Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "tribune" refers to a Roman military officer known as a "tribunus." The role of a tribune was significant in the Roman military and political systems, and it is mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles.Role and Function A tribune was a high-ranking officer in the Roman army, typically commanding a cohort, which consisted of about 600 soldiers. There were different types of tribunes, including the "tribunus laticlavius," who was second in command of a legion, and the "tribunus angusticlavius," who was one of several lower-ranking tribunes. Tribunes were often of equestrian rank and played crucial roles in both military and administrative capacities. Biblical References The most notable mention of a tribune in the Bible is found in the Book of Acts, where the tribune Claudius Lysias plays a significant role in the Apostle Paul's life. In Acts 21:31-33 , we read about the intervention of the tribune when Paul was seized by a mob in Jerusalem: "As they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman cohort received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. Immediately he took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. The commander came up, arrested Paul, and ordered that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done." Claudius Lysias, the tribune, is further mentioned in Acts 22:24-29, where he orders Paul to be flogged for interrogation but stops upon learning of Paul's Roman citizenship. This incident highlights the authority and responsibility of a tribune in maintaining order and administering justice. Historical Context The position of tribune was established during the Roman Republic and continued into the Roman Empire. Tribunes were often involved in both military campaigns and civil administration. Their authority extended to maintaining public order, overseeing legal matters, and protecting the rights of Roman citizens, as seen in the case of Paul. Significance in Early Christianity The interactions between tribunes and early Christians, as recorded in the New Testament, illustrate the complex relationship between the Roman authorities and the nascent Christian movement. The tribune's role in protecting Paul from the mob and ensuring his legal rights underscores the providential use of Roman authority to further the spread of the Gospel. In summary, tribunes were key figures in the Roman military and political hierarchy, and their interactions with early Christians, as depicted in the New Testament, provide insight into the historical and social dynamics of the time. Library Herod is Made Procurator of all Syria; Malichus is Afraid of Him ... That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian ... "I Will Now Come to an Event which He Always Concealed... That Constantine Divided the Empire Between his Three Sons, whom ... His Second Suggestion. The Genuine Acts of Peter. Epistle xx. St. Ambrose Relates to his Sister the Events at Milan ... Of the Disasters which Vexed the Roman Republic after the ... Imperial Caesar The Woman and Dragon. Thesaurus Tribunes (1 Occurrence)...Tribunes (1 Occurrence). ... Herod on his birthday gave a banquet to the nobles of his court and to the tribunes and the principal people in Galilee, (WEY). ... /t/tribunes.htm - 6k Rome (12 Occurrences) Tribune (18 Occurrences) Opportunity (35 Occurrences) Length (135 Occurrences) Tributaries (4 Occurrences) Principal (28 Occurrences) Attended (39 Occurrences) Seats (40 Occurrences) Herodias (7 Occurrences) Resources What was a Roman legion? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tribunes (1 Occurrence)Mark 6:21 Subtopics Related Terms |
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