The letter from Pontius Pilate to Tiberius Caesar
This
is a reprinting of a letter from Pontius Pilate to Tiberius Caesar
describing the physical appearance of Jesus. Copies are in the
Congressional Library in Washington, D.C.
TO TIBERIUS CAESAR:
"A
young man appeared in Galilee preaching with humble unction, a new law
in the Name of the God that had sent Him. At first I was apprehensive
that His design was to stir up the people against the Romans, but my
fears were soon dispelled. Jesus of Nazareth spoke rather as a friend of
the Romans than of the Jews. One day I observed in the midst of a group
of people a young man who was leaning against a tree, calmly addressing
the multitude. I was told it was Jesus. This I could easily have
suspected so great was the difference between Him and those who were
listening to Him. His golden colored hair and beard gave to his
appearance a celestial aspect. He appeared to be about 30 years of age.
Never have I seen a sweeter or more serene countenance. What a contrast
between Him and His bearers with their black beards and tawny
complexions! Unwilling to interrupt Him by my presence, I continued my
walk but signified to my secretary to join the group and listen. Later,
my secretary reported that never had he seen in the works of all the
philosophers anything that compared to the teachings of Jesus. He told
me that Jesus was neither seditious nor rebellious, so we extended to
Him our protection. He was at liberty to act, to speak, to assemble and
to address the people. This unlimited freedom provoked the Jews—not
the poor but the rich and powerful."
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Note: I found this on the Internet as I was browsing a group I belong to on FB. Someone named Tony Young posted it on November 29, 2020.
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