Out of Galilee

As a Roman, Marco's first allegiance was to Rome, and Rome imposed her will through the force of the sword. But he was a man first, and as a man, where did his allegiance truly belong? To Rome? To honour? To truth?

As High Priest, Caiaphas' authority was through the temple, and the power of the temple and the power of the Jewish nation were one and the same. Now a Nazarene was leading the people away from the traditional teachings of the Torah. What was one trouble-maker's life when the Jewish nation as a whole was at stake?

As Procurator of Judea, Pilate's duty was to maintain peace. Political unrest would result in not only lost Roman lives but lost taxes as well. But what about integrity? His integrity seemed locked in a bitter battle with his self-interest.
As Tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea, Herod deserved respect from his wife and his people, however he received little from either. Now the Nazarene's followers claimed he was the long-awaited Messiah and Herod's subjects were turning to the false prophet in droves. Rome needed to deal with the problem.

When the Nazarene's body disappears from the tomb the only explanation is that his followers removed it to promote the false claim that he was resurrected and therefore the son of God. If his followers were discredited, the teachings of the prophet would fade away. No alternative was acceptable.

What was needed to return peace to the region, and the minds of so many was a simple confession from a soldier. The charge was not an onerous one and the punishment could be kept to a minimum, yet this man chose to stand for the truth as he saw it. But did Marco, like the Nazarene, have the courage to give up his life to defend his integrity?

The trial is a farce, and those participating in it an equal corruption. The proceedings have nothing to do with justice and everything to do with serving the perceived needs of the individuals pushing for conviction. The priesthood fear their loss of control over the Jewish religion and the tetrarch fears diminished control over the people. And Pilate? He fears not only for his own welfare but for that of Procula, his wife.