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JUDAISM AT THE TIME OF JESUS

JUDAISM AT THE TIME OF JESUS. POLITICS. GENERAL OVERVIEW. Politically united under Roman rule Culturally unified through the Hellenistic , or Greek, influence

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JUDAISM AT THE TIME OF JESUS

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  1. JUDAISM AT THE TIME OF JESUS POLITICS

  2. GENERAL OVERVIEW • Politically united under Roman rule • Culturally unified through the Hellenistic, or Greek, influence • Many different religions and cults existed because of the Roman policy not to disturb the religious practices of their conquered territories • However, sometimes fought for dominance

  3. THE POLITICAL SCENE • To increase stability, Rome had a policy of choosing leaders from among the conquered people • King Herod the Great was chosen to govern Palestine at the time of Jesus • Herod not a pure Jew  mother was an Arabian princess • Also an Idumaean Jew  forced to accept Judaism • RESULT: Herod not trusted/hated by most Jews

  4. HEROD • Herod’s personality: • Genius at political/military maneuvers • Ambitious, ruthless, violent, and cruel • Believed to have ordered the deaths of immediate family members • Suspicious and feared competition for the crown • Additionally, Jews hated him because he was a puppet of Rome and a symbol of the foreign rule/tyranny they were subjected to

  5. Herod was, however, responsible for cultural and religious progress • Architecture: • Reconstructed areas of Jerusalem, Jericho and Caesarea • Built theatres, amphitheatres, and the hippodromes for the Grecian Games • Made efforts to reconstruct the Temple of Jerusalem • HOWEVER, these projects were paid for by heavy taxing

  6. Herod died in 4 BC and 3 of his sons divided the territory • Herod Antipas (4 BC – AD 39) gained Galilee and Perea • Responsible for the execution of John the Baptist and returning Jesus to Pilate

  7. THE ROMAN EMPIRE • Roman territory stretched from Syria to the British Isles • Estimated to include 100 million people of different customs, cultures, and faith • The Peace of Rome, PaxRomana, in effect • Unity, relative peace, and law enforcement improved trade and increased business • Roads were built and maintained • Sea trade allowed for connections with China and India

  8. Roads and sea travel also allowed for the spread of the Word of God and the Good News of Jesus throughout the Empire • Greek culture and language helped the spreading of God’s word: • Alexander the Great made koine, or common Greek, the common language of the Mediterranean • New Testament written in Greek and often preached in Greek • Hellenism was a reflection of the culture and beliefs of Athens and other Greek cities; it greatly influenced the Mediterranean culture • Classical art, literature, and architecture • The Greek pagan religion was based on myths and legends about the gods

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