Page 337 - Bible History

Money
to certain men who were called publicans. The publi­ cans tried to enrich themselves at the expense of the Jews. They oppressed the people and forced them to pay as large a tax as possible. The people hated the publicans, not only hecause they oppressed them but also because they were a constant reminder of the fact that the Jews were no longer an independent nation, but were under the domination of a 'foreign power. Most of all, they despised those publicans who were Jews, for they considered them traitors to their nation.
Roman money was generally used in Palestine. The smallest Roman coin was the quadrans, worth one­ half a cent; the next was the as, worth two cents; the sesterce, worth ve cents; the denarius worth twenty cents. This is the coin that is called a penny in the Gospel. It took four Roman denarii to make one Jewish shekel. Greek coins were also in use in Pales­ tine. A Greek stater was worth eighty cents, the same amount as the Jewish shekel. The Greek drachma was equal to the denarius. The didrachma was worth forty cents. These are the coins which were entrusted to Judas for the support of the Apostles. The talent mentioned in the Gospel was equivalent to three thou­ sand shekels, or about twenty-four hundred dollars.
310 CHRIST PREPARES TO REDEEM THE WO D
Between the Antonia and the Temple was a large square or court called Gabbatha. It was in this square that the procur or met the people on certain occasions.
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The Jews were compelled to pay taxes to Rome.