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

The dungeon was dark and dank, just like the one into which Herod had thrown the Baptist years earlier.  The irony of the situation was not lost of the king.  "Well," he ventured, "perhaps we are paying now for our earlier sins."

But Herodius, always positive, encouraged him.  "You can't think like that Herod, dear.  We'll get out of this soon.  He can't hold us here like this for long, even if he is the emperor.  We have certain rights."

"You mean like the rights I gave the Baptist?  I just hope we don't end like him."

"Will you stop thinking about John!  That's done and over with.  We just have to pray to the almighty that we get out of here safe and sound."

"Oh, now you want to talk about praying.  When did you ever pray before in your life?  And do you think God would really hear us if we did pray.  You know the Baptist was right--we are living in sin."

"Oh, Herod, for crying out loud!  Can't you just forget the Baptist?"

“I thought I had, but being thrown in here has brought it all back."

"Well just put it of your mind, will y'!  Let's try to get some rest.  I’m tired."

“I don’t know if I can rest--don't know how I’ll sleep in this place."

"Well, come here and let's sin some more.  Maybe that will help."

************

Two days later the cell door opened and there stood Caligula, Agrippa and four guards.      Caligula cleared his throat and said sarcastically, "good-day your majesties.  It is our studied opinion that for your inefficiency in office and your blatant high treason you be banished to the isle of Gaul.  There is a ship leaving in half an hour.  Guards, take them to the docks."  During this speech, Agrippa, was silent but smiling from ear to ear.

"What?" yelled Herod Antipas.  "You can't do this!  This is an outrage!"

Caligula laughed “I can do anything I want.  I’m the emperor, or did you forget that?"

Herod pointed to Agrippa.  "He put you up to this, didn't he?"

"Does it matter?  It's still my decision in the end.  Off with you, then."  He motioned to the guards to escort them.  The guards took them by the arms, one on each side of each. 

They walked in silence to the docks.  Then Herod said "well it could have been worse.  Gaul is not really that bad this time of year I hear."

"Yes," she replied, "but we are banished forever.  You'll never reign as king again."

“I know--I was trying not to think of that.  And my no-good nephew will no doubt take over my territory."