Jerusalem Vs. Rome: Jewish Life in the Time of Christ
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” This statement from Luke 2:1 begins many a Christmas story and is so familiar to us that we often miss a significant point: Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world (Jn. 4:42), was born under the rule of the first true Roman emperor, Augustus, whom his subjects called “savior ofGet More Articles—Subscribe Today!
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My question comes from the story of Jesus and the centurion in Luke 7 when Jesus answers the request to come to heal the centurion’s slave.
In verse six, “And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.” Note: I am not questioning the solder’s belief that Jesus could heal his servant by just speaking the word and that he felt as a sinner unworthy. Luke paints a marvelous picture that inspires and brings hope. However, in real-time, with the tension of Roman occupation and the High Priest toward Jesus, could the centurion be seen welcoming Christ under his roof?
The Samaritans as a people still survive near Jerusalem. They still survive and are worth a comment in connection with the Jewish People.
Who was the Roman officer’s servant, was he jewish?