Discussion Questions
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Why is it important to understand what took place during the intertestamental period? How will this help shape your study of the New Testament?
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Although this intertestamental period is known as the “Great Silence”, G-d was still watching over His people and guiding them through time. Depending on which Bible translation one uses, this time period does show us how certain events that affected the people during New Testament times (e.g., “the Feast of Dedication” mentioned in John’s gospel is what we know today as Hanukkah). Also, how the Sadducees, Pharisees and Essenes came about during the time of Yeshua.
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The ways of the world were changing according to the will of God. Every thought, notion, and belief in the old world had to diminish. God promised a new life which would never extinguish. God wanted the new era to be pure in speech and knowledge and most of all fair to every soul on the Earth. In other words, the old life with God and all that it was had to completely end before He could start anew with His everlasting covenant in Christ Jesus.
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That’s a very good point Gail. I never thought of it that way.
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It is important to understand the social and political atmosphere of the time between the writings of the Old Testament and those of the New Testament. It was these circumstances that set the stage for the birth of Jesus Christ. The events of this time period help to explain the political climate as well societal norms and accompanying history of the Jews leading up to the time of Christ. Understanding what took place during the intertestamental period is essential to properly understanding the New Testament. Culture, religion, and politics all played key roles in the unfolding of the story of the Messiah.
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It is important to help understand what was happening at that time, the culture, the geographical area, the relevance of people who lived there, what was the socioeconomic status of the region and era, also who lived during that time as it relates to the scriptures.
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The intertestamental period is important to Christians today because we will increasingly be subjected to persecution and the target of those of this world as we get ever closer to the end times.
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This lesson introduced four types of questions that students can ask as they study each New Testament book. Which of these four types stood out to you most? Why? How do you think this type of question will help your study of the New Testament?
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Knowing who wrote each of the books, under what circumstances, time, date, location, and to what specific audiences facing what unique set of problems, is basically the overview of the book. This part is the competency building part of becoming a true Christian. Building character comes when we start to concern ourselves with the correct interpretation of the scripture. Next, we must learn to apply the knowledge we have studied to our lives. Every application should be applied as lessons learned and taught through Christ. Although there may be as many applications as there are listeners or watchers, the true meaning remains the same in every text even as application vary. The transformation part must be handled with care. We must learn to take from the scriptures what we have studied without misinterpreting the true meaning and never must we teach a false interpretation to others. All questions are relevant and should lead to a closer relationship with God.
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For me the questions of Interpretation stand out the most. This type of question requires the reader to analyze the passage and really understand the scripture in light of the surrounding texts. Also, one must come to understand the main ideas and actual connotation of what they are reading. It challenges the reader to actually think and go below the surface meaning. This skill is crucial for accurate Bible study and life application.
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To me, the time and date and the audience it was originally written for is important and often overlooked.
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Interpretation stood out for me because of my need to understand the meaning of scripture, especially the more difficult passages; so I can communicate better to those who would listen.
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The question that stood out to me the most was the one on contemporary application. It stood out to me the most because as the author said “we need to know about the lives of the men and women in the bible, so that we can see how God works in specific situations. There is a way to draw upon God’s supernatural strength and power to deal with anything that I am going through or someone near to me.