1. The Jews of the Early First Century
Sunday Morning Introduction and Background Class #2
The Jews of the Early First Century
(part 2)

2. III. Economic Life
Commerce was dynamic because of the Greco-Roman advances

3. Galilee especially was at a commercial crossroads

4. 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

5. The Greek Culture and the New Testament
Sunday Morning Introduction and Background Class #2
The Greek Culture and the New Testament

6. Hellenism – “to speak Greek”
The period after Alexander’s conquest when the Greek culture permeated the world

7. Greek Culture Judaism Roman Rule
New
Testament
Roman Rule

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Insights for Christians Today