Topical Encyclopedia Tiberius Caesar Augustus, commonly known as Tiberius, was the second Roman emperor, reigning from AD 14 to 37. He was the stepson of Augustus, the first Roman emperor, and played a significant role during the early years of the Roman Empire. Tiberius is a notable figure in the New Testament context, as his reign coincided with the ministry of John the Baptist and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.Historical Context Tiberius was born on November 16, 42 BC, to Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla. After his mother married Augustus, Tiberius was adopted by Augustus and became his heir. Tiberius was a capable military leader and administrator, but his reign was marked by political intrigue and a retreat from public life in his later years. Biblical References Tiberius is explicitly mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, which provides a chronological marker for the beginning of John the Baptist's ministry: "In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness" (Luke 3:1). This reference helps to date the start of John the Baptist's ministry to around AD 29. While Tiberius is not directly mentioned in the accounts of Jesus' crucifixion, his governance provides the backdrop for the political and social environment of Judea during Jesus' ministry. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who presided over the trial of Jesus, served under Tiberius. The political dynamics of Tiberius' reign, including the emphasis on maintaining order in the provinces, influenced Pilate's decision-making during the trial of Jesus. Role in the New Testament Era Tiberius' reign is significant for understanding the historical and political context of the New Testament. His administration was characterized by a focus on consolidating the power of the emperor and maintaining stability across the Roman Empire. This period saw the continuation of the Pax Romana, a time of relative peace and stability, which facilitated the spread of the Gospel. The Roman Empire under Tiberius was marked by a complex relationship with the Jewish people. While the empire allowed a degree of religious freedom, it also imposed taxes and maintained a strong military presence in Judea. This environment contributed to the tensions between the Jewish population and the Roman authorities, which are evident in the New Testament narratives. Legacy Tiberius' legacy is mixed. He is often portrayed as a reclusive and reluctant ruler, whose later years were marred by paranoia and the influence of unscrupulous advisors. Despite this, his reign was a time of relative stability for the Roman Empire, which allowed for the early spread of Christianity. The historical context of Tiberius' rule provides valuable insight into the world in which Jesus lived and the early Church began to grow. Concordance Tiber'i-us (1 Occurrence)Luke 3:1 Thesaurus Tiber'i-us (1 Occurrence)Tiber'i-us. Tiberius, Tiber'i-us. Tibhath . Multi-Version Concordance Tiber'i-us (1 Occurrence). Luke 3:1 And in the fifteenth year ... /t/tiber'i-us.htm - 6k Tiberius (1 Occurrence) Tibhath (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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