Pilate page 9

Pilate page 9 by ric Gustafson


Pilate stared at the list. " Land tax, head tax, levy of grain and publicum taxes". He looked at the fiscal officer. " What are publicum taxes?".
" Prefect, that is what the tax collectors collect".
" Oh yes". Pilate shook his head.
" Is Caiaphas and Helcias here?".
The aide nodded his head.
" Show them in".
The High Priest and the Temple treasurer quietly walked in.
" Please bring in the plans".
The aide brought in the parchment and spread it out on a table.
Pilate looked at the two men in front of him. " Here are the plans for the new water system".
Helcias raised his hand. " Prefect, I hope that this new aqueduct can be built without raising taxes".
" Actually Rabbi Helcias". Pilate hesitated. " My thought was that the Temple treasury would help defray the cost of this new system".
Helcias's face grew ashen. " Prefect, that is impossible".
" Why?".
" The Temple treasury is used for the support of the Temple and it's upkeep".
" Rabbi Helcias, don't you usually have unexpended funds each year?".
" Prefect, it is a small amount".
" Prefect".
Pilate turned toward the chief priest.
" It is possible to use the half shekel temple dues for your water system".
" I'm listening Caiaphas".
" This surplus is possible if the Sanhedrin agrees".
Pilate nodded. " I await your decision".
Two days later, the two came back.
Helcias smiled. " Prefect, the Sanhedrin agrees under three conditions".
" And they are?".
" First, this agreement comes under protest and is to be kept in strict confidence".
" Agreed".
" Second, if someone does talk our hands are tied in the matter".
" Agreed".
" Third, the aqueduct flows into the cisterns already under the Temple".
" Agreed".


research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric