Page 29 - LD215 History of the Church in Africa A4 final

The Time Had Fully Come

The Romans demanded allegiance to the emperor. This requirement
led Jewish Zealots to rebel. It was also a time of many false prophets and
messiahs. According to Acts 21:38, an Egyptian started a revolt and led
four thousand terrorists out into the desert.

While historical dates and events are secondary to God’s primary
purpose in founding His church, it is helpful to place some important
biblical history in perspective. We are reminded that it was God’s plan to
begin the church in the fullness of time in Jerusalem, in Palestine, under
Roman rule with Greek and Jewish influence. Please note the following:

Table 2.1—Palestine and Rome: Important Dates and Events

63 B.C. Roman General Pompey intervened in Jewish history;
captures Jerusalem
48 B.C. Julius Caesar defeated Pompey at Pharsalia; Pompey
killed in Egypt
44 B.C. Julius Caesar assassinated

41 B.C. Herod and his brother Phasael named tetrarchs by Antony, a
rival for Caesar’s power

40 B.C. The Roman Senate declared Herod king. (He had fled to
Rome from the Parthian invaders of Palestine.)

37 B.C. Herod married Mariamne of the Jewish royal family—the
Hasmoneans—to become an Idumean/Edomite and
acceptable to the Jews
7–6 B.C. Jesus’ birth (approximate date)

4 B.C. Death of Herod at Jericho; his kingdom was divided among
three sons:
1. Archelaus got Idumea, Judea, Samaria (4 B.C.–A.D. 6)
2. Herod Antipas got Galilee and Perea (4 B.C.–A.D. 39)
3. Philip got Gaulanitis, Iturea, Trachonitis (4 B.C.–A.D. 4)
A.D. 6–41 Judaea became a procuratorial province with Caesarea as
the Roman capital.
A.D. 14 Augustus’ death; Tiberius made Emperor (A.D. 14–37)

A.D. 26–36 Pontius Pilate served as procurator
A.D. 30 Death of Jesus; Pentecost

A.D. 36–37 Martyrdom of Stephen; part of the Christian community
dispersed

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