30 Minutes In The New Testament The First Century Context of Acts with Chad Bird (Episode 405)
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Aug 20, 2025 
Chad Bird, an expert in Old Testament studies, dives deep into the first-century context of the book of Acts. He explores how Greek culture and language influenced early Christianity, shedding light on the complexities among diverse Jewish factions. Bird discusses the critical role of synagogues as outreach centers for the apostles, especially Paul, amid challenges and opposition. He also examines how the historical backdrop of the Pax Romana shaped expectations of a liberating Messiah versus Jesus' revolutionary message.
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Why The New Testament Is In Greek
- The New Testament was written in Greek because Hellenism made Greek the lingua franca of the eastern Mediterranean.
- Greek replaced Hebrew/Aramaic for many Jews, shaping how early Christians wrote and read scripture.
Hellenism Drove Scripture Into Greek
- Alexander the Great's conquests spread Greek language and culture, producing the Septuagint and Greek scriptures for diaspora Jews.
- New Testament authors often quote the Septuagint because Greek scripture dominated Jewish reading in the first century.
Diaspora And Greek Scripture
- Diaspora Jews lived throughout the Roman Empire and commonly used Greek in daily life and worship.
- Synagogues and Greek translations meant both Jews and interested Gentiles accessed Jewish scriptures in Greek.