The New Testament Era

Religious/Political groups Sadducees: financially well off, wanted to keep their social status Willing to cooperate with Roman empire Recognized only the Torah Rejected the oral tradition Did not believe in angels, spirits, or resurrection of the dead

Groups Pharisees: opposed Sadducees in almost all areas Teachers, defenders of the law Valued oral interpretation of the Torah (Law) which resulted in more laws Believed in angels, spirits, and the resurrection of the dead – for the just

Groups Zealots: wanted independence from Rome Willing to go to extremes to get it Willing to endure persecution Led revolt vs. Rome in 66 AD One of the Apostles- Simon – was a Zealot Essenes: the ‘monks’ of Jewish culture Separation from all that is unclean: gentiles, Temple worship, … other Jews 3 years of rigid preparation to join

Groups Essenes; cont’d Believed end of time was near Responsible for dead Sea Scrolls John the Baptist may have belonged Samaritans: rejected by all of above groups Intermarried with other groups Recognized the Torah

Groups Diaspora Jews: lived outside of the Holy Land Due to Babylonian invasion of 586 BCE, Influenced nearby gentiles to accept the Jewish faith Later accepeted Gospel from Paul

The New Testament Era Pax Romana: begins with Augustus Caesar Included Europe and near East (Spain, France, England, Germany, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, North Africa … Lasted well into 2nd century CE Roads and communication: built roads throughout the empire Travel was faster and safer – 50 miles/day Leads to growth in trade and economy Large cities developed (Rome, Antioch, Alexandria, Corinth…)

New Testament Era Status determined by birth Citizens could vote, hold office, appeal government decisions Slavery was accepted 40 % of population at times Freedom had to be bought High taxes necessary to maintain the empire Jesus born during reign of Augustus, killed during reign of Tiberius Various attempts to wipe out Christianity during 3rd and 4th centuries Eventually becomes the official religion of the Roman Empire under Constantine