The Jews of the Early First Century Sunday Morning Introduction and Background Class #2 The Jews of the Early First Century (part 2)
III. Economic Life Commerce was dynamic because of the Greco-Roman advances
Galilee especially was at a commercial crossroads
Palestine was a complex money economy Galilee: - General farming - Olive and olive oil - Fishing, fish sauce - Carpentry (stones) Olive Press Palestine was a complex money economy
The Greek Culture and the New Testament Sunday Morning Introduction and Background Class #2 The Greek Culture and the New Testament
Hellenism – “to speak Greek” The period after Alexander’s conquest when the Greek culture permeated the world
Greek Culture Judaism Roman Rule New Testament Roman Rule
I. The Relation of Greek Culture to the New Testament Cultural foundation for the Romans A significance influence over the Jews and Judaism – in the dispersion and in Palestine The worldly system which Christianity confronted - Romans 1:16 - I Corinthians 1:22-23 - Acts 14:1 - I Corinthians 12:13
II. Summary of Greek Culture The essence Syncretism - accepting all or any god or belief Humanism – man is the measure of all things, the elevation of all that is human and the striving for human perfection
Religion Gods connected to nature Mt. Olympus – home of the gods Morality not of particular importance to Greek gods Differed from man in having greater powers and immortality Temples – accessible to anyone Bargaining relationship Festivals Gods viewed flippantly by many Some were skeptical, some rejected
Philosophy Great role in society Turning from superstition to worldly realities Provided ethics, worldview, and guidance Goal: self-sufficiency, freedom, happiness, peace of mind Astrology and sorcery also embraced by some
Foundations for Western Civilization III. Greek Advances Why? Emphasis on human accomplishment Emphasis on harmonizing with nature Areas Art Architecture Natural science Medicine Political science History Foundations for Western Civilization
Insights for Christians Today