The Emperor might be enraged with him for not having executed his orders at once; again, he might conceivably convince him. If Gaius still adhered to his original mad resolution, he (Petronius) would then make war on the Jews without further delay. But if, after all, his anger was partly directed against himself, to die for so vast a multitude of one's fellow-creatures was honourable in the eyes of those who aspired to heroism.[1] He decided accordingly to give way to the appeal. . . .
Petronius informs the petitioners of his intention to write to
Gaius.
After this speech Petronius dismissed the assembled
Jews, bidding those in authority to see that agricultural
operations were resumed and to conciliate the people
with hopes of a successful issue. But now, while he was
doing his best to cheer the multitude, God made known
to Petronius His presence[2] and assistance in furthering
the whole scheme. For no sooner had he ended his
address to the Jews than God forthwith sent a great rain.
This was contrary to general expectation, as the morning
of that day had been fine and the sky showed no sign of a
shower; moreover, the whole year had been subject to
such drought as to make men despair of any rainfall even
when they saw the heavens overcast. So, when now at
length there came a great downpour, contrary to experience
and to all expectation, the Jews had hopes of
Petronius's success in his petition on their behalf, while
Petronius was astounded when he saw God's evident care
for the Jews, and how He had given so signal a manifestation
of Himself as to leave even those who had intended to
defy Him openly no possibility of contradiction. . . .); the Gr. MSS have
"frankness" ([Greek: parrêsian]).]
