The First Century

To assist in the administration of the empire, Claudius empowered three freedmen: Pallas, Narcissus, and Callistus. In an attempt to calm the nerves of gardners who are haunted by Caligula's ghost, Julia Livilla and Agrippina exhume his body to give him a proper funeral.   Julia Livilla is taken as a threat by Messalina, who has her exiled and killed. Seneca is also accused but he is merely exiled to Corsica.  Claudius decreed a special edict for Jews in Rome forbidding them from meeting in public places.    SHOWNOTES The archaeological remains of the Lamian gardens: https://www.museoninfeo.it/en/the-museum/ Claudius' edict (Dio Cassius, Roman History, 60.6.6)     

The new emperor Claudius began by repaying his friends and supporters, chief among them, Herod Agrippa, who was named King of Judea. At Herod Agrippa's urging, Claudius reaffirmed the Roman policy of religious tolerance, especially as it applied to the Jews.   Cassius, the governor of Asia, whose execution had been ordered by Caligula, escaped with his life due to the death of the princeps.  Julia Livilla and Agrippina return to Rome from exile. Julia Livilla finds herself on the wrong end of Messalina's wrath whereas Agrippa, the young, widowed mother, finds a new husband, that of her sister-in-law, Domitia Lepida.     SHOWNOTES That Claudius had become emperor, mirabili casu, by a remarkable chance (Suet., Claud. 10). Herod Agrippa material in this episode (Jos. Ant. 19.5-6) Material about Claudius, Messalina, and Agrippina comes from Tacitus, Annals, 11-12. Agrippina and Galba (Suet. Galba, 5).     

Gaius' cruelty finally caught up with him and he was the first of many emperors to be assassinated. His wife and daughter were also killed. In what later seemed like an accident of history, soldiers proclaimed the drooling and stuttering Claudius, who was hiding behind a curtain, to be the next princeps. The assassins were themselves put to death since it did not seem like a good idea to praise and reward those who killed the emperor. SHOWNOTES Gaius misreading the Fortunes and executes his former brother-in-law, Lucius Cassius Longinus (Suet, Caligula, 57.3 cf. Dio Cassius 59.29.2). Story of Gaius' assassination (Jos. Ant. 19.1.13 [93-98]). Story of the assassination of Gaius' wife and daughter (Jos. Ant. 19.2 [251-252]). Claudius giving the soldiers 15000 sesterces each (Suet. Claudius. 10.1) Execution of the assassins (Jos. Ant. 19.263-273).         

After 'victories' in Germania and Britannia, Gaius returned to Rome on Aug 31, 40 CE to celebrate a double triumph. Gaius orders Lepidus executed and then banished his own two sisters to the island of Pontus, where Agrippina becomes a proficient swimmer. Herod Agrippa returns to Rome and hosts Gaius at a fabulous dinner. Gaius is so impressed he grants Herod Agrippa a special wish. Agrippa only asks Gaius not to install his statue in the Jerusalem Temple. Gaius agrees, but ultimately is so incensed at Petronius, governor of Syria, that he orders him to commit suicide. The head of the praetorian guard gets the idea to rid the empire of the princeps.     SHOWNOTES Gaius and Petronius (Philo, Embassy to Gaius, §§ 278–289; Jos. Ant 18.8.2–9). Gaius' excess and cruelty in killing a father and his son (Seneca, De Ira 3.18; Cassius Dio 59.25.6). Gaius toying with the crowds while Cassius Charea gets an idea (Dio 59.25.5; Jos. Ant. 19.11 [70]).  

After being in Arabia for three years, Paul returned to Damascus, where he was arrested. After a daring escape with the help of some friends, he made his way to Jerusalem where he stayed for fifteen days. While there, he met Peter, John, and James, the brother of the Lord. From them, he learned details about what Jesus did and said. He also learned many other sayings and statements that encapsulated the faith of those who believed Jesus was now at God's right hand. What he learned over these fifteen days confirmed and informed his own understanding about Jesus.    SHOWNOTES Paul being in Arabia for three years (Gal 1:18)  Escape from Damascus (2 Cor 11: 32-33; Acts 9:23-25) Four statement formula (1 Cor 15:3-5) Aramaic hymn in six stanzas about God highly exalting Jesus and giving him the name: Lord (Phil 2:6-11). The translation in the podcast is from Joseph Fitzmyer, According to Paul, (1993) p. 103-4. Paul's recounting of the Last Supper (1 Cor 11:23-26). That the Christian community gathered on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 16:2). That Jesus said, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" (Mark 2:28). That Jesus was in heaven now, and would return at a time appointed by God, though nobody knew precisely when that would be (Acts 3:21; cf. 1 Thess 1).  Jesus told his disciples that they would not even be able to go through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes (Matt 10:23). The prayer of the community was simply ‘Marana Tha’ an Aramaic term which meant, “Our Lord, Come!” (1 Cor 16:22; Didache 10:14). Aramaic statement of belief about Jesus:      Who was descended, From the seed of David, According to the flesh,      Who was appointed, Son of God, According to the Spirit of holiness as of his resurrection from the dead (Rom 1:3-4). Early Christian belief that after Jesus' death, God begot him by raising him from the dead and thereby making him his son (cf. Acts 13:32-33). Paul departed Jerusalem for Caesarea Maritima and beyond. He sailed to his hometown of Tarsus (Acts 9:30), capital of Cilicia, and visited that region, as well as Cyprus and Syria (Gal 1:21).     

Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus, aka, Caligula, son of Agrippina and Germanicus, decided to go to Germany to attack barbarians as his father had done, and for which he was given the name, Germanicus. Caligula determined that the Roman general of the upper Rhine was too popular and not to be trusted so he executed him and replaced him with Galba. But attacking barbarians was more challenging than it first seemed. So Caligula performed other feats instead, sending letters to Rome chastising the senate while the princeps worked on behalf of the empire. In Syria, Petronius realized that installing a statue of the emperor in the Jerusalem Temple might be more trouble than it was worth. The Christians saw this as an indication of the impending end times, when Jesus would return victorious.    SHOWNOTES   Events leading up to the letter from Caligula to the Senate (Suetonius, Caligula, 43-45). Attack on Jews in Antioch Syria (Malalas, in Downey, History of Antioch in Syria, p. 193).  

Gaius (Caligula) heard that Jews were causing trouble in Jamnia and in Alexandria, Egypt. He raised the stakes by ordering that his statue be installed in the Jerusalem Temple. For that task he sent Petronius as the new governor of Syria. Vitellius, who was marked for execution, saved his own life with sycophancy, and began to worship Gaius as a god. In a demonstration of the princeps' love of chariot racing, he set up a new track near the Vatican Hill and to adorn it, he brought an obelisk from Egypt. To find some refreshment Gaius went on a trip to Northern Italy only to discover that his two sisters and his friend Lepidus were plotting to kill him.    SHOWNOTES  Delegation from Alexandria (Philo, Embassy to Gaius, 28; Josephus, Antiquities, 18.8.1) Machaon and his dog on the couch of Jupiter (Dio 59.9.3) Vitellius' sycophancy (Dio 59.27.2-5) Vespasian appearing indifferent before Gaius' spectacles (Suetonius, Vespasian, 2). Obelisk brought from Egypt to the Vatican (Pliny, Natural History, 16.76) [This obelisk is believed to be the one still standing in Saint Peter's square today]. Gaius as a fan of the greens (Dio, 59.14.5-6) Gaius' vengeance against Flaccus (Philo, Against Flaccus, 21)  

After serving as tetrarch since 4 BCE, Herod Antipas and his wife Herodias are driven by envy at Herod Agrippa's recent promotion. Antipas and Herodias decide to make their case to Caesar directly, but their plans are revealed and undermined by Agrippa and Vitellius, the Roman governor of Syria. In the meantime, in Jamnia of Judea, the Gentiles and Jews quarrel, requiring the intervention of Caesar's procurator of that city. Gaius Caesar continues to disrespect the Senate and even entertains the notion of making his horse a consul. Gaius' cruelty and violence continue to increase.   SHOWNOTES Herod Antipas and Herodias (Josephus, Antiquities 18.143,147, cf. 240-252; Josephus, War. 18.181; Philo, Legatio ad Gaium 23–24).  Jamnia events (Philo, Legatio ad Gaium §§162, 198–203; cf. Josephus, Antiquities 18.257–260). Gaius' horse 'swift' as consul (Dio 59.14.7).    

Antioch was the capital of the Roman Province of Syria, and refuge to many followers of the way who fled Saul's persecution in Jerusalem. Their message found a receptive audience there, as it did in Rome, due to the efforts of Andronicus and Junia, and Prisca and Aquila. But not everyone was receptive, leading to arguments and civil disturbances. In a demonstration of imperial excess and religious sacrilege, the princeps built floating palaces on the lake of Nemi, sacred to the goddess Diana.     SHOWNOTES Followers of the way first called 'Christians' in Antioch (Acts 11:26) Andronicus and Junia (Romans 16:7) Prisca and Aquila (Acts 18:2-3,19,26; Rom 16:3-4; 1 Cor 16:19; 2 Tim 4:19)  Caligula's floating palaces are mentioned in Strabo, Geography 5.3.12; Suetonius, Caligula 37. Cassius Dio, Roman History 59.28.5–6. Museum of the Roman ships Temple of Diana at Nemi      

Flaccus is deposed as governor of Egypt in a stealthy move. After being found guilty of maiestas (treason) before the princeps, his property is taken and he is banished to the island of Andros. In Caesarea Maritima, Philip, one of the seven, whose four daughters were known for prophecy, is active promoting his belief in Jesus as the Messiah. A Roman centurion in Caesarea Philippi comes to faith in Jesus as Simon Peter himself witnesses.  SHOWNOTES: Deposition of Flaccus (Philo of Alexandria, Against Flaccus, 1-149, esp. 95-124) Lamentation of Flaccus (Philo, Against Flaccus, 157-159) Philip in Judea and Samaria (Acts 8) Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10)      

Caligula's behavior at dinner parties was questionable at best and downright abbhorent at worst. His uncle Claudius was the butt of jokes whereas the wives of senators became paramours for the princeps. His affection for the actor Mnester was unbridled. Quintilia's outstanding reputation as an actor was matched only by her beauty. Her virtuous character meant she was an apt target for her lover's jealous enemy.    SHOWNOTES: Claudius as the butt of jokes (Suetonius, Claudius, 8) Gaius taking Asiaticus' wife (Seneca, On Constantia, 18.2) Regulus and Paulina (Suetonius, Caligula, 25) Pliny's dinner with Lollia Paulina (Pliny, Natural History, 9.117-118)  Milonia Caesonia (Suetonius, Caligula, 25) Passienus' quip about "no better slave and no worse master" (Tacitus, Annals, 6.20). Mnester (Suetonius, Caligula, 55.1) Quintilia, Timidius, and Pompedius (Josephus, Antiquities, 19.5).

Caligula compels those who made promises for his recovery to deliver. Herod Agrippa finally sets sail for Alexandria on his way to take possession of his Judean kingdom.   SHOWNOTES:    For the bridge over the Gulf of Baiae, see Cassius Dio, Roman History 59.17; Suetonius Caligula, 19. Drusilla was the first Roman woman to be named divine. Later, in 42 CE, Livia will be declared so. Claudia, daughter of the Emperor Nero will be declared divine in 63, and Poppea, Nero's deceased wife, in 65.  Drusilla's statue in the Temple of Venus (Cassius Dio, Roman History, 59.11.3). About Flaccus, see Philo, In Flaccum, 1-8, 43-44, 55-68. 

Gaius recovers from his illness and begins a streak of vengeance and power consolidation. Flaccus, governor of Egypt, continues to navigate a troublesome political situation. Gaius's sister Agrippina gives birth to a boy, whereas Macro and Ennia's fortunes change.    SHOWNOTES On the soft rebukes of Gaius from Macro (Philo Embassy to Gaius, 7). Agrippina's husband saying, "That nothing but what was detestable and pernicious to the public, could ever be produced of him and Agrippina" (Suet Nero 6).  Augustus thought Claudius, Gaius’ uncle, was not a good judge of character and had a bad choice of friends (Suet, Claudius, 4.5). Whenever Macro approached, Gaius would say, "Don’t smile! Don’t look downcast! Here comes the monitor, the stickler for straight speaking. He has now taken it upon himself to tutor a fully grown man, an emperor no less—at the very moment when those who guided him since childhood have been dismissed and pushed aside." (Philo, Against Flaccus, 3.15). Macro left enough money to provide for the construction of an amphitheater in his hometown of Alba Fucens (in Abruzzo) which can still be seen today: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anfiteatro_di_Alba_Fucens_e_monte_Velino.jpg

The principate of Gaius, aka Caligula, starts with promise especially for his family including his uncle Claudius and for his friends, such as Herod Agrippa. Saul of Tarsus experiences a revelation that changes the trajectory of his life. And Flaccus, governor of Egypt, attempts to manage a new political reality.   SHOWNOTES Paul's Revelation (Gal 1:16-17; Acts 9, 22, 26)

The growing sect of the Nazorean continued to add new members, creating logistical challenges for the movement. Seven men were appointed to help matters. With Pilate removed, leaving Judea without a procurator, the crowd in Jerusalem was stirred up to the point of stoning Stephen, one of the seven. The recently installed high priest was then removed by Lucius Vitellius, governor of Syria, who would not tolerate such mob action.    SHOWNOTES That some priests joined the sect of the Nazorean (Acts 6:7) That the twelve were to be part of ruling God’s people at the end times, sitting on twelve thrones (Matt 19:28; LK 22:30).  The story of the seven and the stoning of Stephen is told in Acts 6-7.  That descendants of Jewish slaves became emancipated Roman citizens (cf. Philo, Legatio ad Gaium, 23 (155)). That one who blasphemes shall be brought outside the city and stoned to death (Lev 24:14-15). “Whenever we crucify criminals…[we place them] where the greatest number of people can watch and be influenced by this threat; for every penalty is aimed not so much at the offense, as at its exemplary value." (Quintilian, Declamationes maiores 274.13) Saul, born in Tarsus but raised in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3) Saul as a “skēnopoios” by trade, which can mean tentmaker, but also one who works with any type of leather. (Acts 18:3-4) That Saul's sister lived in Jerusalem and she had a son, who was close to Saul in his early years (Acts 23:16).  Saul being from the tribe of Benjamin: Jewish identity was connected to the twelve tribes, the twelve sons of Jacob, aka Israel, son of Rebecca and Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah. Of the twelve tribes, ten settled in the north, which was known as Israel, and two tribes, Judah and Benjamin, settled in the south, known as Judah. After a brief period of a united kingdom of the twelve tribes from the time of Saul, the first king, to David and his son Solomon, the kingdom was divided into the north, aka Israel whose capital was Samaria and the south, aka, Judah, whose capital was Jerusalem. The northern kingdom was destroyed by Assyria in about 722 BCE and many of those people (tribes) were ‘lost’ as they were deported or otherwise assimilated into Assyria. Judah, the southern kingdom, was conquered and brought into exile by Babylon in about 586 BCE. Only when the Persian king Cyrus defeated Babylon were the exiles allowed to return to Judah. At that time they rebuilt the temple and recommitted themselves to following God’s Law, aka Mosaic Law, in part so that they would not suffer another defeat such as that experienced at the hands of the Babylonians. That Paul traced his lineage to the tribe of Benjamin indicates that his ancestors were of the southern kingdom of Judah.     

Caligula's grandmother dies shortly after he comes to the throne. Lucius Vitellius in Syria secures peace with Parthia and then removes Caiaphas as High Priest.    SHOWNOTES: Agrippina's double canine (hyperdontia) (Pliny, NH 7). Artabanus crossed the Euphrates and held another conference with Lucius Vitellius where he paid honors to the Roman standards (Suet. Caligula, 14). Lucius removes Caiaphas as high priest (Jos. Ant. 18.4.3). For this podcast, Yochanan is considered the person who will eventually be known as the otherwise unnamed, 'Beloved Disciple,' or 'the disciple whom Jesus loved,' the source of the gospel of John.

After Tiberius' death, Gaius (Caligula) comes to the throne. In a brilliant move, he secures the ashes of his persecuted and deceased family members and accompanies them to the mausoleum of Augustus. The crowds are overjoyed with the promise of this young new princeps. For Vitellius in Syria, his impending military action is paused, pending orders from Gaius.      SHOWNOTES: Oath to Caligula (11 May 37 CE) On the 11th day of May, in the consulship of Gaius Cestius and Marcus Servilius, in the presence of Gaius Ummidius Durmius Quadratus, governor of the province, the citizens of Aritium swear this oath: I shall be an enemy to those whom I know to be enemies of Gaius Caesar Germanicus. I shall neither allow harm to come to him nor to those of his household, and I shall not conceal anyone who intends harm against him. I shall report such persons to Gaius Caesar Germanicus and to those whom he commands. I shall protect his life, his safety, and his power, as far as I am able, with good faith and without deceit or evasion. I shall regard as friends those whom he regards as friends, and as enemies those whom he regards as enemies. If I knowingly violate this oath, may I suffer destruction, myself and my property; if I keep it faithfully, may I prosper. --CIL II, 172, discovered in Lusitania (modern Portugal). https://www.judaism-and-rome.org/printpdf/oath-allegiance-caligula-gaius-lusitania-cil-ii-172

After one too many provocations, the new Roman governor of Syria orders Pontius Pilate to Rome for a meeting with the emperor. But before he arrives, Tiberius dies at the age of 77.    SHOWNOTES The only account of the 'shields incident' appears within Agrippa’s letter to Gaius Caligula as presented by Philo, Embassy 38:299-305. The episode between Pilate and the Samaritans, and Pilate's being ordered to Rome is related by Josephus (Ant. 18.85-89). The story of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus being accused in the Senate of treason, and acts of adultery and incest with his sister Lepida is from Suetonius (Nero, 5). The last days of Tiberius are told by Suetonius (Tib, 72-73, 75) and Tacitus (Ann. 6.50-51). The story of Herod Agrippa and his jailer is based on Josephus (Ant. 18.225-234).

The Parthian king, harboring resentment against Tiberius, makes moves against the Roman empire. Tiberius enlists the help of Herod Antipas in dealing with the situation. Herod Agrippa presses his luck with the princeps and ends up under house arrest.  SHOWNOTES Artabanus had once penned a letter accusing Tiberius of murdering members of his own family, slaughtering innocent people, neglecting his duties, and indulging his lusts. Artabanus concluded the letter by urging Tiberius to satisfy the deep longings of his subjects and commit suicide (Suet, Tib, 66). Lucius used his deft diplomatic skills to entice Artabanus to offer his own young son Darius and a seven-foot tall “giant” named Eleazar, a Judean, as hostages for the peace treaty brokered by Antipas and Lucius Vitellius (Jos. Ant. 18.101). [Josephus tells this story prior to the death of John the Baptist. But Lucius Vitellius was governor of Syria closer to 35 and served until 39.]

Herod Agrippa and his wife Cypros are unhappy and attempt to change their fortune with mixed results. When updating his will, Tiberius considers his options in naming an heir.   SHOWNOTES Alexander Lysimachus, the port official known as the Alabarch, had a brother named Philo, an influential Jewish intellectual. (Jos. Ant. 18.259). Alexander also knew Antonia, the mother of Germanicus, Livilla, and Claudius, as he had acted as Antonia’s steward years earlier. (Jos. Ant. 19.276). In the spring of 36 then, Agrippa left for Italy, whereas his wife and children returned to Judea (Jos Ant. 18.159-160). Tiberius looked at Gaius while holding Gemellus and then said, “You will kill him, and another will kill you.” [Tacitus (6.46)]. Tiberius wasn’t sure that Gemellus was actually Drusus’ son. (Cassius Dio 58.23.1). There was a chance that Livilla had been impregnated by Sejanus. Macro went further and said to Tiberius, “I myself will see to Gemellus’ security. I am your friend Tiberius and I carried out your wishes when it comes to Sejanus. You can trust me.” (Philo, Embassy to Gaius, 6).

Tiberius and the imperial court continue to engage in unusual behavior on Capri. After Gaius's pregnant wife dies, he begins an affair, promising to marry the woman if and when he becomes princeps. Tiberius gives his favorite adolescent boy a nickname and promotes the boy's father to higher office. The sect of the Nazorean continues to grow in Jerusalem.   SHOWNOTES Lucius Vitellius visited Gaius. Lucius and his three brothers, Publius, Aulus, and Quintus, came from an equestrian family. Their father, the procurator Publius Vitellius of Nuceria, was a Roman knight and a steward of Augustus’ property. Nuceria was situated at the foot of Mount Albino, about 20 km from Neapolis (modern day Naples). Gaius had a specially built track for chariot racing called the Gaianum. The Gaianum was east of the Via Triumphalis, about 300 m from where the Mausoleum of Hadrian would be built nearly 80 years later. Ultimately the construction of Saint Peter’s eliminated all traces of the Gaianum. (Lawrence Richardson, A New Topographical Dictionary of Ancient Rome [Johns Hopkins University Press, 1992], p. 180). Philip, Herod Antipas’ half-brother, passed away in 34 CE. Tiberius distributed his lands, the territories north and east of the river Jordan (Trachonitis, Gaulanitis, and the nation of the Bataneans), to the Roman province of Syria. Those of the sect of the Nazorean prayed that God might send the Messiah, the one already appointed, Jesus, who is in heaven and must remain there until the time of universal restoration, spoken of by the prophets (Acts 3:12-26). Simon of Cyrene and his two sons, Rufus and Alexander (Mark 15:21). Cyrene was a Greek city in eastern Libya (cf. Acts 2:10). Joseph of Arimathea (Matt 27:57-60; Mark 15:43-46; Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38). The Pharisee Nicodemus (John 3:1-21; 7:50-51; 19:39-42)    

After the death of Jesus over Passover, some of his followers began to make fantastical claims. At Pentecost, Simon Peter addressed Jewish pilgrims about these beliefs, leading some to join the sect of the Nazorean.   SHOW NOTES Redemption would come from Mount Zion (Isa 2:2-4; 59:20, the latter cited in Rom 11:26). "Maranatha" (1 Cor 16:22; Didache 10:14)  "Afterward he [Jesus] journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources. (Luke 8:1-3; NABRE)   Kepha, the Aramaic term for ‘rock,’ had not been used for a personal name or even a nickname for any other person prior to that time. Yet, the biblical scholar J. Fitzmyer argues that in the 5th cent BCE there is evidence that it was used as a name (papyrus from Elephantine in Egypt). Fitzmyer also notes that this does not prove the word was used as a proper name among Palestinian Jews in the 1st century CE. James, Jesus’ brother claimed to have witnessed Jesus risen from the dead (1 Cor 15:7). During Jesus' time on earth, James and Jesus’ other brothers did not believe Jesus was the Messiah (John 7:5). At one time early in Jesus’ ministry, his family went to get him, thinking that he was mad, or literally, ‘out of his mind’ (Mark 3:21). When informed that Jesus’ brothers, sisters, and mother were there to get him, Jesus replied with a question, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he replied to his own question with a peculiar aphorism and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matt 12:48-50).   Some of Jesus's family members included Joses, Simon and Jude as well as sisters (cf. Matt 13:55-56). James and John, sons of Zebedee, had also been given a nickname in Aramaic by Jesus: “Boanerges,” which means ‘sons of thunder.’ (Cf. Luke 9:54; Mk 3:17) The story of the healing of Peter's mother-in-law is at Mark 1:29-31. Jesus had said that the judgment was coming and that there were some among them who would see it (Mark 9:1; Matt 16:28; Luke 9:27; cf Mark 13:30; 1 Thess 4:17). Jesus told the high priest Caiaphas that he would see Jesus' return as the Son of Man on the clouds of heaven (Mark 14:62). The disciples believed Jesus would remain in heaven until a future date appointed by God (Acts 3:21). See Acts 2 for some of the events at Pentecost. Andronicus and Junia (Rom 16:7)      

After Jesus entered Jerusalem to cries of "Hosannah to the Son of David" the political and religious authorities work together to eliminate this potential threat.  Show Notes Jesus replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.’” (Luke 13:31-32 NABRE) "If a man guilty of a capital offense is put to death and you hang him on a tree, his corpse shall not remain on the tree overnight. You must bury it the same day; anyone who is hanged is a curse of God. (Deut 21:22-23; NABRE)  The Roman soldiers and temple police confronted Jesus at night so as not to cause a public scene and therefore risk a riot (cf. John 18:3). Jesus not only responded affirmatively but he also said to Caiaphas that: ‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.’” (Mark 14:62; NABRE) If the crowds thought this was the true ‘King of the Jews’, Pilate would display him as such and put a sign to that effect over the cross (cf. John 19:19).  “Whenever we crucify criminals…[we place them] where the greatest number of people can watch and be influenced by this threat; for every penalty is aimed not so much at the offense, as at its exemplary value.” -- Quintilian (A Roman Orator), Declamationes maiores 274.13. Yochanan [the beloved disciple] witnessed the crucifixion as did several other of Jesus’ followers, friends, his mother (cf. John 19:25-26), and more from a distance (cf. Luke 23:49).

When Antipas has John executed, Jesus goes into hiding. A debt-ridden Agrippa is encouraged by his wife to seek help from his half-brother, the same Antipas.  SHOW NOTES Gemellus (b. 10 Oct 19) was the son of Drusus and Livilla

Sejanus' past actions finally catch up with him and he is denounced and executed the same day on orders from Tiberius. A period of retribution ensnares family members and others. 

In Jerusalem some Galilean pilgrims run into trouble when making a sacrifice. Livia, the Augusta, passes away at the age of 84, attributing her long life to the regular consumption of a particular wine. And with her passing, Sejanus has an opening to eliminate Agrippina and her two oldest sons. 

John the Baptist finds a worthy apprentice in the person of Jesus, from the small village of Nazareth in Galilee. Together they baptize many people before John is arrested by Herod Antipas, driving Jesus into hiding. The imprisoned John has a question for Jesus who replies with a mix of scripture and a beatitude for John himself.  

Herod Antipas, attracted to his niece Herodias, the wife of his half-brother, decides to divorce his own wife, Phaesalis, the daughter of Aretas, King of the Nabateans. He will then marry Herodias himself. Antipas secures support from Rome for his plan, but it invokes the wrath of Aretas and a wilderness prophet named John. 

The equestrian Pontius Pilate takes up duties as Prefect of Judea without a legate of Syria in the region, only to be confronted with potential problems. Members of the imperial family find partners in marriage. 

When Tiberius's son Drusus dies the princeps names as co-heirs the oldest sons of Agrippina. Herod Antipas engages in building projects and secures an alliance with the Nabateans. Tiberius quarrels with Agrippina and his mother Livia before departing for Capri. 

Germanicus and his family celebrate a triumph in Rome after avenging the loss of the Teutoburg forest. He is rewarded with an appointment in the East only to fall ill and die under mysterious circumstances. In the capital, Tiberius demonstrates imperial justice and clemency, influenced by a vestal virgin. 

The first decade of the first century saw a terrible defeat for the Roman army. Three legions were destroyed in Germania. General Varus and his men, who were leading the expedition, committed suicide after witnessing their devastating loss. Five years later, Augustus passed away at the age of 75. 

After Augustus' two most prominent and promising grandsons died within a span of less than two years, another succession quandary is created. And Judea sees revolts against Roman rule.

When Herod the Great died, his will needed to be ratified by Augustus, which led to political intrigue.

Augustus' key ally died, creating an opening for new heir. 

After the civil wars, Octavian was declared Augustus by the Roman Senate, and a period of stability followed. Herod the Great rules in Judea. 

Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BCE followed by Antipater the following year. Each would have a profound impact on first century.  

Pilate puts down a religious movement at Mount Gerizim before we step back and see how Rome came to rule this region.  SHOWNOTES Josephus, Ant. 18.55-59; War 2:175-203. Roman nobility had three ranks: curials, equestrians, and senators. To be an equestrian required free birth, certain moral standards and most importantly, wealth equating to at least 400,000 sesterces. (Pliny NH 33.32). Pilate’s time in Judea was punctuated by his ‘venality, thefts, assaults, abusive behavior, and his frequent murder of untried prisoners’ (Philo, Embassy to Gaius, 38.302). Antipater (114 – 43 BCE) was from Idumea, a region just south of Judea. Its name is derived from Edom, the Iron Age name of that land, as Judea is derived from Judah, the Iron Age name of that land. Antipater’s son Herod, (72 – 4 BCE) was made provincial governor of Galilee, and was eventually known as Herod the Great, the founder of the Herodian dynasty.