Lost Letters of Pergamum, The
Bruce W. Longenecker
Number of quotes: 7
Book ID: 249 Page: 9
Section: 5C
Pergamum where pro-Roman sentiment and emperor worship were rampant.
Quote ID: 6256
Time Periods: 1
Book ID: 249 Page: 27
Section: 5C
The name “Pergamum” means “citadel.”
Quote ID: 6257
Time Periods: 0
Book ID: 249 Page: 38
Section: 5D
Shipping lanes were generally closed from mid-November until mid-March (although the safest months to sail were between mid-May and mid-September).
Quote ID: 6258
Time Periods: ?
Book ID: 249 Page: 66
Section: 5C
Since Pergamum has “the right of sword” the authority to carry out executions according to its own discretion, without approval from a higher authority
Quote ID: 6259
Time Periods: 1
Book ID: 249 Page: 127
Section: 5D
Third, if a Jew, a peasant falls under the burden of an additional tax. Until the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple, this duty came in the form of temple tax expected from every observant Jewish male in the empire. Temple tribute consisted of a variety of tithings at various times throughout the year. As a result, a sizable amount of agricultural produce was redirected to the temple priests and functionaries. In theory, this tribute was willingly offered as an expression of thanks and devotion to the Jewish god. In practice, these forms of tribute were often given with reluctance because most of the tribute was used to support the extravagant lifestyle of the high priestly clans based in Jerusalem, many of whom purchased their priesthoods in order to reap the significant rewards associated with the position. Their success in amassing wealth from their position is evidenced by the fact that, prior to the destruction of a large sector of the city by Roman forces in the Judean uprising, many of the priestly houses in Jerusalem were comparable in grandeur to the senatorial houses in Rome. Consequently, deep resentment toward the Jerusalem priesthood had taken hold within many sectors of Jewish peasantry
Quote ID: 6260
Time Periods: ?
Book ID: 249 Page: 128
Section: 5D
Although the Jerusalem temple has been destroyed, a form of temple taxation has continued for the Jewish people, with taxation revenues now channeled to support the temple of Capitoline Jupiter in Rome. Facing severe financial difficulties and with the Jerusalem temple no longer in existence, the emperor Vespasian emperor 69-79 C.E. decided to redirect into the Roman coffers the tribute money that had formerly been paid to the Jerusalem temple.
Quote ID: 6261
Time Periods: ?
Book ID: 249 Page: 141
Section: 5C
At this point, Demetrius suggested that perhaps “persecution” should not be defined only with reference to martyrdom. As a stonemason, he is finding it increasingly difficult to carry out his trade. The stonemasons’ guild prides itself in honoring the emperor, and its meetings include the offering of sacrifices to the emperor. Guild membership fees have been increased to include a donation to the imperial temple in order to promote the worship of the emperor in Pergamum. The guild exercises such power within the city that stonework is available only to its members.
Quote ID: 6262
Time Periods: 12
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