TURNING TONIGHT IN OUR SUBJECT TO THE REOPENING OF THE TRIAL OF CHRIST to those days which succeeded the passion of our Lord, we recognize that unless one knows what was existing in Palestine at that time, you might find it hard to explain all that was happening in those days. Therefore we will give you a few of the facts of background, although Christ was on trial all thru HIS ministry and the forces of darkness were seeking HIS destruction from the first time HE challenged their pagan concept.
We want you to know this about the land of Palestine in the days of Jesus, while it was under the Roman Empire and ruled over by a governor name Pontius Pilate, the son-in-law of Caesar. Pontius Pilate was actually a Basque, born in Spain, and a student of the great universities in London, England. And he was married to Caesar’s daughter. And thus, had received this appointment in the land of Palestine. He was not too happy with this stubborn province, but also was satisfied with the authority that he possessed. But Palestine, like other provinces of Rome, were permitted certain amounts of self-government. Actually Palestine was a problem to Rome because the people of Judah and Benjamin who resided there not only had a Messianic background, and they recognized their government virtually as a theocracy, for even their ancient king lines had received their authority from God. They were to hold that power until manifestations would come in which God would be with them and ruling. And they understood this to some extent.