Many years ago, I heard a legend about a man who might be the real father of Jesus: a Roman legionnaire called Tiberius Julius Abdes Pantera. This legend inspired my novella, THE VIRGIN OF GALILEE. The more I researched its feasibility, the more possible it seemed.
A second-century book written by the ancient Greek philosopher Celsus supports the theory, as do ancient Jewish writings, including the Talmud, and old sayings referring to "Yeshu ben Pantera," or "Jesus, son of Pantera."
In THE VIRGIN OF GALILEE, I describe the scene of their meeting—where Pantera assaults Jesus's mother:
“In a cloud of dust, a band of drunken Roman legionaries in full battle gear rushed into the Sepphoris market square. They swung their swords in the air and shouted, "Revolt! Is that what you want, Jewish bastards? Hail Caesar! Hail Caesar!" They knocked over tables and carts and slashed at anyone who got in their way. Panicked, people fled in all directions, desperate for safety. The air filled with cries of anguish. Women bellowed as if the earth were on fire. Mules and goats bolted, shrieking in fear before their throats were slit. Mariam slid under the grape cart, pulled down a coarse burlap blanket to cover her and drew a scarf over her face. If she stayed absolutely still, perhaps n one would notice her.”
This section shows an attack on a Galilean marketplace. During the Roman Empire, the Romans were known for being ruthless, even barbaric. As the rulers of the world, they would terrorize their underlings in the occupied territories. Although drunkenness was not condoned, the young soldiers were far from home, and boosted by their feelings of superiority, they would sometimes raze cities to the ground, rape the women, and even kill people.
Read the full story in THE VIRGIN OF GALILEE, available on Amazon, or contact me for a free copy.
Miracles Can Happen When God Works in Violent Ways
The beautiful young Mariam has enjoyed a spoiled and popular life until she is assaulted by a Roman legionary at the Sepphoris market. No longer a suitable bride for the adolescents in her village, Mariam resigns to life as a spinster. When she realizes she is pregnant, her life shatters. The only man who is willing to accept her now is an unattractive, but wealthy older man. Will she be able to swallow her pride and accept his offer?
Read the fascinating prequel to the critically lauded novel, The Transmigrant, and find out how Yeshua's story began.