1	History of the Gospels: Historical Prelude L. D. Alford www.lionelalford.com www.ldalford.com
2	Focus of Class Gospels as Greek Literature Literary context Basis for all modern literature Gospels as Histories Historical context Cultural context Basis of Western Civilization NT in terms of history and literature
3	Outline 1. Introduction to ancient cultures 2. Historical prelude 3. Historical veracity of the Gospels 4. Literature of the Gospels 5. Tellos of Matthew 6. Tellos of Mark 7. Tellos of Luke 8. Tellos of John & Tellic comparison
4	Overview 2. Historical prelude World Levant Jewish world
5	Greek Words and Language Σλλην Hellen (hel'-lane) a Hellen (Grecian) or inhabitant of Hellas; by extension a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew: KJV-- Gentile, Greek.
6	Greek Words and Language Έκκλησίαν ekklesia (ek-klay-see'-ah) a calling out for an assembly The Athenian Democracy KJV-- assembly, church. ek (ek) or ex (ex); a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote): KJV-- after, among, X are, at, betwixt (-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+abundantly above), for (-th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, ...ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with (-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
7	Greek Words and Language kaleo (kal-eh'-o); to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, dir. or otherwise): KJV-- bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-) name (was [called]). Ρωμαίός Rhomaios (hro-mah'-yos) Romaean, i.e. Roman (as noun): KJV-- Roman, of Rome. Rhome (hro'-may); strength; Roma, the capital of Italy: KJV-- Rome.
8	Greek Words and Language rhonnumi (hrone'-noo-mee); prolongation from rhoomai (to dart); to strengthen, i.e. (impersonal passive) have health (as a parting exclamation, good-bye): KJV-- farewell. Ρωμαϊστί Rhomaisti (hro-mah-is-tee') Romaistically, i.e. in the Latin language: KJV-- Latin.
9	Greek Words and Language Βάρβαρος barbaros (bar'-bar-os) of uncertain derivation; a foreigner (i.e. non-Greek): KJV-- barbarian (-rous), foreigner, foreign
10	Jewish View of Law Law was inherent in Creation Not just devised Note comparison with Noahic covenant God’s revelation in the Covenant at the right time Particular step for God to bring the CoI and us into understanding of law
11	Jewish View of Law Much confusion on the Laws and laws under the covenant of the CoI Gentiles Covered by the Noahic covenant Can become Yoked to the Torah if convert to Judaism
12	Jewish View of Law The Law of God is a physical representation of the Law God set in the creation Laws for individuals Noahic Mosaic – ten words (synopsis of Torah) Laws for society – ten words (Torah) Laws of cleanliness – ten words (Torah) Verbal Torah - Mishna Talmud
13	Intentional Sin Num 15:30-31 (NIV) 30 "'But anyone who sins defiantly, whether native-born or alien, blasphemes the LORD, and that person must be cut off from his people. 31 Because he has despised the LORD's word and broken his commands, that person must surely be cut off; his guilt remains on him.'" Num 15:30-31 (NAS) 30 'But the person who does {anything} defiantly, whether he is native or an alien, that one is blaspheming the LORD; and that person shall be cut off from among his people. 31 'Because he has despised the word of the LORD and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt {shall be} on him.'"
14	Jewish View of Law Covenant is incomplete because no redemption for intentional sin Each earlier covenant is incomplete JPS Handbook points to 31 unforgivable Points directly to a Messiah Rabbis understood the incomplete covenant and understood its limitations Following destruction of the Temple led to a more secular understanding of covenant Today covenant of Moses can’t be kept because no Temple
15	Jewish View of Law Synagogue of NT period had a legal as well as a religious function Lawyers and doctors of the Law were the men who presided over the synagogue to handle legal matters In ancient world all legal matters were local matters and punishments were handled by the people in their own communities Lawyers and doctors of Law acted as the Rabbis for their community
16	Jewish View of Law Training was in the Torah and other scriptures as well as the Mishna, at this time verbal Ancient writing mnemonics This verbal Mishna is what Christ knew and understood well Synagogue trained - Pharisaically trained With the destruction of the Temple, the role of the synagogue and of the Rabbis (Pharisees) became more important
17	World History ¶History is critical 400 BC to 0 AD Greeks City-state – each with a different political system Athens only democracy Constant war with each other and with outside enemies Greeks - not generally defeated or subjugated
18	World History Most important invention in thinking “Greek philosophy” Not separate from theology Direct separation from Paganism Direct separation from the world’s past way of thinking Key date 399 BC – death of Socrates How did we get there?
19	World History Alexander 336 takes kingship of Macedonia 323 dies in Babylon of illness Ushered in a new era in politics City-states under outside dominion Alexander sparked the imagination of so many cultures his empire became the model for the world
20	World History City-states modeled themselves after Greek (Hellenism) Adopted Greek language Greek culture Greek philosophy Greek science (same as philosophy) Greek religion Paganism Temples Oracles Mystery religion
21	World History Generals Seleucus Asia – Persia Seleucid empire Ptolemy Egypt Antigonus Macedon
22	World History Socrates – 399 BC Ushered in a critical change in thinking Death was the turning point of the Greek culture in moving from Paganism to Mysticism
23	World History Difference in Socrates and the other Greek philosophers is they did not focus their knowledge in religion Step toward Mystery religion Focus on a leader Revelation of a mystery Initiation rites Steps of knowledge to the full revelation Leads directly to Gnosticism – next step in religion Separation from a physical revelation
24	World History Greatest addition was not mystery religion, but a look at the world from a position of rationalism Peshat vs. Derash Concept of the world as rational History Science Logic (Socrates 469-399 BC Scientific method (Aristotle 384-322 BC) Historical-legal method (Herodotus 484–424 BC) Greek rational thought
25	Truth Logic (Socrates 469-399 BC Scientific method (Aristotle 384-322 BC) Historical-legal method (Herodotus 484–424 BC) Greek rationalism Basis of Western Civilization and thought
26	World History Romans 509 Republic established City-States with Rome as a part Not a world power until 200 BC First Punic war 264-241 BC defeats Carthage Second Punic war 218-201 defeats Hannibal Defeats Macedon 197 Defeats Syria 190 Third Punic war 149-146 Carthage raised (proves the effectiveness of war)
27	World History 49 BC Caesar crosses the Rubicon – beginning of the end of the Roman republic Caesar – beginning of the Emperors
28	World History - Conclusion Greek rational thought was the framework of the Gospels Brought to the known world by Alexander the Great through conquer Irrational (Derash) world accepted the mantel of Hellenistic thinking and culture Romans accepted and spread Greek rationalism with pluralism and new political construct – nation-state
29	Greek Language ήγεμών hegemon (hayg-em-ohn') a leader, i.e. chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province: KJV-- governor, prince, ruler. hegeomai (hayg-eh'-om-ahee); to lead, i.e. command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e. consider: KJV-- account, (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think.
30	Greek Language βασιλέως basileus (bas-il-yooce') notion of a foundation of power; a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively): KJV-- king. basis (bas'-ece); from baino (to walk); a pace ("base"), i.e. (by implication) the foot: KJV-- foot.
31	Greek Language έθνάρχης ethnarches (eth-nar'-khace) the governor [not king] of a district: KJV-- ethnarch. ethnos (eth'-nos); a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by implication, pagan): KJV-- Gentile, heathen, nation, people. arche (ar-khay'); (properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank): KJV-- beginning, corner, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule.
32	Greek Language τετραάρχης tetrarches (tet-rar'-khace) the ruler of a fourth part of a country ("tetrarch"): KJV-- tetrarch tessares (tes'-sar-es); tessara (tes'-sar-ah); a plural number; four: KJV-- four. archo (ar'-kho); to be first (in political rank or power): KJV-- reign (rule) over.
33	Greek Language ‘Іουδαίας – Judaea Γαλιλαίας – Galilee Ποντίου Πιλάτου – Pontius Pilate ‘Ηρώδου -- Herod
34	History - Levant History is critical 200 BC to 0 AD Greeks – following Alexander’s death Ptolemy Egypt Antigonus Macedon
35	Alexander
36	Seleucid Empire Seleucid empire - Seleucus Asia – Persia Controlled the Levant back and forth with Greek Egypt at this time Seleucid empire was in control Goal was Hellenization 175 BC Jason is the high priest – who has taken on a political controlling influence Antiochus IV is the head of the Seleucid empire Jason was open to Hellenization and built gymnasiums and encouraged priests to go to the sporting events Jason rebelled against Antiochus IV and Antiochus sent in troops
37	Israel Antiochus began a heavy program of Hellenization of the Jews Defiled the temple with swine Did not allow circumcision Prevented temple worship Built an alter to Zeus in the Temple– abomination of desolation (interpreted by the Rabbis) Precipitated a revolt 167 BC – the Maccabean revolt
38	Maccabean Revolt The Maccabean revolt - 167 BCE Started by Mattathias (priest) and his sons Beginning of the Hasmoneans Successful because the Romans are eating away at the Seleucid empire Simon proclaimed by people to be their leader and high priest Significant because (according to Josephus) Simon was not of the line of Aaron and not entitled to be high priest Simon and prior to him, his brother Jonathan proclaimed both high priest and king of Israel Line of Hasmoneans through Simon
39	Jewish Sects Proclamation of Simon as king and high priest caused a split into 4 Jewish sects Essenes Pharisees Sadducees Zealots
40	Jewish Sects Essenes Jewish tradition says may have been started by the ex-high priest prior to Jonathan Strictly interpreted Law and rejected many elements of Jewish “tradition” Example: tradition changed the date of the Passover to the first Friday following the 15 of Nissan, Essenes and Pharisees disagreed with this counting and the Essenes celebrated Passover on 15 Nissan—Christ had his Passover on 15 Nissan Thursday Separated from sacrificial Law Resurrection of dead Reward and punishment after life
41	Jewish Sects Pharisees Like the Essesens disagreed with the Hasmodeans as high priest and king Strongly supported the use of Oral Torah along with the Torah in the determination of Jewish Law Advocated greater leniency in punishments Believed in resurrection Believed in eternal punishment of the wicked Supported by the people Saul/Paul was a Pharisee
42	Jewish Sects Sadducees Held only Torah as basis for Law No resurrection No punishment after death Generally controlled Temple and high priest Zealots 6 AD founded by Judas of Galilee Basically Pharisees with an extremist bent Violently opposed the Romans and Hellenization
43	Roman Intervention Roman intervention Pompey 66BC sent to stabilize Syria Took Jerusalem and added Judea to Syria End of Hasmodean rule – Pompey appointed his chief lieutenant Gabinius as the administrator Hyrcanus II (a Hasmodean) was appointed high priest by Rome (Pompey), his advisor is Antipater (an Idumean, south of Judea and not a Jew) Antipater’s son was Herod (Herod Antipater)
44	Herod Herod Appointed administrator of Galilee Brother Phasael appointed administrator of Jerusalem Mark Anthony appointed Herod and Phasael as tetrarchs The Parthians invaded Syria and captured Phaseal and Hyrcanus II Phaseal committed suicide in prison Hyrcanus was mutilated so he could not be the high priest any longer
45	Herod Herod retreated to Masada and appealed to Rome 37 BC Rome accepted Herod’s appeal and made him the King of Judea At Herod’s request the last Hasmodean king, Antigonus was put to death Herod was a Idumean whose family had been forced to convert to Judaism at sword point Tied himself to Hasmodeans by marrying Mariamme a princess of the family Appointed her brother an Hasmodean (Aristobulis III) as high priest – Herod had him drowned in 35 BC because of his popularity eliminating the last of Hasmodeans
46	Herod Killed many of his own sons and his wives Caesar Augustus said, “It is better to be Herod’s pig than his son.” Herod’s greatest accomplishments were his building programs and Hellenization of the Levant Rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem Also erected temples to the Roman gods Staged athletic games in Caesar’s honor Constructed the port at Caesarea Maritama Reequipped Masda Rebuilt many cities in Hellenistic style
47	Herod’s Legacy Herod’s children 4 BC, riots erupted at Herod’s death that the Roman legate of Syria, Varius had to suppress Herod’s will gave the kingdom to three of his sons (ratified by the Roman Senate) Judea, Samaria, and Idumea – Archelaus as ethnarch Galilee – Antipas as tetrarch Perea – Philip as tetrarch
48	Judea Judea 6 BC a delegation from the Jews and Samaritans convinced Augustus to exile Archelaus to Gaul (France) Judea was annexed to the Roman province of Syria and a procurator was appointed as the local administrator
49	Judea 6 to 41 AD six Roman procurators ruled Judea Administered from Caesarea Maritima Came to Jerusalem during the 3 pilgrim festivals Passover Shavuot Sukkot P. Sulpicius Quirinius 6 AD Started with a census Led to armed rebellion Fearing higher taxes and labor service Placed Ananus as high priest
50	Judea - Procurators Valerius Gratus Deposed Ananus 15 AD Appointed and deposed 3 other high priests Pontius Pilate 26 AD Ordered legionary standards into Jerusalem imagines (imago) – staffs bearing portraits of the deified and reigning emperors aquila – staffs bearing the legion’s eagle Caused a riot in Caesarea Maritum where there was a great slaughter Josephus tells us about the incident, but it is referred to in Luke
51	Pilate Luke 13:1-5 1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them-- do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." (NIV) Built an aqueduct for Jerusalem Unfortunately used Temple funds
52	Herod Antipas Herod Antipas Tetrarch of Galilee Divorced his first Queen to marry Herodias wife of his late half-brother Philip Built Tiberias On the ruins of an ancient cemetery 39 AD Caligula exiled Herod Antipas to Gaul Awarded all the lands to Herod Agrippa (a grandson of Herod I)
53	Religious Focus Religious focus of the times World a fearful and dangerous place No understanding of how things work—action of spirits Gods in everything Paganism Pagan man sees spiritual action and forces in all things—therefore these spirits must be placated—back to the concept of sacrifice
54	Paganism Paganism Greeks, Romans, and everyone else Belief: gods in everything Becomes a pantheon Mystery religion Gnosticism – knowledge religion What about fire? Belonged to God Kindled in the temple/distributed to the people
55	Paganism Leviticus 10:1-2—illicit fire before God (Nadav and Avihu) Greek example What about sacrifice? Taking the life of anything was viewed as taking from the province of God or gods
56	Law What about Laws? God’s Law - Torah Roman law Means to protect women, children, aged, handicapped requires strength and organization Roman law the freest for women in history Rule of law in development
57	Law Jewish Law Laws for individuals Noahic Mosaic – ten words Laws for society Laws of cleanliness Verbal Torah - Mishna Religion changing – mystery religion based on Greek rationalism common Mystery religion paving way for Gnostics
58	Law Slight inking of monotheism—Hebrews almost only monotheists (mystery and Gnostics moving toward monotheism)
59	Conclusion Known world Hellenized Greek is the culture Greek is the language Total warfare and conflict until Roman law and control Conflicting world views and conflicting views of God 4 Jewish Sects developed Religious world in turmoil
60	Next Time Historical veracity of the Gospels