Biography

Philo Judaeus was born in Alexandria around the year 13 BC. He was a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher. Christian theology has its roots in the teachings and writings of Philo. Well-educated in Greek schools, Philo took in and enjoyed the Greek culture around him. One of Philo's most important works is his discussion of Jewish Law and its practices. Greatly influenced by Plato in his thoughts on the mysticism and legalism of Judaism, Philo wrote of free will, democratic governance, and human virtues. Philo died at a relatively young age, around 47 BC.

Wailand Groenendyk
CCEL Staff Writer