Bible Question:
Hi all, I used the word search and only got one hit that didn't help. I have 2 questions that I have had trouble reconciling. Hope someone can help. 1 - This one is just minor really. Jn. 18:39, the custom spoken of can't seem to be verified by the historians of that time (or the ones I've read of), does anyone have any information on this? 2 - This next one to me makes the Bible sound contradictory and I know that it is not! so I'm at fault here, I'm missing something: Jn. 18:31 the Jews are telling Pilate that it is unlawful for them (the Jews) to put any man to death but we all know the story of the woman they were wanting to stone for adultery (this was within their law; and Lev. has numerous items that were punishable by death). So what am I missing here? Thanks in advance for any help. |
Bible Answer: Hello sk..., To my knowledge there is no known record of the "custom" beyond that listed there and in parallels. Therefore, unless I am wrong, we're in agreement with the historians and bible scholars. That is, we don't know. As for the question about lawfulness of execution I have always understood that the Jews lost the power to execute after coming under the control of the Roman Empire. The law in Lev. has nothing to do with it. Having lost their sovereignty as a nation, that ruling over them (Rome) would no doubt dictate what rules and laws the people could enforce on their own discretion. My limited understanding of the Roman Empire is that only the Emperor had the "power of life and death". Any other, such as soldiers, governors, etc. (including Pilate) would have only acted by the authority of the Emperor. Maybe others can help here. I would certainly not point to the account in John 8 where the argument was being made to Christ that the adulteress should be stoned as suggesting a contradiction. First- she was not stoned (if there are other examples during the time of Roman rule where the practice of stoning to death was used by the Jews please point out). Second- the context shows us here that the Scribes and Pharisees cared nothing about the sin of this woman nor the law. Their intent was to trap and manipulate the Lord. What they found (as should we)was that the higher calling of God to love and not judge as well as forgiveness trumped both the spirit in which the scribes and Pharisees wished to use the law of Moses, and the law of Rome. Context is as important as the words we read. Without it the words have no real meaning. I appreciate your approach that if there seems to be a contradiction it is you that is "at fault" and "missing something". Good job on that. With that type of attitude you will be free to study and learn without being fooled by your own limitations. God bless, Jeff |
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