[Greek] σπεκουλάτωρ (spekoulatōr), [Latin] speculator; scout, executioner, military scout, guard, body guard, attendant, investigator, courier, messenger, soldier, watcher, spy, lookout officer, imperial guard; Mk.6:27
In return for representing the interests of the Roman Empire, King Herod was provided with a contingent of Roman soldiers
Background Information:
Peter and Mark: Historical and scriptural evidence indicates that Peter and Mark worked together in ministry. Biblical scholars believe that 1 Peter was written before 62-64 AD. Peter and Mark were both in Rome at this time. Peter was eventually martyred around 64 AD by the Emperor Nero. In 1 Pet.5:13 Peter lovingly refers to Mark as his son. Essentially, Mark was a disciple, apprentice, interpreter, and scribe for Peter. Later, Mark’s gospel provides an accurate and faithful record of Peter’s teachings.
Mark’s Gospel: Mark wrote his gospel primarily to the Roman and Gentile audience. Mark was very familiar with the Roman culture. Written around 70 AD, this gospel provides a blunt and realistic picture that Christians may face struggles and persecution. Mark essentially says, “Look, folks, it’s not going to be easy being a Christian.” There are frequent references to Latinisms, which are Greek spellings of Latin words. The Latin speculator comes from the Greek spekoulator.
Roman Empire: King Herod was a Roman-appointed king of Judea. He was expected to support the interests of his Roman patrons. In return, he received a contingent of 2000 soldiers, including a personal military guard. This contingent was based on the model of the Pretorian Guard, formed of elite soldiers in Italy. This guard customarily surrounded Herod during public functions (ceremonies, public events, and banquets). There was an ever-constant tension between the Roman Empire and the growing Christian sect.
Roman guard: In addition to guarding King Herod, the soldiers took on several functions and roles: scout, watchman, guard, attendant, courier, spy, and executioner. Herod had already arrested John the Baptist and put him in prison. Herod still feared John, despite his being in prison. Salome, Herodias’s daughter, danced for Herod. In return, Herod granted her anything she asked. Salome asked for John’s head on a platter. Because he did not want to break his promise to her, Herod later ordered his guard to kill (behead) John.
Scripture:
“So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. The soldier went off and beheaded him in prison.” Mk. 6:27
The Roman guards, in addition to guarding King Herod, were expected to perform various activities such as an executioner.
Conclusion:
Speculator, speculation, speculate
Although indirectly related to this term, the background of Peter and Mark provides an important insight into their understanding of Roman culture. Some non-Catholics speculate that Peter never was in Rome, in the first place. In 1 Pet. 5:13, Peter makes reference to ‘the chosen one at Babylon’. This phrase refers to the Christian community in Rome. Peter couldn’t very well say, ‘Here I am with the Christians in Rome.’ Babylon seems to be an appropriate term for Rome! Because of the persecution of these Christians in Rome, Peter had to use code words. Not surprisingly, Peter was eventually martyred in Rome. This also provides the background and context for Mark’s gospel.
Mark was writing to the Christians who were facing persecution and struggles. I think Mark was able to show a unique insight into Herod’s motives. As one already familiar with Roman culture and society, Mark understood Herod’s complicated position as a Roman appointed king who needed to keep the peace with the Christians in Judea. Mark mentions that Herod was distressed about keeping his word to his guests. Perhaps Herod’s need to save political “face” was stronger than his fear of John the Baptist.
It is also interesting to note that these early military guards performed a vast array of functions, similar to today’s military services and armed forces. Unfortunately, sometimes this includes killing and executing, depending on one’s geography or ideology in the world today. Now this term primarily takes on a financial sense (finance, stocks, derivatives, bonds, and commodities). This sense first appears in 1778. It is interesting to note how the term’s meaning has changed over time. This meaning changes over time from a strict observer to one who contemplates what they observe to one who contemplates and acts on what they observe. Today this could be a Navy Seal or a Wall Street financial analyst.