Chapter 7 - Faith of Israel
A lecture transcript discussing the historical context of Second Temple Judaism as a prerequisite for understanding the historical-critical study of Jesus of Nazareth. The text defines Second Temple Judaism by its period (c. 520/515 BC to AD 70), its formative influences (Ezra and Nehemiah), and its key features, including the continuity of the priesthood and festivals alongside the emergence of the synagogue and new feasts like Purim and Hanukkah. The document addresses the impact of Hellenistic culture, the Maccabean revolt, and the development of the Hebrew Scriptures canon. It also references scholarly shifts in understanding the period, specifically citing the work of Martin Hengel regarding Hellenism and E.P. Sanders regarding the rejection of the 'legalistic' view of Judaism.
Torah · Former Prophets · Latter Prophets