This month will begin my third year since I got internet for first time and I learned how to do a WordPress site. This was my first Sabbath Message posted 04/21/21. I reformatted the embeds as embedding was learned latter. (Thanks Julia) Also added some more historical information at end of the original post. (See Sabbath Message Archives)

Risen

Ran across a Drama titled “Risen” made in 2016 that was free on Tubi TV this past week. Just had to check it out because of the title and found it more than interesting. It was inspirational! It also aroused my historical curiosity. It was about a Roman Centurion whose name was Claudius Lysias during the time of Jesus Christ’s crucifixtion and resurrection. The second name Lysias is what got me researching some history about who this Claudius was and may have become.

There are several times the word “centurion(s)” is mentioned in the New Testament. There are three by name and the other two are by name are “Cornelius” and “Julius. The following are specific references:
(1) Claudius and/or Claudius Lysias – Acts 18:2, 23:26, 24:7-22 This was a chief captain that rescued Paul from the High Priest, elders and an orator named Tertullus. (Acts 24:1-7) The second name “Lysias” was more than likely from being from “Lycia”, a province in Asia Minor. (Acts 27:5) This same Claudius would have been at the crucifixtion. (Matt. 27:54, Mark:39-45)
(2) Cornelius was a Roman Centurion who believed and had much faith. (Acts 10:1-22) and most likely (Matt. 8:5-13)
(3) Julius was a guard that the Centurion Captain (Claudius) turned Paul over to after he claimed Roman citizenship. (Acts 22:22-29)

In the film, Claudius Lysias was a Chief Captain in Jerusalem during the latter days of Jesus Christ and his last Passover celebration as the sacrificial Lamb of God. This would have been prior to Paul’s conversion. (Acts 9) The issue of the body of Christ came to question, and that is the basis of the film. It begins and concludes just after the ascension of Christ following the catch of many fishes. (Matt. 28, Mark 16:14-20, Luke 24:45-53, John 21) The Sea of Galilee was also called The Sea of Tiberias (Tiberius as in Caesar, Luke 3:1). I believe the film is truly inspired. I also believe that this Claudius also became Emperor of Rome and reigned 41 – 54 AD, the years Paul made his missionary journeys freely. He died in 54 AD and his nephew Nero became Emperor and began the Roman persecution of the followers of Christ.

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Additional Historical Information

Claudius – Roman emperor

Roman Emperors

The Centurian At The Cross

A 2,000-Year-Old Ring That May Have Belonged To The Man Who Crucified Jesus Changes The Whole Story

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More Historical Information

The Apostle Paul was beheaded in 68 just AD by Nero, who looked for a scapegoat for the Great Fire of Rome. Nero died shortly thereafter.

Historical Background of Paul’s Final Imprisonment

Daniel 12:1-4

KJV^(i) 1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. ² And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. ³ And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. ⁴ But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

LOLGB+