Greek Empire of Alexander 334 BCE, Greek Empire Rises Alexander the Great Invades Judah Hellenization After Alexander’s death, series of Generals rule

Septuagiant Greek translation of the Bible, 250 BCE Spreads the Jewish faith to those outside Israel New Testament will be written in Greek

Hellenization in Judah Culture clash Alexander’s Generals left in charge Jewish Aristocracy embraces Hellenistic culture Temple converted ZEUS King of the Greek gods

Maccabean Revolt 166 BCE – 142 BCE Mattathias Maccabees 5 Sons Judas Maccabees Retake temple: Hanukah

Chapter 2 Mathias encouraging his sons Salvation history

Retake Temple Rededicate the temple to Yahweh Hanukkah Feast of Rededication

Hasmonean Dynasty Maccabean family establishes themselves as King and High priest of Israel Under Hyrcanus, huge expansion Legitimacy questioned

Major Groups in Judah Fighting for Power Pharisees Scribes Essences Sadducees

Pharisees Formed during Babylonian Exile Jews cut off from the temple Concentrated on Torah Pharisees led the community in synagogues Today known as Rabbis

Scribes Recorders of the law and history of the people Keepers of Jewish traditions

Essences Retreated from society Believed the end of the world was close Dwelt in caves along the Deadsea Authors of the Deadsea scrolls Believed mainstream society was going to hell

Sadducees Temple Aristocracy Priestly function Only believed in first 5 books of the Torah Rejected Resurrection Appealed to outside powers

Rome Changing from Republic to Empire Invited by Sadducees 63 BCE Rome invades Select a Jewish king in 37 BCE: Herod

Herod the Great Client Kings put into power by Rome Herod Restores temple to former glory Cruel and tyrannical ruler Expectation from Jews that salvation will soon be at hand

Herodian Dynasty Several Sons Herod Archelaus: Judah Herod Anitpas: Galilee Archelaus replaced by Roman Governor: Pontius Pilate