Introduction to the Christian Scriptures Session 2 4 th c BC  Alexander the Great  coin from Maccabean Revolt Time of Christ  Julius Caesar  Herod the Great 70 AD  Emperor Trajan  Arch of Titus showing sack of Jerusalem

Effects of Alexander's Conquest Building of Greek cities throughout Empire Establishment of Greek as the common language Adoption of Greek religion and philosophy by conquered cultures

Traits of Hellenistic Judaism Infiltration of elements Hellenistic philosophy into Jewish thought Significant additions to Wisdom literature Translation of Hebrew scriptures into Greek (Septuagint) Universal Torah education A new phase of concern for Temple purity as Hellenistic leaders attempt to add pagan statues to the Temple and to synagogues  Mosaic from Sepphoris

Signifcant People and Events Birth of Christ through the 1 st Century A.D. Roman Empire Judea Caesar Augustus Quirinius Pontius Pilate Festus Vespasian Emperor Trajan Herod the Great Caiaphas and Annas Hillel and Gamaliel Philo and Josephus Destruction of the Temple

The Temple in Jerusalem Herodian Model

Sects within 1 st Century Judaism Sadducees (Zadokites):  closely concerned with Temple ritual,  accepted only written Torah,  did not accept idea of immortality of the soul

Pharisees (Perushim):  from term meaning 'separate'  accepted the oral Torah traditions  concerned with 'mitzvah'  forerunner of rabbinic Judaism Sects within 1 st Century Judaism

Essenes  rejected Temple authority as corrupt  had apocalyptic beliefs  Dead Sea Scrolls

Sects within 1 st Century Judaism Zealots:  nationalistic  violent against Rome  Masadah