Julius Atticus

Pronunciation: DZHOU-lee-us + AT-tih-kuhs

Occurrences: Commentary only

First Reference: Yeshua 29:61-62 (indirect ref)

Now there was among the people a certain Roman, a tribune which was come from Rome making inquiry concerning Yeshua of Nazareth.

And all which the Lord spoke did the Roman observe closely, and with great care did he write all which he heard, that he might send word unto Caesar regarding him.

See: Caesar Tiberius

Summary: According to Azrael’s Commentary, Julius Atticus was an Imperial Roman tribune commissioned by Caesar Tiberius to journey from Rome to verify whether or not Yeshua could heal the sick and raise the dead (AZC — Caesar Tiberius). Atticus sent Caesar monthly reports of Yeshua’s sayings and doings, as well as a hand drawn portrait of Yeshua, which Caesar used to have a marble bust sculpted for his temple.

Azrael’s Commentary — Caesar Tiberius

[...] When Tiberius heard from one of his agents about Yeshua and the miracles he performed in healing the sick and raising the dead, Caesar sent Julius Atticus to verify the report (Y:29:61-62).

One reason for sending Julius Atticus was his artistic ability. Several months after Atticus arrived in Jerusalem, Caesar Tiberius received from him a hand drawn portrait of Yeshua. Tiberius took this picture and had a sculptor make a marble bust of Yeshua to put in his temple. It was Caesar’s intention to honor this Galilean who could heal the sick and raise the dead.

Every month Tiberius received a full account of the sayings and doings of Yeshua. When he heard of Pilate’s own surveillance of Yeshua on suspicion of insurrection (Y:10:83), Tiberius sent orders to have Yeshua taken into the Emperor’s personal custody. However, due to the slowness of travel and communication, Yeshua was dead by the time Caesar’s order was placed into the hands of Pontius Pilate. When rumors began to spread that Yeshua had risen from the dead, Tiberius sent hundreds of agents into Israel to find him. But all their efforts proved unsuccessful. Caesar Tiberius was murdered in his bed by his nephew Caligula in 37 CE.

Notes/References:

Julian

Julius Caesar