I Appeal To Caesar!

Chapter 2 Meeting the Nazarene A Friendly Introduction

he plan of High Priest Caiaphas is now in motion!

The objective is clear: eliminate the Jesus People and their message from Jerusalem and Judea just as the Sanhedrin (with Pilate’s help) eliminated Jesus Himself. The “Purge,” has given Caiaphas a new lease on life, a surge of power and invincibility; things are getting back to normal again! However. . . the Jewish leaders do face the irksome challenge that festers like an angry boil. In simple terms, Jesus’ death on the cross did not silence His message! Caiaphas’ deliberate lie about Christ’s body being stolen by the disciples is having an adverse reaction ! Jews continue to accept Jesus as the Christ, acting like desperate, thirsty cattle that have suddenly come upon a great pool of fresh water: they rush forward, and will not be denied! Surprisingly, some converts even repudiate the authority of the High Priest and the sanctity of the great Temple! The corrupt priesthood, functioning so long in a kind of “sacred” darkness, suddenly finds itself infiltrated by “the Light of the world”! * * * * * The Purge does have one problem requiring delicate handling: an unusual man is needed, actually required , to lead