1 / 328

Exploring the first century

This text explores the use of different languages in the first century and the messages conveyed by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It discusses the unique aspects of each gospel as well as their common themes.

carolej
Download Presentation

Exploring the first century

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Exploring the first century

  2. 1 Cor. 9: 1-10 Don’t muzzle an ox …

  3. There was a wide variety of people who spoke different languages. • Pilate recognized this. Luke 23:38 • Greek – from the Greeks • Latin – from the Romans • Hebrew – from the Jews • Mathew – Hebrews • Mark – Romans • Luke – Greeks • John – Universal

  4. Matthew • Tax collector Mat. 9:9 • More references to money in Mat. than the other three gospels • Jesus made a bold choice with the tax collector

  5. The 2 fold message of Mathew • 1. Prove to the Jews that Jesus was the son of God. • Matthew alludes to the OT frequently • About 50 direct quotes from the OT • About 75 reverences to OT events • Talks about the kingdom in more than 35 passages • Refers to Jesus as the promised son of David 9 times

  6. 2. To encourage the Jew that they can be apart of the new Israel • The old way would be done away with Mat. 21:43 • One is not a Jew outwardly but inwardly Rom. 2:28-29 • Everyone who obeys can be a part of the new system Gal. 3:26-29

  7. Matthew records many of Jesus’ Words. He records several of his major speeches 1. Sermon on the mount Mat. 5 – 7 2. The Olivet discourse Mat. 24. 3. He records 20 of Jesus’ miracles 3 of which are unique to Mat. 4. He records at least 14 parables of Jesus

  8. Matthew also talks about the Gentiles Mat. 8:11, 12:21 He also makes universal statements Mat. 28:19-20

  9. MarkAct 12:12; Col. 4:10; 1Pet. 5:13 Many believe that Mark wrote his letter under the influence of Peter

  10. You can tell a difference between Mark’s letter and Matthew’s. • 1. He explained the Hebrew tradition in Mark 7:2 • 2. He uses some Latin language in Mark 12:42 • quadrans or farthing is Latin term for a certain coin • 3. Mark only refers to the OT 19 times.

  11. Many believe that Mark was written to encourage the Christians in Rome who were being persecuted. • He records 1 major speech of Jesus Mark 13:37ff The Olivet discourse. • Mark emphasizes Jesus as a servant who came to do God’s will. • He uses the word “servant” 14 times describing Jesus’ activities

  12. Mark is dogmatic about Jesus being the Son of God. 1. Testimony of God Mark 1:11; 9:7 2. Testimony of Jesus Mark 13:32; 14:61-62 3. Testimony of demons Mark 3:11; 5:7 4. Testimony of the Roman Centurion Mark 15:39 About 40% of Mark records Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem and the events surrounding his death.

  13. Luke was a physician Col. 4:14 He had been with Paul on several occasions Acts 16:10; 2 Tim. 4:11; Phm. 1:24

  14. Luke was also writing to the non-Jew • He explains that Capernaum is a city in Galilee Lk. 4:31 • He explains that the country of Gerasenes is over against Galilee Lk. 8:26 • He explains the town of Emmaus was 7 miles from Jerusalem Lk. 4:13 • All these things were common knowledge to Jews of Palestine.

  15. Luke writes to an individual Luke 1:1-4 but his message is meant for a broader audience • There are many things that Luke writes that are pointed directly at the Greeks. • The Greeks also known as Hellenist were really into humanity, especially in the field of philosophy and science.

  16. Luke focuses on Christ humanity and His perfect example. • He gives the most complete record of Jesus birth and childhood Luke 1, 2. • He traces Christ lineage all the way back to Adam • He captures Jesus human traits in Luke 19:41, 22:44 • He points out many of Jesus’ prayers. Out of the 15 prayers of Jesus recorded in the 4 gospels Luke records 11 of them.

  17. Luke had an in-depth knowledge of Jesus miracles. • He records 20 miracles 6 are unique to Luke and he treats them as a historical reality • Since Luke was a doctor there must have been overwhelming evidence of the virgin birth for him to argue it so strongly in Luke 1:26-38

  18. Luke’s message was for the Gentiles Luke 2:10, 2:32, 4:25-27, 10:25-37 Who was John? Mark 1:19, 5:37, John 13:23, 21:20 The main thrust – John 20:30-31 John argues Jesus’ deity more than any other book. John 1:1, 10:30, 20:28

  19. This book contains many “I am” statements. 1. I am the bread of life 6:35 2. I am the light of the world 8:12 3. I am the door 10:7 4. I am the good shepherd 10:14 5. I am the resurrection and the life 11:25 6. I am the way, the truth and the life 14:6 7. I am the true vine 15:1 8. The absolute “ I am” 8:58 showing his timeless existence

  20. Three primary written languages of the Bible • Hebrew • Aramaic • Greek

  21. The Hebrew language • Semitic language – a family language • Comes from the Canaanite language • The OT refers to it own language in 2 ways. • 1. Isa. 19:18 • 2. 2 Kings 18:26, 28; Neh. 13:24; Isa. 36:11 • 3. It wasn’t called Hebrew until around 130 B.C. • The NT refers to it this way. • Jn. 5:2, 19:13; Acts 21:40

  22. Aramaic language is also a Semitic language • A small part of the OT is written in Aramaic • Parts of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel • Two words in Gen. 31:47 • It was used in the NT • Mark 5:41, 15:34, Gal. 4:6

  23. The Greek language • NT is written in Koine Greek which spans from 330 B.C. to 330 A.D.

  24. There are 2 Greek words that are translated into “other” or “another” Allos – denotes a numerical distinction and means a “other” or “another” of the same kind. Heteros – means an “other” or “another” of a different kind. Example of Allos John 14:16 Example of Heteros Luke 23:32

  25. Sects of the Jewish religion • The Grecian Empire influenced the Hebrews 332 – 167 B.C. • Mattathias Maccabeus and his 5 sons rebelled against Paganism. • They had independence 167 – 63 B.C. • Hellenist – Those sympathetic to the Greek way • Hasidim – Conservatives set to defend the Law of God and the traditions of Judea • Maccebeians – leaders of the Jewish revolt.

  26. Pharisees • Pharisee – separated • The developed from the Hasidim • In the 1st century they numbered around 6000 • Paul describes them in Acts 26:5 • They kept the Law of Moses and the oral traditions but they had great zeal for tithing and purification. Mark. 7:1-8; Mat. 23:23-26. • Tradition of the Elders refers to the oral tradition which is recording in a book called the Mishna which was a collection of the oral traditions from 200 B.C – 135 A.D. • They would vote for a tradition to become a binding law.

  27. They believed in the resurrection and in angels Acts 23:6-9 • They were self-righteous Luke 18:9-14 and showoffs Mat. 6:1-17, 23:1-12 • They were ordinary people they seemed to exercise control over many of the synagogues but they were a minority in the temple and the Sanhedrin council. • They were very active in opposing Jesus and plotting for his death.

  28. Scribes • Also known as lawyers or teachers of the Law • They were associated with the Pharisees Mat. 12:38; Mark 7:5; Lk. 6:7 • They had a lot of power and influence • Training began at 14 and ended at 40. • They were prominent in the Sanhedrin council. Mat. 16:21

  29. Sadducees – the righteous • The Sadducees were the most powerful • They were wealthy • They rejected the oral traditions • They thought the priest should only interpret the law • They were the majority in the high priest position, the priesthood and the Sanhedrin council • They did not believe God was that involved with humans

  30. They did not believe: • Resurrection of the dead • Immortality of the soul • Rewards or punishments handed out after death • Angels or spirits • They tried to trap Jesus with “what if” questions Mark. 12:18-27 • Jesus warned his disciples about their teaching Mat. 16:6-12 • They opposed the church more than Pharisees Acts 4:1-3; 5:17-18 • They played a big part in Jesus death Mat. 27:1

  31. Zealots - one burning with zeal • Passionate about politics and their independence • They used violence to get there way • Started by Judas of Gamala Acts 5:37 • Simon was a Zealot Lk. 6:15, Acts 1:13

  32. Essenes - healer • Started around 2 B.C. • 4000 of them during the time of Christ • More strict than Pharisees • Operated like a monastery • Some married but most were celibate • Did not own personal property • Shared with their community • Kept to themselves, wore simple clothes and ate simple meals • Concerned about being ritually clean and eating food that was ritually pure • They took care of the sick and elderly

  33. A typical day of the Essenes consisted of: • Arising before sunrise for prayer • They would work till midday • Bathe to be ritually clean before they ate and put on different clothes • Then would work again until time for the evening meal

  34. Some of their beliefs: • Believed in the immortal soul • Rewarded or punished after death • Believed in angels • Worshiped God in their community instead of the temple • Did not believe that Jesus was the son of God so they continued to look for the coming Messiah

  35. How to become a member: • You had to sell all your property • You were given a white robe and a 1 year probation period • After 1 year you could use the community water for purification • Two more years of probation before you could become a full member. • Then you could take part in the community meals • If you broke the rules during the 3 year period you were banned

  36. Herodians (followers of Herod) • They were more politically than religious. • They supported the Herod Dynasty. • They were in good standing with the Romans • Opposed the Pharisees but on many occasions joined with them to try and trap Jesus. Mk. 3:6, Mat. 22:15-16.

  37. Zadokites • Around 1 or 2 B.C. certain Jews claimed to be sons of the priest Zadok • They wanted to restore proper temple worship • They failed so they setup their own religious community in Damascus • They were opposed to both Pharisees and the Sadducees

  38. They believed in the following: • Accepted all the OT, rejected the oral traditions • Believed in the spirit world, future life, and divine providence. • They were self denying, and strictly kept the Leviticle code. • They were looking for the Messiah to come and return Israel back to the right way.

  39. Synagogue – A leading or bringing together. • “Synagogue” is used 67 times in the NT • Possibly originated at Babylonian captivity. • Jews desired to have communion with God Ps. 137 • Oldest evidence of a synagogue • A marble slab with an inscription dedicating a synagogue to Ptolemy III ruled Egypt 246-221 B.C. • Oldest one found in Palestine was uncovered at Masda near the Dead Sea built in the first century.

  40. Synagogue of Masada

  41. Synagogue of Herodion

  42. Acts 14:1 Acts 13:14 Acts 17:1 Acts 17:10 Acts 19:1,8 Acts 17:16-17 Acts 13:5 Acts 9:2 Some of the synagogues Paul visited

  43. Structure and organization of a synagogue. • Typically rectangular in shape with a raised platform for the speaker. • There was a portable chest with the OT scrolls. • They sat on stone benches along the walls. • The best seats were the ones in front Mat. 23:6 • The younger ones sat in the back. • The women were partitioned off from the men • There was a special place for the lepers • The synagogue ruler was in charge of the services • The synagogue was under the oversight of the elders. Luke 7:3-5

  44. A typical service would include: • reciting scripture • singing without the use of musical instruments • reading of the law • teaching/preaching • giving of alms for the poor • They gathered ever Sabbath and ever 2nd and 5th day of the week. (Sat., Mon. Thursday)

  45. Order of worship: • 1. Recital of the Shema • Originally the Shema was Deut. 6:4 which was a statement of faith but later more verses were added Deut 6:4-9, 11:13-21. • Jewish boys were required to memorize these verses and say them every morning and every evening. • Jesus quoted the Shema and added Lev. 19:18 in Mat. 22:33-40.

  46. 2. Prayer • 3. Reading of the scripture Luke 4:16-21 • Scripture was read standing up • Teaching was usually done while sitting down. • Sometimes they taught standing up. Acts 13:14-16 • 4. Intermixed during their service they would sing psalms and sometimes they would collect alms for the poor. • They exercised discipline by not allowing some to take part of the gathering. John 9:22

  47. 3 Temples • 1. Solomon’s temple. • David wanted to build it but God would not let him 1Chron. 28:2-3. • He provided most of the materials 1 Chron. 22:1-19; 28:1; 29:9. • Solomon started construction during his 4th year as king and finished it in 7 years. 1 Kings 6:38 • Details of the temple 1 Kings 5:1 - 9:25  and 2 Chron. 2:1 – 7:22. • It was built according to the tabernacle pattern. • Temple was destroyed around 586 B.C. by the Babylonians 2 Kings 25:8-17.

  48. 2. Zerubbabel’s Temple • The Jews return around 536 B.C. under the leadership of Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple Financed by the Persian government Ezra 1:2ff • Took 20 years to complete Ezra 6:15. • Plundered and desecrated during the inter-Biblical period • Cleansed and rededicated by Judas Maccabeus in 165 B.C. • Ravaged again when Pompey invaded Jerusalem in 63 B.C. • Suffered more destruction when Herod the Great conquered Jerusalem in 37 B.C.

  49. 3. Herod’s Temple • 2 Greek words for the English word “temple.” • Hieron – refers to the temple and all the outer courts Mk. 11:11 • Naos – refers only to the sanctuary itself where only the priest are  allowed to enter. Luke 1:9 • Temple rebuilt 19 B.C. – 64 A.D. • He employed 1000 wagons, 10,000 workmen and thousands of priest to work the most sacred area. • It took 1 ½ years to build the basic structure • It took 46 years to complete the sanctuary John 2:20 • 6 years after completion it was destroyed • Jesus told them it would be destroyed Mat. 24

More Related