Overview historical I. The historical context religious II. The religious context literary III. The literary context

Galatians 4:4a But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son … ( NKJV ) the right time But when the right time came, God sent his Son … ( NLT )

The Historical Context rule A. The time was right because of Roman rule 1. The Romans brought rest 2. The Romans built roads

The Historical Context language B. The time was right because of Greek language ONE WORLD ONE LANGUAGE Alexander the Great

The Historical Context witness C. The time was right because of Jewish witness scattered 1. They were scattered settlements 2. They made settlements synagogues 3. They built synagogues Scripture 4. They translated Scripture

The Historical Context providence D. The time was right because of Divine providence

Daniel 2:20-22 Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.

The Historical Context providence D. The time was right because of Divine providence 1. God controls history 2. God uses evil people 3. God uses evil plans

Historical Review The time was right because of … rule Roman rule language Greek language witness Jewish witness providence Divine providence

The Religious Context A. Palestine in the time of Christ was a hotbed of conflict between sects

Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!”

Acts 23:7, 8 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. Sadducees For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.

Acts 23:9 Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees’ party arose and protested, saying, “We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.”

Acts 23:10 Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks.

The Religious Context 1. Sadducees  Wealthy priests  Power politics  Law only  Liberals

The Religious Context 1. Sadducees 2. Essenes  Mystics  Ascetics  Pray and meditate  Monks

The Religious Context 1. Sadducees 2. Essenes 3. Pharisees  Lay scholars  Bible studies  Law & prophets  Charismatics

The Religious Context 1. Sadducees 2. Essenes 3. Pharisees 4. Zealots  Guerilla rebels  Covert operations  Muslims

The Historical Context A. Palestine in the time of Christ was a hotbed of conflict between sects B. The sects were various attempts to remain true to the Word of God in a changing world

The Religious Context 1. Sadducees Accept

The Religious Context 1. Sadducees 2. Essenes Avoid

The Religious Context 1. Sadducees 2. Essenes 3. Pharisees Adapt

The Religious Context 1. Sadducees 2. Essenes 3. Pharisees 4. Zealots Attack

The Historical Context A. Palestine in the time of Christ was a hotbed of conflict between sects B. The sects were various attempts to remain true to the Word of God in a changing world C. Christians throughout history have used the same four approaches to adapt to changes in the world.

The Literary Context 1. Gospels  Matt-John  Biographies of life of Christ

The Literary Context 1. Gospels 2. History  Acts  Mission of God thru the church

The Literary Context 1. Gospels 2. History 3. Letters  Paul: Rom-Plm  General: Heb- Jude  Instructions in life and doctrine

The Literary Context 1. Gospels 2. History 3. Letters 4. Prophecy  Revelation  Faith for the future

Review historical I. The historical context religious II. The religious context literary III. The literary context

Questions for Discussion 1. Do you think God is controlling modern rulers and nations for His purposes as He controlled ancient kings like Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar? How does this affect the way you see your government and your civil leaders?

Questions for Discussion 2. How does this study affect your understanding of Jesus Christ as “Lord of lords and King of kings” (Rev 17:14 and 19:16)?

Questions for Discussion 3. How does this study of God’s providence in ancient history make you feel about the present sinful world you live in?

Questions for Discussion 4. Which of the four approaches to remaining true to the Word and the Lord in our rapidly changing world do you usually employ? Which one do you believe is most biblical?