New testament background

The New Testament (NT) is the second part of the Christian Bible, and it provides the historical and cultural background for the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Here are some key aspects of the NT background:

Historical Context

• The NT was written in the 1st century AD, during the Roman Empire (27 BC - 476 AD).
• The Roman Empire was a vast and powerful state, with a complex system of governance, economy, and culture.
• The Jewish people were a significant minority in the Roman Empire, with their own distinct culture, language, and religious practices.

Jewish Background

• The NT is deeply rooted in Jewish theology, history, and culture.
• The Jewish people were expecting the Messiah (or Christ) to come and redeem them from their sins.
• The Jewish scriptures (the Old Testament) were considered authoritative and inspired by God.

Roman Background

• The Roman Empire was a pagan society, with a complex system of gods and goddesses.
• The Roman Empire was known for its military power, architecture, and engineering feats.
• The Roman Empire was also known for its brutal treatment of conquered peoples and its strict social hierarchy.

Greek Background

• Greek was the language of the Roman Empire, and it was widely spoken throughout the Mediterranean region.
• Greek philosophy, particularly Stoicism and Epicureanism, had a significant impact on the development of Christian theology.
• Greek literature, such as the works of Homer and Aristotle, were highly valued and widely read.

Social and Economic Context

• The NT was written during a time of great social and economic change.
• The Roman Empire was experiencing a period of economic growth and prosperity, but this was not evenly distributed among all social classes.
• There was a significant gap between the rich and the poor, and the NT reflects this social and economic inequality.

Cultural and Religious Context

• The NT was written during a time of great cultural and religious diversity.
• The Roman Empire was a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over the Mediterranean region living together.
• There were many different religious beliefs and practices, including paganism, Judaism, and early Christianity.

Key Figures and Events

• Jesus Christ: The central figure of the NT, who was born, lived, died, and was resurrected.
• The Apostles: The twelve disciples of Jesus, who were sent out to spread the message of Christianity.
• The Early Church: The community of believers who followed Jesus and were led by the Apostles.
• The Council of Jerusalem: A meeting of the Early Church, where the question of whether Gentiles (non-Jews) could be baptized was debated and resolved.
• The persecution of Christians: The NT records several instances of persecution and martyrdom of Christians, including the deaths of Stephen and James.

Literary and Theological Context

• The NT is a collection of letters, gospels, and apocalyptic writings.
• The NT uses a variety of literary forms, including narrative, poetry, and epistles.
• The NT is deeply concerned with theological issues, such as the nature of God, the person of Jesus Christ, and the relationship between faith and works.

Overall, the NT background is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the diverse cultural, social, and religious contexts of the 1st century AD.