Jesus, the Apostles, and the New Testament — Historical Setting

The Roman and Jewish World of Jesus

c. 5 BC-AD 30

Jesus entered a Jewish world governed by Rome, centered religiously on Jerusalem, Scripture, the temple, synagogues, and expectation of God's promised deliverance.

Full Account

Judea and Galilee were governed through Roman officials and client rulers. Jewish life was diverse, but the worship of the God of Israel, the Scriptures, pilgrimage festivals, prayer, and hope for redemption supplied a shared foundation.

Greek was widely used, Aramaic was common in daily life, and Hebrew remained important in Scripture and worship. This multilingual setting helps explain the Hebrew and Aramaic expressions preserved within a New Testament written principally in Greek.

Historical Significance

The historical and linguistic setting places the New Testament within the real world of first-century Judaism rather than detached religious legend.

People, Places and Sources

Key people: Herod the Great; Augustus; Tiberius; Pontius Pilate; Jewish teachers and priests
Key places: Judea; Galilee; Jerusalem; Roman Empire
Languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Latin
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-6
Luke 2:1-7
Luke 3:1-2