Chapter SixteenNine weeks later
Three weeks after Pentecost 94 AD.
Kicking a pebble and skipping gleefully, Benjamin wore a wide grin, completely unconcerned about the state of the hem of his pale robe as he capered along the dusty track back to Ephesus his walking pole over his shoulders. Four days ago, his father had entrusted him with negotiating a shipment of fine quality olive oil from a farm in the south of the country. Herodian, the agent he had dealt with, had haggled enough to give Benjamin a sense of satisfaction at closing the deal within the price range his father had suggested. However, there was more to his joy than that success. His route home had taken him past the farm of Levi ben Nathan, who had purchased the lamps and oil for his son Chanan’s wedding. Benjamin’s memori
