A Question From Readers: Who Were the Benefactors of Whom Jesus Spoke on the Evening Before His Death, and Why Were They Given That Title?

On the evening before his death, Jesus counseled his apostles not to seek a position of prominence among their fellow believers.  He told them:  "The Kings of the nations lord it over them, and those having authority over them are called Benefactors. You, though, are not to be that way." - Luke 22:25. 26.

Who were the Benefactors to whom Jesus referred?  Inscriptions, coins, and writings reveal that it was a custom in Greek and Roman societies to honor eminent men and rulers with the title of Euergetes, or Benefactor.  This honor was given because such men had rendered some valuable public service.

A number of kings bore the title Benefactor. Among these were Egyptian rulers known as Ptolemy III Euergetes (c. 247-222 B.C.E.) and Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II (c. 147-14  C.E.) Roman rulers, Julius Caesar (48-44  B.C.E.) and Augustus ( 31 B.C.E. -14 C.E.) also bore the title, as did Herod the Great, king of Judea.  In Herod's case, the honor was probably earned when he imported wheat to relieve a famine among his people and provided clothes for the needy. 

According to German Bible scholar Adolf Deissmann, the use of the title Benefactor was widespread. He noted:  "It would not be difficult to collect from inscriptions, with very little loss of time, over a hundred instances  [of the use of this title]." 

Next time: A Question From Readers:  Conclusion of Who Were the Benefactors of Whom Jesus Spoke on the Evening Before His Death, and Why Were They Given That Title?

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