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What did you learn about Jesus` background that stands out or surprises you?

Joseph and Mary had more children stands out definitely as a shocker. Most of the information surrounding the rule Rome is interesting too. Also I found the socio-economic status of the Pharisees and Sadducees interesting as well.

One last note I would like to mention is regarding the superstitious nature of the first century Jews. I found this quite interesting in light modern views on superstitions.

Thanks.

By: Matthew Penna
Category: First Century Context and History

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What did you learn about Jesus` background that stands out or surprises you?

I learned that even though Jesus is king of all kings, he decided to come to us in the lowest of lowest ways. Also, I didn't know that Jesus spoke Aramic...

By: Aaron Wen
Category: First Century Context and History

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What did you learn about Jesus` background that stands out or surprises you?

Syncretism
The first interesting thing to note is that the Roman government adopted the policy of syncretism, that is, to allow different beliefs, religions and traditions to coexist. So Jesus was crucified primarily because the Jewish leaders insisted on his death, not because he had broken some Roman law. It is the Jewish leaders who wanted Jesus to die, not the Roman governors, who "couldn't find anything wrong with this man." Although the "official" reason to crucify Jesus was that he claimed to be God, but I guess the Jewish leaders were afraid that Jesus would gather with him a lot of followers and thus threaten the traditions they were so eager to preserve, and the authority of themselves. This is another point which can illustrate that Jesus had an influence among the people that even the Jewish leaders couldn't overlook him.

The Massacre
"At the time of Jesus’ birth, the local Roman ruler, King Herod had initiated a massacre of all Jewish baby boys born at the time."
This policy is shocking. One would ask, under what circumstances and on what basis would Herod launch such a massacre?

The Role of Women
"In first century Israel, women were considered second-class citizens, akin to slaves. The fact that they are mentioned as avid followers of Jesus is unusual – both that they would be allowed to follow him with his disciples, and unusual that the authors of Jesus’ biographies would mention their presence at all."
Another interesting account. I would want to know more about the status of women in first century Israel, to as to gain a better understanding and insight into this issue. It is hard to see this point without knowing the corresponding background, and one might miss important clues because of this.

Monotheism vs polytheism
"The Jewish people believed in one God (monotheism) who was invisible and could not be portrayed. In contrast, the surrounding cultures believed in many gods (polytheism) who could be represented by images or idols."
Jew's belief was quite unique at that time and in that kind of environment.

The Passover
"The major religious holiday during the Jewish year was the Passover feast celebrating the deliverance of the Jewish people from their slavery in Egypt. During the Passover, many Jews would travel to Jerusalem in order to celebrate in the holy city. This is why Jesus and his disciples traveled to Jerusalem for their last supper together – they were celebrating the Passover. This is also the tradition that caused so many Jews to be present in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion."
Jesus's crucification happened in a setting of many eye witnesses, before Jews and non-Jews.

By: Xin Liu
Category: First Century Context and History

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