The Shadow of the Galilean

Content Warning: This text includes extensive discussions of antisemitism.

Andreas rushes to Jerusalem: Barabbas has been arrested, along with two other Zealots. The Zealots injured a soldier during the arrest, who later died. Andreas meets with Metilius and delivers his report on Jesus. Metilius has news of his own: Jesus is in Jerusalem, and he has recently caused a major disturbance in the temple. Jesus reacted with outrage to the presence of money-changers in the temple. Andreas tries to suggest relatively innocuous interpretations for Jesus’s actions. Metilius is not convinced. Andreas is careful to distinguish between Jesus and the Zealots, emphasizing that their movements are separate. 

Andreas suggests that Metilius and the Romans do three things to defuse the current tensions. They should first pardon all Zealots (including Barabbas) if they agree to give up their rebellion. Next, they should forgive the debts of Jewish people who are struggling. Finally, they should distribute parcels of land to people who cannot grow enough food. These measures could bring peace and reduce the intensity of Jesus’s following. Metilius thinks the proposal is too radical. He suggests that Jewish people should make some changes to their religious law, if Rome is going to make such great allowances.