Pittsburgh Theological Monograph Series General Editor - Dikran Y. Hadidian

An accessible introduction to the historical and theological developments between the Old and New Testament. Bridging the end of the Old Testament period and the beginning of the New Testament period, this book surveys the history and theological developments of four significant eras in Israel's post-exilic history: the Late Persian Era (465-331 BC), the Hellenistic Era (332-167 BC), the Hasmonean Era (167-63 BC), and the Roman Era (63-4 BC). In doing so, it does away with the notion that there were four hundred years of prophetic silence before Jesus. Bridging the Testaments outlines the political and social developments of these four periods, with particular focus on their impact upon Judeans and Samarians. Using a wide range of biblical and extra-biblical sources, George Athas reconstructs what can be known about the history of Judah and Samaria in these eras, providing the framework for understanding the history of God's covenant people, and the theological developments that occurred at the end of the Old Testament period, leading into the New Testament. In doing so, Athas shows that the notion of a supposed period of four hundred years of prophetic silence is not supported by the biblical or historical evidence. Finally, an epilogue sketches the historical and theological situation prevailing at the death of Herod in 4 BC, providing important context for the New Testament writings. In this way, the book bridges the Old and New Testaments by providing a historical and theological understanding of the five centuries leading up to the birth of Jesus, tracking a biblical theology through them, and abolishing the notion of a four-century prophetic silence.

The time between the historical end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament was approximately 420 years. Bible-study classes rarely cover this "forgotten" time, yet understanding this history is critical to our comprehension and appreciation of the New Testament. Furthermore, it was the inter-testament period that gave birth to who we are today--our politics, laws, science, mathematics, institutions, and even the values and philosophies we hold dear. Western civilization undoubtedly would be different today if not for the Jews, Greeks, and Romans and their contributions to society. What happened "between the testaments," before the birth of Jesus, and what is the back-story of his world? Who was Herod the Great, and what influence did he have during this time? What events gave birth to the sects of the Pharisees and Sadducees? Which empires and rulers controlled Judea during this period? Answers to these questions and more are in The Bridge to the New Testament. Discover the following topics in-depth: - Old Testament Survey - Alexander the Great and His Successors - The Roman Republic and Its Notable Leaders - The Greek, Ptolemaic, and Seleucid Empires - The Maccabean and Hasmonean Dynasties - The Prefects, Procurators, Kings, Governors, and Legates of Judea - Herod the Great and the Herodian Dynasty - Jewish and Roman Calendars & Timekeeping - Science and Engineering of the Period - The Roman Empire, Its Military, and Its Emperors - The Three Jewish Temples and Temple Mounts - Apocryphal and Religious Writings of the Period - The Money of the Inter-Testament and New Testament - The Sects, Politics, and Institutions of the Jews - Jewish High Priests - The Genealogies of Jesus - The Roman Conquest of Jerusalem and Masada - Life in Ancient Times - The Spread of the Gospel by the Apostles Have you examined the front cover carefully? If you look closely, you will see we have added eight words to the picture--a few institutions, people, sects, and nations that helped build the bridge to the New Testament. Where to find these hidden words, answer books, PowerPoint slides, a detailed history of the period, book excerpts, ancient money calculators, and much more are available on TheBridgeToTheNewTestament.com.

Derived from Halley’s Bible Handbook, a world-renowned, accessible guide to the Bible now in its 25th edition, this digital short sketches the history of the time between the Old and New Testaments. The rise of the Greek and then Roman Empires, the Maccabees, Herod’s Temple, the Sanhedrin—this introduction to a fascinating era not covered in the Bible includes all of the above and more. Useful for Bible students wanting to better understand the cultural context of the New Testament and for readers interested in Middle Eastern and early European history, The Time Between the Old and New Testaments shines light on a key period in world and religious history.

David L. Baker outlines the problem of the relationship between the Testaments, surveys the relevant history of interpretation, critically examines four main approaches and considers four key themes. This new edition has been thoroughly revised, updated and expanded.

Biblical scholar and seasoned pilgrimage guide Stephen J. Binz offers an up-to-date handbook for experiencing the sites of the Holy Land as a disciple of Jesus. Whether contemplating future travel, on the road of pilgrimage, savoring memories of a past trip, or journeying in mind and heart from an armchair, readers will explore the nature of pilgrimage and encounter the places of the Holy Land from a biblical, historical, meditative, and prayerful perspective. This guide will enable Christians to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, confident that their pilgrimage will be both an educational journey and a transforming spiritual experience. Full-color illustrations throughout!

Although many Catholics are familiar with the four Gospels and other writings of the New Testament, for most, reading the Old Testament is like walking into a foreign land. Who wrote these forty-six books? When were they written? Why were they written? What are we to make of their laws, stories, histories, and prophecies? Should the Old Testament be read by itself or in light of the New Testament? John Bergsma and Brant Pitre offer readable in-depth answers to these questions as they introduce each book of the Old Testament. They not only examine the literature from a historical and cultural perspective but also interpret it theologically, drawing on the New Testament and the faith of the Catholic Church. Unique among introductions, this volume places the Old Testament in its liturgical context, showing how its passages are employed in the current Lectionary used at Mass. Accessible to nonexperts, this thorough and up-to-date introduction to the Old Testament can serve as an idea textbook for biblical studies. Its unique approach, along with its maps, illustrations, and other reference materials, makes it a valuable resource for seminarians, priests, Scripture scholars, theologians, and catechists, as well as anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible.