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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comFausset Bible Dictionary: Procurator
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"governor"; Greek heegemoon in New Testament, more strictly epitropos. Used of Pontius Pilate, Felix, and Festus (Matthew 27; Acts 23; 24; ). (See PONTIUS PILATE.) Legates governed the imperial provinces, with term of office subject to the emperor's will. They had six lictors, the military dress and sword (Dion Cass. 53:13). Procurators administered for the emperor's treasury (fiscus) the revenues. In smaller provinces as Judaea, attached to larger as Syria, the procurator had the judicial junctions as "president," subordinate to the chief president over Syria.
Caesarea was the head quarters of the procurator of Judaea (), where he had his judgment seat () in the audience chamber (), assisted by a council () whom he cousulted in difficult cases. He had a bodyguard of soldiers (). He visited Jerusalem at the great feasts, when riots were frequent, and resided in Herod's palace, where was the proetorium ("judgment hall," ; "common hall," ; ).