New Testament Backgrounds

Question 0

Hellenistic period

Answer 0

Alexander the Great conquers Persia
After his death, Israel becomes part of Ptolemaic empire then Seleucid empire.
Antiochus Epiphanes wants to destroy Judaism.

Question 1

Persian period

Answer 1

Ruled by high priests
Little interference from Persia
Synagogue becomes major place of worship

Question 2

Hasmonean period

Answer 2

Judas Maccabaeus revolts
Temple rededicated
Maccabees establish new Jewish state
Pharisees and Sadducees emerge as Jewish sects

Question 3

Roman period

Answer 3

Civil war among Hasmoneans
Pompey annexes Jewish state in 63 BCE
Jews live under roman rul

Question 4

Social system

Answer 4

Economic disparities
Jewish community relied upon well defined purity boundaries
Patron client relationship: powerful help client, who honor patron
Honor and shame: avoiding shame is important

Question 5

Herodian reign

Answer 5

Herod the great- roman client king
Known for being a great builder and a Hellenistic
Herod who reigned at Jesus’ birth
After death, Rome divided kingdom between 3 sons

Question 6

Herod Archelaus

Answer 6

Mt 2- who Jesus’ parents were afraid of

Question 7

Herod Antipas

Answer 7

Beheaded John the Baptist

Question 8

Zealots

Answer 8

Sought to overthrow Rome
Violent
As a result of revolt in 66 AD, Jewish temple destroyed and suicide at Masada occurs

Question 9

Essenes

Answer 9

Jewish ascetics
Inhabited Qumran and are source of dead see scrolls?
Communal living
Did not support rebellion, but were rather children of light in a world of darkness

Question 10

Sadducees

Answer 10

Wealthy and dominated priestly class in Judaea
Rejected idea of afterlife, the resurrection, or angels
Rejected oral traditions, but should strictly adhere to prophets

Question 11

Pharisees

Answer 11

Religious conservatives, want faithful observance of Torah and faithfulness of God
Oppose Sadducees
Rely on oral tradition
Evolved into rabbinic Judaism