HIS 121 Lecture Notes - Lecture 22: Simon Bar Kokhba, Josephus, Synoptic Gospels
Tunxis Community College
History of Western Civilizations
Notes
Jewish War
○ Internal debate over Roman rule
○ Revolt in Jerusalem in 66 CE
■ Romans looting temple
○ Vespasian, Titus Flavius
■ Instrumental in putting down the Jewish cult
■ Titus Flavius lead the army
○ Temple and city destroyed 70 CE
■ End of the second temple period
○ Simon Bar Kokhba rebellion (130-136 CE)
■ Hadrian rebuilds city (one of the five good emperors)
● Going to build a temple
■ Forbids circumcision
■ Rebellion fails
○ Diaspora
■ Jewish people leave Jerusalem
Jesus of Nazareth
○ Evidence
■ Christian scriptures
● Written by followers
● Synoptic Gospels (similar lense)
○ Mark, ca. 70 CE
○ Matthew and Luke, 80-90 CE
● Gospel of John, ca. 100 CE
● Non-canonical writings: Gospel of Thomas, etc.
■ Others
● Josephus Flavius – Jewish Antiquities (late first century CE)
● Pliny, Tacitus, Suetonius mention followers of Christus/Chrestus (first
half of the 2nd century)
Life of Jesus
○ Born during reign of Herod the Great (before 4 BCE)
○ Died during governorship of Pontius Pilate (26-36 AD)
○ Short public ministry
○ Execution by Roman officials (crucifixion)
Account of Jesus’ life in Gospels
○ Miraculous birth
■ Virginity of Mary
● Sets Jesus apart
● Issue of original sin (later doctrine)
○ Ministry
■ Baptism by John
■ Attracts followers – disciples/apostles
Document Summary
Instrumental in putting down the jewish cult. Hadrian rebuilds city (one of the five good emperors) Josephus flavius jewish antiquities (late first century ce) Pliny, tacitus, suetonius mention followers of christus/chrestus (first half of the 2nd century) Born during reign of herod the great (before 4 bce) Died during governorship of pontius pilate (26-36 ad) Learn from him or are sent out by him. Emphasis on other world, promise of salvation. Not a tittle or a jot of the law would change (matthew 5:18) But, was willing to bypass letter of law to uphold spirit. Traveled around judea and went to jerusalem. Caught the attention of romans and thought it may have been claiming to be a triumph. Going into the temple and kicking out those engaging in commercial. Causing trouble brings him to the attention of the roman officials wine. Tells his disciples that they should remember him when having bread and.
