Freudenthal points out the analogy between Philo's ideas and those of Hoshaiah, and W. Bacher expresses his opinion that if Hoshaiah had not himself read the philosopher's works, he at least had heard of them from Origen, the most important champion of Philo. In a dialogue with Hoshaiah regarding circumcision, a "philosopher" (identified as Origen by Bacher) asked: "If the rite possesses such virtue, why did not God create the first man circumcised?"
Freudenthal notes an affinity between Philo's ideas and those of Hoshaiah, and Bacher expresses his opinion that if Hoshaiah hadn't studied Philo's writings firsthand, he must have learned about them from Origen, who was a strong supporter of Philo. In a discussion with Hoshaiah on circumcision, a "philosopher" (identified as Origen by Bacher) asked: "If the ritual has such significance, why didn't God create the first man circumcised?"