Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

CAESAR

(Gk. Kaisar)

Originally the family name of Julius Caesar, it was assumed upon adoption into the family of Julius by the first three emperors: Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Claudius, a grandson of Augustus, was not adopted into the Julian clan and began a new tradition when he took the name Caesar as a cognomen and kept his own family name. Subsequent emperors followed suit, taking the name Caesar either on accession or when adopted or appointed heir apparent. The family name thus became a mark of status. In 285 Emperor Diocletian bestowed the title “Caesar” (junior emperor) on Maximian. When Diocletian later elevated Maximian to senior emperor (Augustus), they each appointed junior emperors (Caesars).

Caesar is the title by which the NT refers to the emperors: Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1), Tiberius Caesar (3:1), Claudius Caesar (Acts 17:7). Jesus affirmed paying taxes to Caesar (Matt. 22:17-21 par.). At Jesus’ trial, Jewish leaders accused Pilate of not being “Caesar’s friend” (John 19:12), and the priests asserted they had “no king but Caesar” (v. 15). Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal his case to Caesar (Acts 25:10-12), and he refers to “Caesar’s household” (Phil. 4:22).

Bibliography. C. Scarre, Chronicle of the Roman Emperors (London, 1995).

Scott Nash

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

CAESAR

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)