John 10:22-24 (NKJV)

1. John 10:22-24 (NKJV) 22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

2. Knowing God’s Word Between The Testaments

3. Knowing God’s Word • Two weeks ago we began a study of the Intertestament Period • The Intertestament Period is the 400 or so year period that lapsed between the last book of the Old Testament and the opening of the New • It’s also referred to as the Silent Period

4. Knowing God’s Word • We looked last week at some Greek history that took place during this period • We noticed some specific prophecy regarding Alexander and the Grecian Empire being divided into 4 parts • We mentioned the Maccabean revolt as well as the Pharisees and Sadducees

5. Knowing God’s Word • Upon the Maccabean revolt, the office of the high priest had changed quite a bit from what it had originally been set up as • It became more of a leadership position, such as a king or some other political leader • This caused the Jews to look to someone as a high priest for help and deliverance

6. Knowing God’s Word • During the Maccabean revolt, when the Jews took back Jerusalem and the temple, they observed an 8 day feast • This Feast of Dedication was also known as Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights • We see this mentioned in John 10:22-24

7. Knowing God’s Word • The Jews were finally able to once again gain some sense of independence • This period is often referred to as the Hasmonean Dynasty • This is because the Hasmon, or Asmoneus family is who began the Maccabean revolt and continued to rule

8. Knowing God’s Word • Rome finally decided to intervene in the events of the Jews around 63 BC • Pompey brought them under Roman rule • Herod the Great was allowed to rule Jerusalem beginning in 37 BC and lasted until his death in 4 BC

9. Knowing God’s Word • His descendants would rule as well (Archaelaus – Matt. 2:22; Herod Philip – Lk. 3:1; Herod Antipas – Matt. 14:3-12; Herod Agrippa I – Acts 12; etc.) • We also saw Roman Procurators; the one we know the best was Pontius Pilate (26-36 AD)