Of Such Is the Kingdom Part III—The Early Church and the Roman Empire

The birds were chirping wildly, as Blastus brought the horse and carriage and they headed toward the docks.  His mind was racing with plans and ideas.  He was going to Rome to support his friend Gius Caligula in his claim for the throne.  Surely, he thought, if he could get Caligula to see how bad his uncle, Antipas, was, he himself would have a good chance of taking over his uncle's territory.

He was a bit tired from staying up late last night, but he kept awake long enough to tell Blastus to keep the horses moving as he did not wish to miss his boat.  Since this was to be a fairly short stay, he would leave Blastus, his manservant in Beersheba to look after the house.  He had told him to pack only the bare necessities needed for a short trip.  If it became necessary, he could always send for Blastus later.

The docks we crowded with people coming and going like so many ants in an anthill.  Blastus pulled the reins, stopping the chariot.  He lifted the fairly light satchel which he had strapped to the interior of the chariot and handed it to his master.  Then he bid him farewell and turned the chariot back toward the house.

Agrippa perused the many ships lined up along the waterway and found the one going to Rome.  There were many others also trying to board and he had to worm his way into the ongoing line.  Once on board, he set his burden down and breathed a sigh of relief.  He was headed back to Rome at last.  He had missed the fair city with its ornate columns and statuary.  He also missed his friends including Caligula who some said was crazy.  He thought him to simply be a bit different.  He had written Caligula months ago of his intention to return to Rome on this date.

The sea was unusually calm and there was very little breeze.  That meant that the trip to Rome would take longer than usual.  He greatly resented that.  He was impatient to see the shore of Rome once more.  Actually it was the shore of Capri, for that island just off the coast was still considered to be part of Rome and was now the temporary headquarters of the emperor and his entourage.  And it was here that the ship would stop first before continuing on to the mainland.  He would ask his friend if there was room for him to stay there with him on Capri.  He was certain Caligula would say yes.

Finally the day came and they approached the beautiful shoreline of Capri.  They landed and he disembarked.  He shouldered his fairly light luggage once more and walked the dock.  Looking around, he spied his friend.

"Well, well!  If it isn't Herod Agrippa, as I live a breath."

"Greetings Gius Caligula.  How is everything here in Rome?"

"Couldn’t be better.  But we'll talk on the way.  My chariot is over here."

It was a fancy chariot, black with gold trim.  As they rode, Caligula continued the conversation.

"Yes, everything is fine--aside from the fact that Tiberius doesn't like me, that is.  He's mounted a campaign against me, but I’m not worried.  I shall still have the throne, despite his efforts."

“And I shall help, my friend."

Gius Caligula laughed a big hearty laugh.  "You don't know how glad I am to hear you say that, my friend.  I have already planned for a sort of informal dinner for my friends and potential backers for tomorrow night.  I invited only those whom I know are at least leaning toward my side.  I want you to be there and help to get the ball rolling, so to speak."

"You can count on it."