Tag: rome

  • Are You a King?

    Are You a King?

    Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him,

    “Are You the King of the Jews?”

    John 18:33 NASB

    The Politically Charged Question

    Pilate interrogates Jesus by beginning privately with a loaded question.

    As Governor AND presiding judge (in chambers), the Prefect questions the defendant already declared guilty by the Jews, local leaders who have no authority in this Roman court of Judea.

    Pilate’s questions (to which he must have had prepared standard answers to usual responses) went to motive.

    • “What is your authority here?”
    • “Are you a threat to true authority, which as Governor I represent?”

    The Gospels do not record these words, but the timing and context of Jesus’ trial suggests to the Governor that he recognizes a political hot potato in dealing with this popular Rabbi during the religious festival of the Jews in Jerusalem.

    For further understanding of Pontius Pilate look back to: 
    1st century Rome – an awkward embrace of RELIGION & politics

    John 18:

    Very early that morning:

    praetorium in Jerusalem
    • As the Jewish officials brought Jesus to the exterior of the Praetorium Pilate came out to them.
    • .. and they themselves did not enter into the Praetorium so that they would not be defiled, but might eat the Passover.

    29 Therefore Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”

    They answered and said to him, “If this Man were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him to you.”

    31 So Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law.”

    The Jews said to him, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death..”

    Sentenced to death by accusation

    We already know of the deceptive stealth of the Temple officials, ceasing Jesus at night then bringing the Messiah of Israel to trial before them.

    The Jews really had no authority in Judea and regardless of their predetermined verdict of guilt and sentence of death, Pilate dismisses their case. But now the politics come into play.

    These religious emissaries want to execute the man opposed to their religious positions of power, the Man who had ridden victorious into town on a donkey just a few days before, Jesus of Nazareth (a town not even in Pilate’s Judea).

    Although we seldom consider the passage of time within a single verse or two of scripture, consider this possibility in the scene about to take place:

    • Certainly the Jews with their prisoner Jesus on the outside and Pilate with his advisors inside the Praetorium must ponder what to do next.
    • Since Pilate is in charge of Jerusalem and responsible to Rome for any potential trouble, he makes the first move in trying to keep peace between the politics and religion of Jerusalem.

    Questions with political consequences

    33 Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him…

    Although the trial of Jesus takes place like all Roman trials in the public square, Pilate begins his questioning of this prisoner of the Jews in private.

    painting of pontius pilate

    “Are You the King of the Jews?”

    Are you the King?

    Questions with political consequences are best asked first in private. Leaders must know the politically correct answer before asking it in public.

    Remember Jesus’ accusers were not present because they would not defile themselves by their self-righteous rule of separation from this gentile Governor responsible for every civic event in Jerusalem. The Jews needed to maintain their white-washed public image before their followers.

    • Pilate summoned Jesus to him.
    • As a result of his summons the Jews had to release Jesus into the governor’s custody.

    βασιλεύς

    What is the root meaning of Pilate’s question to Jesus?

    βασιλεύς basileús, bas-il-yooce’; probably from G939 (through the notion of a foundation of power); a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively):—king.

    • leader of the people, prince, commander, lord of the land, king

    What are you, Jesus?

    (It’s a fair question — to which the Governor would have had a standard reply.

    Imagine some of these pre-prepared political answers of Pilate.)

    • We have no kings here. You are not a king of Egypt or even Herod who was once king in Jerusalem. Kings do not matter here.
    • Our king resides in Rome and I am his governor. What I say comes from our king: Tiberius Caesar.
    • Are you a king? It does not matter. Tiberius Caesar is king.

    Rather than being led into a conversation about who He is not, Jesus asks the Governor a question.

    34 Jesus answered,

    “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?”

    • Is this really your question
    • or did someone tell you that I am a King?

    The Governor immediately reminds the accused that in fact he, Pilate, is Roman (and Rome governs Jerusalem).

    Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I?

    Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me;

    what have You done?”

    John 18:38 NASB

    Pilate’s response confirms indictment by the chief priests, but the judge’s question, ‘What have you done?” is opportunity for the defendant to appeal His ill-gotten verdict.

    Israel’s Messiah Jesus answers the Governor’s original question about His Authority.

    My Kingdom – βασιλεία

    Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world.

    John 18:36a

    The Accused makes no claim to Jerusalem or to Judea or any Syrian territory governed by Pilate.

    Rather Jesus claims an authority of the gods (in Pilate’s understanding). In this case:

    ‘royal power, kingship, dominion, rule, not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom.’source: blueletterbible.org

    Jesus continues His assurance to Pilate that He is no threat to Rome as other kings and threatening rebels fight to gain influence in places like Jerusalem.

    “… If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews;

    but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”

    What Realm?

    • “..but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” – John 18:36c NASB
    • “..but now is my kingdom not from hence.” – John 18:36c KJV
    • “..But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” – John 18:36c CSB

    A King must have a country, a realm to rule here and now. Jesus Christ makes no such claim.

    The Lord Jesus when brought before Pilate confirms, ‘my kingdom is not from here.”

    ἐντεῦθεν

    Outline of Biblical Usage

    1. from this place, hence
    2. on the one side and on the other, on each side

    Luke records an incident from earlier in Jesus ministry describing it with the same Greek word.

    Just at that time some Pharisees approached, saying to Him, “Go away, leave here, G1782 for Herod wants to kill You.” – Luke 13:31

    Herod, of course, is a pawn not only of Jerusalem’s Jewish politics but also of Rome. Jesus continued at that time to prophesy the events of these three days:

    And He [Jesus] said to them [Pharisees who secretly followed Jesus],

    “Go and tell that fox [Herod],

    ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I reach My goal.’

    “Nevertheless I must journey on today and tomorrow and the next day; for it cannot be that a prophet would perish outside of Jerusalem.

    Luke 13:32-33 NASB

    οὐκοῦν, adverb, not therefore

    This is subtle, as well as a function of speech; but don’t miss it.

    Several translations of the original Greek from this passage read differently in attempts to convey the argument here of Jesus’ judge Pilate.

    37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?”

    (You are a king, but from where {if not here}?)

    • .. but it is better to write οὐκοῦν, so that Pilate, arguing from the words of Christ, asks, not without irony, art thou not a king then? or in any case, thou art a king, art thou not? cf. Winer’s Grammar, 512 (477).
    • and since a speaker often introduces in this way his own opinion, the particle is used affirmatively, therefore, then, the force of the negative disappearing. Hence, the saying of Pilate οὐκοῦν βασιλεύς εἰ σύ must be taken affirmatively: – Source: Strong’s

    To this end was I born

    Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

    John 18:37b KJV

    In answer to Pilate’s restatement of his own question, “Art thou a king then?” Jesus clearly states His purpose to which He was born as Son of Man and Son of David, the Christ of Hebrew Scripture.

    John began his Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ stating this same purpose. It really has nothing to do with anything kinglike, as the Jews expected of their Messiah that He would be like King David or King Solomon.

    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

    And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

    John 1:1,14 NASB

    Jesus proclaims privately to Pontius Pilate:

    “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth… CSB

    Pilate is about to ask Jesus the question a Judge must ask himself honestly before concluding a trial, but first Christ continues with purpose for all:

    “… Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

    the words of Jesus Christ to Pontius Pilate – John 18:37c CSB

    Do you with ears to hear listen to the voice of Christ Jesus?

    To be continued...
    Page TWO - Please click Page 2 below for the questions.

    Pages: 1 2

  • 1st century Rome – an awkward embrace of RELIGION & politics

    1st century Rome – an awkward embrace of RELIGION & politics

    Then Pilate said to them,

    “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.”

    Therefore the Jews said to him,

    “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death”

    John 18:31 NKJV

    As a reminder from our study of John 18, the Messiah Jesus was seized by officials of the Temple in Jerusalem, who then brought their accused before the Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate.

    Who’s in charge of justice?

    A lengthy consideration of the history of Rome may seem to have little to do with 1st c. Jerusalem and the trial of Jesus Christ. In fact, Rome’s lessons of politics and religion not only add context to this pivotal event in history, but to our own struggle between empires and the rule of God.

    As you breeze through it or dig into some of Rome’s culture through additional secure links, think about the dance of power between political and religious leaders.

    We have thus far examined the impact of politics in religion and actions by officials of the Temple against Jesus.

    Now we will briefly leave Jerusalem for Rome and examine the culture Rome’s religions and impact on a Roman Governor like Pontius Pilate in this small and distant part of Roman Syria.

    Gaius Julius Caesar

    Roman general and statesman

    b. 100 BC – until his assassination 15 March 44 BC

    less than a century before the Roman crucifixion of Jesus Christ

    The Julii Caesares traced their lineage back to the goddess Venus

    Britannica.com

    The Republic of Rome

    ..the late Roman Republic was surely the sole superpower of the western world..

    realmofHistory.org
    Disclaimer: I am a theologian, not a historian and therefore make no claim to accuracy of the extensive knowledge of several researchers linked separately here for your additional understanding of the history of Rome and its culture as it affected the Empire of the 1st century AD.
    
    continued quote below from Realm of History 

    [Rome] ..Then came the ascendancy of the great Julius Caesar, one of the greatest generals of his time, who was responsible for bringing Gaul (present-day France) into the Roman dominion by 50 BC. These signs of progress were matched by the conquering of eastern Anatolia and Armenia proper (in the preceding decade), thus bringing the Romans to the very edge of the Caspian Sea.

    But then came the chaotic times, with the assassination of Caesar, the subsequent Triumvirate troubles, and civil wars, and ultimately the eclipse of the Roman Republic – thus making way for the rise of the Roman Empire in 27 BC, under the helm of Augustus.


    Culture of the Republic

    Remember that this diminishing concept of the Republic had begun centuries before in a city-state on Italia then ends abruptly with the assassination of Julius Caesar.
    
    Source below: National Geographic
    • The Roman Republic was founded in 509 B.C.
      • after the last Etruscan king that ruled Rome was overthrown.
    • Rome’s next government served as a representative democracy
      • in the form of a republic.
    • Rome’s wealthiest families .. held power
      • only they could hold political or religious offices.
      • lower classes later gained power within the government.
    • At the heart of the Roman Republic was the Senate.
      • The Senate lasted as a sole governing body for the republic for only a brief time until 494 B.C.

    .. in the 1st century B.C. the famous Roman orator Marcus Cicero uncovered a plot by a Roman senator .. to overthrow the Roman government.

    Ultimately, factions emerged (loyal to either the patrician or plebeian classes or to a specific military general), hostilities erupted, and a series of civil wars plagued the republic.

    During these civil wars, a prominent general and statesmen named Julius Caesar began gaining significant power. He commanded the loyalty of the soldiers in his army and enjoyed access to substantial wealth after conquering the province of Gaul.

    • The Senate, fearful of Caesar’s power, demanded he give up command of his army and return to Rome as a citizen.
    • Caesar refused, instead marching his army south directly into Rome.
    • As a result, another civil war erupted between Caesar and his chief political rival, Pompey.
    • a group of senators conspired and assassinated him.

    Augustus Caesar – Rome’s First Emperor

    In response to Caesar’s death, his nephew and heir Augustus defeated the conspirators. He then established himself as the first Roman emperor.

    The Roman Empire dramatically shifted power away from representative democracy to centralized imperial authority, with the emperor holding the most power. Unlike Julius, Augustus Caesar (i.e. Octavian) used political prowess to appoint officials to government.

    Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius [Publius Sulpicius Quirinus] was governor of Syria.

    the Gospel of Luke 2:1-2 NASB

    Sent by the gods

    The Ara Pacis Augustae
    Ara Pacis of Augustus

    Rome’s political bickering between the classes ends abruptly on the ides of March, 44 B.C. with the assignation of Julius Caesar, effectively dissolving Rome’s flailing republic with its Senate and representatives of lower free classes of citizens.

    Julius Caesar’s recognition as a god of the Roman state in ..42 BC enhanced Octavian’s prestige as son of a god.

    Britannica
    Had I been living at the time of Christ's trial this would have taken place about the time of my own birth, i.e. seven decades ago

    Octavian also launched elaborate religious and patriotic publicity, centring on the classical god of order, Apollo..

    In addition, Octavian had started to prefix his name with the designation “Imperator,” to suggest that he was the commander par excellence.. gradually concentrating on the plain, emotive name “Caesar Son of a God.”

    … his name Caesar, acquired through adoption in Julius’s will, was supplemented by “Augustus,” an appellation with an antique religious ring… – Britannica

    Might makes right and establishes its peace by the power of war.

    Caesar Augustus, by his military might and political prowess, introduced a peace of Rome forcing a better world of prosperity and restoring ‘the religion of the Republic.’

    ‘The strength of Rome lay in the iron discipline of its troops rather than fortified positions.

    The Historical Atlas of the Bible

    The Roman Prefect – Pontius Pilate

    Source: Wikipedia
    • Pilate was likely born to a middle-class family in southern Italy with some influence in Rome.
    • He probably served in the Roman army before promotion.
    • Pilate would have had a military command before becoming prefect of Judaea in 26 A.D.
      • Prefect‘ was a title for a temporary appointment of the leader of a city-state, later used for a more permanent regional govenor.
      • The post of governor of Judaea was of relatively low prestige.
      • Technically the Prefect of Judea served under a governor of the Roman province of Syria, however Tiberius had not bothered to appoint one to replace Syria’s former governor.

    Where does Pilate fit in to the religions of Rome?

    Roman soldiers would have regularly paraded though the public streets of Rome during festivals (some religious, some civic), when returning victorious from war (which was with some frequency) and after ceremoniously worshiping in public and marching from Rome for their next military campaign.

    Pilate no doubt would have been a participant in these public shows of the military many times in his early career. As a participant and possibly a leader of such public processions in Rome, Pilate would fully understand the implications of this man Jesus riding into Jerusalem just a few days prior to the cheers and adulations of the crowds.

    Was Jesus entering Jerusalem a religious processional?

    To Pilate it seemed more like a victorious popular leader praised by the multitudes of Jerusalem (like when conquering generals return to Rome.

    No doubt the Sanhedrin sees this Jesus as a religious threat to them, but what is that to Rome?

    Meaningless. The vanity of these Jews thinking that they still had anything to do with governing Judea.

    Religion in Roman Culture and Military

    source: Wikipedia

    Roman religion was practical and contractual, based on the principle of do ut des, “I give that you might give”. Religion depended on knowledge and the correct practice of prayer, ritual, and sacrifice, not on faith or dogma..

    This religion of the Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate is, of course, quite different from the worship of the Jews of Judea. Although some aspects or Roman and Jewish religion were similar.

    For ordinary Romans, religion was a part of daily life. Each home had a household shrine at which prayers and libations to the family’s domestic deities were offered. Neighborhood shrines and sacred places such as springs and groves dotted the city. The Roman calendar was structured around religious observances.

    .. when Rome struggled to establish itself as a dominant power, many new temples were built by magistrates in fulfillment of a vow to a deity for assuring their military success.

    Pilate and other Roman soldiers would have been part of festivals and honors paid to such victories at these shrines or temples in Rome.

    Roman theology acknowledged that di immortales (immortal gods) ruled all realms of the heavens and earth. There were gods of the upper heavens, gods of the underworld and a myriad of lesser deities between. Some evidently favoured Rome because Rome honoured them, but none were intrinsically, irredeemably foreign or alien.

    Public religious ceremonies of the official Roman religion took place outdoors, and not within the temple building.

    Wikipedia

    Religion and the military

    Military success was the touchstone of a special relationship with the gods, and to Jupiter Capitolinus in particular; triumphal generals were dressed as Jupiter, and laid their victor’s laurels at his feet.

    Roman commanders offered vows to be fulfilled after success in battle or siege; and further vows to expiate their failures…

    Roman camps followed a standard pattern for defense and religious ritual; in effect they were Rome in miniature.

    Caesarea, Roman capitol of Judea built with cooperation of Herod the Great, was home to the Prefect of Judea Pontius Pilate, his family and loyal troops for ten years.

    Each camp had its own religious personnel; standard bearers, priestly officers and their assistants, including a haruspex, and housekeepers of shrines and images. A senior magistrate-commander (sometimes even a consul) headed it, his chain of subordinates ran it and a ferocious system of training and discipline ensured that every citizen-soldier knew his duty.

    Judea (and other provinces) after Augustus

    Under the rule of Augustus, there existed a deliberate campaign to reinstate previously held belief systems amongst the Roman population. These once held ideals had been eroded and met with cynicism by this time.

    The imperial order emphasized commemoration of great men and events which led to the concept and practice of divine kingship.

    Emperors postceding Augustus subsequently held the office of Chief Priest (pontifex maximus) combining both political and religious supremacy under one title.

    Jews and Judaism were tolerated in Rome by diplomatic treaty with Judaea’s Hellenised elite. Diaspora Jews had much in common with the overwhelmingly Hellenic or Hellenised communities that surrounded them.

    By the Augustan era, the city of Rome was home to several thousand Jews.

    Wikipedia

    Again, even prior to his later appointment as Prefect of Judea, Pilate would have been familiar with the Jews.

    We will return to Pilate's problem of the 'king of the Jews' as Prefect of Judea.
    
    To be continued...
    Page TWO - Please click Page 2 below for the questions.

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  • Kings, Governors, Politicians & Priests 2– Pontius Pilate

    Kings, Governors, Politicians & Priests 2– Pontius Pilate

    Τίνα κατηγορίαν φέρετε κατὰ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τούτου

    “Tis katēgoria pherō kata ho anthrōpos hoytos?

    John 18:29 – question of Pilate to the Jews who brought Jesus before him

    What accusation do you bring against this Man?”

    Pilate’s question to those who brought Jesus before him is most appropriate for any judge of a man brought to law before the court.

    Previously we discussed in Kings, Governors, Politicians & Priests – Power in the Palaces of Justice the political nature of the accusations of Jerusalem’s religious officials. We also addressed why the Jewish prosecutors brought their Messiah to the Roman Prefect, Pontius Pilate.

    Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover.

    John 18:28 NIV

    John 18:

    29 Therefore Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”

    30 They answered and said to him, “If this Man were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him to you.”

    Did these Jewish religious prosecutors answer Pilate’s question – what charge against this man?

    The Jewish officials make no specific charge before the judge of this court, the Governor Pilate. They indict Jesus as ‘an evildoer.’

    31 So Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law.”

    In effect, the Roman Governor of all the province of Judea acting as High Court Judge of Jerusalem tells them, ‘Case dismissed.’

    Politics & Religion

    If you read too quickly through the trial transcript (as we often do Scripture) you may miss more of the motivation and underpinnings of politics and religion in Jerusalem.

    • Pilate (Governor and Judge) dismisses the case of the Jews against Jesus.
    • The Prosecutors (Jewish officials) appeal his judgment immediately.
    We'll return to the Praetorium of Pilate,
    but first the questions of politics.

    Who is Pontius Pilate?

    Pontius Pilate (Latin: Pontius Pīlātus [ˈpɔntɪ.ʊs piːˈlaːtʊs]; Ancient Greek: Πόντιος Πιλάτος, Póntios Pilátos) was the fifth governor of the Roman province of Judaea, serving under Emperor Tiberius from 26/27 to 36/37 AD.

    Source: Wikipedia
    • First, Pilate is Roman in every context of culture.

    • Second, Pilate is a politician.

    He was appointed by Roman leaders as Prefect for this challenging eastern extreme of the Empire. His ten year appointment means that Pilate has full understanding of Jerusalem’s politics of religion prior to the Jews bringing Jesus to trial.

    It may be helpful to think of the Roman Prefect Pilate, governing from Herod’s elegant palace during every large Jewish festival, as a governor replacing the former kings – a sort of remote emperor of Rome.

    He commands nearly 3000 troops, which Pilate can order at will to control Jerusalem’s crowds and zealous pilgrims. Jesus’ trial for Pilate falls only in the jurisdiction of keeping the pax Romana peace for Rome in Jerusalem.

    To understand Pilate, Rome’s Governor, you first must understand the politics & religion of Rome.

    anno Domini is Medieval Latin and means “in the year of the Lord”

    Rome – 1st c. Anno Domini

    We know the connection of Caesar Augustus to the birth {in approximately 6-4 BC} of Jesus Christ.

    In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

    Luke 2:1 NIV

    But understand the politics of Caesar throughout the Empire over time and gain insight into Pilate’s politics in this trial of Jesus {in approximately AD 30-33} far-removed from Rome in distant Judea.

    Coin of Caesar Augustus

    Caesar

    Καῖσαρ, Καίσαρος , Caesar (properly, the surname of Julius Caesar, which being adopted by Octavianus Augustus and his successors afterward became an appellative, and was appropriated by the Roman emperors as a part of their title)

    • Tiberius Caesar Augustus was the second Roman emperor, reigning from AD 14 to 37 (during the time of Jesus’ trial). He succeeded his stepfather, the Roman emperor Augustus. – source: Wikipedia
    • Tiberius’s father, also named Tiberius Claudius Nero, a high priest and magistrate, was a former fleet captain for Julius Caesar. – source: Britannica.com
      • Don’t miss this: he was a Roman soldier commanding a fleet AND a judge AND a high priest; that is military, governing and religious authority
    • Emperor (Tiberius Caesar Augustus), ‘one of the greatest Roman generals’ appointed Pontius Pīlātus [ˈpɔntɪ.ʊs piːˈlaːtʊs] governor of the Roman province of Judea in AD 26/27 {a few years prior to Jesus’ trial for which he is best known}.
    More about the politics & religions of Rome to come…
    Page TWO - Please click Page 2 below for the questions.

    We’ll return to the Pilate’s trial of Jesus Christ, but I would like to provide a few more resources about the politics and religions of the Roman Empire before we do.

    To be continued...

    Pages: 1 2

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