However much Roman law, Mosaic law, and rabbinic law impacted the lives of Jews living in first-century Israel, many people who followed the religion of Israel lived outside of Palestine and beyond the borders of the Roman Empire. Thus, many of these laws would not have played a big role in their lives. At the … Continue reading –>
In addition to the Mosaic laws, Jews at the time of Jesus were also familiar with the law of the rabbis. The rabbis were the scholastic arm of the Pharisees, and they took the responsibility of ensuring that the Mosaic law remained relevant to the people. The rabbis counted 613 laws in the five books … Continue reading –>
There are some pretty strange laws out there. In Oklahoma it is against the law to spit on the sidewalk. I’m not sure what the penalty is. I do know that the penalty for making an ugly face at a dog is a fine or jail sentence. I guess the sentence depends on just how … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Various laws governed society in the time of Christ. An understanding of the historical and cultural context provides a framework for God’s moral law, the Ten Commandments. [Lesson plan for Laws In Christ’s Day March 31. 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read Luke 2:1-5. a. Ask class members to share a thought … Continue reading –>
Read Leviticus 1:1-9, 2:14-16, 5:11-13. To what are these laws referring? What was their purpose? What important truths were they meant to teach? Besides the civil laws in ancient Israel, there was also what is often called the ceremonial law. This law centered around the sanctuary and its services, all of which, of course, were … Continue reading –>
Although the Jews were under Roman rule at the time of Jesus, they were granted authority over those issues that were unique to their customs and religion (see Acts 18:15). The legislative body responsible for administering Jewish law was called the Sanhedrin. Sometimes referred to as the council (John 11:47, Acts 5:27), the Sanhedrin consisted … Continue reading –>
Read Luke 2:1-5. What lessons can we learn from the ways in which these two faithful followers of the Lord interacted with their political environment? A medieval depiction of the Roman Senate picture from Wikimedia commons Since the time of the early republic, the Romans recognized how important written laws were for the governance of … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Luke 2:1-5, Heb. 10:28, Deut. 17:2-6, Lev. 1:1-9, Luke 14:1-6, James 2:8-12. Memory Text: For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves (Romans 2:14, NASB). In most societies, various laws function at … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for The Cost of Discipleship March 26, 1014] 1. A promise of persecution. Have you ever been persecuted? What do you think of Paul’s admonishing us with these startling words: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”? (2 Tim 3:12). What would you say if Peter … Continue reading –>
by Keith Augustus Burton From the very beginning of the great controversy in heaven it has been Satan’s purpose to overthrow the law of God.”-Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 582. Why? Because the law, as the foundation of God’s government, expresses the moral integrity of the cosmos; and to overthrow that law would … Continue reading –>
Some tools lived together in a carpenter’s shop. They were having some problems getting along, and some complained that others were not doing their share of work. They met to discuss their issues. The Hammer spoke first, for he served as the chairman. “Brother Drill,” he began, “you and your family are so noisy. And … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Ellen G. White, In the Regions Beyond, pp. 219, 220; Berea and Athens, pp. 241, 242; in The Acts of the Apostles. Fire comes down from God out of heaven. The earth is broken up. The weapons concealed in its depths are drawn forth. Devouring flames burst from every yawning chasm. The very … Continue reading –>
