A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W XY Z

Tyndale Open Bible Dictionary

Intro ← Index → ©

PROCURATOR*

Financial officer of Rome (NLT “governor”), usually from the equestrian rank, whose responsibilities included the supervision and collection of imperial revenues in an assigned province. In Judea and other lesser provinces of the Roman Empire, the procurator acted at times as the governor of that region. He not only managed financial affairs but also exercised judicial and military authority, and he was primarily responsible for keeping peace in his jurisdiction. The NT mentions three Roman procurators: Pontius Pilate (AD 26–36; Mt 27; Jn 18–19 OET JHN 18:1–40 · OET JHN 19:1–42), Antonius Felix (AD 52–59; Acts 23:24–25:14 OET ACT 23:24–35 · OET ACT 24:1–27 · OET ACT 25:1–14), and Porcius Festus (AD 59–62; Acts 24:27–26:32 OET ACT 24:27 · OET ACT 25:1–27 · OET ACT 26:1–32). These administrators were held accountable and subordinate to the governor of Syria.

See also Felix, Antonius; Festus, Porcius; Pilate, Pontius.