The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV, page 447
Chronology of the Intertestamental Period
An aged priest, Mattathias, and his 5 sons led the Jewish resistance against Antiochus and his Seleucid successors. This was known as the Maccabean Revolt because Judas Maccabeus (lit. “Hammer”) was the first leader among the 5 sons. After a 24-year war (166–142 B.C.), the Jews were able to gain their independence from Syria because of the growing Roman pressure on the Seleucids. The descendants of Mattathias founded the Hasmonean dynasty, a name derived from Hashmon, an ancestor of the Maccabees.
The Hasmoneans took over the office of High-Priest, although they did not belong to the line of Zadok (Num. 25:10–13; Ezek. 40:46; 48:11). Quickly, the Hasmoneans began to follow Hellenistic ways, the very practices they had at first resisted. The Greek influence continued in Palestine from 142 B.C. to 63 B.C. through this native dynasty.
The Hasmonean dynasty ended in 63 B.C. when Pompey, a general of Rome, intervened in a clash between two claimants to the High-Priesthood, Aristobolus II and Hyrcanus II. The land thus passed into Roman control (Dan. 2:40; 7:7). Continuing unrest led the Romans to make Herod the Great king of Judea. He was an Idumean by birth, a Jewish proselyte, and thoroughly Greco-Roman in outlook. He ruled Palestine from 37 B.C. to 4 B.C. and was the “king of the Jews” when Jesus was born (Matt. 2:1, 2).
Jewish Developments
Diaspora. The dispersion of Israel began in the two exiles, i.e., Israel in Assyria (2 Kin. 17:23) and Judah in Babylon (2 Kin. 25:21). The majority of Israelites did not return to Judea after the exile and so became colonists, no longer captives, in the Persian Empire. The geographical movement of Israelites continued in the Greek and Roman Empires so that by the first century A.D., Jews were found throughout the Mediterranean basin and Mesopotamia. The majority of Israelites lived outside of Palestine during the later Intertestamental Period.
Scribes and Rabbis. Believing the Exile had come because of a lack of knowledge of and obedience to the Torah, the Israelite exiles devoted themselves to the study of the Old Testament. The scribes became experts in and were considered authorities on the interpretation of the Scriptures during the Intertestamental Period. The rabbis were the teachers who passed on the scribal understanding of the Scriptures to the people of Israel.
Synagogue. With the destruction of the temple in 586 B.C., the synagogue became the place of education and worship for the Jews in exile. Since the majority of Jews did not return to Palestine after the Exile, synagogues continued to function in the Diaspora and also became established in Palestine, even after the reconstruction of the temple by Zerubbabel in 516 B.C.
Septuagint. With the emphasis placed on using the Greek language from ca. 330 B.C. on, the Jews of the Diaspora became predominately Greek-speakers. According to Jewish legend, in ca. 250 B.C., Ptolemy Philadelphus brought together 72 scholars who translated the Old Testament into Greek in 72 days. Thus, the Latin word for 70, “Septuagint” (LXX), was the name attached to this translation. Probably translated over the period from 250 B.C. to 125 B.C. in Alexandria, Egypt, the Septuagint was the most important and widely used Greek translation of the Old Testament.
Pharisees. This religious party probably began as the “holy ones” associated with the Maccabees in the endeavor to rid the land of Hellenistic elements. When the Maccabees turned themselves to Hellenism once it was in power, these holy ones “separated” (the possible source of the name, Pharisee) from the official religious establishment of Judea. The Pharisees interpreted the law strictly in accordance with a developing oral tradition and sought to make their understanding binding upon all Jews. Though few in number, the Pharisees enjoyed the favor of the majority of the people in Palestine.
Sadducees. Probably from the name “Zadok,” the high priestly line, these Hellenized, aristocratic Jews became the guardians of the temple policy and practices. The Sadducees rejected the Old Testament as Scripture, except for the Torah, as well as any teaching they believed was not found in the Torah (the first 5 books of the OT), e.g., the resurrection from the dead (Acts 23:6–8).
The New Testament
Introduction to the Gospels
The English word “gospel” derives from the Anglo-Saxon word godspell, which can mean either “a story about God,” or “a good story.” The latter meaning is in harmony with the Greek word translated “gospel,” euangellion, which means “good news.” In secular Greek, euangellion referred to a good report about an important event. The 4 gospels are the good news about the most significant events in all of history—the life, sacrificial death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.
The gospels are not biographies in the modern sense of the word, since they do not intend to present a complete life of Jesus (cf. John 20:30; 21:25). Apart from the birth narratives, they give little information about the first 30 years of Jesus’ life. While Jesus’ public ministry lasted over 3 years, the gospels focus much of their attention on the last week of His life (cf. John 12–20). Though they are completely accurate historically, and present important biographical details of Jesus’ life, the primary purposes of the gospels are theological and apologetic (John 20:31). They provide authoritative answers to questions about Jesus’ life and ministry, and they strengthen believers’ assurance regarding the reality of their faith (Luke 1:4).
Although many spurious gospels were written, the church from earliest times has accepted only Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as inspired Scripture. While each gospel has its unique perspective (see the discussion of the “Synoptic Problem” in the Introduction to Mark: Interpretive Challenges), Matthew, Mark, and Luke, when compared to John, share a common point of view. Because of that, they are known as the synoptic (from a Greek word meaning “to see together,” or “to share a common point of view”) gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke, for example, focus on Christ’s Galilean ministry, while John focuses on His ministry in Judea. The synoptic gospels contain numerous parables, while John records none. John and the synoptic gospels record only two common events (Jesus’ walking on the water, and the feeding of the 5,000) prior to Passion Week. These differences between John and the synoptic gospels, however, are not contradictory, but complementary.
As already noted, each gospel writer wrote from a unique perspective, for a different audience. As a result, each gospel contains distinctive elements. Taken together, the 4 gospels form a complete testimony about Jesus Christ.
Matthew wrote primarily to a Jewish audience, presenting Jesus of Nazareth as Israel’s long-awaited Messiah and rightful King. His genealogy, unlike Luke’s, focuses on Jesus’ royal descent from Israel’s greatest king, David. Interspersed throughout Matthew are OT quotes presenting various aspects of Jesus’ life and ministry as the fulfillment of OT messianic prophecy. Matthew alone uses the phrase “kingdom of heaven,” avoiding the parallel phrase “kingdom of God” because of the unbiblical connotations it had in first-century Jewish thought. Matthew wrote his gospel, then, to strengthen the faith of Jewish Christians, and it provides a useful apologetic tool for Jewish evangelism.
Mark targeted a Gentile audience, especially a Roman one (see Introduction to Mark: Background and Setting). Mark is the gospel of action; the frequent use of “immediately” and “then” keeps his narrative moving rapidly along. Jesus appears in Mark as the Servant (cf. Mark 10:45) who came to suffer for the sins of many. Mark’s fast-paced approach would especially appeal to the practical, action-oriented Romans.
Luke addressed a broader Gentile audience. As an educated Greek (see Introduction to Luke: Author and Date), Luke wrote using the most sophisticated literary Greek of any NT writer. He was a careful researcher (Luke 1:1–4) and an accurate historian. Luke portrays Jesus as the Son of Man (a title appearing 26 times), the answer to the needs and hopes of the human race, who came to seek and save lost sinners (Luke 9:56; 19:10).
John, the last gospel written, emphasizes the deity of Jesus Christ (e.g., 5:18; 8:58; 10:30-33; 14:9). John wrote to strengthen the faith of believers and to appeal to unbelievers to come to faith in Christ. The apostle clearly stated his purpose for writing in 20:31: “… these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
Taken together, the 4 gospels weave a complete portrait of the God-Man, Jesus of Nazareth. In Him were blended perfect humanity and deity, making Him the only sacrifice for the sins of the world, and the worthy Lord of those who believe.
Chronology of the New Testament
The Roman Empire in the New Testament Era
The Ministries of the Apostles
The Ministry of Jesus Christ
A Harmony of the Gospels
Event: (1) Luke’s Introduction
Luke: 1:1-4
Event: (2) Pre-fleshly state of Christ
John: 1:1-18
Event: (3) Genealogy of Jesus Christ
Matthew: 1:1-17
Luke: 3:23-38
BIRTH, INFANCY, AND ADOLESCENCE OF JESUS AND JOHN THE BAPTIST
Date: 7 B.C.
Event: (1) Announcement of Birth of John
Location: Jerusalem (Temple)
Luke: 1:5-25
Date: 7 or 6 B.C.
Event: (2) Announcement of Birth of Jesus to the Virgin
Location: Nazareth
Luke: 1:26-38
Date: c. 5 B.C.
Event: (3) Song of Elizabeth to Mary
Location: Hill Country of Judea
Luke: 1:39-45
Date: c. 5 B.C.
Event: (4) Mary’s Song of Praise
Luke: 1:46-56
Date: 5 B.C.
Event: (5) Birth, Infancy, and Purpose for Future of John the Baptist
Location: Judea
Luke: 1:57-80
Date: 5 B.C.
Event: (6) Announcement of Jesus’ Birth to Joseph
Location: Nazareth
Matthew: 1:18-25
Date: 5-4 B.C.
Event: (7) Birth of Jesus Christ
Location: Bethlehem
Matthew: 1:24, 25
Luke: 2:1-7
Date: 5-4 B.C.
Event: (8) Proclamation by the Angels
Location: Near Bethlehem
Luke: 2:8-14
Date: 5-4 B.C.
Event: (9) The Visit of Homage by Shepherds
Location: Bethlehem
Luke: 2:15-20
Date: 5-4 B.C.
Event: (10) Jesus’ Circumcision
Location: Bethlehem
Luke: 2:21
Date: 4 B.C.
Event: (11) First Temple Visit with Acknowledgments by Simeon and Anna
Location: Jerusalem
Luke: 2:22-38
Date: 4 B.C.
Event: (12) Visit of the Wise Men
Location: Jerusalem & Bethlehem
Matthew: 2:1-12
Date: 4 B.C.
Event: (13) Flight into Egypt and Massacre of Innocents
Location: Bethlehem, Jerusalem, & Egypt
Matthew: 2:13-18
Date: 4 B.C.
Event: (14) From Egypt to Nazareth with Jesus
Mark: 2:19-23
John: 2:39
Date: Afterward
Event: (15) Childhood of Jesus
Location: Nazareth
Luke: 2:40, 51
Date: A.D. 7-8
Event: (16) Jesus, 12 Years Old, Visits the Temple
Location: Jerusalem
Luke: 2:41-50
Date: Afterward
Event: (17) 18-Year Account of Jesus’ Adolescence and Adulthood
Location: Nazareth
Luke: 2:51, 52
TRUTHS ABOUT JOHN THE BAPTIST
Date: c. A.D. 25-27
Event: (1) John’s Ministry Begins
Location: Judean Wilderness
Matthew: 3:1
Mark: 1:1-4
Luke: 3:1, 2
John: 1:19-28
Date: c. A.D. 25-27
Event: (2) Man and Message
Location:
Matthew: 3:2-12
Mark: 1:2-8
Luke: 3:3-14
Date: c. A.D. 25-27
Event: (3) His Picture of Jesus
Location:
Matthew: 3:11, 12
Mark: 1:7, 8
Luke: 3:15-18
John: 1:26, 27
Date: c. A.D. 25-27
Event: (4) His Courage
Matthew: 14:4-12
Luke: 3:19, 20
BEGINNING OF JESUS’ MINISTRY
Date: c. A.D. 27
Event: (1) Jesus Baptized
Location: Jordan River
Matthew: 3:13-17
Mark: 1:9-11
Luke: 3:21-23
John: 1:29-34
Date: c. A.D. 27
Event: (2) Jesus Tempted
Location: Wilderness
Matthew: 4:1-11
Mark: 1:12, 13
Luke: 4:1-13
Date: c. A.D. 27
Event: (3) Calls First Disciples
Location: Beyond Jordan
John: 1:35-51
Date: c. A.D. 27
Event: (4) The First Miracle
Location: Cana in Galilee
John: 2:1-11
Date: c. A.D. 27
Event: (5) First Stay in Capernaum
Location: (Capernaum is “His” city)
John: 2:12
Date: A.D. 27
Event: (6) First Cleansing of the Temple
Location: Jerusalem
John: 2:13-22
Date: A.D. 27
Event: (7) Received at Jerusalem
Location: Judea
John: 2:23-25
Date: A.D. 27
Event: (8) Teaches Nicodemus about Second Birth
Location: Judea
John: 3:1-21
Date: A.D. 27
Event: (9) Co-Ministry with John
Location: Judea
John: 3:22-30
Date: A.D. 27
Event: (10) Leaves for Galilee
Location: Judea
Matthew: 4:12
Mark: 1:14
Luke: 4:14
John: 4:1-4
Date: A.D. 27
Event: (11) Samaritan Woman at Jacob’s Well
Location: Samaria
John: 4:5-42
Date: A.D. 27
Event: (12) Returns to Galilee
Mark: 1:15
Luke: 4:15
John: 4:43-45
THE GALILEAN MINISTRY OF JESUS
A.D. 27-29
Date: A.D. 27
Event: (1) Healing of the Nobleman’s Son
Location: Cana
John: 4:46-54
Date: A.D. 27
Event: (2) Rejected at Nazareth
Location: Nazareth
Luke: 4:16-30
Date: A.D. 27
Event: (3) Moved to Capernaum
Location: Capernaum
Matthew: 4:13-17
Date: A.D. 27
Event: (4) Four Become Fishers of Men
Location: Sea of Galilee
Matthew: 4:18-22
Mark: 1:16-20
Luke: 5:1-11
Date: A.D. 27
Event: (5) Demoniac Healed on the Sabbath Day
Location: Capernaum
Mark: 1:21-28
Luke: 4:31-37
Date: A.D. 27
Event: (6) Peter’s Mother-in-Law Cured, Plus Others
Location: Capernaum
Matthew: 8:14-17
Mark: 1:29-34
Luke: 4:38-41
Date: c. A.D. 27
Event: (7) First Preaching Tour of Galilee
Location: Galilee
Matthew: 4:23-25
Mark: 1:35-39
Luke: 4:42-44
Date: c. A.D. 27
Event: (8) Leper Healed and Response Recorded
Location: Galilee
Matthew: 8:1-4
Mark: 1:40-45
Luke: 5:12-16
Date: c. A.D. 27
Event: (9) Paralytic Healed
Location: Capernaum
Matthew: 9:1-8
Mark: 2:1-12
Luke: 5:17-26
Date: c. A.D. 27
Event: (10) Matthew’s Call and Reception Held
Location: Capernaum
Matthew: 9:9-13
Mark: 2:13-17
Luke: 5:27-32
Date: c. A.D. 27
Event: (11) Disciples Defended via a Parable
Location: Capernaum
Matthew: 9:14-17
Mark: 2:18-22
Luke: 5:33-39
Date: A.D. 28
Event: (12) Goes to Jerusalem for Second Passover; Heals Lame Man
Location: Jerusalem
John: 5:1-47
Date: A.D. 28
Event: (13) Plucked Grain Precipitates Sabbath Controversy
Location: En Route to Galilee
Matthew: 12:1-8
Mark: 2:23-28
Luke: 6:1-5
Date: A.D. 28
Event: (14) Withered Hand Healed Causes Another Sabbath Controversy
Location: Galilee
Matthew: 12:9-14
Mark: 3:1-6
Luke: 6:6-11
Date: A.D. 28
Event: (15) Multitudes Healed
Location: Sea of Galilee
Matthew: 12:15-21
Mark: 3:7-12
Luke: 6:17-19
Date: A.D. 28
Event: (16) Twelve Apostles Selected After a Night of Prayer
Location: Near Capernaum
Mark: 3:13-19
Luke: 6:12-16
Date: A.D. 28
Event: (17) Sermon on the Mt.
Location: Near Capernaum
Matthew: 5:1-7:29
