1.2 The World of the first century and its significance to Jesus Flashcards
The world of the first century and the significance of this context for the life and work of Jesus a) Religious groups in Palestine. b) Hellenism. c) Roman occupation. d) The role and impact of these influences on legal and ethical dimensions of life in first-century Palestine and the relationship of Jesus’ life and work to these influences.
1
Q
What defined the people of Israel?
A
- Jews believed that God chose the people and the land of Israel
- The covenant in Genesis promised the Jews the land of Israel and many descendents.
- The Later revelation of the Law of Moses showed the JEws how the covenant was to be kept.
- Through these covenants the unique and divine nature of both the people and land were established
2
Q
What was the kingdom of Israel?
A
- Land of Canaan was promised by God
- 1020-928 BCE was ruled by David and known as the golden era in Judaism. Jeruselam establisjed as the capital.
- 928-586 BCE prophets were the ones to remind people of their covenant with God
- 586 BCE Jeruselam fell to the Babylonians and the Temple was destroyed, Jews went into exile
3
Q
What was the exile of the Jews?
A
- when Jews were exiled from Israel
- Religion transformed from one of a nation centered on the temple to one rooted in everyday life
- origin of many beliefs and practices of Judaism
- In 539 BCE the persians conquered Babylonia and allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the temple
4
Q
How did the Greek empire relate to the Jews?
A
- for 400yrs after 539 BCE The Jews were allowed to live peacefully under the rule of persia and Greece
- 175 BCE Antiochus IV came to power and forced hellenisation on Jews- Jews not allowed to practice Judaism
- Maccabean revolt in 167 BCE where Jews succeeded and had a period of self rule
5
Q
How did Roman ocupation effect the Jews?
A
- Ended their independence as 2 Jewish families argued over who could rule and they appealed to the Roman General of Pompey
- He ended up invading Jeruselam
6
Q
How was Palestine governed?
A
- During the Roman occupation Palestine was semi-independent
- The romans appointed jewish leaders but allowed a certain amount of autonomy
7
Q
Who were the key people and what were the turning points for the life and work of Jesus?
A
- Pompey appointed Hyrcanus II as high priest and was seen as emperor of the Jews
- Antipater was appointed as a ‘govenor’, who appointed his 2 sons as govenors, one Herod (the great) of Galilee who fled to rome and was appointed as King of Judah
- After herod dies Augustus appoints his son to govern Palestine. Archelaus to Judea was replaced by Pontius Pilate was the fifth prefect
- Herod Antipas to Galilee, a client king, governed from 4 BCE to 30BCE and cooperated with the Romans. He was a client king
- Emperor Augustus (27BCE- 14 CE)
- Emperor Tiberius (14-37CE)- appointed Pilate
8
Q
What was the impact of Roman rule on life during the time of Jesus?
A
- Herod Antipas ruled Galilee, and there is no suggestion that he tried to impose the Greek or Roman way of life. Jews maintained their way of life- Jesus attended synagogues and festivals
- Judea was governed by the Romans through a prefect. The prefect did not interfere with daily Jewish life. The prefect and his troops would go to Jerusalem for major festivals and were known to cause trouble. Day to day life was ruled by village elders. Only the prefect could sentence anyone to death. Jersalem was ruled by the high priest and the Sanhedrin
9
Q
What did the elders do?
A
Originated around the time of the Exile when the rich, educated families took control when there was no priesthood. Sometimes referred to as lay nobility or community leaders.
10
Q
What was the high priest?
A
In the 1st century he had a political and religious role. He was the most eminent person of the nation, who represented the people to the Romans in the absence of the King. Could make atonement for the sins of the nation and was the only one allowed to enter the Holy of Holies in the temple.
11
Q
What was the Sanhedrin?
A
The supreme high council or court in Jersalem, made up of 71 priests, scribes and elders. High priest served as the leader. Allowed to pass Jewish law but not condemn death.
12
Q
What were the Pharisees?
A
- Though to have originated during the time of hellenisation of the Jews
- Aimed to preserve adherence to the Law under te threat of assimilation
- Laymen and scribes, influential among ordinary Jews and prominent in synagogues
- Believed in written law needing to be applied to new situations, Oral law developed- made God’s will and temple purity applicable to everyday life
- Influential in religious affairs not political
13
Q
What were the Sadducees?
A
- Wanted to preserve the Jewish faith but for them it meant a faith centered on temple
- Viewed as a ‘back to basics’ party, believed only in written law and rejected all beliefs about life after death
- Small but influential, consisting mainly of priests in the temple and wealthy families
- High priest and many of the Sanhedrin were Sadducees
- Had more political power than the Pharisees
- Controlled the temple and its revenue
14
Q
What were the Zealots?
A
- Beliefs were closely aligned to the Pharisees’ but strongly believed in the Kingship of God and were not willing to accept any earthly ruler
- They were more of a political movement and drew support from Pharisees, Essenes and general populace
- Often described as ‘freedom fighters’ they wanted to end Roman rule as it went against God
- Opposed the Pharisees and the Sadducees
- Their defence of Masada led to them fighting to the death
15
Q
What were the Essenes?
A
- Different to the other groups as they lived in communities separated from the rest of society
- They wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls
- led a monastic type of lie in the Judean desert, male community was celibate
- saw themselves as the ‘Sons of Light’ and awaited a final battle of darkness
- Hoped for a priestly messiah who would restore the temple
- Apocolyptic writings
