Religion
In reply to the discussion: Whether Jesus existed historically [View all]okasha
(11,573 posts)as a regular practice.
During the reigns of Vespasian and Titus, Christians were personae non gratae in Rome. If we're going to trade in subjunctives, Josephus was a freedman and client of the Emperor. One of his motives in producing his works was to portray Jewish culture and people as both ancient and civilized (and, of course, duly obedient to Rome.). Making much of a rebel executed for sedition wasn't ib n line with those goals. James, however, was highly respected by the Temple leadership in Jerusalem, which in turn was obedient to Rome. His murder, with other abuses, resulted in Annas'deposition as High Priest by Rome. Rome was directly involved in the aftermath of the incident. So yes, either a Roman or Jewish source is likely here.
Let me repeat this since it doesn't seem to register with you. Jesus was not "celebrated" by Romans. He was a shamefully executed seditionist, not at all the kind of Jew Josephus wanted to present to Imperial readers.