act. And it's a powerful read, even today, offering a glimpse into the intellectual and cultural battles of the ancient world.