Early Christianity and Jewish Context: Key Facts and Figures

Four ancient non-Christian sources that mention Jesus and Christianity

Tacitus, Josephus, Pliny the Younger, and Suetonius.

Importance of non-Christian sources about Jesus

They confirm Jesus' existence and Christianity's spread from non-Christian perspectives.

Number of books in the New Testament

27

Dates when the New Testament was written

Between about 50 A.D. and 100 A.D.

Pauline epistles

Letters written by or attributed to Paul that reflect his teachings and missionary work.

Reason for the name 'Pauline'

Because they come from or are associated with the Apostle Paul.

Why Catholic epistles are called 'catholic'

Because 'catholic' means universal — they were written to all Christians, not one community.

Earliest group of New Testament books

The Pauline epistles.

Authors of the New Testament

The Apostles and their followers/disciples.

Example of a non-canonical gospel

The Gospel of Thomas.

Reasons non-canonical gospels were not included in the Bible

They were written later, lacked apostolic authority, and contained teachings unlike the Church's.

Three stages in the formation of the Gospels

1. Jesus' life and teachings 2. Oral tradition 3. Written Gospels

Reason Gospels weren't written down immediately after Jesus' resurrection

Early Christians expected Jesus' quick return and focused on oral preaching.

Factors prompting the Gospels to be written later

Eyewitnesses were dying, and written accounts were needed to preserve true teachings.

Three major regions in Israel during the New Testament period

Galilee (north), Samaria (center), Judea (south).

Judeans' view of Galileans

As less educated and too influenced by Gentiles.

Judeans' view of Samaritans

As religious outsiders who mixed Jewish and pagan beliefs.

Where most Jews lived during Jesus' time

In the Diaspora — outside of Palestine.

Region and town where Jesus spent most of his life

Nazareth in Galilee.

Social class of most people in Jesus' day

Poor working class.

Social class to which Jesus belonged

The lower working class — a craftsman.

Native tongue of Jesus

Aramaic.

Herod the Great's title and role

King of Judea; a client ruler under Rome.

How Herod the Great was viewed by the Jews

As a cruel, oppressive ruler loyal to Rome, though he rebuilt the Temple.

Herod the Great's connection to the Temple

He expanded and renovated it (the Second Temple).

Region ruled by Herod Antipas

Galilee and Perea.

Relationship of Herod Antipas to Herod the Great

He was Herod the Great's son.

Pontius Pilate

Roman governor of Judea during Jesus' trial and crucifixion.

Biblical story connected with Herod the Great

The Massacre of the Innocents.

Biblical story connected with Herod Antipas

The beheading of John the Baptist.

Pax Romana

The 'Roman Peace,' a period of stability that helped spread Christianity.

Synagogue

A local place for Jewish prayer, Scripture reading, and teaching.

Four important Jewish feasts

Passover, Pentecost (Weeks), Tabernacles, and the Day of Atonement.

Passover celebration

Israel's freedom from Egypt.

Pentecost (Weeks) celebration

The giving of the Law and harvest firstfruits.

Tabernacles celebration

The Israelites' time in the wilderness.

Day of Atonement celebration

Repentance and forgiveness of sins.

TANAK

The Hebrew Bible — Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).

Jewish belief about resurrection in Jesus' time

Pharisees believed in it; Sadducees denied it; belief was developing.

Role of the Temple in first-century Judaism

It was the center of worship, sacrifice, and God's presence.

Gentiles

Non-Jews.

God-fearer

A non-Jew who worshiped the God of Israel without full conversion.

Shekinah

The visible presence or glory of God among His people.

High Priest

The top priest in charge of the Temple, especially on the Day of Atonement.

Chief Priests

Temple leaders from priestly families; many were Sadducees.

Sanhedrin

The Jewish high council that made religious and legal decisions.

Scribes

Experts in the Law; many were associated with the Pharisees.

Jewish group that influenced John the Baptist

The Essenes.

Essenes beliefs and practices

Lived in communities, practiced purity, studied Scripture, awaited God's judgment.

Zealots beliefs and practices

Used violence to fight Roman rule and seek Israel's freedom.

Pharisees beliefs and practices

Followed both written and oral Law, believed in resurrection and angels.

Sadducees beliefs and practices

Rejected resurrection and oral Law, focused on Temple worship and priestly duties.