Page "Historical background of New Testament" Paragraph 51

This revolt ended in 135 when Bar Kochba and his army were defeated.

According to a midrash, in addition to Bar Kochba the Romans tortured and executed ten leading members of the Sanhedrin ( the " Ten Martyrs ").

This account also claims this was belated repayment for the guilt of the ten brothers who kidnapped Joseph.

It is possible that this account represents a Pharisaic response to the Christian account of Jesus ' crucifixion ; in both accounts the Romans brutally punish rebels, who accept their torture as atonement for the crimes of others.