Stephanus - Chapter - The Guide

Chapter 8 – The Guide

The man, friendly with many in the crowd, took the two lads under his wing, while they passed through the Gennath Gate next to the Pool area. There, people milled about with an anticipation hanging in the air promising something momentous.

The boys guide launched into his story. Just a few short years earlier he had been a lifelong cripple, unable to walk until Y’shua had mercifully healed him stating “Son, your sins are forgiven thee!” (Mt 9: 1~8, Mk 2:1~12, Lk 5:17~26) Then, the man literally danced before the astonished crowd in the room where Y’shua had miraculously restored his ability to not only walk, but leap, and run like a child!

Eager to share, despite his sorrow, he explained what was taking place. “During the night,” he began “Y’shua was betrayed by one of his closest friends; the Apostle Yahudeh Iscariot.” he said gravely, “Sadly, it is rumored that Yahudeh committed suicide by hanging himself sometime shortly after he had tried to return the 30 silver pieces to the Sanhedrin. May Yahweh have mercy on his soul!”

“In the early hours long before the sun rose to make this day, Y'shua was bound and dragged before the Sanhedrin Council like a criminal surrounded by guards and Roman soldiers. They took him to the High Priest palace halls belonging to Caiaphas where the former High Priest Annas interrogated him. Accusations flew, but Y’shua dismissed all of them until they pressed: 'Who do you claim to be?' His response was regarded as blasphemous and a threat to the entire Sanhedrin!

He claimed to be the Son of Yahweh! And Yahweh, himself!

The council condemned him to death, but they lack authority. They sent him to the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate.

Here, the once-crippled man began to talk about his own transformation since his healing by Y’shua. He had been a beggar in Capernaum on the northern shore by the Sea of Galilee. sitting all day calling out to those who passed by for their sympathy. He had lived near relatives all his life "Can you imagine? I had grown up never able to stand or take a single step! And, when your legs don't work, you can't travel very far!" he complained. "I was so tired of begging for a meager existence! And even worse, my friends and relatives, although supportive, were worn out having to care for and provide for me! Let me tell you, it was a miserable existence," he admitted, "But I always had faith that Yahweh would deliver me!" Now I can roam freely! With my new found legs I have traveled throughout almost all of Judea, and I have been accepted everywhere in Jerusalem as “the cripple that is no more”, or “the cripple who is now whole”.

He had faced endless questions from the Elders and Scribes, to the entire Sanhedrin council. Even appearing before King Herod Antipas! All, wanted to know how this had happened to him? "What was it like? Suddenly being able to walk? What did you feel? Any pain? Do you have any other health issues? What did you eat that day? Have you changed any habits recently? Did you pay Y’shua to cure you? Did he pay you to claim you were cured by him? What are the sins of your parents?" There were hundreds of questions, but the man realized that the questions were not like “How are you?”, they were more like “What did Y’shua do wrong?” or “How can we trap him?” Not a single one of them was satisfied when he said Y’shua, the carpenter’s son, had healed him with but a few words. The one exception had been King Herod, who buzzed with excitement, wanting to see Y'shua perform his miracles. The way Herod talked you would think he was a theatergoer awaiting a great show.

Refocusing, the guide pressed on: "At dawn, they brought Y’shua from Caiaphas to the Praetorium. Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor came out to them, 'What accusations do you bring against this man?' he demanded.'If he were not a criminal' they replied, 'we would certainly not have handed him over to you.' (Jn 18:30-31)

At this, Pilate said 'Why do you not take him and judge him according to your law?' 'We may not put anyone to death.', they answered him. (Jn 18:32)

"This man is deserving of death? For what?” Pilate queried. The Jews appeared to be less then forthcoming with an explanation. 'He claims to be ‘The King of the Jews' they hesitantly informed the Governor.

So, Pilate went back into the Praetorium and summoned Y’shua for questioning , “Are you the King of the Jews?” (Mt 27:11, Mk 15:2, Lk 23:3-4, Jn 18:33)

Y’shua answered, “Are you saying this of your own accord, or have others told you about me?”(Jn 18:34)

“I am no Jew” Pilate shot back, “It is your own people and the priests who have handed you over. What have you done?”(Jn 18:35)

Y’shua answered, “My kingdom is not of this world, if my kingdom was of his world, my subjects would be fighting to save me from being handed over to the Jews. As it is my kingdom is not here.”(Jn:18:36)

At this Pilate said, “So, then, you are a king?”

Y’shua replied, “It is you who say I am a king. The reason I was born is to testify to the truth. Anyone committed to the truth hears my voice.”(Jn 18:37)

“Truth!” said Pilate, “What does that mean? What is truth?!’(Jn 18:38)

After this remark, Pilate concluded Y’shua was being unjustly accused by the Jewish leaders out of envy.

Then he announced to all the gathered in the square. “Behold, I find no fault in this man: recall your custom whereby I release unto you a prisoner during Passover, shall I release Barabbas, accursed of murder, or shall I give you your king, Y’shua?”, he queried. (Jn 18:39-40)

Immediately the high priests raised their hands and shouted “We want Barabbas, not this one!” (Mt 27:17) Then almost the entire square joined in, adding their voices. “Give us Barabbas!” Those that did not join the chorus were given strange looks, and were threatened to be ostracized from the assembled.

Pilate called for water and washed his hands in front of the assembled crowd, declaring, “I am innocent of the blood of this just man. Let the responsibility be yours.” (Mt 27:24)

The whole people said in reply, “Let his blood be on us and on our children.” (Mt 27:25) After that, Pilate released Barabbas, and flogged Y'shua.

"I believe Pilate was trying to pacify the crowd when he offered Barabbas, but the Pharisees and the crowd would not have it, so, Pilate ordered Y’shua scourged, which, I needn’t tell you, is a painful ordeal! Pilate was reluctant, however, believing Y’shua was an innocent man, undeserving of death. He then sent Y'shua to King Herod because he discovered that Y'shua was a Galilean."

“When did the world go mad?” the guide lamented.

“We witnessed a portion of the scourging as we ran past the Three Towers, coming from our home in the 2nd Quarter." interjected Akakios, "So what's next?”

The man acknowledged the comment with a gesture then continued to finish his story.

“Our Jewish leaders have refused to enter the Palace itself, they claim they will be defiled before the Passover, so Pilate will again bring Y’shua before all of the people between the 4th and 5th hour of the day to receive his final verdict which we expect to be banishment for Y'shua along with, perhaps, his Apostles. But, we do not know if this will take place? Will he be acquitted? This is the real question?”

The man went on to volunteer his opinion that Pontius Pilate was a just and fair man, but, the political pressures of this trial were crushing,

“Is this where the crowd is headed” inquired Akakios?

“Yeah.” Stephanus murmured, embarrassed by the obviousness.

They pressed forward with the crowd toward the Palace Courtyard where Pilate was to preside at his 'Bema" seat. And it seemed as if all of Judea was present in the Palace Square.

It was no coincident that the Romans had strategically placed their garrisons in the two separate locations within the city walls: there was the Praetorium Encampment to the west, which was close to Herod’s Palace, and the Antonia Fortress to the east, right next to Herod’s Temple where all of Judea gathers for worship and to celebrate festivals.

Roman Authority and Pontius Pilate, in all likelihood, anticipated any Jewish uprising would center themselves in the Temple area courtyards, so the Antonia Fortress was needed close by. The second most likely location would be the seat of Herod, and so, the Encampment was for added security.

"Do we know when Pilate will have the second trial?" Akakios again blurted out.

"Within the next hour, or two we guess. Let's pray he will be merciful to Y'shua" Their guide offered.

Stephanus now felt his stomach knotted because of what was about to take place, knowing that Roman scourging was typically an action taken for condemned prisoners.

I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens? he thought to himself, not wanting to say it out loud for fear it would become a suggestion.

There is still a chance Y'shua will survive this, he hopefully prayed.

"Hey, let's run to the market for food" Akakios suggested, shattering the tension.

"Akakios. we don't have any coins." Stephanus grumbled.

"Who needs money? I've got my charms!" Akakios said mischievously.

They thanked their guide for his care, promising him they would reunite at the second trial, and veered towards the marketplace.