Second Temple Period

Introduction

The purpose of this research paper is to provide the history of the Second Temple period, including major conflicts, specific dates, and names of rulers. This paper will also identify the various works commonly identified as Second Temple literature and demonstrate how the various features described constitute important background for the interpretation of the New Testament. It will also discuss the events of the Second Temple period through the NT and how the Second Temple Period bears on the NT. This paper will focus on the periods between the testaments (Greeks, Maccabees, and Romans) --- and by understanding these periods …..

HISTORY OF THE SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD Previously known as the “intertestamental period,” now generally

These books narrate how Jewish persecution is met with Jewish revolt under the early priest Mattathias and his five sons. The five sons of Mattathias were John, Simon, Judas, Eleazar, and Jonathan.

“In those days, Mattathias son of John son of Simeon, a priest of the family of Joarib, moved from Jerusalem and settled in Modein. He had five sons, John surnamed Gaddi, Simon called Thassi, Judas called Maccabeus, Eleazar called Avaran, and Jonathan called Apphus.” (1 Maccabees 2:1–5, NRSV).

The Maccabean period is termed for the third son of Mattathias, Judas who became known as the Maccabee, which means the “Hammer”. Judas was a Jewish guerrilla leader as he achieved some great victories. He fought against the Hellenistic Syrians, led by Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who was responsible for religious persecutions that led to the revolt of the Maccabees. Judas organized an army to set things right; and those faithful to him became known as the Maccabees. In the book of Maccabees, we find the history about the tainting of the temple by Antiochus in addition to the cleansing and rededication of the temple which led to what we now know as the Feast of Lights. This holiday became known as Hanukkah which takes place in December, and is celebrated for eight days. (Kostenberger, Kellum, and Quarles, 2009, 70) Under Judas, the Jews regained religious