The intertestamental period has been called the silent years, but they are not the “unknown years”
WHILE THE VOICE OF GOD MAY HAVE BEEN SILENT, THE HAND OF GOD WAS NOT INACTIVE
Galatians 4:4, 5; Acts 1:6, 7
World Powers – Political
Persian Period – under king Darius there were several exiles of Israel back to Judah
Darius liberated the Jews from the Babylonians
Religious Positions – Spiritual Atmosphere
Matthew reveals how antagonistic the religious world was towards Christ
Synagogues
With the destruction of the temple came the removal of the Levitical office. Therefore a need was created to preserve the Torah and its teachings
Key verses: Luke 4:16; Acts 17:1-5; 9:20; 13:5, 14, 15, 42; 14:1, 2
Many synagogues were added during the intertestamental period
Priests – after returning from Babylon they became civil leaders, princes of the region and ministers of religion. Religious leaders for political reasons
Scribes – they entered into the judicial scene by becoming lawyers (Luke 14:3). Interpreting the law by their own traditions. They were publicly rebuked by the Lord for making the Gospel of none effect (Matt. 23:1-5; 16:21; 21:15; Mark 12:28-30). They became more concerned about the letter of the law and not with the spirit of the law. They became more political
Pharisees – started during the intertestamental period. They were known as separatists as well at traditionalists. Though they did stand on the law, prophets and Psalms, they adhered mostly to their own traditions. They were very strict in their observances and were compared to whited sepulchers by Christ (Matt. 23:27).
Sadducees -- They were a political party among the Jews. They were rivals of the Pharisees, but were often rebuked in the same breath by Christ and were both allies in opposition to Christ. (Matt. 16:1,6) Like the Pharisees, they came into prominence during the time of Maccabees. They denied the j resurrection (Matt. 22:23; Acts 4:1-2), the k immortality of the soul and l existence of spirits
Publicans -- They were the tax collectors of the Roman government
Sanhedrin -- A group of 70 elders who ruled presided over the High Priest; which consisted of Chief priest (or those over the 24 priestly courses), scribes or lawyers and Elders who represented the laity. They ruled or judged over civil and religious hearings until the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. They had no authority to give the death sentence, hence they appealed to Rome for Christ's crucifixion (John 18:31).
