Pilate, Tiberius, Sejanus and Jesus

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
NotmebutHim

NotmebutHim

Senior Member
#1
May 17, 2015
2,938
1,609
113
48
#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
19,184
6,604
113
62
#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
1,128
962
113
#3
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
12,317
6,689
113
#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
60,134
29,450
113
#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
2,938
1,609
113
48
#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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.