The New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Student Workbook, SW13

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T H E N E W T E S T A M E N T W I T N E S S T O C H R I S T A N D H I S K I N G D O M

(2) Tax collectors were a feared and hated group, viewed as traitors of the nation and friends of the oppressors.

4. Political domination and oppression was the chief cause of resentment of Israel population (did not line up with their identity as God’s people).

F. A time of world mingling of religions (great diversity of religious beliefs and spiritual practices)

1. Emperor worship was popular, but did not preempt other local god worship.

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2. Eastern religions poured into the empire (centers of Egypt, Syria, Phrygia in Turkey).

3. Astrology, the occult, and philosophies were diverse, odd, filled with much superstition and magic.

II. The Contemporaries of Jesus: Jewish Reactions to Jesus

A. The Sadducees (associated with the priests, who with the lay “elders” exercised leadership over the Jews under Roman domination): leaders under Rome

1. Materialistic party among the Jews of Jesus’ time, associated with the priests, Acts 5.17

2. Denied the resurrection and the existence of angels and spirits