|
AND when the wonderful resurrection and ascension of our Saviour
were already noised abroad, in accordance with an ancient custom which
prevailed among the rulers of the provinces, of reporting to the
emperor the novel occurrences which took place in them, in order that
nothing might escape him, Pontius Pilate informed Tiberius of the
reports which were noised abroad through all Palestine concerning the
resurrection of our Saviour Jesus from the dead.
He gave an account also of other wonders which he had learned of him,
and how, after his death, having risen from the dead, he was now
believed by many to be a God. They say that Tiberius referred the
matter to the Senate, but that they rejected it, ostensibly because
they had not first examined into the matter , but in reality because
the saving teaching of the divine Gospel did not need the confirmation
and recommendation of men.
But although the Senate of the Romans rejected the proposition made
in regard to our Saviour, Tiberius still retained the opinion which
he had held at first, and contrived no hostile measures against
Christ. These things are recorded by Tertullian, a man well versed
in the laws of the Romans, and in other respects of high repute, and
one of those especially distinguished in Rome. In his apology for the
Christians, which was written by him in the Latin language, and has
been translated into Greek, he writes as follows:
"But in order that we may give an account of these laws from their
origin, it was an ancient decree n that no one should be consecrated a
God by the emperor until the Senate had expressed its approval.
Marcus Aurelius did thus concerning a certain idol, Alburnus. And
this is a point in favor of our doctrine, that among you divine dignity
is conferred by human decree. If a God does not please a man he is
not made a God. Thus, according to this custom, it is necessary for
man to be gracious to God.
Tiberius, therefore, under whom the name of Christ made its entry
into the world, when this doctrine was reported to him from
Palestine, where it first began, communicated with the Senate,
making it clear to them that he was pleased with the doctrine. But the
Senate, since it had not itself proved the matter, rejected it. But
Tiberius continued to hold his own opinion, and threatened death to
the accusers of the Christians." Heavenly providence had wisely
instilled this into his mind in order that the doctrine of the Gospel,
unhindered at its beginning, might spread in all directions throughout
the world.
|
|