I Appeal To Caesar!

“These followers of ‘The Way,’ as it is called, use the Temple precincts for small group meetings, and I see them sharing their new faith with anyone that will listen, even praying for the sick in the Courtyard! “Since Jesus’ crucifixion and rumored resurrection— and that Pentecostal incident in the Temple courtyard with all the mystical happenings, why, the very authority and integrity of the Temple and its leaders are being seriously compromised! Imagine, the true shepherds of God’s chosen people, are being maligned and condemned!”

Caiaphas stands, with face flushed, eyes flashing, and voice rising: “The advance of this cult must be stopped!”

Slamming the table beside him with a mighty blow of his fist, he adds: “We disposed of both John the Baptist and Jesus for their inflammatory influence upon our people.”

With mounting rage and conviction, the Priest states

his salient point:

“Now, the followers of Jesus have assumed such an adversarial approach with their bizarre message that we have only one course of action—we must challenge these fanatics head on!” ( The three associates react to his brilliance, excitement totally draws them into the plan. )

Caiaphas, trembling with volume and intensity, exclaims: “One approach will succeed, one alone—a purge!

“Brethren, we must purge this sickness from our Temple and People. We must initiate a clean sweep, an