1. The Political World of Jesus (323 B.C.E. to 70 C.E.)

2. Greek Domination of Palestine
- 300 years before Jesus, there was one man who dominated – Alexander the Great!
- Only lived to 33!, he became king at 20!, was educated by Aristotle, and had conquered much of the Mediterranean world and lands as far east as India!

3. Greek Influence
- 100 years after Alexander’s death, most of the people in Israel were ruled by the Greek ruler located in Egypt
- So much so, that most people spoke Greek
- During this time, the Greek and Jewish people lived in peace

4. The end of Tolerance
- Around 198 B.C.E. the Romans had defeated the Syrian Greeks and demanded enormous finances
- To pay off Rome, as well as other war efforts the rulers of Syria began a heavy taxation of the Jews
- This ended the peace between the Greeks and Jews

5. Reactions to Greek Rule
The Jewish leaders, the wealthy landowners, and the priestly class tried to get along with the Greeks, simply because they had the most to lose
Other groups, called the Hasidim, meaning “the pious ones,” resented the Greek rulers and felt that any compromise with them amounted to a rejection of the Jewish faith

6. Maccabean War
(first religious war?)

7. Jewish Independence
- Unfortunately for the Jews, strong leaders did not emerge to guide them during the period of independence
- There was debate who would become high priest (ruler) – the Greeks had “gifted” one family with this title, but that family was not at all connected to one of the original 12 tribes of Israel! (HUGE no no)

8. Political Factions within Judaism
- The violation of the priesthood and the role of high priest by the ruling family evoked a number of different responses, and factions began to take shape:
1. Sadducees: group that collaborated most closely with the Romans/Greeks – mostly temple priests and their families
- Considered religious conservatives of the day! The only authority was in the Torah!

9. 2. The Essenes: people who withdrew from Jewish society altogether to observe strict religious traditions!
- The NT does not mention the Essenes by name, but some scholars have argued that John the Baptist might have been as Essene, given his life of renunciation and his rejection of the Jerusalem temple.

10. 3. The Pharisees: they democratized the practices that traditionally had been reserved for priests alone
- This group is who Jesus had most contact with
- Had a strong reputation with the people because of their strict faithfulness to the covenant (and not political power)

11. Geographical Factions in Palestine

12. An Appeal to Rome
- The century of independence under inefficient Jewish leaders quickly deteriorated – nearly to the point of civil war
- So the Pharisees and the Sadducees appealed to Rome for help – which the Romans welcomed!
- In 63 B.C.E, some 60 years before the birth of Jesus, the Romans occupied Palestine and took complete control.

13. Israel Under Roman Domination
Rome was able to build such a powerful empire because they would select leaders of a conquered country FROM that country!

14. By 37 B.C.E. Rome had selected a shrewd Idumaean Jew named Herod to rule Israel.
Herod “the Great”
Herod would rule until his death in 4 B.C.E. And his sons continued in his name until almost the end of the first century of Jesus!
Idumaean: Idumaea was a region just South of Judaea – this region was forced to accept Judaism. And never fully accepted by mainline Jews.

15. Herod was politically cunning and a master builder.
He also displayed terror – in Matthew 2:13-18!
The Slaughter of the Innocents has not been historically verified , but Herod’s reputation for brutality certainly makes it seem possible.

16. Herod Antipas
The second son of Herod, was given control of Galilee and Peraea (just east of the Jordan)
He married his half brother’s wife – which outraged John the Baptist!
Jesus referred to him as a “fox” in a discussion with the Pharisees. (Luke 13:31)
In response, Antipas had John beheaded (Matthew 14:3-12). The Gospels refer to Herod Antipas simply as Herod.

17. A Procurator: Replacement for a Son of Herod the Great
The third son of Herod the Great (Archelaus) was the worst.
Unknowing, he was given the most important areas to rule: Judea, Samaria, and Idumaea.
He was so terrible, he was removed and sent into exile.

18. In his place, Rome placed a “procurator” or “prefect” or “governor”.
The first was placed in 6 B.C.E., and by the time of Jesus’ public ministry, 5 different mean had held the position.
The 5th procurator began his rule in the year 26 - Pontius Pilate!

19. The Destruction of Jerusalem
Under the leadership of the Zealots, an open rebellion against the Romans began in 66 C.E.
The Romans crushed the rebels and destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple by the year 70 C.E.
Only because the strength of the Pharisees was Judaism able to survive and become the major world religion it is today.