STORIES OF JEWISH CHRIST

Israelite Diversity in the 1 st Century

IN THIS LECTURE: 1. First Century s 2. Essene and Qumranite 3. Sadduceeic 4. Pharisaic 5. Militant Zealot 6. Hellenistic 7. Samaritan Israelites

First Century s

There is a popular misconception about Ancient that students of ancient history do not share. Many people assume that was unified, organized and defined very early in history. It was not.

There is a popular misconception about Ancient that students of ancient history do not share. Many people assume that was unified, organized and defined very early in history. It was not. Many people believe that Christianity emerged out of as some sort of a reform movement. This is also not completely accurate. The Jewish system of life and belief that we see as mainstream today emerged after the New Testament was written.

People often look at modern and see some clearly drawn lines. This is Jewish, this is not Jewish. Jews believe this and Jews do not believe this.

People often look at modern and see some clearly drawn lines. This is Jewish, this is not Jewish. Jews believe this and Jews do not believe this. Early was quite fractured, segmented, much more diverse and broader when it comes to beliefs then the people know today. There was no uniform mainstream in the 1 st century CE. Instead there were several competing s and the Jesus movement was one of them.

Josephus Flavius was a 1 st century Jewish nobleman, a Torah scholar, who wrote historical books detailing the events of Jewish history and his people s interactions with the surrounding nations.

Josephus Flavius was a 1 st century Jewish nobleman, a Torah scholar, who wrote historical books detailing the events of Jewish history and his people s interactions with the surrounding nations. Living in Rome he wrote in Greek for the Roman audience, often explaining Jewish society in terms his readers would understand. This is why when he listed four of the most influential Jewish groups of the 1 st century he termed them philosophies. His descriptions of the first century are most helpful in study of historical context.

The Jews for a great while had three sects of philosophy peculiar to themselves; the sect of the Essenes, and the sect of the Sadducees, and the third sort of opinions was that of those called Pharisees But of the fourth sect of Jewish philosophy, Judas the Galilean was the author (Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 17) There were more then four ideological movements in Israel of that day, but Josephus Flavius mentions only the most prominent groups.

Unknown s MOTHER Ancient Faith of Israel Essene & Qumranite People of the Land Sadduceeic Elephantine Samaritan Israelites All siblings share traits yet are different from each other Pharisaic Jesus Hellenistic Militant Zealot

Instead of looking at Christianity as the sole heir of ancient, an offspring who inherited all things it is more accurate to see the dynamic of a large family.

Instead of looking at Christianity as the sole heir of ancient, an offspring who inherited all things it is more accurate to see the dynamic of a large family. Jewish society of the Second Temple era consisted of a number of rival s and Jesus, out of which non- Jewish Christianity eventually emerged, was one of several siblings.

Essene & Qumranite

The inhabitants of Qumran were not mentioned in the New Testament, however, many believe that there are indirect references to their religious views in the Gospels. Those who lived in Qumran can be called Qumran Jews or Qumranites, but the broader movement to which they may have belonged is typically called the Essenes. The Essenes lived in settlements across Israel and possibly even outside of Israel. It appears that they had an agreed upon core beliefs, but were also a diverse group even within themselves.

Qumran Jews (whom scholars assume copied and authored many documents found in Qumran caves) were led by Zadokite priests. These priests left Jerusalem and the Temple because in their view the leadership was corrupt and compromised in many areas including the very arrangement of the Israelite calendar and sacred days. They chose to seclude themselves and live in the Qumran desert, worshipping God in strict purity, entirely away from the corruption of the world.

The Qumranites and Essenes saw themselves standing opposite both the ruling priestly class who condoned the calendar changes, and the Pharisees who brokered deals with occupying Romans. Both groups in their view brought corruption and Hellenization of Jerusalem. The Essenes and Qumranites practiced a most conservative adherence to the commandments. The believed that other Jews compromised too much in their interpretations of Torah.

They stressed purity rituals, and lived communally to eradicate poverty. They did not have private property and all their resources were owned by and shared the group. Everyone s needs were supplied from the communal means. Essenes farmed the land and depended heavily on agriculture in provision for their daily needs. Their life appeared austere and at times almost ascetic. They were known for their benevolence work among the poor and for sharing their resources even with outsiders who needed help.

It seems that many Essenes chose not to marry and avoided starting families for fear of what was to come. They held a very eschatological (end time-focused) outlook on life. They often spoke of the end of days, about God s wars, about destruction and coming judgment and this partially explains their lifestyle. They appeared to be non-violent and did not outwardly support the revolutionary efforts of the Zealots. Instead they waited on God s judgement on the wicked.

Josephus Flavius had some very positive things to say about the Essenes as he wrote his commentaries on Jewish life. The doctrine of the Essenes is this: That all things are best ascribed to God. They teach the immortality of souls, and esteem that the rewards of righteousness are to be earnestly striven for they are excluded from the common court of the temple (Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 18)

they addict themselves to virtue, and this in righteousness indeed to such a degree, that as it hath never appeared among any other man... institution of theirs which will not suffer anything to hinder them from having all things in common; so that a rich man enjoys no more of his own wealth than he who hath nothing at all. (Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 18)

Sadduceeic

Sadducees were the smallest of the four groups Josephus mentioned, but probably the most influential in political affairs of Israel in the 1 st century. The name Sadducee comes from a priestly house of Zadok (leading priestly family from the time of King David) and most Sadducees claimed to be from that priestly family. This name was important to them, since it legitimized their leadership which was challenged by others.

the Pharisees have delivered to the people a great many observances by succession from their fathers, which are not written in the law of Moses; and for that reason it is that the Sadducees reject them and say that we are to esteem those observances to be obligatory which are in the written word and concerning these things it is that great disputes and differences have arisen among them, while the Sadducees are able to persuade none but the rich, and have not the populace obsequious to them, but the Pharisees have the multitude of their side (Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 13)

Very little is known about the Sadducees as a group. All we have are various historical references made in passing and what others said about them. We do not possess any writings authored by this group which would express their particular beliefs. At least most scholars don t think we do. Whether we read the Qumran Scrolls, the Talmud or the Gospels the Sadducees are usually described by their opposition, which may not be entirely fare.

What we know is that Sadducees were members of the wealthy Jerusalem elite and so were those who supported them. They were naturally preoccupied with the matters of the temple and political stability, which ensured the temple s operation. After the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 CE they lost their power base and influence in time entirely. In the absence od priestly system they had no choice but to merge with other Jewish groups.

Pharisaic

As a movement, Pharisees are typically best known to the readers of New Testament. There were known to be very pious and very particular about purity laws. That is why they often segregated themselves from those who did not share their views on purity and ate only with other Pharisees. They were well versed in Scriptures and stressed righteous deeds. They were known to fast twice a week in order to give more money to charity.

The Pharisees are typically perceived in a negative light, stereotyped and labeled as hypocrites and Jesus' enemies. It is true, Jesus criticized Pharisees the most. Typically people are most critical of those who are closest to their own ideals, not of those who are far from them. John the Baptizer (who may have had some sort of a connection to the Essene movement) called both Sadducees and Pharisees very unkind names. You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (Matt 3:7)

Yeshua (Jesus) recognized that they taught the Torah. Yet he explained to his followers that Pharisees do not follow their own teachings. More than once Jesus accused the Pharisees of inconsistency between what they teach and how they live. The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. (Matt 23:2-3)

Jesus well-know passionate polemic with the Pharisees in Matthew is a domestic (inhouse) debate. It should be noted that most of their disputes are focused not on core ideals and beliefs, but on specifics of practice. The arguments are usually focused on the implications of practicing commandments one or another way and on application of various Torah texts. Yeshua implied that as a group they ignored and misinterpreted the Sacred Texts.

Not all Pharisees were the same. Some were followers of Hillel and others were disciples of Shammai. Some opposed Jesus, while others were willing to hear him out. And some like Nicodemus even believed that he was sent by God. There are some very positive portrayals of Pharisees in the New Testament. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Torah held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. And he said to them, Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men (Acts 5:34-35) Gamaliel II was a Pharisee and the grandson of the great Hillel. Apostle Paul received his religious training under his father Gamaliel I.

In Acts 15 mentions that some of Jesus' devout followers were Pharisees: But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, It is necessary to circumcise them and order them to keep the Torah of Moses. (Acts 15:5) These men were not former Pharisees. They were Pharisees who believed in Yeshua. One could be a follower of Jesus and a Pharisee at the same time.

the Pharisees are those who are esteemed most skillful in the exact explication of their laws they say that all souls are incorruptible; but that only the souls of good men are removed into other bodies, - but that the souls of bad men are subject to eternal punishment... (Josephus, War 162-165) The Pharisees stressed the observance of many laws because they believed in afterlife and final judgement. They believed that the souls continued to exist after death. They believed in resurrection of the bodies but only for those who were found worthy. The souls of evil and wicked people were not granted resurrection, but rather punishment.

But the Sadducees take away fate entirely, and suppose that God is not concerned in our doing or not doing what is evil take away the belief of the immortal duration of the soul, and the punishments and rewards in Hades. (Josephus, War 162-165) Josephus contrasts their faith with ideology of Sadducees. Apparently Sadducees did not believe in afterlife as Pharisees did. They did not believe in destiny and predestination. Sadducees did not believe that souls continued to exist after death. They did not believe in resurrection, or Hades, or rewards or judgment and punishment after death.

Apostle Paul (Shaul) continued to call himself a Pharisee even after his encounter with the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus.

Apostle Paul (Shaul) continued to call himself a Pharisee even after his encounter with the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus. Addressing the assembly of Jewish leaders who were to decide his fate he called out: Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial. (Acts 23:6-7)

And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party stood up and contended sharply, We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him? (Acts 23:7-9)

Militant Zealot

The Zealots were a group of revolutionary-minded, militant Jews mostly from Galilee region. They despised Roman rule and all imperial collaborators, resolving to engage them in an armed struggle.

A special subgroup among the Zealots were called the Sicarii. These were assassins who waged guerilla warfare on the occupying Romans and anyone who sided with them. They often attacked their enemies even at the expense of their lives.

But of the fourth sect of Jewish philosophy, Judas the Galilean was the author. These men agree in all other things with the Pharisaic notions; but they have an inviolable attachment to liberty; and say that God is to be their only Ruler and Lord. They also do not value dying any kind of death, nor indeed do they heed the deaths of their relations and friends, nor can any such fear make them call any man Lord; and since this immovable resolution of theirs is well known to a great many, I shall speak no farther about that matter (Josephus, Antiquities 18)

According to Josephus, the Zealots agreed with many Pharisaic teachings. But they were much more nationalistic in orientation and in their interpretation of the Torah. In their view Israel could not truly serve their God in righteousness and be governed by the Gentiles at the same time.

The Zealots were committed to the cause of freedom and undeterred by death. They started many uprisings and revolts against Roman imperial power in Israel. It appears that at least some of Jesus disciples belonged to Zealots at some point in their lives.

One of Jesus' disciples - Simon, was described as a zealot in Luke 6:15 and Acts 1:13. Though here in verse 4 he is called Cananite. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. (Matt 10:2-4 NKJV)

The Canaanites are members the nations that inhabited Canaan, the land given to Israelites to conquer. This is an unfortunate rendering in the NKJV. The Greek word Καναναῖος (kananaios) is an ק נ א adaptation of the Hebrew term (kana) zeal or jealousy (Ex 20:5, Dt. 4:24). So Simon is not a man of Canaan, but indeed a man of zeal, a Zealot. Some believe that Judas, known as Iscariot, based on his actions may have also been a Zealot, as well as James and John who were called the the sons of thunder.

Hellenistic

A Macedonian ruler, known as Alexander the Great could be credited with spreading what is today called Hellenism. Alexander conquered vast lands, making it possible and popular for non- Greeks all over the Mediterranean and beyond to embrace and practice many aspects of Greek ways of life. The conquerors brought Greek language, theater, literature, sports, philosophy and many other advanced institutions with them to their new domain.

Among many Mediterranean people, Jews were also influenced by the cultural force of Hellenism. Since Greeks dominated the region, Greek language became the international language of choice. And naturally the culture and ideas came bundled with language. Many Jews learned how to speak Greek and even the Books of Moses were translated into Greek in the 3 rd century BCE.

Many Jews living outside of Israel were Hellenized because of their environment. Philo of Alexandria is a good example, Stephen in Acts and even the Apostle Paul was influenced by Greek culture and his surroundings. Some Jews openly admired the achievements and the culture of the Greek civilization as superior to their own. Some were Hellenistic Jews by conviction. These Greek-minded Jews actively sought to influence their kin with Greek ways and wisdom promoting Greek values and worldview.

In those days certain renegades came out from Israel and misled many, saying, Let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles around us So they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem, according to Gentile custom, and removed the marks of circumcision, and abandoned the holy covenant. They joined with the Gentiles and sold themselves to do evil. (1 Macc 1:11 15 RSV). The author of 1 Maccabees describes Jews who were eager to emulate the Greeks. Seeking alliances and closeness with the Gentiles they even removed their marks of circumcision (a very painful surgical procedure) in order not to stand out. Their motivation was seen as purely unrighteous. This very kind of Hellenization, sometimes brought subtly, and at times forced was fought and opposed during the Maccabean revolt described in the Book of Maccabees.

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. (Acts 6:1)

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. (Acts 6:1) The widows described here are not Greek women. They are Jewish widows, but most likely Greekspeaking. Stephen who was also a Greek-Speaking Jew (Hellenist) was appointed by the Apostles to make sure they were treated fairly.

And he (Paul) spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him (Acts 9:29)

And he (Paul) spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him (Acts 9:29) Just because a person was called a Hellenist it did not mean he rejected Jewish life and customs. In a Jewish world this term often signified one s primary language. This verse shows Hellenists who were just as zealous in their adherence to Jewish ways as native Jerusalemites. And that is why Paul s life was threatened in this passage.

Samaritan Israelites

Now as to Shalmanezer, he removed the Israelites out of their country, and placed therein the nation of the Cutheans, who had formerly belonged to the inner parts of Persia and Media, but were then called Samaritans, by taking the name of the country to which they were removed all Judea and Jerusalem, and the temple, continued to be a desert for seventy years (Josephus, Antiquities 10) Josephus, Epiphanus, Jerome, Eusebius, Talmud and other sources suggest that Samaritans derive their name from the geographical area of Shomron Samaria. Samaritans themselves, however claim the opposite. They say that the name of the area is derived from their name.

It is very possible that when foreigners were settled in Northern Israel by Assyria the name Samaritans began to be used to describe not one, but two people distinct people groups:

It is very possible that when foreigners were settled in Northern Israel by Assyria the name Samaritans began to be used to describe not one, but two people distinct people groups: ONE - Transplants who settled in the area, blended their beliefs with the religious ideas of their new land but retained many elements of paganism. TWO - Remnant of the northern tribes of Israel entrenched in their early form of, independent of the Davidic dynasty, Jerusalem and later the returned Judean exiles from Babylon.

1. Samaritans worship the One God of Israel. 2. Draw their ancestry to the faithful remnant within the Northern Kingdom. 3. Recognize only the Torah of Moses as sacred, preserved with some modifications. 4. Reject the Jerusalem Temple and believe Mt. Gerizim to be the original holy place fitting for sacrifices and worship for Israel.

5. Claim to be the true children of Israel and keepers of original Torah traditions. 6. Continued to use paleo- Hebrew alphabet. 7. Continue to follow older Israelite (solar) calendar. 8. Stick to the stringent Torah observance with accordance the Samaritan interpretation.

Enroll in the CERTIFICATE IN JEWISH CONTEXT AND CULTURE www.israelstudycenter.com