Pharisees

The Pharisees in the first century were a respected Jewish religious group known for their strict adherence to the full Hebrew scriptures, oral traditions, belief in resurrection, and influence among the common people, yet they faced criticism from Jesus for elevating human traditions over God’s commandments.

People, Places, and Things

Pharisees

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People, Places, and Things

Tiberius Caesar

Tiberius Caesar was the Roman Emperor during Jesus’ ministry, whose reign provides a historical backdrop for key events in the New Testament, notably referenced in Luke as the time when John the Baptist began his ministry.

Caesar Augustus

In Luke’s Gospel, Caesar Augustus, Rome’s first emperor and bringer of the Pax Romana, is mentioned in connection with the census that brings Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, highlighting how the emperor’s decree unknowingly fulfills God’s plan and contrasting Augustus’s claim to peace with the true peace brought by Jesus.

Bethlehem

Bethlehem in the first century was a small, humble town in Judea known as the city of David, historically and prophetically significant as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah, which Luke highlights to show Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament promises through His birth in this modest setting.

Gabriel

Gabriel in Luke 1 is the angelic messenger who stands in God’s presence, sent by God to announce and fulfill the divine plan of salvation through the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.

Leprosy

In the Gospel of Luke, leprosy—once a condition demanding priestly examination, isolation, and ritual cleansing under Mosaic law—becomes a powerful sign of Jesus’ authority to restore both body and community, as he touches the unclean, heals them instantly, and fulfills the law’s promise of true purification.

The Sacrifice of Incense

The sacrifice of incense was a daily temple ritual where priests burned a holy blend of spices on the altar of incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising to God.