There exists many resonances between the inscription about Augustus on Priene and the retelling of Jesus' birth in Luke 1-2. Both births and the blessing's that will come were told by a religious authority; Augustus' by the high priest Apollonius of Menophilus Azanitus and Jesus' the Angel Gabriel. They told of the good fortunes that were to come and the restoration of order in society. Specifically, the inscription said the Augustus would end the war and the Bible claims that Jesus will deliver them out of the hands of evil. The most specific mention of a gospel term was Savior. Each text claims that their people will be saved not only during the current generation but those to come. However, an important distinction to make is that Jesus' offers salvation in the next life not just here on earth. Jesus' will not only correct the world, but remit their sins. Augustus, an earthly king, can only solve societal matters.
It's interesting to see the two comparisons between the texts, but also the contrast within the Bible itself. We have been studying emperor worship and I have voiced how it is hard for me to imagine worshiping a earthly ruler but the inscription and it's mirroring of our christian image of Jesus Christ makes me understand how it was possible.
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