Pilate 2021 page 6

 Pilate 2021 page 6 by ric gustafson

The first weeks of Pilate's rule were quiet. A small advisory council helped him adjust. Procula was putting her palace in order and meeting important women of the city. Pilate had about 3,000 troops at his disposal. As Prefect, Pilate had supreme authority.

One day, Pilate had to use military force for the first time. Some of his new standards had graven images on them. All of a sudden, a growing mob was about to storm the Antonia Fortress. All the people wanted was for them to remove the images from the standards. Pilate did not back down neither did the people.

Pilate asked for a group of leaders to come to Caesarea to resolve this growing scandal. Instead of a small group arriving it turned out to be another huge crowd. Pilate had troops surround the mob. Pilate nor the mob gave in. All the mob wanted was for Pilate to remove the graven images from the standards. At one point, Pilate was so fed up with the whole thing he almost told his men to kill everyone. Pilate did not want a massacre on his hands soon after taking office. He gave in and the people gave in. Both claimed victory in their first standoff. Sejanus found out about the affair of the standards.

That first winter in Judea, Pilate mostly spent time in Caesarea.

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric