As we set the context for the birth of Jesus, we explore the dominant voices of Jewish thought and practice at the beginning of the 1st Century CE. Dr. Nicolas Schaser from Macalester College introduces us to the sages of Hillel and Shammai - who are they? What were their philosophies? This will lead us into more conversations next week about how these two compare to the teachings of Jesus.

Find out more about Dr. Schaser HERE

Explore his book: A Ransom for Israel: Jesus and Jewish Salvation in Matthew

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We are in the process of exploring the context of the birth narrative of Jesus, and we have arrived at the time of the rise of Octavian. He will lead the Roman Republic into its Empire stage. But how does he do that and how does this change the Judean context of Bethlehem where Jesus is born?

Explore more about all the projects Dr. Smith is involved in:

Great Commission Bible Institute

Christian Travel Study Programs

Outreach Ministry: www.globalvisionoutreach.org

Through the Bible: 1hour1book.com

Contact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.

Join Cyndi Parker's Patreon Team!

Dr. Randal Smith is the Director of Christian Travel Study Program and a virtual encyclopedia about biblical context. We are in the process of exploring the context of the birth narrative of Jesus, and while we assume Roman domination, it wasn't always that way! Today we discuss how Rome emerged from squalor to an empire that dominated the Mediterranean, outmaneuvering the Greeks and innovating military, economic, and political systems.

Explore more about all the projects Dr. Smith is involved in:

Great Commission Bible Institute

Christian Travel Study Programs

Outreach Ministry: www.globalvisionoutreach.org

Through the Bible: 1hour1book.com

Contact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.

Join Cyndi Parker's Patreon Team!