Stuff of Doug`s
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January 10, 2008
hrough both written (Torah) and oral (Mishna) law, teaching was passed from generation to generation. I have never understood that the Jews had an oral tradition handed down, the Mishna. I guess that's why divisions amongst various Jewish sects arose? Not only would people vary in their interpretation of the written law; there must have been great variations over centuries in the Mishna. Does anyone have insights or comments?

By: Doug Thornburg - January 10, 2008 - Public
Category: First Century Context and History
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January 10, 2008
The village area of Nazareth was populated mostly by Jews, but also with some diversity of Syrians, Greeks, and Romans. The major city of Palestine was Jerusalem, which was more cosmopolitan and contained far greater ethnic diversity. This description of the physical setup of 'Israel' is curious; it reminds me of what in history I've always been taught about the European feudal idea, the outlying farming and raw material suppliers, often ill-paid, but offered protection in the event of some armed conflict. Was Jerusalem a walled city? Would local politicians/King Herod have offered rural outliers protection in the event of some political challenge? How far away was Jerusalem from Roman political boundaries?

By: Doug Thornburg - January 10, 2008 - Public
Category: First Century Context and History
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January 10, 2008
"The Role of Women: In first century Israel, women were considered second-class citizens, akin to slaves." Could this have been because of the Roman influence, or was it a strictly Jewish tradition? Does anyone have insights?

By: Doug Thornburg - January 10, 2008 - Public
Category: First Century Context and History
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January 10, 2008
Cultural Setting, Daily Life
Interesting about crustaceans being forbidden in the Jewish diet; does anyone have any idea as to why" Likely made for one distinction more between Jew and Gentile. Would crusta. have been diseased or something"

By: Doug Thornburg - January 10, 2008 - Public
Category: First Century Context and History
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January 10, 2008
What did you learn about Jesus` background that stands out or surprises you?

Looking at the complete distinction between Rome and Jews; the idea of the 'wandering Jew' established so early and continuing into the New Testament, Jesus' life.

Jesus' later election to include the Gentiles among those who could be saved by belief in him would have seemed entirely revolutionary, esp. to the Jewish authorities under Herod. The division between Jew and Gentile, the blurring of the Jewish identity, must've been pretty terrifying since it was such a part of their history. 


By: Doug Thornburg - January 10, 2008 - Public
Category: First Century Context and History
Comment Helpful? Favorite Violation

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