There will be 5 parts to this series which will lead into the book of Matthew! The series give the historical events during this time. A background of what was happening.Then will will go into the 27 Books of the New Testament. During this series will enjoy learning the books, characters, disciples, and the life of our Savior, Join me this journey through the new Testament.

The Persian Period-539-336 B.C)

In the very first year of his reign, Cyprus the king of Persia had freed the Israelities from there captivity and encouraged them to return to their homeland (Erza 5). His successor, King Darius, continued pro-Israel policy, even threatening with capital punishment those who hindered the Israelities from rebuilding their Temple and resettling their land (Erza 6). The Jews dwelt in relative peace.

However, several key developments began to reshape their practice of religion. Likely as a result of their many years in exile the Jews began to worship in local synagogues spread throughout the Persian Empire. They continued the practice in their own home land even after the Temple was rebuilt. Although priest served in the Temple, and preformed the required sacrifies, worship in the synagogues centered on the study of the law, and teachers of religious law became the influential preservers and interpreters of the law. People with questions about God became more likely to turn to a teacher of the the law than a priest.

During this time, the Israelities also came into religious conflict with the Samaritians. Descendants of Israelities who had been left behind during the Babylonian exile, the Samaritans had intermarried with Babylonians, Syrians, and others. As a result , the worship grew syncretistic, incorporating elements of pagan religions with worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. While the Jews rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem, the Samaritians built a rival temple in the north. The ensuing religious and ethnic strife between Jews and Samaritians proved to be long lasting, which made it all the more amazing when Jesus later took the time to speak to an adulterous Samaritain women (John 4).

I know these should be on the prayer tab but I can’t post them there.

1. Thom’s friend Aaron – his dad had a massive heart attack yesterday and is in a coma. Looks like he was without oxygen for about 5 mins. Doesn’t look good.

2. One of the babies in our church, Daniel, has an infection and high fever. Spent most of last night at the hospital, if he doesn’t get better within a day or so, they are going to remove his tonsils.

Thanks for praying with me!

Tonya