I Appeal To Caesar!

Chapter 1 A Nefarious Plan Destroy the Jesus People

AD 35 JERUSALEM

aiaphas has been the High Priest in Jerusalem for eighteen years, he has outmaneuvered scheming, political rivals, pacified prejudiced Roman governors, persuaded recalcitrant Jewish Sanhedrin members. . . and, executed the peasant, Jesus of Nazareth. He has fought and clawed his way to the top of his chosen profession, experiencing the thrill of highest achievement: he has arrived at the pinnacle of his life-work —the official spiritual leader of not only the great Temple in Jerusalem but also the multiplied thousands of Jews scattered throughout the Roman Empire. Suddenly, without warning, Caiaphas is jolted by the realization that the ground is moving under his feet: he stands upon an active volcano! His little kingdom trembles even shakes, from the unforeseen events and aftermath of a rather mundane decision he initiated: the death of Jesus, a carpenter from the obscure village of Nazareth in Galilee. * * * * * Alone in his private quarters in the sumptuous High Priest’s Palace in Jerusalem, Caiaphas awaits the arrival of three rascally associates. Late evening has merged into night, and darkness now fills the narrow streets. The city has gone to bed. Now, he stands as “the Victor” exultant on the crest of his mountain of power and prestige.