Caesar(cesar)
Summary
The title assumed by Roman emperors after Julius Caesar, used in the New Testament as the common designation for the reigning emperor.
☩Origin of the Title
The name Caesar was originally a cognomen of the Julian family, one of the old patrician families of Rome said to be descended from Aeneas and Venus. The greatest bearer was Gaius Julius Caesar, the dictator who died in 44 B.C. Augustus assumed the name immediately after Julius Caesar's assassination, considering it part of his inheritance. The title was retained by all subsequent emperors, so that 'Caesar' became equivalent to 'the Emperor,' giving rise to the German 'Kaiser' and Russian 'Czar.'
☩Caesars in the New Testament
Four emperors are referenced in the New Testament: Augustus, during whose reign Christ was born; Tiberius, who reigned during Christ's ministry and crucifixion; Claudius, during whose reign a famine occurred and Jews were expelled from Rome; and Nero, to whom Paul appealed. In most New Testament references, 'Caesar' alone is used familiarly to mean 'the reigning Emperor.'
☩The Tribute Question
Jews in the Roman province of Judea were obligated to pay tribute to Caesar, forming the chief sign of their subjection to Rome. When enemies sought to trap Jesus with the question 'Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar?' He pointed to Caesar's image on the coin and declared, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.'
☩Caesar and Christ's Trial
At Jesus' trial, His accusers charged Him with 'forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.' They pressed Pilate with the warning, 'If you let this man go, you are not Caesar's friend; whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.' Roman citizens like Paul had the right of appeal to Caesar, and in criminal cases were sent to Rome for judgment.
Related Verses24 mentions
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Caesar, Caesar's Household," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Caesar," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Caesar," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 4.George Morrish, "Caesar," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).