The Romans were federalists; of course, they granted authority to the local government, in the case of Palestine, that is, the Jews! And, that's my whole point!!
He could not have done what he claims to have done; either the Romans would have arrested him (and, eventually, they did just that), or, the local Jewish authorities would have done so. Instead, Paul was doing a bit of "storytelling"; as such, he is not a reliable witness to history.
Quote:Paul was not an authority!
He could not have done what he claims to have done; either the Romans would have arrested him (and, eventually, they did just that), or, the local Jewish authorities would have done so. Instead, Paul was doing a bit of "storytelling"; as such, he is not a reliable witness to history.