CRS 101 — Sources of Christianity: Lecture Note

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LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Course Code: CRS 101 Course Title: Background to Christianity Course Units: 3 Units Series 1: Intertestamental Period – History and Literature Part 1.1: The Intertestamental Period • 1.1.1 Meaning and scope of the Intertestamental Period • 1.1.2 Historical background between the Old and New Testaments • 1.1.3 Religious conditions of the period Part 1.2: Political History of the Intertestamental Period • 1.2.1 Persian rule and its influence • 1.2.2 Greek (Hellenistic) rule and Hellenisation • 1.2.3 Roman rule and its impact on Jewish life Part 1.3: Jewish Sects and Religious Movements • 1.3.1 The Pharisees • 1.3.2 The Sadducees • 1.3.3 The Essenes and other groups Part 1.4: Intertestamental Literature • 1.4.1 Apocryphal books • 1.4.2 Pseudepigraphal writings • 1.4.3 The Dead Sea Scrolls Part 1.5: Messianic Expectations in the Intertestamental Period • 1.5.1 Development of Messianic hope • 1.5.2 Political and religious dimensions of Messianism • 1.5.3 Preparation for the New Testament era

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS INTRODUCTION The period between the Old and New Testaments is often described as silent, yet it was far from inactive. This Intertestamental era was marked by significant historical, political, and religious developments that shaped the environment into which Christianity was born. Understanding this background is essential, as it provides you with the context needed to appreciate the foundations of Christian thought and practice. By exploring the history and literature of this period, you will be better equipped to see how Judaism and surrounding cultures influenced the emergence of Christianity. The aim of this Series is to guide you through the historical and literary features of the Intertestamental period, enabling you to analyse its cultural, political, and religious contexts, and to evaluate how these developments prepared the ground for the birth of Jesus Christ and the rise of Christianity. We shall begin by examining the historical background of the Intertestamental period. Next, we will move on to the political and cultural contexts shaped by Persian, Greek, and Roman influences. Following that, we will explore the literary contributions of the era, including the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, and synagogue traditions. Afterwards, we will consider the religious and theological themes such as apocalyptic thought, angels, demons, and views on life after death. Finally, we will conclude with a study of Jewish Messianic expectations, showing how these hopes influenced early Christian beliefs and practices. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: SLO 1.1 Define the historical background of the Intertestamental period and explain its relevance to Christianity. SLO 1.2 Analyse the political and cultural contexts shaped by Persian, Greek, and Roman influences. SLO 1.3 Explain the major literary contributions of the Intertestamental period, including the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha. SLO 1.4 Evaluate religious and theological themes such as apocalyptic thought, angels, demons, and views on life after death. SLO 1.5 Assess Jewish Messianic expectations during the Intertestamental period and their impact on early Christianity. 1.1 Historical Background of the Intertestamental Period The Intertestamental period refers to the time between the close of the Old Testament writings and the beginning of the New Testament era. This period, often described as “silent” because no canonical scriptures were produced, was in fact filled with significant historical, cultural, and religious developments. These changes shaped the environment into which Jesus Christ was born and Christianity emerged.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.1.1 From Old Testament to Intertestamental Period The transition from the Old Testament to the Intertestamental period was marked by the end of prophetic voices such as Malachi and the anticipation of divine intervention. During this time, the Jewish people experienced foreign domination and longed for restoration. The absence of new prophetic writings did not mean inactivity, but rather a reshaping of Jewish identity under external influences. Key Term: Prophecy refers to messages delivered by individuals believed to be inspired by God, often concerning guidance, warning, or future events. Fill in the blank: The last prophetic voice before the Intertestamental period was __________________. Figure 1.1 Timeline showing transition from Old Testament to Intertestamental period 1.1.2 Key Historical Events and Developments The Intertestamental period was characterized by successive foreign powers ruling over the Jewish people. o The Persian Empire allowed the Jews to return from exile and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. o The Greek Empire, under Alexander the Great, introduced Hellenism, which influenced language, philosophy, and daily life. o The Roman Empire eventually established control, bringing political stability but also oppression through taxation and governance. Key Term: Hellenism refers to the spread of Greek culture, language, and ideas across conquered territories, influencing local traditions and practices. These events created a complex environment where Jewish traditions interacted with foreign cultures. As you study this, notice how such interactions shaped religious thought, worship practices, and expectations of divine deliverance.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: The cultural influence introduced by Alexander the Great during the Intertestamental period is called __________________. Figure 1.2: Timeline showing Persian, Greek, and Roman rule over Judea Plate 1.1 Artistic depiction of Alexander the Great’s influence on Jewish culture PLATE 1.1 ALEXANDER HELLENISTIC INFLUENCE ON JEWISH CULTURE Pilot Questions 1.1 Linked to SLO 1.1 and SLO 1.2 1. The period between the Old and New Testaments is called the:

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS A. Prophetic Age B. Intertestamental Period C. Apostolic Age D. Messianic Age 2. Which empire allowed the Jews to return from exile and rebuild the temple? A. Roman Empire B. Greek Empire C. Persian Empire D. Babylonian Empire 3. The spread of Greek culture and language during the Intertestamental period is known as: A. Judaism B. Prophecy C. Hellenism D. Apocalypticism 4. The absence of prophetic writings during the Intertestamental period meant: A. Complete silence and inactivity B. A reshaping of Jewish identity under foreign influence C. The end of Jewish religious practices D. The immediate rise of Christianity 5. Match the empire with its contribution: A. Persian Empire → Allowed Jews to rebuild the temple B. Greek Empire → Spread of Hellenistic culture C. Roman Empire → Political stability but oppression 1.2 Political and Cultural Contexts The Intertestamental period was deeply influenced by successive empires, each leaving its mark on Jewish society. These political and cultural contexts shaped the religious environment into which Christianity was later born. By studying the Persian, Greek, and Roman influences, you will see how external powers affected Jewish traditions, worship, and expectations. 1.2.1 Persian Influence The Persian Empire allowed the Jews to return from exile and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This period reinforced the centrality of the Torah, defined as the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, which became the foundation of Jewish law and teaching. Persian tolerance gave the Jewish people space to re-establish their religious identity, even though they remained under foreign rule. Fill in the blank: The empire that permitted the Jews to return from exile and rebuild the temple was the __________________. Figure 1.3: Map showing the Persian Empire and the Jewish return from exile.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.2.2 Greek Influence The Greek Empire, under Alexander the Great, introduced Hellenism, defined as the spread of Greek culture, language, and philosophy across conquered territories. This influence was evident in education, architecture, and religious thought. While some Jews embraced aspects of Hellenism, others resisted strongly, leading to divisions within Jewish society. As you reflect on this, notice how cultural exchange can enrich traditions but also create tension within communities. Key Term: Hellenism refers to the spread of Greek culture, language, and philosophy across conquered territories, influencing local traditions and practices. Fill in the blank: The spread of Greek culture and language during the Intertestamental period is called __________________.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS ” Plate 1.2 Artistic depiction of Hellenistic influence on Jewish society 1.2.3 Roman Influence The Roman Empire eventually took control of Judea, bringing political stability but also heavy taxation and oppression. Roman governance introduced new administrative systems and infrastructure, such as roads and aqueducts, which facilitated communication and trade. However, Roman rule also intensified Jewish longing for deliverance, contributing to heightened Messianic expectations, defined as the hope for a divinely appointed leader who would restore Israel and establish God’s kingdom. As you reflect on this, notice how Roman infrastructure improved daily life but also deepened resentment, shaping the religious environment into which Christianity was born. Key Term: Messianic expectations refer to the hope for a divinely appointed leader who would restore Israel and fulfil God’s promises. Fill in the blank: The empire that introduced roads, aqueducts, and taxation during the Intertestamental period was the __________________.

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