Roman Judea and the Gospel of Mark

• In addition to proclaiming the “good news” the gospels sought to distinguish a Jewish Jesus from his Jewish background, to create an opposition between the followers of Jesus and other forms of first-century Judaism.

• I. Political and Religious Context in First-Century Judea

• II. The Gospel Narrative

• III. Criticizing Other Sects and Authorities

I. Political and Religious Background in First-Century Judea

• 1. Roman Influence and Occupation– Judea became Roman tributary state c. 63 BCE– Herod installed as king c. 37 BCE– Direct Roman rule 6 CE– Mix of Tolerance and Tensions (See Josephus)

• 2. Jewish Religious and Social Diversity

2. Jewish Religious and Social Diversity

• Sadducees

• Pharisees

• Essenes

• Zealots (and Sicarii)

• Synagogues

• Wisemen/Prophets

II. Gospel Narrative

• 1. Jesus’ Preaching– The “Kingdom of God” is at hand– Teaches in Parables

• 2. Conflict with Sadducees, Pharisees, and Scribes

• 3. Passion and Crucifixion

III. Criticizing other Sects and Authorities

• 1. Selection of events and sayings for readers after 70 CE

• 2. The Gospel Genre– Melding an account of Jesus’ teaching with the

story of his passion

• 3. Apocalyptic Writings

• 4. Refutation of Rabbinic Judaism