Theology%20Study%20Guide.pdf

Social Situation at the Time of Christ's Birth

  • Babylonian Captivity

    • Babylonian empire defeats Israel, leading to the exile of Jews.

  • Cyrus the Great

    • Conquers Babylon and frees the Jews from exile.

  • Alexander the Great

    • Defeats Darius and establishes one of the strongest empires in history.

  • Antiochus Epiphanes

    • Promotes the worship of Greek gods and acts violently against the Jews.

  • Maccabean Revolt

    • Jewish uprising against the Seleucid Empire; results in the capture of Jerusalem.

  • John Hyrcanus

    • Significant figure in Jewish history who defined Sadducees, restored the borders of King David's rule (peak of Israelite power).

  • Rome

    • Destroys Jerusalem; imposes a Jewish tax; grows into a vast empire.

  • Herod

    • Rebuilds the Temple; instigates economic prosperity in Israel; aids Jews in retaining their land.

Importance of 1st Century Israel

  • Pax Romana

    • A period of peace throughout the Roman Empire characterized by a single legal system.

  • Greek Philosophy

    • Heralds growing interest in monotheism among diverse cultures.

  • Jewish Diaspora

    • Widespread dispersion of Jews; many living in poverty.

Genealogy of Jesus

  • Matthew's Account

    • Starts with Abraham and traces lineage to Jesus.

    • Includes notable kings, historical figures, and women.

    • Points out that Jesus fulfills God’s promises from the covenants.

  • Luke's Account

    • Begins with Jesus and traces back to Adam.

    • Highlights Jesus as a descendant of the entire human race, indicating the expansion of the divine promise.

The Angels' Message

  • Mary's Special Role

    • Chosen by God to play a crucial role in salvation history.

  • Status with God

    • Found favor in God's eyes; will conceive the Son of God.

  • Kingdom of David

    • Her son will inherit a throne and reign over an everlasting kingdom.

  • Significance of Jesus' Name

    • "Jesus" means God saves; message is viewed as the "Good News".

Birth of Jesus

  • Location

    • Jesus is born in Bethlehem according to both Matthew and Luke.

    • Fulfills the prophecy from Micah and aligns with the House of David.

  • Circumstances of His Birth

    • Born in a manger to reflect humble beginnings; emphasizes poverty and full human experience.

Visitors to Jesus

  • In Matthew

    • Jesus is visited by wise men (Magi).

  • In Luke

    • Jesus is visited by shepherds, who symbolize the marginalized in society.

  • Symbolism of Gifts

    • Gold: Represents Jesus as King.

    • Frankincense: Represents Jesus' priestly role.

    • Myrrh: Foreshadows Jesus' death.

Hidden Life of Jesus

  • Life before Ministry

    • Only account of Jesus at age 12 is found when he is lost in the temple; this incident foreshadows his future ministry.