And since again Luke, in the Acts, introduces Gamaliel saying — in the deliberation concerning the apostles — that, about the time indicated, «there rose up Theudas, claiming to be somebody, who was destroyed, and all, as many as were persuaded by him, were dispersed,» come, let us set forth also the writing of Josephus concerning this man.
He relates, then, again in the account of his just mentioned, these very things, word for word: «Now while Fadus was procurator of Judaea, a certain impostor, Theudas by name, persuaded a very great multitude to take up their possessions and follow him to the river Jordan. For he said that he was a prophet, and that by his command he would cleave the river and provide them an easy passage through. And saying these things, he deceived many.
But Fadus did not allow them to profit by their folly; instead he sent out against them a squadron of cavalry, which, falling upon them unexpectedly, slew many and took many alive; and having taken Theudas himself prisoner, they cut off his head and brought it to Jerusalem.» After these things he also makes mention of the famine that occurred in the time of Claudius, somewhat thus: