“A Weary World…”

Nations That Ruled Israel:
Babylon, Persia, Greece, Egypt, Syria, and Rome

TIMELINE
Malachi: 430 - 420 BC
Alexander the Great: 333 BC
Greek Hellenization: 330 - 166 BC
Antiochus IV: 214 - 164 BC
Maccabean Revolt (Judas Maccabeus): 167 BC
Pompey Invades Jerusalem: 67 BC
Jesus Birth: 4 BC

“I would rather be Herod’s pig, than Herod’s son.” -Augustus

What Happened in the Waiting?

1. Greek language spread throughout the world, providing a common language.
2. Roman period provided a time of unprecedented peace, magnificent highways, and uniform laws that aided the spread of the gospel by the first century church.
3. Throughout all of the atrocities, the stage was set for the release of the New Testament church!
4. While we are puzzled, prophecy is being fulfilled, spiritual alignment (both personal and for His church) is taking place, and history is forming!
   
   

Luke 2:25-32 NIV

“25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”