Comments on: Luke 1:1-4 http://www.tillhecomes.org/blog/2009/09/04/luke-1_1-4/ Living life on mission Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:07:39 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Jeremy Myers http://www.tillhecomes.org/blog/2009/09/04/luke-1_1-4/comment-page-1/#comment-254582 Jeremy Myers Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:11:22 +0000 http://www.tillhecomes.org/blog/?p=821#comment-254582 Oh, by the way...one favorite promise of the Caesars to the masses was a promise for "bread and circuses." In other words, food and entertainment. They found that as long as the masses were fed and entertained, they didn't complain or rebel much. So this was a key to keeping the "peace." As long as they kept the people fed and entertained, the rulers could do almost anything they wanted. This reminds me of some graffiti I saw in a gas station bathroom stall once. No, it's not X-Rated, but I think it's based somewhat on "The Four Spiritual Laws." It read: The Four Government Laws: (1) Eat. (2) Watch TV. (3) Be Silent. (4) Die. Oh, by the way…one favorite promise of the Caesars to the masses was a promise for “bread and circuses.” In other words, food and entertainment. They found that as long as the masses were fed and entertained, they didn’t complain or rebel much. So this was a key to keeping the “peace.” As long as they kept the people fed and entertained, the rulers could do almost anything they wanted.

This reminds me of some graffiti I saw in a gas station bathroom stall once. No, it’s not X-Rated, but I think it’s based somewhat on “The Four Spiritual Laws.” It read:

The Four Government Laws:
(1) Eat.
(2) Watch TV.
(3) Be Silent.
(4) Die.

]]> By: Jeremy Myers http://www.tillhecomes.org/blog/2009/09/04/luke-1_1-4/comment-page-1/#comment-254577 Jeremy Myers Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:59:59 +0000 http://www.tillhecomes.org/blog/?p=821#comment-254577 Elna, There were numerous such promises, most of which, however, were only beneficial for the rich and powerful. The peasants never gained much benefit from these promises. Some of the promises were for peace, prosperity, long life, good health, etc. I read about some of this in "Twelve Caesars" by Suetonius. Other books which deal with these issues are: Horsley, "Jesus and Empire" Carter, "The Roman Empire and the New Testament" Thatcher, "Greater than Caesar" I also explain some of these sorts of things in various places in my commentary. I'm sure I will get into more detail later. See 2:1-2 at http://www.gracecommentary.com/bible/showthread.php?t=36 Elna,

There were numerous such promises, most of which, however, were only beneficial for the rich and powerful. The peasants never gained much benefit from these promises.

Some of the promises were for peace, prosperity, long life, good health, etc. I read about some of this in “Twelve Caesars” by Suetonius.

Other books which deal with these issues are:
Horsley, “Jesus and Empire”
Carter, “The Roman Empire and the New Testament”
Thatcher, “Greater than Caesar”

I also explain some of these sorts of things in various places in my commentary. I’m sure I will get into more detail later. See 2:1-2 at http://www.gracecommentary.com/bible/showthread.php?t=36

]]> By: elna http://www.tillhecomes.org/blog/2009/09/04/luke-1_1-4/comment-page-1/#comment-254442 elna Sat, 05 Sep 2009 08:41:50 +0000 http://www.tillhecomes.org/blog/?p=821#comment-254442 ok you've got me hooked...what did Ceaser promise, except peace? ok you’ve got me hooked…what did Ceaser promise, except peace?

]]> By: Kirk http://www.tillhecomes.org/blog/2009/09/04/luke-1_1-4/comment-page-1/#comment-254126 Kirk Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:55:44 +0000 http://www.tillhecomes.org/blog/?p=821#comment-254126 Don't tell the atheists their heads might explode. Don’t tell the atheists their heads might explode.

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