NTChrono9

Chronology of the New Testament

Lesson #9

DATE

ROME

JUDEA

NEW TESTAMENT

On July 18 Rome begins to burn. Nero is 27 years old. The fire starts in the Circus Maximus, destroying two-thirds of the city in nine days. Even the palaces on the Palatine are destroyed. Thousands die and thousands more are destitute; temples, public buildings, works of art, manuscripts, as well as personal possessions go up in games. It is rumored that Nero set the flames in order to rebuild Rome in keeping with some grand ideal he has conceived. Looking for a scapegoat to remove the attention from himself, Nero finds one in Christians. They are sorely persecuted, though the persecution is largely confined to Italy, especially the area of Rome. The persecution is so brutal that finally it revolts even the jaded citizens of Rome who cry out for it to stop.

Gessius Florus becomes the last procurator of JUDEA. Through his wife, he has the favor of Poppaea, wife of Nero, Poppaea being pro Jewish. In JUDEA he arouses violent opposition. He seems determined to push the Jews to revolt, constantly increasing demands for revenue. The Jews do not need much push. They complain to Cestius Gallus, governor at Antioch who does not dare do anything against the financial agent of the Emperor. The social structure of Palestine is disintegrating rapidly. The first Jewish war that begins in 66 is but a harbinger of what is to come.

Just before Paul's release, John Mark arrived and was with him when he wrote to the Colossians. (Col. 4:10, Phile. 24). He told them,'if he come unto you, receive him.' Peter said Mark was with him in Babylon, I Pet. 5:13). Mark's travels from Rome to Babylon would take him through 'Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,' the very areas to which Peter wrote. I Peter was written in the summer of 64, and delivered by Silas, Paul's companion on his second journey (5:12). It is likely that John's life of Christ was written in the 60-64 period, and his epistles in 64 or 65.

Having been released from prison, Paul travels to Crate, where he leaves Titus, (Titus 1:5), then goes on to Asia, as he has planned. He leaves Timothy at Ephesus (I Tim. 1:3), going then to Macedonia. This is likely the spring of 64. He then travels across land to Nicopolis, Northwest of Corinth on the coast. Nicopolis is the site of Augustus' headquarters during the battle of Actium with Antony and Cleopatra. Paul there winters in be 65, (Titus 3:12). It is likely he writes both Titus and I Timothy while there. He intends to return to Ephesus (I Timothy 3:14, 4:1 3). In the spring of 58, at Miletus, he told the Ephesian elders of grievous times, (Acts 20:29-30). Six years later it has happened, (I Tim. 1:3,7). Five apostates are named (I Tim 1:20,II Tim. 1:15:2:17). Many false teachers have arisen.

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