how the old testament transitioned into the new between the testaments

How the Old Testament How the Old Testament Transitioned into the NewTransitioned into the New

Between the TestamentsBetween the Testaments

Important DatesImportant Dates

960 B.C. – King Solomon; 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First Temple Period beginsFirst Temple Period begins

922 – Division of the 922 – Division of the KingdomKingdom




722 B.C. – Assyrians 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy Northern Kingdomdestroy Northern Kingdom




722 B.C. – Assyrians 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy Northern Kingdomdestroy Northern Kingdom

606/597/586 B.C. – 606/597/586 B.C. – Babylonian occupation of Babylonian occupation of Judah; First Temple Period Judah; First Temple Period endsends

Note: from this time Note: from this time forward the people forward the people of “Judah” are of “Judah” are known as the “Jews”known as the “Jews”


960 B.C. – King Solomon; 960 B.C. – King Solomon; First TempleFirst Temple

922 – Division of Kingdom922 – Division of Kingdom 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy 722 B.C. – Assyrians destroy

Northern KingdomNorthern Kingdom 606/597/586 B.C. – 606/597/586 B.C. –

Babylonian occupation of Babylonian occupation of Judah; First Temple Period Judah; First Temple Period endsends

606-537 B.C. – Seventy 606-537 B.C. – Seventy Years of Babylonian ExileYears of Babylonian Exile

537 B.C. – Persian King 537 B.C. – Persian King Cyrus’ decree encouraging Cyrus’ decree encouraging Jewish Exiles to return homeJewish Exiles to return home

520 B.C. – Rebuild Temple; 520 B.C. – Rebuild Temple; Second Temple Period Second Temple Period beginsbegins

470 B.C. – Esther & 470 B.C. – Esther & MordecaiMordecai

450 B.C. – Ezra & 450 B.C. – Ezra & NehemiahNehemiah











336-323 B.C. – Alexander 336-323 B.C. – Alexander the Greatthe Great











336-323 B.C. – Alexander 336-323 B.C. – Alexander the Greatthe Great

323-167 B.C. – Judea on 323-167 B.C. – Judea on the border between the border between Ptolemies (Egypt) and Ptolemies (Egypt) and Seleucids (Syria)Seleucids (Syria)

165-63 B.C. – Jewish 165-63 B.C. – Jewish IndependenceIndependence

From Persia to Rome:From Persia to Rome:Jewish Independence gained & Jewish Independence gained &

lostlost The Persians sent the Jews home from The Persians sent the Jews home from

Babylonian exile beginning in 538 B.C.Babylonian exile beginning in 538 B.C. Judea was a Persian province until Alexander Judea was a Persian province until Alexander

the Great came through in 329 B.C.the Great came through in 329 B.C. He had recently won major victories over the He had recently won major victories over the

Persian armies and was planning to strike at the Persian armies and was planning to strike at the heart of Persia after first winning Egyptheart of Persia after first winning Egypt

On the way to Egypt he passed through Palestine On the way to Egypt he passed through Palestine and was confronted by the Jewish High Priest and was confronted by the Jewish High Priest Jaddua who showed him the Book of Daniel and Jaddua who showed him the Book of Daniel and told Alexander that he was destined by God to told Alexander that he was destined by God to conquer the Persiansconquer the Persians

For this reason Alexander annexed Judea to his For this reason Alexander annexed Judea to his empire without any battles against the Jews, empire without any battles against the Jews, granting them significant freedomgranting them significant freedom


lostlost But Alexander died a few years later (323)But Alexander died a few years later (323) With no ready successor, Alexander’s generals divided With no ready successor, Alexander’s generals divided

his realm into four sectionshis realm into four sections After internal fighting these were soon reduced to After internal fighting these were soon reduced to

threethree Seleucus created the Antiochid dynasty and ruled out Seleucus created the Antiochid dynasty and ruled out

of Syria (Antioch)of Syria (Antioch) Ptolemy created a dynasty that ruled out of Egypt Ptolemy created a dynasty that ruled out of Egypt

(Alexandria)(Alexandria) Judea was on the borderland between these two great Judea was on the borderland between these two great

powerspowers For one century (323-223) Judea remained mostly For one century (323-223) Judea remained mostly

under Ptolemaic control and experienced a great deal under Ptolemaic control and experienced a great deal of freedomof freedom

During this period there was some pressure to become During this period there was some pressure to become more Hellenized, but it was more cultural than politicalmore Hellenized, but it was more cultural than political


lostlost Seleucid Antiochus III (223-187) began campaigns against Seleucid Antiochus III (223-187) began campaigns against Egypt that netted him control of Palestine in 223. Now Egypt that netted him control of Palestine in 223. Now pressures to Hellenize were increased politically as well pressures to Hellenize were increased politically as well as socially.as socially.

Two branches of the High Priest family in Jerusalem came Two branches of the High Priest family in Jerusalem came to typify divergent views on Hellenism:to typify divergent views on Hellenism: The Oniads tried to keep Judaism more orthodox and less The Oniads tried to keep Judaism more orthodox and less

HellenizedHellenized The Tobiads were fully in favor of Hellenizing, to the extent of The Tobiads were fully in favor of Hellenizing, to the extent of

revisioning Jewish religion in the form of the Greek gods and ritesrevisioning Jewish religion in the form of the Greek gods and rites When Antiochus IV (“Epiphanes;” 175-164) came to When Antiochus IV (“Epiphanes;” 175-164) came to

power he exploited these differing perspectives. He power he exploited these differing perspectives. He received bribe money from Menelaus to appoint him as received bribe money from Menelaus to appoint him as High Priest (completely inappropriate by Jewish tradition). High Priest (completely inappropriate by Jewish tradition). This created enormous internal controversy among the This created enormous internal controversy among the Jews, with those wishing further Hellenization supportive Jews, with those wishing further Hellenization supportive of Menelaus and those horrified by Hellenization grating of Menelaus and those horrified by Hellenization grating at this tragic turn of affairsat this tragic turn of affairs


lostlost Antiochus was seen as the powerful outside meddler, and Antiochus was seen as the powerful outside meddler, and

when reports circulated of his death in a campaign against when reports circulated of his death in a campaign against Egypt, a small revolt in Jerusalem put Menelaus’ brother Egypt, a small revolt in Jerusalem put Menelaus’ brother Jason into the role of High PriestJason into the role of High Priest

But Antiochus was not dead. Furthermore, the Romans But Antiochus was not dead. Furthermore, the Romans (whom Antiochus admired) informed him that they (whom Antiochus admired) informed him that they controlled Egypt and that he had to get out. In controlled Egypt and that he had to get out. In consternation Antiochus turned his attention toward consternation Antiochus turned his attention toward Jerusalem.Jerusalem.

With great rage he stormed the city, defiled the Temple (25 With great rage he stormed the city, defiled the Temple (25 Kislev 168), set up an image of himself in it, and forced the Kislev 168), set up an image of himself in it, and forced the Jews to become overtly Hellenized. To show their fealty Jews to become overtly Hellenized. To show their fealty Antiochus sent his soldiers throughout the land requiring Antiochus sent his soldiers throughout the land requiring the sacrifice of pigs in every town and city.the sacrifice of pigs in every town and city.

In Modein, old priest Mattathias refused to make the In Modein, old priest Mattathias refused to make the sacrilegious sacrifice. A younger priest agreed to officiate, sacrilegious sacrifice. A younger priest agreed to officiate, but Mattathias was enraged and killed the man. Mattathias but Mattathias was enraged and killed the man. Mattathias and his four sons then killed the soldiers of Antiochus, and his four sons then killed the soldiers of Antiochus, precipitating the Jewish revolt.precipitating the Jewish revolt.


lostlost Although Judas was the second son of Mattathias, he was Although Judas was the second son of Mattathias, he was

quickly designated the military leader. People called him quickly designated the military leader. People called him “The Hammerer” because of his lightning-quick powerful “The Hammerer” because of his lightning-quick powerful raids that pummeled the Syrian forces. This is the origin of raids that pummeled the Syrian forces. This is the origin of the name “Maccabees”the name “Maccabees”

The revolutionary forces quickly took back Jerusalem and The revolutionary forces quickly took back Jerusalem and managed to cleanse and re-dedicate the Temple (25 Kislev managed to cleanse and re-dedicate the Temple (25 Kislev 165). There was almost no oil for the Temple lamp, but what 165). There was almost no oil for the Temple lamp, but what was left miraculously replenished itself until the dedication was left miraculously replenished itself until the dedication was complete and a new quantity of holy oil could be created was complete and a new quantity of holy oil could be created and sanctified. This is the origin of Hanukkah, the “Festival of and sanctified. This is the origin of Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights.”Lights.”

Antiochus did not realize the tenacity of the orthodox Jewish Antiochus did not realize the tenacity of the orthodox Jewish will, and underestimated the strength of their guerrilla will, and underestimated the strength of their guerrilla warfare. Beset with troubles back home, he could not long warfare. Beset with troubles back home, he could not long endure another war, and his successor made peace with the endure another war, and his successor made peace with the Jews in 162, granting them virtual freedom.Jews in 162, granting them virtual freedom.


lostlost But Jewish independence opened the way for internal But Jewish independence opened the way for internal

conflicts, particularly between the Hellenizing and conflicts, particularly between the Hellenizing and orthodoxy emphases.orthodoxy emphases.

The Hasmonean family, descended from Mattathias and his The Hasmonean family, descended from Mattathias and his sons, retained control of the High Priest office and added to sons, retained control of the High Priest office and added to it the designation of “King”it the designation of “King”

Social tensions escalated between the “separatist” party, Social tensions escalated between the “separatist” party, increasingly identified as the Pharisees, and the Sadducees increasingly identified as the Pharisees, and the Sadducees (priests, nobility, political leaders) who were much more in (priests, nobility, political leaders) who were much more in favor of Hellenistic trends. To the left of these were those favor of Hellenistic trends. To the left of these were those who identified themselves outright as “Hellenizers,” and to who identified themselves outright as “Hellenizers,” and to the right even of the Pharisees were the Essenes, waiting the right even of the Pharisees were the Essenes, waiting for divine judgment to fall down on this whole mess.for divine judgment to fall down on this whole mess.

When Hasmonean family feuds escalated, Antipater, When Hasmonean family feuds escalated, Antipater, governor of Idumaea (Edom), began a persistent campaign governor of Idumaea (Edom), began a persistent campaign to bring in Roman rule. His grandson Herod married into the to bring in Roman rule. His grandson Herod married into the Hasmonean family, and in 63 Roman General Pompey was Hasmonean family, and in 63 Roman General Pompey was invited to bring peace to Jerusalem. Herod became king.invited to bring peace to Jerusalem. Herod became king.

Geographical Areas Ruled by the Successorsof Alexander the Great

Syria/Palestine(Seleucids)

Palestine/Jerusalem(Maccabees or Hasmonean)

Egypt(Ptolemies)

Alexander the Great334 - 323

Territories disputed following Alexander's death

Seleucus I312 - 281

Ptolemy I Soter320 - 285

Antiochus I281 - 261 Ptolemy II Philadelphus

285 - 247Antiochus II261 - 246

Seleucus II246 - 226 Ptolemy III Euergetes

247 - 222Seleucus III226 - 223

Antiochus III223 - 187

Ptolemy IV Philapator222 - 205

Ptolemy V Epiphanes205 - 198 Ptolemy V Epiphanes

205 - 182Antiochus III198 - 187

Seleucus IV Philopater187 - 175

Ptolemy VI Philometer182 - 146

Antiochus IV Epiphanes175 - 163

Mattathias168 - 166

Antiochus V Eupator163 - 162 Judas Maccabeus

166 - 160Demetrius I Soter162 - 150

Alexander Balas150 - 145

Jonathan Maccabeus160 - 143

Demetrius II Nicator145 - 139

Simon Maccabeus143 - 135 Ptolemy VII

Euergetes II146 - 116Antiochus VII Sidetes

139 - 129 John Hyrcanus I135 - 104

Demetrius II129 - 95

Ptolemy VIII Soter II116 - 108

Aristobulus I104 - 103

Ptolemy IX Alexander108 - 89

Ptolemy XAlexander II80

Demetrius III95 - 78

Ptolemy VIII Soter II88 - 80

Armenian and Roman Control

Hyrcanus II and Alexandra76 - 67

Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus II67 - 63*

PompeyRoman Occupation63

Antipater HerodProcurator of Judea47 -43

Antigonus40 - 37

Herod the Great37 - 4









470 B.C. – Esther & Mordecai470 B.C. – Esther & Mordecai 450 B.C. – Ezra & Nehemiah450 B.C. – Ezra & Nehemiah 336-323 B.C. – Alexander the 336-323 B.C. – Alexander the

GreatGreat 323-167 B.C. – Judea on the 323-167 B.C. – Judea on the

border between Ptolemies border between Ptolemies (Egypt) and Seleucids (Syria)(Egypt) and Seleucids (Syria)

165-63 B.C. – Jewish 165-63 B.C. – Jewish IndependenceIndependence

63 B.C. – Roman rule begins63 B.C. – Roman rule begins 37-4 B.C. – Herod the Great37-4 B.C. – Herod the Great

The Socio-Political SpectrumThe Socio-Political Spectrum

SadduceeSadduceess

Priests: Priests: “Zadokites” “Zadokites” won Jewish won Jewish War; rich, War; rich, rulers, rulers, liberal liberal theologytheology


SadduceeSadduceess

PhariseesPharisees


Laypeople:Laypeople:

Took Took Temple Temple cleansings cleansings into daily into daily life, life, conservativconservative theologye theology


Hellen-Hellen-istsists

SadduceeSadduceess

PhariseesPharisees

Wanted Wanted Jews to Jews to become become part of part of Roman Roman worldworld






SadduceeSadduceess

PhariseesPharisees EsseneEsseness





Late-Late-comers comers from from BabylonBabylon; strict ; strict & & separatseparatee


HerodiHerodi-ans-ans


SadduceeSadduceess


PoliticallPolitically and y and culturallculturally tied to y tied to RomeRome







HerodiHerodi-ans-ans


SadduceeSadduceess


ZealotZealotss

PoliticallPolitically and y and culturallculturally tied to y tied to RomeRome






Fight to Fight to get rid get rid of of Rome; Rome; “Sicarii” “Sicarii” assassinassassinss

Shifting GearsShifting Gears

The Same Message in a New The Same Message in a New FormForm

Comparing the LiteratureComparing the Literature Old TestamentOld Testament

39 books39 books Written over 1000 Written over 1000

years (1300-300 B.C.)years (1300-300 B.C.) Understood to be both Understood to be both

the “Hebrew Bible” of the “Hebrew Bible” of Judaism and the “Old Judaism and the “Old Testament” of Testament” of ChristianityChristianity

Focused on the Sinai Focused on the Sinai Covenant and the Covenant and the Kingdom of Yahweh in Kingdom of Yahweh in and through Israeland through Israel

New TestamentNew Testament 27 books27 books Written in 50 years Written in 50 years

(48-98 A.D.)(48-98 A.D.) Understood as the Understood as the

primary sourcebook primary sourcebook for Christianityfor Christianity

Focused on the Focused on the person, work and person, work and teachings of Jesusteachings of Jesus

What about the What about the “Apocrypha”?“Apocrypha”? Name means “hidden things”Name means “hidden things”

Several collections of “apocryphal” Several collections of “apocryphal” books:books: Old Testament “pseudepigripha”Old Testament “pseudepigripha”

Books in Hebrew related to Old Testament themes Books in Hebrew related to Old Testament themes but considered less authentic or authoritativebut considered less authentic or authoritative

Jewish “apocrypha”Jewish “apocrypha” Books in Greek mainly related to times and Books in Greek mainly related to times and

writings during the Second Temple period but writings during the Second Temple period but considered less authoritativeconsidered less authoritative

Christian “apocrypha” or “spiritual writings”Christian “apocrypha” or “spiritual writings” Books in Greek or Latin which purport to continue Books in Greek or Latin which purport to continue

stories begun in New Testament writings or to stories begun in New Testament writings or to come from authors mentioned therecome from authors mentioned there

What about the What about the “Apocrypha”?“Apocrypha”? At the time of Jesus two collections had been At the time of Jesus two collections had been

“canonized”“canonized” Torah – the writings of Moses or Covenant documentsTorah – the writings of Moses or Covenant documents Nabi’im – the prophets, both historical and sermonicNabi’im – the prophets, both historical and sermonic

There was a growing body of other literature that There was a growing body of other literature that had been translated into Greek or was written in had been translated into Greek or was written in Greek that became part of the “Septuagint” This Greek that became part of the “Septuagint” This was used extensively by early Christianswas used extensively by early Christians

After the destruction of the Temple (70 A.D.), After the destruction of the Temple (70 A.D.), Pharisaic/Rabbinic Judaism began to place a Pharisaic/Rabbinic Judaism began to place a huge emphasis on an authoritative text for its huge emphasis on an authoritative text for its Synagogue readings and teachings. Around 90 Synagogue readings and teachings. Around 90 A.D. the Hebrew Bible became standardized with A.D. the Hebrew Bible became standardized with the Torah and Nabi’im as we know it today, and the Torah and Nabi’im as we know it today, and the K’tuvim (“Writings”) pared down from the the K’tuvim (“Writings”) pared down from the Septuagint collection.Septuagint collection.

What about the What about the “Apocrypha”?“Apocrypha”?

The Christian church generally used the The Christian church generally used the Septuagint for the first few centuries, but Septuagint for the first few centuries, but began to distinguish between those books began to distinguish between those books which had greater authority and those which which had greater authority and those which had lesshad less

At the time of the Reformation, Protestant At the time of the Reformation, Protestant scholars sought to get back to early church scholars sought to get back to early church identity and practices, and adopted the identity and practices, and adopted the Hebrew Bible as the normative Old TestamentHebrew Bible as the normative Old Testament

This clarified the higher and lower authority of This clarified the higher and lower authority of shared canonical scriptures over the shared canonical scriptures over the apocryphal writings apocryphal writings

Relation between the Relation between the TestamentsTestaments

A number of different theories:A number of different theories: O.T. is Scripture, N.T. is explanatory footnoteO.T. is Scripture, N.T. is explanatory footnote

Note use of O.T. by early churchNote use of O.T. by early church O.T. is Prophecy, N.T. is FulfillmentO.T. is Prophecy, N.T. is Fulfillment

General Christian understandingGeneral Christian understanding O.T. is historical background, N.T. is scriptureO.T. is historical background, N.T. is scripture

““Christocentric” Christian understandingChristocentric” Christian understanding O.T. is Law, N.T. is GospelO.T. is Law, N.T. is Gospel

Peculiarly Lutheran understandingPeculiarly Lutheran understanding O.T. is Covenant mission, N.T. is Messianic O.T. is Covenant mission, N.T. is Messianic

thrustthrust Broader Reformed understandingBroader Reformed understanding

Dating the New TestamentDating the New Testament

48 Galatians48 Galatians 49 James49 James 50 Thessalonians50 Thessalonians 53 1 & 2 Corinthians53 1 & 2 Corinthians 54 Romans54 Romans 58 Philippians, 58 Philippians,

Philemon, Colossians, Philemon, Colossians, EphesiansEphesians

63 1 Timothy, Titus, 63 1 Timothy, Titus, 1 Peter, Jude1 Peter, Jude

64 2 Peter64 2 Peter 65 Mark65 Mark 66 Matthew, Luke, 66 Matthew, Luke,

Acts, HebrewsActs, Hebrews 67 2 Timothy67 2 Timothy 88 Revelation88 Revelation 96 John96 John 97 1, 2, & 3 John97 1, 2, & 3 John

Dating the New TestamentDating the New Testament The span of time over which these works The span of time over which these works

were written was were written was veryvery short – 50 years! short – 50 years! Most of the “letters” were written before the Most of the “letters” were written before the

“gospels”“gospels” Among the gospels:Among the gospels:

Mark appears to have been written firstMark appears to have been written first Matthew and Luke make extensive use of Mark Matthew and Luke make extensive use of Mark

when writing their gospelswhen writing their gospels Because of the similarity between Matthew, Mark Because of the similarity between Matthew, Mark

and Luke, these are called the “Synopitic” gospelsand Luke, these are called the “Synopitic” gospels John is written much later, and uses a very John is written much later, and uses a very

different approach to telling the stories and different approach to telling the stories and teachings of Jesusteachings of Jesus

What is the literary genre of What is the literary genre of “Gospel”?“Gospel”?

Not biographyNot biography There is not enough data to tell a life storyThere is not enough data to tell a life story

Not summary of teachings of JesusNot summary of teachings of Jesus The teachings are too scatteredThe teachings are too scattered There is too much material about Jesus’ life and There is too much material about Jesus’ life and

actionsactions There is clear and extensive focus on Jesus’ last There is clear and extensive focus on Jesus’ last

week (betrayal, arrest, trial, death, resurrection)week (betrayal, arrest, trial, death, resurrection) The most fitting designation seems to be The most fitting designation seems to be

“Preaching”“Preaching” Early Christian “preaching” about Jesus and the Early Christian “preaching” about Jesus and the

significance of his coming, person, teachings, significance of his coming, person, teachings, actions, death & resurrectionactions, death & resurrection

how the old testament transitioned into the new between the testaments

Documents

temple period ends

division of kingdom

northern kingdom slide

king solomon

babylonian occupation

great slide

ezra nehemiah slide

persian king cyrus decree