Unit 1-IT & Historical Background Flashcards
When the Jewish tribes split up from one nation, who secondly conquered the northern kingdom?
The Babylonians
Who did the Babylonians conquer with the Jews when they took over the northern kingdom?
The Assyrians
What nation conquered the southern kingdom of Judah?
The Babylonians
After the Assyrians, what nation took over both kingdoms of Judah and EXILED the Jews?
The Babylonians
What nation/people took control from the Babylonians?
The Persians
Who allowed some Jews back and able to worship under their rule after the Babylonians?
The Persians
What nation’s take-over marked the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the Intertestamental Period?
The Persians
How long was the Intertestamental Period?
400 years
What is the intertestamental period?
A gap of time between the Old and New Testament records from the Bible
What ruler came to power during the intertestamental period and conquered the Middle East by defeating the Persians?
Alexander the Great
What did Alexander the Great’s come to power, and thus rule of Greece-Macedonia, mean for the Jews?
The Greeks absorbed/took over the Jews and Alexander wanted to impose upon them (and all other conquered peoples) the Greek way of life.
What is Hellenism?
Greek culture
What is Hellenization?
The spread of Greek culture (both inside and outside of Palestine), including especially the Greek language, so as to mix w/other cultures
What are 5 features of hellenization?
- Gymnasiums
- Guilds
- Stadiums
- Theatres
- Language
What were features/influences of gymnasiums in culture?
- training center for athletes
- social center
- no dress code
What, for the Jews, was wrong with the gymnasiums?
No dress code; it was a symbol of shame and undermined Jewish values (think back to Genesis)
What were features/influences of the guilds in culture?
- clubs, esp. emphasizing services
- very discriminatory to certain statuses
- often invited to different pagan worships/practices
What, for the Jews, was wrong with the guilds?
Created moral problems for them, esp. regarding status discrimination and pagan practices
What were features/influences of the stadiums in culture?
Sports (on mass)
What, for the Jews, was wrong with the stadiums?
Jewish men would (basically) skip church to go see sports
{*modern much?}
What were features/influences of the theatres in culture?
- could emphasize (and expose) Greek EVERYTHING
- media’s influences {*also very modern)
What, for the Jews, was wrong with the theatres?
- emphasizing Green everything included Greek religion, immoral themes, etc.
- created the danger of forming immoral themes into reality instead of just virtual reality
What were features/influences of the language in culture?
-universal language = less communication issues
What, for the Palistinian and Orthodox Jews, was wrong with the language change?
Hebrew was seen as sacred; Greek was not
What was Alexander the Great’s importance to cultural blending?
He created the universal language, so by the time Christ comes Greek is the common language, which mean less communication issues for disciples and movement of Gospel.
When the Jewish tribes split up from one nation, who first conquered the northern kingdom?
The Assyrians
How many cities did Alexander found and model after Green style?
70
What happened/mixed to produce a Hellenistic style?
Alexander and his soldiers marrying oriental women = Greek and oriental cultures mixing to produce Hellenistic culture.
What were the main parts of Alexander’s divided empire?
- Macedon(ia)
- Asia (Mid-East=modern Turkey, etc.)
- Egypt
Two of Alexander’s divided parts “became important for NT historical background.” What were they?
The Ptolemaic Empire and The Seleucid Empire
Where was The Ptolemaic Empire centered and what was its capital?
Egypt; Alexandria
The series of rulers who governed the Ptolemaic Empire were called what?
Ptolemies (after the name of the first ruler, Ptolemy)
Who was the last ruler of The Ptolemaic Empire?
Cleopatra
Where did the Seleucid Empire center and what was its capital?
Syria; Antioch
What two things were rulers of the Seleucid Empire called and named after? What are they called together?
Some = Seleucus (after first ruler) Others = Antiochus (after capital city) Together = Seleucids
When/why did the Seleucid Empire come to an end?
when the Roman general Pompey made Syria a roman province
What nation was “sandwiched” between Egypt and Syria, thus between the Ptolemies and Seleucids?
Palestine
Why was Palestine wanted by both the Ptolemies and the Seleucids?
They both wanted to collect taxes from Palestinians and make it a buffer zone against attack from the other.
Out of the Ptolemies and Seleucids, who kept rule over Jews for about 100 years? How well did the Jews fare?
Ptolemies; well, Ptolemies were very tolerant of Jews and their practices
Under Ptolemaic rule (Ptolemy Philadelphus), what does tradition say 72 Jewish scholars accomplished?
beginning to translate the Hebrew OT into a Greek version
What was the Greek translation of the Hebrew OT called?
The Septuagint
Greek translation of what in the Septuagint came first?
The Pentateuch (remaining sections came later)
What is the Pentateuch?
The first 5 books of the Old Testament
Why were Jews a “mixed bag” ?
Throughout IP, Jews who returned from exile TRIED to be very conservative. Scattered Jews, those outside of Palestine, were much more open to Hellenistic influences/practices (for ex. many of them now ONLY speak Greek and not Hebrew)
Why did the Old Testament need to be translated?
Many scattered Jews (those outside of Palestine) forgot Hebrew and only spoke Greek after Hellenism.
When did the Seleucids finally succeed in gaining Palestine?
Antiochus 3rd defeated Egypt
During the IP, who were the Jews ruled by?
Persians at end of OT, then Greek, Egyptians, and Syrians
What struggle came after Syrian rule of Jews?
Maccabean
What ruler made a bad example of Jews w/forced hellenization and led a Jewish revolt?
Antiochus 4th
Antiochus 4th sought not only to undermine Jewish culture, but their what?
Religion
What title did Antiochus 4th give himself, and what does it mean?
Antiochus Epiphanes; it is a claim for divine status
What ruler shut down the Temple, and thus Jewish sacrificial practices/rights/freedoms?
Antiochus Epiphanes
What did the shutting down of the Temple mean for Jews?
They couldn’t get to God.
What was set up in place of the Temple and by whom?
A pagan altar to Zeus; Antiochus Epiphanes
Who first makes Jews worship pagan gods during the IP, and forbids other practices such as circumcision, festivals, Sabbath keeping, etc.?
Antiochus Epiphanes
Who did Antiochus Epiphanes make High Priest?
Menelaus, who may not have belonged to a priestly family
What does “Hasidim” mean and who were they?
“Pure Ones” ; they were very pious Jews who had the idea of settling apart from the world and remaining Holy
Where did the catalyst for the Maccabean revolt begin?
Modein
What is the story of the catalyst for the Maccabean revolt?
A Jewish priest named Mattathias refused to offer a pagan sacrifice, and then killed another Jew who was going to comply. Mat also killed the soldier enforcing it, broke the altar, and fled to the mountains with his 5 sons and other sympathizers, forming a basic guerrilla force.
Who did the Hasidim join to revolt?
The Hasmoneans/Maccabees
Where did the name The Maccabees come from and what had it meant?
Mat’s son Judas’s nickname: “Judas the Maccabee” or Judas Maccabeus and it literally meant “Judas the Hammer”
What other issue did the Maccabean Revolt trigger?
a civil war between pro-Hellenistic and anti-Hellenistic Jews (the struggle cont. even after death of Antiochus Epiphanes)
What year did The Maccabees regain control of Jerusalem?
164 BC (war didn’t end, but this battle/capturing of city was very important)
What was the first thing done by Judas when The Maccabees took back the Jewish temple? What did it symbolize?
1st thing done=lighting lamps and walking through Temple; symbolized the cleansing of the Temple
What is a commemoration of the lighting lamps and walking through the Temple?
Hanukkah
Who of The Maccabees was more influential in gaining Jewish freedom?
Simon (Judas’ bro)
When did Simon begin rule as king, military leader, rep. of the people, etc.?
140 BC
What did Simon become the 1st ruler of in 140 BC? How long did this period of self-rule last?
Hasmonean Dynasty; 77 years
What did the Hasmonean Dynasty (began in 140 BC) end with?
the coming of the Romans
Which brothers especially succeeded Judas Maccabeus in leadership after Judas’ death in battle?
Simon and Jonathon
Why are the Romans able to walk right in, exercise power, and gain control at the end of the HD?
Once the kingdom grew, a civil war broke out between the royal family (Hasmoneans) over land.
What Roman general came in and subjugated Palestine after the HD?
Pompey
What do all the foreign overlords of the IP mean to Jews?
Before Christ, they REALLY wanted a Deliverer
What “puppet ruler” did Pompey set up over Palestine?
Antipater (1/2 Jew and 1/2 Edomite)
Who is Antipater the father of?
Herod the Great (king when Jesus is born)
Who assassinated Pompey?
his rival Julius Caesar (who Antipater successfully transfers allegiance to)
Who assassinated Julius Caesar?
Brutus, Cassius, etc. in the Roman senate (Antipater Faisal to switch his allegiance to B and C)
Who is Antipater killed by, and who is established as King after him?
Brutus and Cassius; his son, Herod
Who killed Brutus and Cassius?
Mark Anthony and Octavian
Who is the first guy Herod the Great supports?
Mark Anthony
Who is the second guy Herod the Gret supports?
Octavian
Who becomes the first Roman Emperor?
Octavian
Who is the Roman ruler (not king over Jerusalem/local ruler) when Jesus is born?
Octavian aka Caesar Augustus
What did Herod the Great’s need to stay on good terms with the Romans entail?
- paying huge amounts of tribute tax
- not really being on good terms w/the Jews
What was the period of relative peace called for Rome during Octavian’s time?
Pax Romana
What were the two kinds of provinces set up by Caesar Augustus (Octavian)?
Senatorial and Imperial
What local ruler tried to impose Hellenization again during Jesus’ time?
Herod the Great
What are some things that Herod the Great did/changed during his rule?
He built a bunch of stuff: for ex. -city of Caesarea -rebuilt Temple (MAJOR reconstruction) He faced a lot: -sales -polls -property
What did the census and property tax mean for certain New Testament people?
It was why Mary and Joseph and to go to Bethlehem.
Who were the Publicani?
Publicans = tax collectors (much despised by Jews)
Who are some Roman emperors mentioned in the book that touched the NT story at various times?
Summary:
Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Vespasian, Titus, Domitian
Info:
Augustus/Octavian- Jesus born, beginning of emperor worship
Tiberius-Jesus publicly ministered and died
Caligula- demanded worship of himself
Claudius- expelled Jewish residents from Rome
Nero- persecuted Christians, under whom Peter and Paul were martyred
Vespasian- father of Titus (who destroyed Jerusalem and Temple in 70 AD)
Titus- ^^, and may have been emperor during time Revelation was written
Domitian- some think persecuted the church and thus provided background for Revelation
Why was Herod the Great disliked by the Jewish people?
- extremely jealous
- high taxes (for building things and tribute to Rome)
- puppet king, great friend of Rome
- not REALLY Jewish (and NOT friend to the Christian movement)
- tries to impose Hellenization again
When does construction begin for Herod the Great rebuilding the Temple?
20 BC
When does Herod the Great die?
4 BC
What were the names of Herod the Great’s three sons who ruled after him?
Herod Antipas, Herod Philip, and Herod Archelaus
What lands did Herod Antipas rule?
Galilee and Perea
What city did Herod Antipas build?
Tiberius (very much like his father in building and immorality)
Who did Herod Antipas marry, and why was it immoral?
Herodius; she was his brother’s wife
What made John the Baptist condemn Herod the Great, and what did this lead to?
Herod marrying Herodius; lead to his death (Herod’s daughter wanting John’s head)
Why does Pilate try to send Jesus to Herod Antipas?
Jesus is from Galilee and H Antipas ruled Galilee and Perea.
What lands did Herod Philip rule?
He ruled lands not really mentioned in the NT.
What city did Herod Philip build and how does it matter to the NT?
Caesarea Philippi; Jesus’ retreat with disciples
What lands did Herod Archelaus rule?
Judea, Samaria, Idumea
What are some things wrong with Herod Archelaus?
- extremely violent
- becomes seen as political liability to Rome
- Emperor removes Archelaus from power
What happens to Judea/H Archelaus’s land after the Emperor takes him out of power?
The Emperor est. it as a Roman province (in 6 AD) to be ruled/governed by Pontius Pilate.
What other notable rulers governed Judea as a Roman province after Pilate?
Felix and Festus- heard Paul’s case (Acts23-26)
Florus- raided the temple treasury (which ignited the Jewish Revolt of AD 66-74…which reached climax of Roman destruction of Jerusalem and Temple in AD70)
Where did Jewish rabbis go to study OT Law after the Romans’ destruction of the Temple in AD70?
They established a school in the Mediterranean coastal town of Jamnia.
Who led the Jewish revolt around AD132?
Bar Kokhba, who many believed was the Messiah
What finally ended Jewish placement in Jerusalem?
The Romans crushed the revolt led by Bar Kokhba in AD135, rebuilt Jerusalem as a Roman city, and forbade Jews to enter it
Which successors of Alexander, based in Egypt, treated Palestinian Jews relatively well?
The Ptolemies
Which successors of Alexander, based in Syria, gained control of Jews and tried to impose Greek culture and religion on them?
Seleucids
What do other texts/resources besides the NT show about Pontius Pilate and his relationships to Jews?
IT WAS BAD
What did Pilate want to build? What did he steal from Jews to do it? What did the Emperor do about it?
Aqueduct; seized $ from Temple; forced Pilate to give $ back to avoid rebellion
stuff like this was common between Pilate and Jewish leaders
How did Pilate eventually lose power?
Rome removed him because of his bad/dangerous relationship with Jews.
Who was Herod Agrippa the 1st?
- grandson of Herod the Great
- arrested Peter, puts other disciples to death
Over 22 years after H Agrippa, how many Procurators are switched out?
7
What were the 2 Jewish revolutionary groups?
Zealots and Sicarii
Which (of main 2 after Agrippa) Jewish revolutionary group led to civil war?
Zealots
What does “Sicarii” mean?
Men of the Dagger
Who was more violent: Zealots or Sicarii?
Sicarii; they were a radicalized form of Zealots who planned ambushes and assassinations
When did the civil/revolutionary war from the Zealots begin and how?
AD66, Jews took over 2 Roman fortresses
What 2 fortresses did Jews take over to start revolutionary war?
Masada (fort that basically controlled Southern entry to Judea) and Antonia (fort in Jerusalem)
What does Rome do in response to the Jewish Revolutionary War and the 2 fortresses being taken back by the Jews?
Nero sends in his generals to subdue the outbreak/maintain/take back peace. Eventually Nero dies and Vespasian has subdued the Jews and is ready to siege/attack Jerusalem, but is called back to be Emperor, so his son Titus continues the war.
Who lays siege on Jerusalem to take it back from the Jews during the JRevWar?
Titus
When does Jerusalem fall to Titus/the Romans? What is left?
AD70; The Wailing Wall; the Temple was never rebuilt again
What did the zealots do when they were finally caught in Masada by the Romans?
They all committed suicide before the Romans came in.
Which emperor ordered a new city to built on top of Jerusalem? When? What was the new city supposed to be called?
Emperor Hadrian; AD130; Aelia Capitolina
What did the building of Hadrian’s new city on top of Jerusalem cause?
another Jewish revolt began in AD132
Who led the Jewish revolt in AD132? What does his name mean?
Simon Bar-Cochba; “son of a star”
When was the Jewish revolt against Emperor Hadrian defeated? What happened to the Jews?
AD135; Jews were expelled from Judea
What are the 3 parts of the Old Testament/Torah?
- law/Pentateuch
- prophets
- writings
What is the Torah?
The Pentateuch
Which of the 3 parts of the OT is seen as most important?
Law/Pentateuch
What is included in “Prophets” in the OT?
the Prophets and the historical writings
What is included in “Writings” in OT?
everything else (if law = Pentateuch and Prophets = historical writings and Prophets) … For ex. Psalms, Proverbs, etc.
Regarding Rabbinic literature, what does Halakah literally mean?
“walking”
What does the Halakah have to do with?
interpreting the Law and its practicality for life (legal side, guarding against breaking Commandments, etc.)
Regarding Rabbinic literature, what does Haggadah literally mean?
“to narrate” or “to explain”
What does Haggadah deal with?
narrative sections of the Torah, ex. story of the Exodus, etc.
The Halakah is primarily orally preserved; what is its written form?
Mishna
What does the Mishna become when it is written down as a collection?
Talmud; basically an Encyclopedia of Mishnaic stories; it is how Jews would’ve interpreted lit. in Jesus’ time
What is the written down and collected form of the Haggadah?
Midrash
What is the name of the “Bible” of the early church and is LXX?
Septuagint (“70”)
What IS the Septuagint?
Greek translation of Hebrew OT, also including additional books written by Jews during IP (Apocrypha); it was very influential and most often quoted by NT writers
Why was the Septuagint named as it was?
because of the legend of # of translators (approx. 70)
What is Apocrypha?
non-canonical works
The Septuagint includes some significant shifts in what?
switching to a Greek worldview
What else are the Qumran Scrolls more commonly know as?
Dead Sea Scrolls
When and how were the Qumran Scrolls discovered?
1947; a shepherd boy threw a rock in a cave to try and get his lost sheep out, and he broke a pottery urn which contained the scrolls (some were copies of OT books, most famous = Isaiah)
When were the Qumran scrolls most likely hidden away in the cave?
probably during the revolution time
Besides OT books, what were some of the Qumran Scrolls?
descriptions of life and community in Qumran, such as monastic Jews
How many Qumran scrolls were found in the cave?
About 800
What are monastic Jews?
men who lived off in isolation from society to study, interpret, and/or translate literature (some think John the Baptist was one of these)
Who was Josephus (Flavius)?
1st century Jewish writer and historian, born probably sometime around the Jewish war (AD73), was a general in JRevoWar
What happened to Josephus during the JRevoWar?
He was captured by Romans, then turned against his own people to help Romans; after JWar he began to write about the time
What is one of Josephus’s most significant works?
The Jewish War
we don’t really have any other writings/information of the time
What was Josephus’s MORE important/significant work?
Antiquities of the Jews
What does Josephus try to make “Antiquities of the Jews” into?
a complete history of Jews up to his time; for Romans, to try and make Jews look better
Which one of Josephus’ writings was basically ‘propaganda’ ? Which one was ‘sanitized history’ ?
Prop= The Jewish War
SanHist= Antiquities of the Jews
(^^He even referenced Christ, even though he was a non-Christian)
Josephus had other writings such as what?
an autobiography
When and where was Philo from?
1st century, Alexandria, Egypt
would’ve read/needed the Sept.
What was the city of Alexandria known for being like?
philosophical, educated
What was Philo known for?
Allegorical exposition writing (using one thing to describe/show something else)
What did Philo use his allegorical exposition writing for?
the OT, looked for deeper meanings (ex. Abraham’s story with Isaac could be obedience focused)
What was Philo trying to show Jews with his writing?
deeper truths of OT to contrast the wave of Greek cultural philosophy
(He even says Greeks were copying those deeper meanings from the Bible.)
How did Philo’s writings help Dispersed Jews?
They could stay committed even when they couldn’t go to the Temple.
What was the significance in Philo’s writings?
- this type of writing sets a precedent for NT writers
- helps us understand how Jesus survived in a hellenistic culture
What did the Jerusalem Temple symbolize?
the Tabernacle that the Jews carried in the wilderness; also that God is not just present but ACCESSIBLE in this place through the sacrificial system
Why is a sacrificial system used in the Temple?
because God is holy and we are not, so to recognize the cost of sin
What was the most important job in the Temple?
Priests (was a hereditary priesthood)
How many courses/family groups was the priesthood divided up into?
24; there were hundreds of priests (ex. Zechariah dad of John the Baptist); priests served in rotation and were not permanently @ Temple
When were sacrifices served in the Temple?
@dawn and @noon
When would all priests be on duty at the Temple?
on certain chief festivals or ‘feast days’ such as Passover, Weeks, Booths, or Dedication (which each commemorate something)
What is the Day of Atonement?
Yom Kippur; day when only high priest can go make sacrifices
What does having only 1 high priest represent?
purity of descent from Aaron, the 1st high priest
What does Passover commemorate?
deliverance out of captivity (out of Egypt)
What does Weeks commemorate?
a harvest festival, similar to original Thanksgiving
What does Booths commemorate?
God’s provision/care during time in wilderness
What else is Booths sometimes called?
Feast of Tabernacles
What does Dedication commemorate?
Hanukkah, when Judas Maccabeas took Temple back
If possible, what are Jews required to do for Pilgrim Feasts?
attend at least 1 in Jerusalem every year
What is and what makes up part of the “Priestly Aristocracy” ?
It consists of men who are descends from aristocratic/wealthy priests; includes the Chief Priests (roughly a group of 12 people) and the High Priest.
Who was Josephus (Flavius)?
1st century Jewish writer and historian, born probably sometime around the Jewish war (AD73), was a general in JRevoWar
What happened to Josephus during the JRevoWar?
He was captured by Romans, then turned against his own people to help Romans; after JWar he began to write about the time
What is one of Josephus’s most significant works?
The Jewish War
we don’t really have any other writings/information of the time
What was Josephus’s MORE important/significant work?
Antiquities of the Jews
What does Josephus try to make “Antiquities of the Jews” into?
a complete history of Jews up to his time; for Romans, to try and make Jews look better
Which one of Josephus’ writings was basically ‘propaganda’ ? Which one was ‘sanitized history’ ?
Prop= The Jewish War
SanHist= Antiquities of the Jews
(^^He even referenced Christ, even though he was a non-Christian)
Josephus had other writings such as what?
an autobiography
When and where was Philo from?
1st century, Alexandria, Egypt
would’ve read/needed the Sept.
What was the city of Alexandria known for being like?
philosophical, educated
What was Philo known for?
Allegorical exposition writing (using one thing to describe/show something else)
What did Philo use his allegorical exposition writing for?
the OT, looked for deeper meanings (ex. Abraham’s story with Isaac could be obedience focused)
What was Philo trying to show Jews with his writing?
deeper truths of OT to contrast the wave of Greek cultural philosophy
(He even says Greeks were copying those deeper meanings from the Bible.)
How did Philo’s writings help Dispersed Jews?
They could stay committed even when they couldn’t go to the Temple.
What was the significance in Philo’s writings?
- this type of writing sets a precedent for NT writers
- helps us understand how Jesus survived in a hellenistic culture
What did the Jerusalem Temple symbolize?
the Tabernacle that the Jews carried in the wilderness; also that God is not just present but ACCESSIBLE in this place through the sacrificial system
Why is a sacrificial system used in the Temple?
because God is holy and we are not, so to recognize the cost of sin
What was the most important job in the Temple?
Priests (was a hereditary priesthood)
How many courses/family groups was the priesthood divided up into?
24; there were hundreds of priests (ex. Zechariah dad of John the Baptist); priests served in rotation and were not permanently @ Temple
When were sacrifices served in the Temple?
@dawn and @noon
When would all priests be on duty at the Temple?
on certain chief festivals or ‘feast days’ such as Passover, Weeks, Booths, or Dedication (which each commemorate something)
What is the Day of Atonement?
Yom Kippur; day when only high priest can go make sacrifices
What does having only 1 high priest represent?
purity of descent from Aaron, the 1st high priest
What does Passover commemorate?
deliverance out of captivity (out of Egypt)
What does Weeks commemorate?
a harvest festival, similar to original Thanksgiving
What does Booths commemorate?
God’s provision/care during time in wilderness
What else is Booths sometimes called?
Feast of Tabernacles
What does Dedication commemorate?
Hanukkah, when Judas Maccabeas took Temple back
If possible, what are Jews required to do for Pilgrim Feasts?
attend at least 1 in Jerusalem every year
What is and what makes up part of the “Priestly Aristocracy” ?
It consists of men who are descends from aristocratic/wealthy priests; includes the Chief Priests (roughly a group of 12 people) and the High Priest.
What is the “Supreme Court” of the Temple?
Sanhedrin; final court of appeal; sometimes called “The Council” in NT
How many members does the Sanhedrin have and who are they?
71 members; 1 High Priest, approx. 12 Chief Priests, then the rest are Scribes (teachers of Law) or Elders (laymen, leading Reps. of the people)
Who is a NT example of a Scribe in the Sanhedrin? Of an Elder?
S=Nicodemus
E=Joseph of Arimathea
What does Synagogue mean in Greek?
Assembly
What is Synagogue?
a group of Jewish men meeting together to practice religion/worship; can be a physical place or just a group of people (like Church)
What was the significance of Synagogue?
Availability; all you needed was at least 10 male Jews
How was Synagogue organized?
lay organized (laity…meaning non-ordained)
Synagogue was what in design?
educational
What were the 2 prominent synagogue training schools?
Shammei and Hillel (named after 2 famous rabbis/teachers/scribes of local synagogues)
What are some traits of Shammai?
more conservative, stricter interpretation of law
What are some traits of Hillel?
more liberal, humanitarian interpretation of law
Paul claims to be trained by Gamaliel, grandson of Hillel
What is the importance of synagogue?
- Jesus uses it, and later apostles do too
- every important venue for Godpel proclamation
- Christian worship patterned after synagogue worship
What 3 things did synagogue worship prize?
- Praise
- Prayer
- Instruction
What is “praise” in regards to synagogue worship?
“Call to worship”
What is “prayer” in regards to synagogue worship?
2 parts:
1-adoration and recollection
2-18 Benedictions (“Good word”)
=formalized prayers that covered community needs, prayed weekly
What is “instruction” in regards to synagogue worship?
- scripture reading, then
- exposition (sermon)
- scripture readings were never from the “writings” but only from law and prophets
What does synagogue worship end with?
the Benediction
What does Pharisees literally mean?
Separated
Who are the people that originated as individuals who wanted to protest against religious corruption under the Hasmonean Dynasty?
Pharisees
Which author discussed the Pharisees?
Josephus
Why did Pharisees separate themselves and who from?
for their passion/zeal for God and to get away from less committed peoples;
they became aloof and saw ‘common Jews’ as ‘people of the land’
What are the 3 main tenets/characteristic beliefs of the Pharisees?
- Divine Providence
- Human Freedom
- Messianic Hope
What does Divine Providence entail within the characteristic beliefs of Pharisees?
God has a plan and is working it out through history.
What does Human Freedom entail within the characteristic beliefs of Pharisees?
Free will; our choices make a difference
What does Messianic Hope entail within the characteristic beliefs of Pharisees?
Hope/belief in a coming Messiah and belief in resurrection of the dead
The problem with Pharisees is not in their doctrine, but in their what?
forms of religious practices; Jesus butts heads with their Rabbinical interpretations of law
When did Pharisees meet together?
Friday afternoons before sunset too study the law
When could Pharisees not meet and why?
Friday sunset—>Saturday sunset=the Sabbath
What are some important necessary traits for Pharisees?
- had to be committed to the law and that interpretation and lifestyle
- sought to make a difference
- earnest and devoted to their faith
- saw themselves as GUARDIANS of the Law/Torah
What were some people pleasing facts of the Pharisees?
- open to everybody (as long as they agreed to law and everything)
- closest thing to a ‘people party’
- helped keep Jewish faith alive
How did Sadducees originate?
- Leader was Zadok
- they saw themselves as counterpoint to Pharisees
- in general, a group of wealthy, property-owning elite Priests and laymen living in Jerusalem
- wanted to keep things the same
Who made up the Sadducees?
- many Priests (not all, but higher-ups definitely were)
- many Elders
What were some characteristics and beliefs of Sadducees?
- opposed to the Messiah and the coming Kingdom
- thought things were good and didn’t want anything to change
- aka conservatives
- no Messianic Hope (vsPharisees)
- rejected any oral interpretation of the Law
- believed only thing WITH authority was the Law/Torah (Pentateuch)
What did only deriving doctrine from the Torah mean?
-not believing in Resurrection, Messiah, etc.
What was the demise of the Sadducees?
- AD70=destruction of Temple
- lost authority and basically disappeared from history
What is the background of the name for Essenes?
in Aramaic (common language) = Hasya; modified from Hebrew, which is reserved for religious stuff
What does Hasya mean? note back to Hasidim (Maccabean period)
“pious ones” or “holy ones”
What are characteristics of the Essene?
- monastic; often isolated communities
* most likely Qumran was one*
What is the significance to NT study of the Essene?
- probable JtheBapt was one
- E’s had particular way of interpreting scripture (OT) that mirrored the way NT was written
- both Essenes and NT writers believed they lived in OT fulfillment, characterized by Messianic hope
- believed they were “children of light” and had a destiny to prepare the way
- had great belief of guidance of Holy Spirit in their lives (very similar to what NT writers say)
When did Essene basically disappear?
when Romans came
What is the origin of Zealots?
- religious/practical group
- use of term ‘zealot’ dates back to early 1st cent. AD
- concept of ZEAL for God is very old
What are some characteristics of Zealots?
- zeal for God
- basically believe Messiah needed some help
- HOSTILE to both foreign and Temple hierarchies, Herodians, etc. = against anyone who somehow approved of the current sit.
- cry was for Yahweh and for His land and for freedom
- mostly are ‘have-nots’ against the ‘haves’
- sought change
- basically a religiously based LIBERATION MOVEMENT
What language did the Sicarii refuse to use and why?
Greek; pagan associations
What is the ratio of Jews that lived in Palestine in 1st century? Ratio assoc. with political party?
1/7 (3.5 million Jews not in Palestine)
1/20 (so 5% was P, S, or E)
The group called “the poor” recognized what?
humbleness before God (“Anewin” ?)
There was a religious connection between what and what?
poverty and piety
