Priests Attempt to Prevent Revolt

When rebellion brews against the corrupt and tyrannical Roman procurator Gessius Florus, high-ranking priests and other leaders persuade the people not to provoke Florus into violent retaliation. Florus, however, intent on conflict, meets with the priests and leaders and tells them to convey to the people that the only way to avoid retaliation is to welcome a troop of Roman soldiers coming from Caesarea. Later, priests and other leaders meet with the Judean client king Agrippa II and complain to him about Florus’ treatment of the people. For the larger context of these events, see “The First Flames of War.”