Pilate, Tiberius, Sejanus and Jesus

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NotmebutHim

NotmebutHim

Senior Member
#1
May 17, 2015
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#1
Recently, I learned about a Roman official named Lucius Sejanus. He was the right-hand man to Emperor Tiberius Caesar (as well as the head of the Praetorian Guard). Tiberius was the reigning Emperor at the time of Jesus' crucifixion.

Sejanus was the one who chose Pilate to govern Judea, and he was also very ambitious. Sejanus even plotted against Tiberius' life (because the former wanted to be the emperor), but was subsequently executed by Tiberius. Afterward, Tiberius went "on the hunt" for anyone associated with Sejanus. That would include Pilate. Therefore, he already knew that his career was hanging in the balance as it were.

And I think that might help to explain the threat that the Jewish leaders made against Pilate as recorded in John's Gospel. Namely, "if you let this Man go, you are not Caesar's friend. Anyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar."

Now, I don't know whether the Jewish leaders knew about Sejanus, his connection to Pilate or his attempt on the life of Tiberius. However, I'm not too sure of what other motivation the Jewish leaders would have had to threaten Pilate that way.

Just something to consider............

$0.02
 
Cameron143

Cameron143

Well-known member
#2
Mar 1, 2022
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#2
NotmebutHim said:
Recently, I learned about a Roman official named Lucius Sejanus. He was the right-hand man to Emperor Tiberius Caesar (as well as the head of the Praetorian Guard). Tiberius was the reigning Emperor at the time of Jesus' crucifixion.

Sejanus was the one who chose Pilate to govern Judea, and he was also very ambitious. Sejanus even plotted against Tiberius' life (because the former wanted to be the emperor), but was subsequently executed by Tiberius. Afterward, Tiberius went "on the hunt" for anyone associated with Sejanus. That would include Pilate. Therefore, he already knew that his career was hanging in the balance as it were.

And I think that might help to explain the threat that the Jewish leaders made against Pilate as recorded in John's Gospel. Namely, "if you let this Man go, you are not Caesar's friend. Anyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar."

Now, I don't know whether the Jewish leaders knew about Sejanus, his connection to Pilate or his attempt on the life of Tiberius. However, I'm not too sure of what other motivation the Jewish leaders would have had to threaten Pilate that way.

Just something to consider............

$0.02
Click to expand...
I'll throw in 2 cents also. If we can get 3 more, we will have 2 nickels to rub together.
 
Seeker47

Seeker47

Well-known member
#3
Aug 7, 2018
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There is a very good book written by Ann Wroe titled Pontius Pilate. Which goes into great detail about the life of Pilate and his rule in Judaea. I don't think there is any question about your conclusion.
 
G

gb9

Senior Member
#4
Jan 18, 2011
12,328
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#4
NotmebutHim said:
Recently, I learned about a Roman official named Lucius Sejanus. He was the right-hand man to Emperor Tiberius Caesar (as well as the head of the Praetorian Guard). Tiberius was the reigning Emperor at the time of Jesus' crucifixion.

Sejanus was the one who chose Pilate to govern Judea, and he was also very ambitious. Sejanus even plotted against Tiberius' life (because the former wanted to be the emperor), but was subsequently executed by Tiberius. Afterward, Tiberius went "on the hunt" for anyone associated with Sejanus. That would include Pilate. Therefore, he already knew that his career was hanging in the balance as it were.

And I think that might help to explain the threat that the Jewish leaders made against Pilate as recorded in John's Gospel. Namely, "if you let this Man go, you are not Caesar's friend. Anyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar."

Now, I don't know whether the Jewish leaders knew about Sejanus, his connection to Pilate or his attempt on the life of Tiberius. However, I'm not too sure of what other motivation the Jewish leaders would have had to threaten Pilate that way.

Just something to consider............

$0.02
Click to expand...
good stuff, thanks for posting.
 
Magenta

Magenta

Senior Member
#5
Jul 3, 2015
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#5
NotmebutHim said:
I don't know whether the Jewish leaders knew about Sejanus, his connection to Pilate or his attempt on the life of Tiberius.
However, I'm not too sure of what other motivation the Jewish leaders would have had to threaten Pilate that way.
Click to expand...
Even if they knew nothing about the Roman importance placed on chain of command,
the Jews were motivated by their desire to have Jesus dead and gone.
 
NotmebutHim

NotmebutHim

Senior Member
#6
May 17, 2015
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#6
Magenta said:
Even if they knew nothing about the Roman importance placed on chain of command,
the Jews were motivated by their desire to have Jesus dead and gone.
Click to expand...
Ohh most definitely. I don't dispute that at all.
 
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