I Appeal To Caesar!

But, now! what’s happened! Who would foresee that the followers of the Nazarene would multiply like rabbits after Jesus’ death! The teachings of that dead Christ seem to fill Jerusalem! He smashes a fist into his hand in anger and resolute decision. His eyes narrow. . . his face becomes rock-hard resolute. He thinks of a Jerusalem and Temple rid of any talk or emphasis on Jesus. “Properly executed,” he assures himself, “My plan will strangle this Jesus Movement and enable me to regain full control of the Temple and truly hold the reins of the religious life of Jerusalem!” The troubling storm in his brain passes, and Caiaphas sinks into his chair. Smiling, he toasts himself, pouring a fine wine into a golden chalice. * * * * * Meanwhile, Caiaphas’ conniving consorts scurry like rats through the dark maze of narrow, empty streets in Jerusalem to meet Caiaphas in this secret, late-night rendezvous. As ludicrous as it sounds, each of the unscrupulous three was named after a Hebrew prophet: Jonah, Micah, and Ezekiel. Their Hebrew names serve them well, however, in working with Sanhedrin members: doing helpful things like currying favors, fetching and finding things, researching