Video Segment 17 Summary (January 17, 2011 class)

Segment 17: The Time of Transition

Presenter: Robert Mulholland, Jr.

During the time between the end of the Old Testament and the
beginning of the New Testament, synagogue and Torah instruction
became the center of Jewish life. Hellenistic culture influenced the
ruling aristocracy of the Jews, resulting in the Maccabean revolt.
Three groups emerged during the Hasmonean independence: Essenes,
Pharisees, Sadducees. By the end of Hasmonean rule, the Torah, the
Prophets, and the Writings had become authoritative for the Jews.
Messianic expectations among Jews ran high during the period of
Roman rule. Subordination to foreign powers prepared the way for
rabbinic Judaism and Christianity.