1. How the Old Testament Transitioned into the New Between the Testaments

3. Important Dates 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First Temple Period begins 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First Temple Period begins 922 – Division of the Kingdom 922 – Division of the Kingdom

5. Important Dates 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First Temple Period begins 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First Temple Period begins 922 – Division of the Kingdom 922 – Division of the Kingdom 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy Northern Kingdom 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy Northern Kingdom

8. Important Dates 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First Temple Period begins 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First Temple Period begins 922 – Division of the Kingdom 922 – Division of the Kingdom 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy Northern Kingdom 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy Northern Kingdom 606/597/586 B.C. – Babylonian occupation of Judah; First Temple Period ends 606/597/586 B.C. – Babylonian occupation of Judah; First Temple Period ends Note: from this time forward the people of “Judah” are known as the “Jews” Note: from this time forward the people of “Judah” are known as the “Jews”

10. Important Dates 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First Temple 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First Temple 922 – Division of Kingdom 922 – Division of Kingdom 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy Northern Kingdom 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy Northern Kingdom 606/597/586 B.C. – Babylonian occupation of Judah; First Temple Period ends 606/597/586 B.C. – Babylonian occupation of Judah; First Temple Period ends 606-537 B.C. – Seventy Years of Babylonian Exile 606-537 B.C. – Seventy Years of Babylonian Exile 537 B.C. – Persian King Cyrus’ decree encouraging Jewish Exiles to return home 537 B.C. – Persian King Cyrus’ decree encouraging Jewish Exiles to return home 520 B.C. – Rebuild Temple; Second Temple Period begins 520 B.C. – Rebuild Temple; Second Temple Period begins 470 B.C. – Esther & Mordecai 470 B.C. – Esther & Mordecai 450 B.C. – Ezra & Nehemiah 450 B.C. – Ezra & Nehemiah

12. Important Dates 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First Temple Period begins 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First Temple Period begins 922 – Division of Kingdom 922 – Division of Kingdom 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy Northern Kingdom 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy Northern Kingdom 606/597/586 B.C. – Babylonian occupation of Judah; First Temple Period ends 606/597/586 B.C. – Babylonian occupation of Judah; First Temple Period ends 606-537 B.C. – Seventy Years of Babylonian Exile 606-537 B.C. – Seventy Years of Babylonian Exile 537 B.C. – Persian King Cyrus’ decree encouraging Jewish Exiles to return home 537 B.C. – Persian King Cyrus’ decree encouraging Jewish Exiles to return home 520 B.C. – Rebuild Temple; Second Temple Period begins 520 B.C. – Rebuild Temple; Second Temple Period begins 470 B.C. – Esther & Mordecai 470 B.C. – Esther & Mordecai 450 B.C. – Ezra & Nehemiah 450 B.C. – Ezra & Nehemiah 336-323 B.C. – Alexander the Great 336-323 B.C. – Alexander the Great

14. Important Dates 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First Temple Period begins 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First Temple Period begins 922 – Division of Kingdom 922 – Division of Kingdom 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy Northern Kingdom 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy Northern Kingdom 606/597/586 B.C. – Babylonian occupation of Judah; First Temple Period ends 606/597/586 B.C. – Babylonian occupation of Judah; First Temple Period ends 606-537 B.C. – Seventy Years of Babylonian Exile 606-537 B.C. – Seventy Years of Babylonian Exile 537 B.C. – Persian King Cyrus’ decree encouraging Jewish Exiles to return home 537 B.C. – Persian King Cyrus’ decree encouraging Jewish Exiles to return home 520 B.C. – Rebuild Temple; Second Temple Period begins 520 B.C. – Rebuild Temple; Second Temple Period begins 470 B.C. – Esther & Mordecai 470 B.C. – Esther & Mordecai 450 B.C. – Ezra & Nehemiah 450 B.C. – Ezra & Nehemiah 336-323 B.C. – Alexander the Great 336-323 B.C. – Alexander the Great 323-167 B.C. – Judea on the border between Ptolemies (Egypt) and Seleucids (Syria) 323-167 B.C. – Judea on the border between Ptolemies (Egypt) and Seleucids (Syria) 165-63 B.C. – Jewish Independence 165-63 B.C. – Jewish Independence

15. From Persia to Rome: Jewish Independence gained & lost The Persians sent the Jews home from Babylonian exile beginning in 538 B.C. The Persians sent the Jews home from Babylonian exile beginning in 538 B.C. Judea was a Persian province until Alexander the Great came through in 329 B.C. Judea was a Persian province until Alexander the Great came through in 329 B.C. He had recently won major victories over the Persian armies and was planning to strike at the heart of Persia after first winning Egypt He had recently won major victories over the Persian armies and was planning to strike at the heart of Persia after first winning Egypt On the way to Egypt he passed through Palestine and was confronted by the Jewish High Priest Jaddua who showed him the Book of Daniel and told Alexander that he was destined by God to conquer the Persians On the way to Egypt he passed through Palestine and was confronted by the Jewish High Priest Jaddua who showed him the Book of Daniel and told Alexander that he was destined by God to conquer the Persians For this reason Alexander annexed Judea to his empire without any battles against the Jews, granting them significant freedom For this reason Alexander annexed Judea to his empire without any battles against the Jews, granting them significant freedom

16. From Persia to Rome: Jewish Independence gained & lost But Alexander died a few years later (323) But Alexander died a few years later (323) With no ready successor, Alexander’s generals divided his realm into four sections With no ready successor, Alexander’s generals divided his realm into four sections After internal fighting these were soon reduced to three After internal fighting these were soon reduced to three Seleucus created the Antiochid dynasty and ruled out of Syria (Antioch) Seleucus created the Antiochid dynasty and ruled out of Syria (Antioch) Ptolemy created a dynasty that ruled out of Egypt (Alexandria) Ptolemy created a dynasty that ruled out of Egypt (Alexandria) Judea was on the borderland between these two great powers Judea was on the borderland between these two great powers For one century (323-223) Judea remained mostly under Ptolemaic control and experienced a great deal of freedom For one century (323-223) Judea remained mostly under Ptolemaic control and experienced a great deal of freedom During this period there was some pressure to become more Hellenized, but it was more cultural than political During this period there was some pressure to become more Hellenized, but it was more cultural than political

17. From Persia to Rome: Jewish Independence gained & lost Seleucid Antiochus III (223-187) began campaigns against Egypt that netted him control of Palestine in 223. Now pressures to Hellenize were increased politically as well as socially. Seleucid Antiochus III (223-187) began campaigns against Egypt that netted him control of Palestine in 223. Now pressures to Hellenize were increased politically as well as socially. Two branches of the High Priest family in Jerusalem came to typify divergent views on Hellenism: Two branches of the High Priest family in Jerusalem came to typify divergent views on Hellenism: The Oniads tried to keep Judaism more orthodox and less Hellenized The Oniads tried to keep Judaism more orthodox and less Hellenized The Tobiads were fully in favor of Hellenizing, to the extent of revisioning Jewish religion in the form of the Greek gods and rites The Tobiads were fully in favor of Hellenizing, to the extent of revisioning Jewish religion in the form of the Greek gods and rites When Antiochus IV (“Epiphanes;” 175-164) came to power he exploited these differing perspectives. He received bribe money from Menelaus to appoint him as High Priest (completely inappropriate by Jewish tradition). This created enormous internal controversy among the Jews, with those wishing further Hellenization supportive of Menelaus and those horrified by Hellenization grating at this tragic turn of affairs When Antiochus IV (“Epiphanes;” 175-164) came to power he exploited these differing perspectives. He received bribe money from Menelaus to appoint him as High Priest (completely inappropriate by Jewish tradition). This created enormous internal controversy among the Jews, with those wishing further Hellenization supportive of Menelaus and those horrified by Hellenization grating at this tragic turn of affairs

18. From Persia to Rome: Jewish Independence gained & lost Antiochus was seen as the powerful outside meddler, and when reports circulated of his death in a campaign against Egypt, a small revolt in Jerusalem put Menelaus’ brother Jason into the role of High Priest Antiochus was seen as the powerful outside meddler, and when reports circulated of his death in a campaign against Egypt, a small revolt in Jerusalem put Menelaus’ brother Jason into the role of High Priest But Antiochus was not dead. Furthermore, the Romans (whom Antiochus admired) informed him that they controlled Egypt and that he had to get out. In consternation Antiochus turned his attention toward Jerusalem. But Antiochus was not dead. Furthermore, the Romans (whom Antiochus admired) informed him that they controlled Egypt and that he had to get out. In consternation Antiochus turned his attention toward Jerusalem. With great rage he stormed the city, defiled the Temple (25 Kislev 168), set up an image of himself in it, and forced the Jews to become overtly Hellenized. To show their fealty Antiochus sent his soldiers throughout the land requiring the sacrifice of pigs in every town and city. With great rage he stormed the city, defiled the Temple (25 Kislev 168), set up an image of himself in it, and forced the Jews to become overtly Hellenized. To show their fealty Antiochus sent his soldiers throughout the land requiring the sacrifice of pigs in every town and city. In Modein, old priest Mattathias refused to make the sacrilegious sacrifice. A younger priest agreed to officiate, but Mattathias was enraged and killed the man. Mattathias and his four sons then killed the soldiers of Antiochus, precipitating the Jewish revolt. In Modein, old priest Mattathias refused to make the sacrilegious sacrifice. A younger priest agreed to officiate, but Mattathias was enraged and killed the man. Mattathias and his four sons then killed the soldiers of Antiochus, precipitating the Jewish revolt.

19. From Persia to Rome: Jewish Independence gained & lost Although Judas was the second son of Mattathias, he was quickly designated the military leader. People called him “The Hammerer” because of his lightning-quick powerful raids that pummeled the Syrian forces. This is the origin of the name “Maccabees” Although Judas was the second son of Mattathias, he was quickly designated the military leader. People called him “The Hammerer” because of his lightning-quick powerful raids that pummeled the Syrian forces. This is the origin of the name “Maccabees” The revolutionary forces quickly took back Jerusalem and managed to cleanse and re-dedicate the Temple (25 Kislev 165). There was almost no oil for the Temple lamp, but what was left miraculously replenished itself until the dedication was complete and a new quantity of holy oil could be created and sanctified. This is the origin of Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights.” The revolutionary forces quickly took back Jerusalem and managed to cleanse and re-dedicate the Temple (25 Kislev 165). There was almost no oil for the Temple lamp, but what was left miraculously replenished itself until the dedication was complete and a new quantity of holy oil could be created and sanctified. This is the origin of Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights.” Antiochus did not realize the tenacity of the orthodox Jewish will, and underestimated the strength of their guerrilla warfare. Beset with troubles back home, he could not long endure another war, and his successor made peace with the Jews in 162, granting them virtual freedom. Antiochus did not realize the tenacity of the orthodox Jewish will, and underestimated the strength of their guerrilla warfare. Beset with troubles back home, he could not long endure another war, and his successor made peace with the Jews in 162, granting them virtual freedom.

20. From Persia to Rome: Jewish Independence gained & lost But Jewish independence opened the way for internal conflicts, particularly between the Hellenizing and orthodoxy emphases. But Jewish independence opened the way for internal conflicts, particularly between the Hellenizing and orthodoxy emphases. The Hasmonean family, descended from Mattathias and his sons, retained control of the High Priest office and added to it the designation of “King” The Hasmonean family, descended from Mattathias and his sons, retained control of the High Priest office and added to it the designation of “King” Social tensions escalated between the “separatist” party, increasingly identified as the Pharisees, and the Sadducees (priests, nobility, political leaders) who were much more in favor of Hellenistic trends. To the left of these were those who identified themselves outright as “Hellenizers,” and to the right even of the Pharisees were the Essenes, waiting for divine judgment to fall down on this whole mess. Social tensions escalated between the “separatist” party, increasingly identified as the Pharisees, and the Sadducees (priests, nobility, political leaders) who were much more in favor of Hellenistic trends. To the left of these were those who identified themselves outright as “Hellenizers,” and to the right even of the Pharisees were the Essenes, waiting for divine judgment to fall down on this whole mess. When Hasmonean family feuds escalated, Antipater, governor of Idumaea (Edom), began a persistent campaign to bring in Roman rule. His grandson Herod married into the Hasmonean family, and in 63 Roman General Pompey was invited to bring peace to Jerusalem. Herod became king. When Hasmonean family feuds escalated, Antipater, governor of Idumaea (Edom), began a persistent campaign to bring in Roman rule. His grandson Herod married into the Hasmonean family, and in 63 Roman General Pompey was invited to bring peace to Jerusalem. Herod became king.

21. Geographical Areas Ruled by the Successors of Alexander the Great Syria/Palestine (Seleucids) Palestine/Jerusalem (Maccabees or Hasmonean) Egypt (Ptolemies) Alexander the Great 334 - 323 Territories disputed following Alexander's death Seleucus I 312 - 281 Ptolemy I Soter 320 - 285 Antiochus I 281 - 261 Ptolemy II Philadelphus 285 - 247 Antiochus II 261 - 246 Seleucus II 246 - 226 Ptolemy III Euergetes 247 - 222 Seleucus III 226 - 223 Antiochus III 223 - 187 Ptolemy IV Philapator 222 - 205 Ptolemy V Epiphanes 205 - 198 Ptolemy V Epiphanes 205 - 182 Antiochus III 198 - 187 Seleucus IV Philopater 187 - 175 Ptolemy VI Philometer 182 - 146 Antiochus IV Epiphanes 175 - 163 Mattathias 168 - 166 Antiochus V Eupator 163 - 162 Judas Maccabeus 166 - 160 Demetrius I Soter 162 - 150 Alexander Balas 150 - 145 Jonathan Maccabeus 160 - 143

22. Demetrius II Nicator 145 - 139 Simon Maccabeus 143 - 135 Ptolemy VII Euergetes II 146 - 116 Antiochus VII Sidetes 139 - 129 John Hyrcanus I 135 - 104 Demetrius II 129 - 95 Ptolemy VIII Soter II 116 - 108 Aristobulus I 104 - 103 Ptolemy IX Alexander 108 - 89 Ptolemy X Alexander II 80 Demetrius III 95 - 78 Ptolemy VIII Soter II 88 - 80 Armenian and Roman Control Hyrcanus II and Alexandra 76 - 67 Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus II 67 - 63* Pompey Roman Occupation 63 Antipater Herod Procurator of Judea 47 -43 Antigonus 40 - 37 Herod the Great 37 - 4

24. Important Dates 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First Temple Period begins 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First Temple Period begins 922 – Division of Kingdom 922 – Division of Kingdom 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy Northern Kingdom 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy Northern Kingdom 606/597/586 B.C. – Babylonian occupation of Judah; First Temple Period ends 606/597/586 B.C. – Babylonian occupation of Judah; First Temple Period ends 606-537 B.C. – Seventy Years of Babylonian Exile 606-537 B.C. – Seventy Years of Babylonian Exile 537 B.C. – Persian King Cyrus’ decree encouraging Jewish Exiles to return home 537 B.C. – Persian King Cyrus’ decree encouraging Jewish Exiles to return home 520 B.C. – Rebuild Temple; Second Temple Period begins 520 B.C. – Rebuild Temple; Second Temple Period begins 470 B.C. – Esther & Mordecai 470 B.C. – Esther & Mordecai 450 B.C. – Ezra & Nehemiah 450 B.C. – Ezra & Nehemiah 336-323 B.C. – Alexander the Great 336-323 B.C. – Alexander the Great 323-167 B.C. – Judea on the border between Ptolemies (Egypt) and Seleucids (Syria) 323-167 B.C. – Judea on the border between Ptolemies (Egypt) and Seleucids (Syria) 165-63 B.C. – Jewish Independence 165-63 B.C. – Jewish Independence 63 B.C. – Roman rule begins 63 B.C. – Roman rule begins 37-4 B.C. – Herod the Great 37-4 B.C. – Herod the Great

25. The Socio-Political Spectrum Sadducees Priests: “Zadokites” won Jewish War; rich, rulers, liberal theology

26. The Socio-Political Spectrum SadduceesPharisees Priests: “Zadokites” won Jewish War; rich, rulers, liberal theology Laypeople: Took Temple cleansings into daily life, conservative theology

27. The Socio-Political Spectrum Hellen- ists SadduceesPharisees Wanted Jews to become part of Roman world Priests: “Zadokites” won Jewish War; rich, rulers, liberal theology Laypeople: Took Temple cleansings into daily life, conservative theology

28. The Socio-Political Spectrum Hellen- ists SadduceesPhariseesEssenes Wanted Jews to become part of Roman world Priests: “Zadokites” won Jewish War; rich, rulers, liberal theology Laypeople: Took Temple cleansings into daily life, conservative theology Late- comers from Babylon; strict & separate

29. The Socio-Political Spectrum Herodi- ans Hellen- ists SadduceesPhariseesEssenes Politically and culturally tied to Rome Wanted Jews to become part of Roman world Priests: “Zadokites” won Jewish War; rich, rulers, liberal theology Laypeople: Took Temple cleansings into daily life, conservative theology Late- comers from Babylon; strict & separate

30. The Socio-Political Spectrum Herodi- ans Hellen- ists SadduceesPhariseesEssenesZealots Politically and culturally tied to Rome Wanted Jews to become part of Roman world Priests: “Zadokites” won Jewish War; rich, rulers, liberal theology Laypeople: Took Temple cleansings into daily life, conservative theology Late- comers from Babylon; strict & separate Fight to get rid of Rome; “Sicarii” assassins

31. Shifting Gears The Same Message in a New Form

32. Comparing the Literature Old Testament Old Testament 39 books 39 books Written over 1000 years (1300-300 B.C.) Written over 1000 years (1300-300 B.C.) Understood to be both the “Hebrew Bible” of Judaism and the “Old Testament” of Christianity Understood to be both the “Hebrew Bible” of Judaism and the “Old Testament” of Christianity Focused on the Sinai Covenant and the Kingdom of Yahweh in and through Israel Focused on the Sinai Covenant and the Kingdom of Yahweh in and through Israel New Testament New Testament 27 books Written in 50 years (48-98 A.D.) Understood as the primary sourcebook for Christianity Focused on the person, work and teachings of Jesus

33. What about the “Apocrypha”? Name means “hidden things” Name means “hidden things” Several collections of “apocryphal” books: Several collections of “apocryphal” books: Old Testament “pseudepigripha” Old Testament “pseudepigripha” Books in Hebrew related to Old Testament themes but considered less authentic or authoritative Books in Hebrew related to Old Testament themes but considered less authentic or authoritative Jewish “apocrypha” Jewish “apocrypha” Books in Greek mainly related to times and writings during the Second Temple period but considered less authoritative Books in Greek mainly related to times and writings during the Second Temple period but considered less authoritative Christian “apocrypha” or “spiritual writings” Christian “apocrypha” or “spiritual writings” Books in Greek or Latin which purport to continue stories begun in New Testament writings or to come from authors mentioned there Books in Greek or Latin which purport to continue stories begun in New Testament writings or to come from authors mentioned there

34. What about the “Apocrypha”? At the time of Jesus two collections had been “canonized” At the time of Jesus two collections had been “canonized” Torah – the writings of Moses or Covenant documents Torah – the writings of Moses or Covenant documents Nabi’im – the prophets, both historical and sermonic Nabi’im – the prophets, both historical and sermonic There was a growing body of other literature that had been translated into Greek or was written in Greek that became part of the “Septuagint” This was used extensively by early Christians There was a growing body of other literature that had been translated into Greek or was written in Greek that became part of the “Septuagint” This was used extensively by early Christians After the destruction of the Temple (70 A.D.), Pharisaic/Rabbinic Judaism began to place a huge emphasis on an authoritative text for its Synagogue readings and teachings. Around 90 A.D. the Hebrew Bible became standardized with the Torah and Nabi’im as we know it today, and the K’tuvim (“Writings”) pared down from the Septuagint collection. After the destruction of the Temple (70 A.D.), Pharisaic/Rabbinic Judaism began to place a huge emphasis on an authoritative text for its Synagogue readings and teachings. Around 90 A.D. the Hebrew Bible became standardized with the Torah and Nabi’im as we know it today, and the K’tuvim (“Writings”) pared down from the Septuagint collection.

35. What about the “Apocrypha”? The Christian church generally used the Septuagint for the first few centuries, but began to distinguish between those books which had greater authority and those which had less The Christian church generally used the Septuagint for the first few centuries, but began to distinguish between those books which had greater authority and those which had less At the time of the Reformation, Protestant scholars sought to get back to early church identity and practices, and adopted the Hebrew Bible as the normative Old Testament At the time of the Reformation, Protestant scholars sought to get back to early church identity and practices, and adopted the Hebrew Bible as the normative Old Testament This clarified the higher and lower authority of shared canonical scriptures over the apocryphal writings This clarified the higher and lower authority of shared canonical scriptures over the apocryphal writings

36. Relation between the Testaments A number of different theories: A number of different theories: O.T. is Scripture, N.T. is explanatory footnote O.T. is Scripture, N.T. is explanatory footnote Note use of O.T. by early church Note use of O.T. by early church O.T. is Prophecy, N.T. is Fulfillment O.T. is Prophecy, N.T. is Fulfillment General Christian understanding General Christian understanding O.T. is historical background, N.T. is scripture O.T. is historical background, N.T. is scripture “Christocentric” Christian understanding “Christocentric” Christian understanding O.T. is Law, N.T. is Gospel O.T. is Law, N.T. is Gospel Peculiarly Lutheran understanding Peculiarly Lutheran understanding O.T. is Covenant mission, N.T. is Messianic thrust O.T. is Covenant mission, N.T. is Messianic thrust Broader Reformed understanding Broader Reformed understanding

37. Dating the New Testament 48 Galatians 48 Galatians 49 James 49 James 50 Thessalonians 50 Thessalonians 53 1 & 2 Corinthians 53 1 & 2 Corinthians 54 Romans 54 Romans 58 Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians 58 Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians 63 1 Timothy, Titus, 1 Peter, Jude 63 1 Timothy, Titus, 1 Peter, Jude 64 2 Peter 64 2 Peter 65 Mark 65 Mark 66 Matthew, Luke, Acts, Hebrews 66 Matthew, Luke, Acts, Hebrews 67 2 Timothy 67 2 Timothy 88 Revelation 88 Revelation 96 John 96 John 97 1, 2, & 3 John 97 1, 2, & 3 John

38. Dating the New Testament The span of time over which these works were written was very short – 50 years! The span of time over which these works were written was very short – 50 years! Most of the “letters” were written before the “gospels” Most of the “letters” were written before the “gospels” Among the gospels: Among the gospels: Mark appears to have been written first Mark appears to have been written first Matthew and Luke make extensive use of Mark when writing their gospels Matthew and Luke make extensive use of Mark when writing their gospels Because of the similarity between Matthew, Mark and Luke, these are called the “Synopitic” gospels Because of the similarity between Matthew, Mark and Luke, these are called the “Synopitic” gospels John is written much later, and uses a very different approach to telling the stories and teachings of Jesus John is written much later, and uses a very different approach to telling the stories and teachings of Jesus

39. What is the literary genre of “Gospel”? Not biography Not biography There is not enough data to tell a life story There is not enough data to tell a life story Not summary of teachings of Jesus Not summary of teachings of Jesus The teachings are too scattered The teachings are too scattered There is too much material about Jesus’ life and actions There is too much material about Jesus’ life and actions There is clear and extensive focus on Jesus’ last week (betrayal, arrest, trial, death, resurrection) There is clear and extensive focus on Jesus’ last week (betrayal, arrest, trial, death, resurrection) The most fitting designation seems to be “Preaching” The most fitting designation seems to be “Preaching” Early Christian “preaching” about Jesus and the significance of his coming, person, teachings, actions, death & resurrection Early Christian “preaching” about Jesus and the significance of his coming, person, teachings, actions, death & resurrection