MAP D The land of Palestine was a small part of the Roman Empire, but a key part, because of its strategic location Practically all the gospels and much of Acts have Palestine as their geographical setting When Jesus was born, Palestine was divided into various provinces and sections, as shown on Map F, Palestine During Jesus’ Ministry.23 Study the map, and observe familiar provinces (e.g., Galilee); less familiar areas (e.g., Trachonitis); familiar cities (e.g., Jerusalem) B THE TASK OF RULE The ruler of the Roman Empire was the emperor To rule e ectively and peacefully so many distant lands from his throne at Rome was the burden of his government How this was done in the case of Palestine, the homeland of the Jews, will be shown in the next pages C THE TITLES OF RULERS The provincial system of government set up by Emperor Augustus involved rulers over countries and over provinces of those countries The names and brief descriptions of their titles are given below Before you read the descriptions, study Chart 11, Rulers of the Roman Empire Observe the three geographical realms of rule and the three associated titles of rulers 1 Emperor The emperor was the absolute ruler of the Roman Empire A surname of the early Roman emperors was “Caesar” (e.g., Caesar Augustus, meaning Emperor Augustus) When Paul said, “I appeal to Caesar” (Acts 25:11), he was referring to the emperor, who at that time was Nero The names of the emperors during New Testament times are shown on Chart 12, New Testament Time Chart Who was emperor a when Jesus was born?; b when Jesus was cruci ed?; c when Paul was rst imprisoned in Rome?; d when the last New Testament book (Revelation) was written? King Kings24 were the highest local rulers of territories in the Roman Empire, subject to the central authority of the emperor at Rome The king’s o ce was approved by the Roman senate During New Testament times Palestine, in whole or in part, was ruled by kings of the Herodian dynasty (succession of rulers from the same family) (See Appendix A, The Herodian Family.) The dynasty began with Herod the Great in 37 B.C and ended with the death of Herod Agrippa II in A.D 70 Study carefully the names of kings of territories in Palestine as shown on Chart 12.25 Who was king of all Palestine when Jesus was born? What three kings succeeded him? Over what lands did each rule? Locate those lands on Map E What two kings ruled over all Palestine at any one time, between 37 B.C and A.D 70? Read the following New Testament references to the kings As you read, associate the geography and time a Herod the Great — Matthew 2:1-19; Luke 1:5 ... government How this was done in the case of Palestine, the homeland of the Jews, will be shown in the next pages C THE TITLES OF RULERS The provincial system of government set up by Emperor Augustus... Observe the three geographical realms of rule and the three associated titles of rulers 1 Emperor The emperor was the absolute ruler of the Roman Empire A surname of the early Roman emperors was “Caesar”... the last New Testament book (Revelation) was written? King Kings24 were the highest local rulers of territories in the Roman Empire, subject to the central authority of the emperor at Rome The