You are hereHomeBible ReviewFebruary 1993Reinterpreting John It is conceivable that none of the Qumranites ever became Christians. That still leaves most of the Essenes to account for, and if Philo and Josephus can be trusted that means over 3,700 of the 4,000 Essenes living in ancient Palestine. Join the BAS Library! Already a library member? Log in here. Institution user? Log in with your IP address.