THE EPISTLE OF PONTIUS PILATE,
Which he wrote to the Roman Emperor, concerning our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pontius Pilate to Tiberius Cæsar the emperor: Greeting.
Upon Jesus Christ, whom I fully made known to thee in my last, a bitter punishment hath at length been inflicted by the will of the people, although I was unwilling and apprehensive. In good truth, no age ever had or will have a man so good and strict. But the people made a wonderful effort, and all their scribes, chiefs, and elders agreed to crucify this ambassador of truth, their own prophets, like the Sibyls with us, advising the contrary; and when he was hanged supernatural signs appeared, and in the judgment of philosophers menaced the whole world with ruin. His disciples flourish, not belying their master by their behaviour and continence of life; nay, in his name they are most beneficent.[1] Had I not feared a sedition might
- ↑ Cf. Joseph. Ant. xviii. 3, 3.
