A Question for the Theologians

August 21st, 2006

In reading Jesus, of Nazareth, King of the Jews today, I came across a point that I had not really ever thought about before.

Jesus was killed by the Romans in a manner reserved for political insurrectionists*. Why was only He killed and not all of his movement?

I had not really ever thought about that at all. Do any of you have any thoughts on that?

* Is this even the case? Did not two thieves die alongside him?

Categories: Culture |

« Please
Another Tangent »

5 Comments

  1. Dave August 21st, 2006

    Jesus was killed by the Romans in a manner reserved for political insurrectionists

    From what I understand, that is not true. I believe that there were multiple capital offenses in the Roman Empire. But I would have look further to make sure.

    As for your question…it would make sense to kill the leader of the group. For a modern example, it means more to kill Osama bin Laden, or al-Zarqawi, then it does to kill a “low-level” suicide bomber.

    Jesus was the very foundation of the insurrection. They also made the case that he declared himself king, and therefore should be killed.

  2. Dave August 21st, 2006

    According to Wikipedia:

    In Rome the custom of crucifixion … was used for slaves, rebels, pirates and especially-despised enemies and criminals.
    …
    The Romans used it for the crimes of piracy, highway robbery, assassination, forgery, false testimony, mutiny, high treason and rebellion.

  3. Henry August 22nd, 2006

    Ok,

    That is what I thought, but the book I read said that it was mainly reserved for political threats to the kingdom.

    The same books that it would have been the practice to kill the whole movement if they were a threat.

    Those points struck me as odd, but I am no ancient historian.

  4. Henry Thomas August 22nd, 2006

    Hey Henry, crucifixion was also a punishment used for those in the empire that were not Roman citizens. Jesus was not a Roman and so that is also a factor into why he was crucified.

  5. casey August 22nd, 2006

    couple of thoughts:
    1) Jesus and the roman citizenship and cross being for non-citizens is true (whoever posted that).

    2)Caiaphas the high priest prophesied, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish (John 11:49-50).” The ring leader of it all, only wanted Jesus to die.

    3) Which leads me to point three with the fact that many false-christ appeared at this time (just like the wacko from waco texas). In those previous false guys, once they died there followers disbanned. Once the dreamer was killed nobody else would follow. casey

Leave a comment