CONTEXT Session 17

Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study

CO N T E X T

The Time of Transition

Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study

CO N T E X T

The Time of Transition

“See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the
way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will
suddenly come to His temple. The messenger of the
covenant in whom you delight—indeed, He is
coming, says the Lord of hosts.”
Malachi 3:1
CO N T E X T

Our Human Condition

We experience times when, though life goes on and

activity is all about us, we need and desire
something more. So we wait.
CO N T E X T

Video Viewing & Discussion

• Listen for information on three topics:

Ruling powers

Religious groups

The shape of Judaism

• In this period between the testaments, how was the stage

set for the coming of Christianity?
Insert video
CO N T E X T

Video Viewing & Discussion

• Listen for information on three topics:

Ruling powers

Religious groups

The shape of Judaism

• In this period between the testaments, how was the stage

set for the coming of Christianity?
CO N T E X T

587 B.C.
Babylonian Period
539 B.C.
Persian Period
333 B.C.
Greek Period
167 B.C.
Hasmonean Period
63 B.C.
Roman Period
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Temple - sacrificial cultus Synagogue - Torah

(Priests) (Scribes)

Aristocracy Common People

Hellenizers Hasidim

Sadducees Essenes Pharisees

Zealots

Sicarii
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Scripture & Study Manual

Theme Word: CONTEXT

• What does it mean for us in our contemporary Christian

faith?

• How does it fit?

• What do the stories of Esther and Jonah tell us about the

period between the testaments? What was happening to
Judaism?
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Encounter the Word

Jonah 3:10-4:11

What happened in this story?

What did the story likely say to its first hearers?

What did the writer of the story want to say for God?

What is the story’s central purpose?

What does the story mean for me?

CO N T E X T

Our Human Condition

We experience times when, though life goes on and

activity is all about us, we need and desire
something more. So we wait.
CO N T E X T

Mark of Discipleship

Disciples hear the story of Jesus Christ in the

context of unity with the historic people of God

• Disciples hear the story of Jesus Christ in the context

of unity with the historic people of God