Messala returns to Jerusalem to become commander of the Roman Legion there. He meets a childhood friend, Prince Judah Ben-Hur, who is the richest man in the city. Massala asks him to put down a possible rebellion by the Jews. Ben-Hur refuses and is sentenced to be a galley slave. After three years on the galleys, he saves the life of Commander Quintus Arrius during a sea battle and is given his freedom, though not allowed to return to Judea. He becomes an expert chariot racer and is rewarded by being named Arrius' heir. He is able to return to Judea, where he challenges Messala to a chariot race to the death. While all this is happening, the story of Jesus Christ is being told in the background.