The World of Jesus

Lecture 3

Sept 26, 2006

 

Read: Perkins Chapter 2

 

The theme of the next three lectures is 'from Jesus to Christ.'

 

I. Origins of Israel / From Canaan to Egypt

Originally a loose confederation of tribes, God = Yahweh, liberated from Egypt.

 

 

Brought into statehood by Saul, King David and Soloman.  Centralization of worship during this time to temple in Jerusalem.  (also cultural and political)

 

Kingdom split up (north became Israel, conquered by Assyrians), Samaritans.

 

South became Judah (conquered by Babylon)

 

Judah = "the Jews", largely made up of tribe of Judah.

 

The Babylonian exile was shattering, time of writing and collecting traditions.

 

Retrieval of founding stories and who Jews were.

 

Kept faith, beliefs, tradition... ie. Torah and Law.

 

II. Hellenistic Age / Importance of Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great was a young Macedonian prince who studied under Aristotle.   He conquered much of the known world.  His exploits had a profound impact on Judaism re: evangelization of Greek culture (Hellenism -> Greekish culture and religion)

 

Left cities around Palestine that were dominated by Greek culture and religion, also using Koine Greek.   This led to quick spread of common values.

 

Hellenism conflicted with the exclusivity of the Jewish religion.  200BC Syrian ruler entered Jewish Temple and prohibited Sabbath.

 

165BC Maccabee brother's rebelled, see books 1st and 2nd Maccabees.

 

Rome took over and had power over Palestine.

 

III.  Groups in Palestine

Sadducees - Hellenized Jews, had control of temple.  Ties to outside ruling powers.  Theologically conservative in that they only used the 5 books of the Torah.

 

Pharisees - highly organized groups of Jews, voluntarily took upon themselves priestly purity vows.  Origin thought to be from Maccebee time.  Many Pharisees later joined Christian movement.  Had very high standards, leaving themselves open to charge of hypocrisy.  After 70AD (sack of 2nd Temple) split into Christianity and Rabannic Judaism (both direct heirs of Pharisaic movement.)

 

Essenes - priestly community, outdid Pharisees in striving for purity.  In conflict with Temple and Sadducees.  John the Baptist probably influenced by them.  Found their Qumrun community in 1957, and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

 

Zealots - persons zealous for God.  Waged war against Rome, armed struggle, a few early Christians were Zealots.

 

Majority of people in Palestine not identified with the above groups. "the crowds", tax collectors and prostitutes.

 

IV. Features of Jewish Religious Life

John 2, Luke 19, Jesus cleaning house / Temple.   These give accurate picture of Temple as centre of commerce.   Temple also a magnet for for pilgrims and intellectual activity.

 

Synagogue - Greek for "come together"   After exile and temple destroyed grew more important.

 

Study of Law and people, crucial in diaspora.

 

Festivals, centered in Jerusalem.  Passover, Pentecost, High Holy Days of New Year, Hannuchah, Day of Atonement.

A. Jewish Theologies (multiple!!!)

Pharisees observance of the Law, innovative theologians and ethics.  Produced  apocolyptic literature, history a battleground.

 

Mark 13, Matthew 24, Paul's writings.

 

Daniel 7, son of Man.

 

Messiah, annointed one.

 

Hodge podge of piety and expectation.

 

Need to develop of a sense of diversity to people in Gospels.

V. Key Terms and Concepts

 

Hellenism

 

Alexander the Great

 

Sadducees

 

Pharisees

 

Esenes

 

Zealots

 

tax collectors

 

prostitutes

 

temple

 

synagogue

 

diaspora

 

apocalyptic

 

 

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