A historical examination of the administration in Palestine between 100 BC and AD 70. Detailed case studies of such sources as Josephus, the New Testament and Philo establish who was actually involved in the decision-making process and political manoeuvering. The main issues addressed include: whether there was a system of Jewish government, and whether it included a permanent institution, the Sanhedrin; whether there is evidence that political and religious affairs were separated; whether the Jews were able to convict and execute people under Roman rule; what roles, if any, were played by individuals and social or religious groups in the administration; and what the motivation of those involved in the administration may have been.
James S. McLaren is Professor in the School of Theology at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia.
AcknowledgmentsAbbreviationsChapter 1INTRODUCTION1. Survey of Main Scholarship 12. Outline of the Approach Taken in this Study3. Comments regarding the Sources UsedChapter 2HASMONAEAN RULE: 100 BC-40 BC1. Trouble under Alexander Jannaeus2. Affairs of State under Salome Alexandra3. The Trial of HerodChapter 3DIRECT ROMAN RULE: AD 6-411. Samaritan Intrusion into the Temple2. Two Protests under Pilate's Prefectship3. The Trial of Jesus4. First Hearing against Peter and John5. Second Hearing against Peter and John6. The Trial of Stephen7. The Statue of GaiusChapter 4THE RETURN OF DIRECT ROMAN RULE: AD 44-651. Petition over the High Priests' Robes2. Dispute between Galilaeans and Samaritans3. The Trial of Paul4. Petition regarding the Temple Wall5. The Trial of James and Several Other Men6. The Influence of AnaniasChapter 5OPEN REBELLION AGAINST ROME: AD 66-701. Trouble between the Jews and Greeks in Caesarea2. Floras in Jerusalem3. Cessation of Sacrifices Offered for Foreigners4. Events in Jerusalem during the Revolt5. Revolt of Tiberias against JosephusChapter 6SYNTHESISCONCLUSIONBibliographyIndex of ReferencesIndex of Authors