In the terrible wars between the first Caesar and his great enemies, a Messala had been the friend of Brutus.

After Philippi, without sacrifice of his honor, he and the conqueror became reconciled.

Yet later, when Octavius disputed for the empire, Messala supported him.

Octavius, as the Emperor Augustus, remembered the service, and showered the family with honors.

Among other things, Judea being reduced to a province, he sent the son of his old client or retainer to Jerusalem, charged with the receipt and management of the taxes levied in that region; and in that service the son had since remained, sharing the palace with the high-priest.