Atomic Bible

Roman emperor during Jesus' ministry and death

Tiberius

Named in 12 verses across 4 books, first in Matthew 22:17.

ΤιβέριοςTiberius

ΚαῖσαρCaesar

Also called Caesar.

The name means “the son of Tiber.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869

About Tiberius Written by AI

Tiberius, also referred to as Caesar, was the Roman emperor during the ministry and death of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in several passages in the Gospels and once in the Book of Acts (Luke 3:1; Matthew 22:17 to 21; Mark 12:14 to 17; Luke 20:22 to 25; John 19:12). Tiberius ruled from 14 to 37 AD, succeeding Augustus. His reign provided the historical and political context for the events of the New Testament. In Luke 3:1, Tiberius is mentioned to date the beginning of John the Baptist's ministry. The Gospels also record Jesus' response to the question of paying taxes to Caesar (Tiberius), affirming the legitimacy of secular authority while prioritizing obedience to God (Matthew 22:17 to 21; Mark 12:14 to 17; Luke 20:22 to 25). During Jesus' trial, the Jewish leaders accused him of opposing payment of taxes to Caesar and claiming to be a king, which Pontius Pilate recognized as a challenge to Tiberius' authority (Luke 23:2; John 19:12). Tiberius' reign was marked by growing unrest in Judea, leading to the appointment of Pontius Pilate as governor. The New Testament portrays Tiberius as the embodiment of secular power, contrasting with Jesus' spiritual authority.

Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.

GenesisMatthewRevelation

Where the Bible names him

  1. Matthew 22:17

    So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

  2. Matthew 22:21

    “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

  3. Mark 12:14

    “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?”

  4. Mark 12:16

    So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered.

  5. Mark 12:17

    Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him.

  6. Luke 3:1

    In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,

  7. Luke 20:22

    Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

  8. Luke 20:24

    “Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they answered.

  9. Luke 20:25

    So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

  10. Luke 23:2

    And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”

  11. John 19:12

    From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”

  12. John 19:15

    At this, they shouted, “Away with Him! Away with Him! Crucify Him!” “Shall I crucify your King?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” replied the chief priests.

From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.