Relations between Gentiles and Jews

1
Relations between Gentiles and Jews

• Apostolic Conference Gal 21-10 (cf. Acts
  156-21)
• Difficult issues in daily life circumcision,
  foodlaws, etc. Those aspects of the Jewish Law
  which traditionally separated Jew from Gentile
• First-century Judaism diverse, but united by
  Monotheism, Temple, and Torah

2
Struggle to be Faithful in a Gentile World

• Military conquests of Alexander the Great
  (reigned 336-323 BCE) radically transforms the
  eastern Mediterranean world, Hellenism as an
  international culture
• Conflict between Jews and Seleucid Kings of Syria
  reach climax during reign of Antiochus IV
  (175-163 BCE) who seeks to eradicate Mosaic
  tradition

3
Struggle to be Faithful in a Gentile World

• Under persecutions of Antiochus, Jews died for
  practicing faith (2 Maccabees)
• Growing belief in immortality and apocalyptic
  notions (e.g. Dan 121-3)
• Maccabean revolt Led by Judas Maccabeus, a
  Jewish army recaptures, purifies and redicates
  Temple 164 BCE (Hanukkah) Israel independence
  142 BCE, establishment of Hasmonean dynasty

4
Domination of Rome

• Hasmonean Period (142-40 BCE) is plagued by
  division
• Rome conquers in 63 BCE - Pompeys legions occupy
  Palestine
• After 63 BCE Rome rules Palestine through
  puppet kings (Herodians) and Roman governors
  (Pontius Pilate)
• Religious/Political challenge of loyalty to Rome
  (see Mark 1217)

5
Domination of Rome

• Herod the Greats building program (37-4 BCE)
  massive renovation of Temple, fortresses
  (Masada), port city of Caesarea.
• Jewish War against the Romans (66-77 CE), led by
  passionate Jewish nationalists.
• Temple destroyed in 70 CE
• Second revolt in 132-35 CE led by bar Kochba
  (some believed him to be the Messiah)

6
NT Attitudes toward Rome

• The political implications of Jesus proclamation
  of the Kingdom of God
• Revelation strongest negative voice against Rome
  (see Rev 17-18)
• Luke-Acts Christianity is a law-abiding movement
• Study Romans 13