It was not only in the capital of the Empire that the Jews enjoyed the rights of Roman

citizenship. Many in Asia Minor could boast of the same privilege.1 The Seleucidic rulers of

Syria had previously bestowed kindred privileges on the Jews in many places. Thus, they

possessed in some cities twofold rights: the status of Roman and the privileges of Asiatic,

citizenship. Those who enjoyed the former were entitled to a civil government of their own,

under archons of their choosing, quite independent of the rule and tribunals of the cities in which

they lived. As instances, we may mention the Jews of Sardis, Ephesus, Delos, and apparently

also of Antioch. But, whether legally entitled to it or not, they probably everywhere claimed the

right of self-government, and exercised it, except in times of persecution. But, as already stated,

they also possessed, besides this, at least in many places, the privileges of Asiatic citizenship, to

the same extent as their heathen fellow-citizens. This twofold status and jurisdiction might have

led to serious complications, if the archons had not confined their authority to strictly communal

interests,2 without interfering with the ordinary administration of justice, and the Jews willingly

submitted to the sentences pronounced by their own tribunals.

But, in truth, they enjoyed even more than religious liberty and communal privileges. It was quite

in the spirit of the times, that potentates friendly to Israel bestowed largesses alike on the

Temple in Jerusalem, and on the Synagogues in the provinces. The magnificent porch of the

Temple was `adorned' with many such `dedicated gifts.' Thus, we read of repeated costly

offerings by the Ptolemies, of a golden wreath which Sosius offered after he had taken

Jerusalem in conjunction with Herod, and of rich flagons which Augustus and his wife had given

to the Sanctuary.3 And, although this same Emperor praised his grandson for leaving Jerusalem

unvisited on his journey from Egypt to Syria, yet he himself made provision for a daily sacrifice

on his behalf, which only ceased when the last war against Rome was proclaimed.4 Even the

circumstance that there was a `Court of the Gentiles,' with marble screen beautifully

ornamented, bearing tablets which, in Latin and Greek, warned Gentiles not to proceed further,5

proves that the Sanctuary was largely attended by others than Jews, or, in the words of

Josephus, that `it was held in reverence by nations from the ends of the earth.'6