History of the Church: Hellenistic and Jewish Roots

Transcription

1 History of the Church: Hellenistic and Jewish Roots Randy Broberg Grace Bible Church 2002 Nike of Samothrace 1

2 1 Corinthians 1:17-21 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."[ 1:19 Isaiah 29:14] Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 2

3 Hellenistic Period BC Alexander the Great conquers Palestine: 333/331 BC Greek Ptolemies & Seleucids: ca BC "Septuagint" translation of OT into Greek: ca. 250 BC Coming of Rome to the east Mediterranean: ca BC Jewish Maccabean revolt & Hasmonean rule: 168/ BC Rome (Pompey) annexes Palestine: 63 BC 3

4 Alexander the Great Alexander the Great ( ) 4

5 Alexander s Empire 5

6 Alexander s Influence Introduced eastern idea of an absolute monarchy into the Hellenistic World Established one currency: emergence of one world economically Spread of Greek deities. Greek deities identified with native deities--syncretism 6

7 Map of Hellenistic World 7

8 Common Language Throughout the Mediterranean: Greek Greek the common language from Syria to Sicily Widespread Literacy The Papyri 'Captive Greece took captive her savage conqueror and brought civilization to rustic Latium' As Roman military might and political administration moved east, Greek culture flowed west and came to prevail even in Rome. Horace: (Ep ). 8

9 Hellenistic Men 9

10 Hellenistic Women Pay close attention to their hair, this will be important later. 10

11 Hellenistic Art 11

12 Hellenistic Art Crouching Venus, Doidalses Venus de Milo(Aphrodite of Melos) Alexander of Antioch-on-the-Meander 12

13 Athanadoros, Hagesandros & Polydoros of Rhodes 13

14 Plato ( B.C.) Doctrine of Ideas or Forms Rule of a Philosopher King Aristotle ( B.C.) Stressed empiricism Isocrates ( B.C.) Advocated Pan- Hellenism Greek Philosophy How can I be happy? 14

15 Influence of Greek philosophy Skepticism Agnosticism Syncretism Monotheism Cynicism Stoicism Epicureanism 15

16 16

17 What to Look For: Origins of Christian Thought & Practices Influence of Greek Philosophy Syncretism Allegorical Interpretations Spirit vs. Flesh Monasticism 17

18 Questions to Consider Has our understanding of the Scriptures been influenced by human reason and philosophy? If so, how? 18

19 The History of the Church: Jewish Roots 19

20 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:1-3 20

21 The Jewish Diaspora 21

22 Jews given protected and special treatment by Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar and Emperor Claudius The Jewish Dispersion Loss of knowledge of Hebrew outside a few Rabbis Circumcision, food laws, etc separated Jew from Gentile Separate Jewish Courts established outside jurisdiction of Roman Courts Candelabra, NOT STAR OF DAVID, was the universal Jewish symbol 22

23 Synagogues Rectangular Meeting Room with benches forming a U shape Kitchens and Eating Areas Libraries and Meeting Rooms 23

24 Synagogues: Governance Ruled by a president (archon), often an very young but wealthy person Had a body of elders (gerusia, not presbyeteri of New Testament) Father or Mother of the Synagogue Secretary/Historian/Treasurer 24

25 Diaspora Jews were Evangelistic 139 BC, Roman edict requiring Jews to return to their homes and stop spreading the worship of Jupiter Sabazius. Cicero referred to Jewish mobs spreading barbarous superstitions. Play-write Horace joked that Jews forced people to join them. Widespread Roman literary references to the Jewish sabbath -- even Augustus claimed to have observed it on occasion! Under Domitian, decrees issued to check Jewish proselytizing activities. Under Hadrian, decrees forbidding circumcisions of converts to Judaism. Significant percentages in Roman synagogues appear to have been Latins, not Jews in terms of ethnic background. 25

26 Gentiles and Women in Synagogues Synagogue First Century Jewish Synagogue Inscriptions showing names of Gentiles and Women as Benefactors pater /Father of Synagogue 26

27 Diaspora as a Preparation for Christianity The Proselytizing Movement Spread of Ten Commandments Philo & Hellenistic Philosophy The Greek Bible The Septuagint of Alexandria LXX 27

28 AD 31, While Emperor Tiberius was away, chief of the guard Sejanus expelled foreign Jews and freedmen Jews from Rome (not Jewish Roman Citizens). Upon overthrow of Sejanus, Tiberius reversed the decree and allowed Jews to return to Rome AD Caligula unsuccessfully attempts to have his statue put in temple in Jerusalem. AD Claudius issues decree ensuring Jews they can worship in their traditional way and also briefly expels Jews from Rome for rioting about Chrestus Cicero, Seneca, Tacitus and Treatment of Jews by Rome 28

29 What to Look For: Origins of Christian practices Synagogue Rule Repetitious Sacrifice Infant Circumcision Role of the Priest Concept of Covenant Community Eschatological Expectations The concept of Theocracy The Religious Calendar 29

30 Questions to Consider What is messianic Judaism? Is there such a thing? We know that Gentiles need not become Jews but do Jews need to become Gentiles? What role does Mosaic law have in the Christian s life? Is there a distinction between Judaism and the Israel of the Bible? 30