The New
Testament was developed during the times when Rome ruled the world.
Consequently, it is only natural that the development of the New Testament be
studied in relation to these historical times and the political rulers of that
era. The background against which these events occured covered the
period from 4 B.C. (the birth of Jesus) to 70 A.D. (the destruction of Jerusalem
and the Temple). However, long before 4 B.C. events were occuring which would
ultimately have a bearing on the subsequent environment and those religious and
political rulers who would be involved in Jesus' birth, life, death,
ressurection.
Many prophecies that were foretold in The Old Testament
were fulfilled in the New Testament. For example, Micah prophesized Jesus would
be born in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2); Isaiah prophesized His suffering (Isa. 53); His
birth (Isa. 7:14); the establishment of His Kingdom (Church) Isa. 9:7);
Daniel predicted (Dan. 2,7 and 9) that a Messiah, a Prince, would come and that
the God would establish such a kingdom, - church.
This series of 14 lessons are intended to show the Development of the New Testament in relation to its Historical background. The material presented herewith was compiled by Maurice Barnett when he was the evangelist at the Church of Christ in Port Isabel, Texas. Only slight modifications, necessary to adapt it to its present use were made. - Jim Silva