[breakem]

Thanx. I have read Tacitus before. And Claudius refers to the crucifixion, I think just 1 line. He was interested in Judea because he had grown up with Herod in Rome, where Herod was being educated.

My original point stands I believe. Since we are not in Pilate's home and are not privy to his thoughts or converstions, other than pronouncements to the crowd, nor are we privy to the high priests conversations, we cannot actually blame one or the other with certainty.

I believe God sent his son to die, so why isn't God responsible?

[sweetjane]

Of course God is responsible for Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. The Pharisees and Romans who made it happen were purely mechanical devices of God's sovereign will and man's free will. The point in my response is that there are historical references available, other than the Gospels. Some people would like to see the evidence. What the book I was quoting does is offer additional historical evidence for those who need it. I wholeheartedly agree that Jesus' atonement is for all of us who are willing to accept it. Doesn't matter whether we are Jews, Romans, whatever.

Seeing into Pilate's life at the time does not affect my spirituality or religion.

It is interesting to note, of course, that Rome, where Christians were so persecuted early in the Church, has been the home to the Catholic church. Something happened there.

I'm of the protestant persuasion, but I love to see God's irony and work in the world. It really hits home.