Eusebius: Ecclesiastical History, Books I–X

Chapter II.—How Tiberius was affected when informed by Pilate concerning Christ.

1. And when the wonderful resurrection and ascension of our Saviour were already noised abroad, in accordance with an ancient custom which prevailed among the rulers of the provinces, of reporting to the emperor the novel occurrences which took place in them, in order that nothing might escape him, Pontius Pilate informed Tiberius ^{Edition note 1} of the reports which were noised abroad through all Palestine concerning the resurrection of our Saviour Jesus from the dead.

2. He gave an account also of other wonders which he had learned of him, and how, after his death, having risen from the dead, he was now believed by many to be a God. ^{Edition note 2} They say that Tiberius referred the matter to the Senate, ^{Edition note 3} but that they rejected it, ostensibly because they had not first examined into the matter (for an ancient law prevailed that no one should be made a God by the Romans except by a vote and decree of the Senate), but in reality because the saving teaching of the divine Gospel did not need the confirmation and recommendation of men.

3. But although the Senate of the Romans rejected the proposition made in regard to our Saviour, Tiberius still retained the opinion which he had held at first, and contrived no hostile measures against Christ. ^{Edition note 4}

4. These things are recorded by Tertullian, ^{Edition note 5} a man well versed in the laws of the Romans, ^{Edition note 6} and in other respects of high repute, and one of those especially distinguished in Rome. ^{Edition note 7} In his apology for the Christians, ^{Edition note 8} which was written by him in the Latin language, and has been translated into Greek, ^{Edition note 9} he writes as follows: ^{Edition note 10}

5. “But in order that we may give an account of these laws from their origin, it was an ancient decree ^{Edition note 11} that no one should be consecrated a God by the emperor until the Senate had expressed its approval. Marcus Aurelius did thus concerning a certain idol, Alburnus. ^{Edition note 12} And this is a point in favor of our doctrine, ^{Edition note 13} that among you divine dignity is conferred by human decree. If a God does not please a man he is not made a God. Thus, according to this custom, it is necessary for man to be gracious to God.

6. Tiberius, therefore, under whom the name of Christ made its entry into the world, when this doctrine was reported to him from Palestine, where it first began, communicated with the Senate, making it clear to them that he was pleased with the doctrine. ^{Edition note 14} But the Senate, since it had not itself proved the matter, rejected it. But Tiberius continued to hold his own opinion, and threatened death to the accusers of the Christians.” ^{Edition note 15} Heavenly providence had wisely instilled this into his mind in order that the doctrine of the Gospel, unhindered at its beginning, might spread in all directions throughout the world.