Second Temple Jewish Scriptures — Jewish Historical Setting

Roman Rule Begins in Judea

63 BC
A Visit With Jesus

The Roman general Pompey captured Jerusalem and placed Judea within Rome's expanding sphere of control.

Full Account

Internal conflict among the Hasmoneans invited Roman intervention. Pompey entered Jerusalem in 63 BC, and Judea thereafter lived under changing forms of Roman supervision.

Roman rule created the immediate political setting of the Gospels. Jewish hopes for deliverance, debates over cooperation and resistance, and expectations concerning the promised Messiah all took shape within this environment.

Historical Significance

Roman government, roads, taxation, and imperial authority formed the political background of the ministry of Jesus and the earliest church.

People, Places and Sources