The Many Groups of the 1st Century: Messiahs and Bandits

These flashcards cover key concepts and groups discussed in relation to the 1st-century context, focusing on Jewish sects, historical figures, and the development of early Christianity.

Pharisees

A Jewish sect that became involved with politics during the Hasmonean Period, concerned with purity and popular belief in afterlife.

Sadducees

A Jewish sect that denied the permanence of the soul, adhered strictly to written tradition, and did not believe in an afterlife.

Essenes

A Jewish group theorized to be a blend of Sadducee and Pharisee beliefs, with a focus on priestly concerns and purity.

Scribes

Freelance 'lawyers' in ancient Judea who specialized in legal documents, educated and literate in reading and writing.

Bandits

Rebel leaders during the 1st century, considered outlaws who plundered land and opposed societal norms, especially under Herodian rule.

Prophets

Individuals recognized for their divinely inspired communication; divided into action prophets and oracular prophets.

Oracular Prophet

A type of prophet known for delivering messages of salvation or doom.

Thallus

A Samaritan historian mentioned by Sextus Julius Africanus who supposedly recorded the darkness at Jesus' crucifixion.

Tacitus

A Roman historian who wrote 'Annals', documenting events around 116 CE.

Josephus

A Jewish historian known for his works, particularly 'Antiquities', which discusses Jesus and early Christianity.

Mark's Messianic Secret

A concept in the Gospel of Mark suggesting that Jesus wanted to keep his messianic identity hidden.

Church Fathers

Early Christian theologians whose writings formed the foundation for Christian orthodoxy and teachings.

Irenaeus

An early church father born in 130 CE, known for his significant work 'Against All Heresies'.

PseudoClementia

Pseudonymous writings attributed to Clement of Rome, relevant to early Christian literature.

Ecstatic visions

Spiritual experiences often referenced in the context of early Christianity, significant in the writings of Christian sources.