The Historical background to New Testament Times?

Question

1. Divided Kingdom;
2. Babylonian Captivity;
3. Grecain Empire (331 - 167 B.C.)
4. Period of the Macabees (167 - 63 B.C.)
5. Mattathias (Greek form of surname was Makkabaious);
6. Roman Empire (63 B.C.)

Answer 1

If you're asking what is the time it happens in, it would be closest to #6.

If you're looking for explanation to the above...

1. After Solomon's reign, his son treated the people poorly and most of the nation revolted. Israel became split into two nations: Judah (loyal to David's line), and Israel (those that revolted).

2. The Babylonians came and took both parts of the nation captive (actually the Assyrians took Israel first). They removed them from their native lands in order to break their spirits. The Jews were dispersed throughout the empire.

3. The Babylonians were taken by the Medo-Persian Empire and during that time the Jews were allowed to go home. Then Alexander the Great came and took down the Persian Empire. He left the Jews pretty much alone. Supposedly (you won't find this in Scripture, so its just speculation) the priests came with the prophesy of Daniel and showed Alexander where he was in it, and they were spared.

4. The Greek empire split at the death of Alexander. It was divided into four kingdoms. Several of the kingdoms went to war with each other and the point right where their armies would meet was in Israel. The Jews endured a lot of war and were punished by some of the rulers. The Macabees were resistance fighters for the Jews, striking back at the kings that punished them.

5. Mattathias was the greatest of the Macabees. He was a leader and successful commander.

6. Eventually the Roman Empire took over all of the Greek kingdoms and enstated its rule over the region.

Answer 2

I'm not sure this is a question, since you've ordered them in historical order. What are you driving at?

5.5 Dominance of Israel by the Parthian's from whence the "three" (scripture does not say three) wise men came.

5.9 War between Rome and Parthia in which the Parthian pulled back behind the Ephrates river and stopped the Roman advance cold.

Kollo; If you have no idea of the history or culture of the scripture and the world events taking place at the time you can not understand the scripture in context. Do try and keep up.

Answer 3

i would not waste to much on this matter