The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Vol 1 - Predestination

In trying to pictnre to ourselves New Testament
scenes, the figure OHAP. most prominent, next to
those of the chief actors, is that of the Scribe ^^^^
(ifilOi ypofAfianvfj lUeratua). He seems
ubiquitous; we meet him in Jerusilemy in Judaea,
and even in Galilee.* Indeed, he is indispens- \^
^^^ ^ able, not only in Babylon, which may have
been the birthplace of his order, but among the ^
^peraion' also.^ EyeryiYhere he appears as
^ja$.Ani, the mouthpiece and representative of the
people; he pushes to the bs.u.s ' front, the crowd
respectfully giving way, and eagerly hauging on his
utterances, aa those of a recognised authority. He
has been solemnly ordained by the laying on of
hands; and is the Bdbbiy^ ^ my great one,' Master,
amplitudo. He puts questions; he urges objections;
he expects full explanations and respectftd
demeanour. Indeed, his hyper-ingenuity in
questioning haa become a proverb. There is not
measure of his dignity, nor yet limit to his
importance. He is the
* lawyer,' ® the * well-plastered pit,' filled with