It is reasonable to assume that this reference and the numerous references in the New Testament have some basis in
human events.
Few consortiums in the region had the means and ability to orchestrate the documented miracles.
Probably only one consortium had the means and ability to feed four and five thousand people
in remote areas.
Rome was well versed at feeding legions in the field.
One miracle directly involves and was initiated by a Roman centurion.
Could one man alone pull off numerous and sometimes complicated miracles? – Highly doubtful.
Could such miracles be orchestrated with the backing of a powerful organization? – Yes. Some may not like this answer, but
with Rome’s power and human ingenuity, such feats could have been possible. There are countless modern-day examples where thousands
of people fall for orchestrated miracles.
Were the people of Judea hungry for miraculous works from God (i.e. vulnerable to believing godly explanations)? – Yes. They
were an oppressed people searching for deliverance from Roman occupation. It is well documented that numerous messiahs came and went
during that time period.
Was Rome shrewd enough to take advantage of such vulnerability? – Unmistakably, yes.
