The Culture at the Time of Jesus' Birth

Summary

The video explores the cultural and historical context of the Jewish people during the time of the Gospels. It highlights how, despite the anticipation of a Messiah, many Jews had grown distant from their religious roots due to the influence of Hellenism, which began with Alexander the Great’s conquest. Hellenistic culture, along with later Roman rule, shaped Judea, leading to the adaptation of many Jews to these influences. However, devout Jews resisted, clinging to their traditions amidst oppression. It was in this setting that Jesus of Nazareth appeared, amidst a complex mix of cultures and beliefs.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Jewish people eagerly anticipated the arrival of a Messiah, but not all Jews were living devoutly religious lives during the gospel period.
• 🏛️ Hellenism, a cultural movement started by Alexander the Great, significantly influenced Judea and the surrounding regions.
• ⚔️ In 332 BC, Alexander the Great conquered Jerusalem, introducing Greek culture and values to the region.
• 🏙️ Hellenism spread throughout the Mediterranean, Near East, and Central Asia, affecting arts, architecture, morality, religion, and politics.
• 📚 Hellenistic influence included the adoption of Greek gods, astrology, and oracles, leading to cultural shifts in existing cities.
• 👑 After Alexander's death, Judah fell under the control of the Seleucid Empire, which tried to impose Hellenism on the Jewish population.
• ⚡ The Maccabees revolted against Seleucid rule in 166 BC, leading to a brief period of Jewish independence known as the Hasmonean Dynasty.
• ⚖️ Despite initial success, the Hasmonean Dynasty ultimately failed to maintain independence due to the Roman Empire's intervention in 63 BC.
• 🇬🇷 The Roman Empire, having adopted aspects of Greek culture, re-established Hellenism's presence in Judea.
• ✝️ By the time of Jesus's birth, Judea was a cultural crossroads with a mix of Jewish, Greek, and Roman influences, setting the stage for the emergence of Christianity.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Messiah in Jewish belief during the Gospel period?

The Messiah was eagerly expected by many devout Jews, but for others, teachings of the Messiah had become ancient lore, no longer relevant in the culture of the time.

What impact did Alexander the Great have on Judea in 332 BC?

Alexander the Great captured Jerusalem and introduced Hellenism, the Greek culture that influenced Judea and the entire Mediterranean region.

What is Hellenism, and how did it spread?

Hellenism refers to the set of Greek values, including arts, philosophy, architecture, and religion, that spread throughout the Mediterranean, Near East, and Central Asia after Alexander's conquests.

How did Hellenism affect the cities under Greek control?

Many cities either adopted or were forced to adopt Hellenized ideas in areas such as philosophy, politics, and religion. This influence permeated art, morality, and daily life.

What was the Seleucid Empire's role in the spread of Hellenism in Judah?

The Seleucid Empire, a major center of Hellenism, imposed Greek culture and banned key Jewish religious practices, which led to conflict with the Jewish population.

Who were the Maccabees, and what did they do in 166 BC?

The Maccabees were a group of Jews who led a revolt against the Seleucid Empire, seeking to resist Hellenistic influence and restore Jewish religious practices.

What was the Hasmonean Dynasty, and how did it come about?

The Hasmonean Dynasty was a period of independent Jewish rule that followed the Maccabean revolt, during which the Jews temporarily freed themselves from foreign control.

Why did Jewish attempts to resist Hellenism ultimately fail?

Despite initial successes, the Jewish resistance to Hellenism failed when the Roman Empire conquered the region in 63 BC and reintroduced Greek culture and values.

How did Roman rule affect Jewish culture and beliefs?

Roman rule brought a reassertion of Hellenistic influence, and while many Jews adapted to this, devout Jews opposed the Roman polytheistic beliefs, viewing them as a challenge to their own religious traditions.

What was the cultural and political context of Judea when Jesus was born?

At the time of Jesus' birth, Judea was a cultural crossroads influenced by both Roman and Greek ideas, creating tension between devout Jews and those who had adapted to the new cultural norms.