His-Story Vol 2, Ch 1: Intertestamental History

Sermon Notes

HIS-STORY: The Bible in 18 Weeks

Volume 2: The New Testament Story

Chapter 1: History of the Intertestamental Period

1. The Persian Period (539 BC —331 BC)

a. Medo-Persia Conquers Babylon (Daniel 5)

b. Cyrus Decrees a return to rebuild Jerusalem

c. Return from Exile

2. The Greek Period (331 BC–164 BC)

a. Conquests of Alexander the Great

b. Ptolemaic Rule (323–198 BC)

c. Seleucid Rule (198 BC–164 BC)

3. Jewish Independence (164–63 BC)

a. Judas “Maccabeus” leads the revolt, then his brothers Jonathan and Simon

b. The Temple is retaken and cleansed on Chislev (December) 25, 164 BC.

c. The Festival of Hanukkah memorializes this event.

d. The Hasmonean Dynasty

4. The Roman Period (63BC–AD 135)

a. Herod the Great

b. The Herodian Dynasty

c. The Pax Romana

d. The Jewish War of AD 66–73

e. The Results of the War

Discussion/Study Questions:

1. In what ways was God supernaturally preparing the way for the coming of Jesus in history? What results of the conquests of Alexander the Great helped to advance the gospel? What did the Romans do that ultimately helped to advance the gospel?

2. What is the Septuagint? How did this translation prepare the way for the coming of the gospel?

3. Who were the Maccabees and what prompted their revolt? Can you think of some ways that Jewish independence and Jewish nationalism may have affected people’s expectations about the coming Messiah?

4. Can you give an example from your life where God used something that was negative or painful to accomplish good?

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