The Trial Before Pilate

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1909. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V THE ATTITUDE OF THE ROMAN GOVERNMENT TO THE JEWISH RELIGION And now Archelaus' portion of Judea was reduced to a Roman province [6]; and Coponius, a man of the equestrian order among the Romans, was sent as governor, having the power of life and death put into his hands by Augustus. It was under his admin- istration that a certain Galilean, whose name was Judas, induced his countrymen to. revolt, and said that they were cowards if they would endure paying tribute to the Romans and if they would submit to mortal men as their lords rather than to God. This man was a founder of a peculiar sect of his own, and was not at all like the other founders of sects. Jewish War 2. 8. 1.1 This passage is interesting. It shows us, quite accidentally, some of the ideas which were fermenting in the Galilean mind during the boyhood days of Jesus. It gives us a glimpse into humble Galilean homes where the book of Daniel was being read, where all hearts and eyes were turned in eager expectation to the coming of that Messiah who should vindicate the power of the Most High and establish at last the kingdom of righteousness upon the earth. The secret meetings, the mustering and arming of men in the mountains, the hope of deliverance, the faith in God, the simple faith of simple people who in earnestness stand ready to sacrifice their lives from a high sense of duty and justice -- all this comes before us in this meager passage from Josephus. 'The translation of Josephus which, to a great extent, we have used in preparing this volume is that made by Rev. A. R. Shilleto, and publ;shed by George Bell & sons. London. One could wish that the author of the Jewish War had written more fully about this "peculiar" sect. We do not hesitate to confess that we find something to admire ...