Introduction to Biblical Literature
Goshen College 2000 -- Professor Jo-Ann A. Brant

Intertestamental and New Testament History

Sources: Josephus, The Jewish War (JW), Jewish Antiquities (Ant); Acts of the Apostles; The Gospels; Maccabees; Philo of Alexandria

The Exile as Crucible

Expectations

New Institutions

The Hellenistic EmpireBattle of Issos 331 BC. 5.82 m x 3.13 m, probably late fourth century BC copy by Philoxenos of Eretria.

Alexander the Great (sculpture attributed to Lysippos copy of original c. 330 B.C) ascends to the throne of Macedonia in 336. By his death in 323, he has established himself as ruler of Greece, conquered the Persian Empire, thereby swallowing up Judea, taken Egypt and is prepared to invade India. At his death, his empire splits into four parts: 1) his lieutenant, Ptolomy, appoints himself as master of Egypt and establishes a dynasty that will last until the days of Caesar, 2) Seleucus becomes the founder of an empire in Asia Minor that reaches from Armenia in the North and Mesopotamia in the east, 3) Thrace and 4) Macedonia.

Hellenism

Greek culture, like modern American popular culture, threatened to overwhelm local customs and religion. For example, young Jewish men who wanted to get ahead in the world needed a Greek education including physical education, activities commonly done in the nude. Embarrassed by their circumcision, some Jewish youths submitted themselves to painful operations to create new foreskins. Jews divide into two broad factions: the Hellenistic syncretists who embrace hellenism and the hasidim (pietists) who try to preserve worship of God alone and torah piety. The syncretists gain power because the Seleucid rulers tend to appoint them to positions of authority including the high priesthood.

The progress of hellenism reaches its apex when Antiochus IV encourages the high priest to worship YHWH as if he were Zeus by sacrificing pigs on the altar in the temple. When Antiochus promulgates an edict prohibiting Jewish practices, a revolt breaks out led by Mattathias, a priest from Modin, and his family, the Maccabees.

In 164 b.c.e, Judas Maccabee rededicates the temple (this event is commemorated in the celebration of Hanukah). In 142, Simon, the last of the five brothers, gains remission from the tribute to the Seleucids and appoints himself high priest and declares himself king, both of which positions he is not entitled to claim. The Maccabees are not a high priestly family and as Levites they can hardly claim Davidic descent.

As Lord Acton points out, "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." The Maccabean dynasty becomes a rule of oppression. John Hyrcanus subjugates the Samaritans and destroys their temple at Mount Gerizim. The family adopts the name Hasmonean and other Greek names. Judea's independence becomes marked by a series of family successional disputes which end with rival claims between the feeble Hyrcanus II who falls under the influence of an advisor from Idumea -- Antipater the ancestral father of the Herodians -- and Aristobulus.

Voluntary Associations

During this period, many Jews become members of voluntary associations, groups that attempt to be faithful to the Torah by agreeing upon practices and interpretation.

The Pharisees

The Sadducees

Essenes (linked to Qumran/Dead Sea Community and Scrolls)

The Rise of the Roman Empire

The sun begins to set on the Hellenistic Empire when the Roman Republic develops a thirst for empire. In 63 b.c.e., Pompei a Roman general is campaigning in the region of Judea and is approached by a contingent of Jerusalem leaders who ask him to intervene in the Hasmonean succession dispute. Pompei reduces Judea to a client kingdom that pays tribute to Rome. With some crafty maneuvering, Antipater makes himself defacto rule with Hyrcanus as puppet king. His son, Herod, claims the title of King in 37 b.c.e. and rules Judea and the Galilee until 6 c.e.

Herod

When Herod dies, his son Archelaus orders the slaughter of 3,000 Jews who have congregated in the Temple precinct to protest the heavy taxation under the Herodians. Once again the people appeal to Rome for relief. Augustus (see note), engaged in a plan to rationalize his empire, absorbs Judea into the province of Syria. Jews now come under direct Roman rule in the form of the Syrian governor. A Roman Procurator rules in Jerusalem with full power including the sole right to inflict capital punishment, and a Roman garrison is housed just outside the temple walls. Some Jews, most of whom reside in the Galilee, oppose direct rule. These groups tend to be lumped together under the rubric of Zealots.

It is into this context that Jesus is born and conducts his ministry and is executed as an enemy of Rome.

Note: the link from the name Augustus takes you to a excellent, brief account of the history of Roman Emperors composed by Stephen Kreis for his western civilization course at Florida Atlantic University.

The Story of the Rise of Two Religions: Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity

From the Jesus Movement to the Split between the Church and the Synagogue

Part 1 -- The Growth of the Church in the Diaspora

Part 2 -- The Destruction of the Temple and the Rise of Rabbinic Judaism

Part 3 -- Christians are no longer Jews

Part 4 -- Judaism becomes a religion in Diaspora