1. Background

2. The first emperor of Rome (30 BCE-14 CE), brought peace to the Roman Empire, called the census of “the whole world”

3. Stepson of Augustus and second emperor of Rome (14 CE- 37CE); according to Luke 3, Jesus came to John for baptism in the fifteenth year of Tiberius’ reign. For most of the gospel references he is called Caesar.

4. 63 BCE, Syria and Palestine absorbed into the Roman Empire; after this date, Jewish rulers were merely puppets of Rome 40 BCE Roman Senate appoints Herod I king of Judea; he adopted a form of Judaism, but he was mostly unpopular with Jews; he reigned 37- 4 BCE,

5. extended the boundaries of the kingdom almost to that of King David; it included Samaria and Galilee and territories east of the Jordan River

8. Herod’s most famous building project, one of the most magnificent sanctuaries in the ancient world;

10. Successors Philip (4 BCE-34 CE), tetrarch of areas north and east of Sea of Galilee Herod Antipas (4BCE-39 CE), territories of Galilee and Perea (a region east of the Jordan); This Herod beheaded John the Baptist; and whom Jesus called ‘that fox’ Luke 13: 31 Herod Archelaus, (4 BCE- 6CE); southwest, and Judea, Samaria, Idumea; removed for incompetence; replaced with a series of procurators, Pontius Pilate (26-36 CE)

11. Herod Agrippa I, according to ACTS 12, beheaded James; Herod Agrippa II examined Paul when he was imprisoned at Caesarea Maritima

12. The “jewel of the Galilee.” It was one of the capital cities of the Galilee and the first capital of Herod's son, the independent Jewish client king of Rome

13. First century Jewish historian Provides important material on first-century Judaism and the early Christian period

14. Pharisees Academy of Jamnia Sadducees Samaritans Essenes Zealots

15. Leading religious group in Judaism 200 BCE- 200 CE Name derives from a word meaning “separatists”, referring to strict observances which separate it from common life Views on resurrection and the afterlife anticipate Christian teaching Although sometimes criticized by Jesus, the Pharisees are sometimes his friends Paul was a Pharisee

16. A meeting of prominent rabbis and Pharisees that met at Jamnia in about 90 CE Ushered in a new stage in Judaism Enabled Judaism to survive without the Temple, priesthood, or homeland Ancient scripture, “I require mercy, not sacrifice,” Hos 6:6

17. Ultraconservative Jewish sect 100 BCE- 100 CE Wealthy and land-owning Recognized only the Torah, not the Prophets or Writings Controlled the Temple and priesthood Colluded with Rome, making them unpopular with other Jews

18. Inhabitants of the territory of Samaria One-time capital of the northern kingdoms The orthodox Jews believed Samaritans were descended from Jews who had intermarried with foreigners, making them unacceptable Jesus attempted to ease judgment of Samaritans

19. Nationalistic party of first century Judaism Dedicated to ridding Judaism from foreign domination Militaristic and fanatically patriotic Resulted in unsuccessful rebellion against Rome where the Temple was destroyed (66-73 CE)

20. An ascetic sect of first century Judaism Apocalyptic convictions (thought the end of the world would come soon) Rituals like baptism and sharing bread and wine Associated with Qumran community which produced the Dead Sea Scrolls