Jensens survey of the old testament adam 328
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MAP D
The land of Palestine was a small part of
the Roman Empire, but a key part, because
of its strategic location. Practically all the
gospels and much of Acts have Palestine as
their geographical setting. When Jesus was
born, Palestine was divided into various
provinces and sections, as shown on Map F,
Palestine During Jesus’ Ministry.23 Study
the map, and observe 1. familiar provinces
(e.g., Galilee); 2. less familiar areas (e.g.,
Trachonitis); 3. familiar cities (e.g.,
Jerusalem).
B. THE TASK OF RULE
The ruler of the Roman Empire was the
emperor. To rule e ectively and peacefully
so many distant lands from his throne at
Rome was the burden of his government.
How this was done in the case of Palestine,
the homeland of the Jews, will be shown in
the next pages.
C. THE TITLES OF RULERS
The provincial system of government set
up by Emperor Augustus involved rulers
over countries and over provinces of those
countries. The names and brief descriptions
of their titles are given below. Before you
read the descriptions, study Chart 11, Rulers
of the Roman Empire. Observe the three
geographical realms of rule and the three
associated titles of rulers.
1. Emperor. The emperor was the absolute
ruler of the Roman Empire. A surname of
the early Roman emperors was “Caesar”
(e.g., Caesar Augustus, meaning Emperor
Augustus). When Paul said, “I appeal to
Caesar” (Acts 25:11), he was referring to the
emperor, who at that time was Nero.
The names of the emperors during New
Testament times are shown on Chart 12,
New Testament Time Chart. Who was
emperor a. when Jesus was born?; b. when
Jesus was cruci ed?; c. when Paul was rst
imprisoned in Rome?; d. when the last New
Testament book (Revelation) was written?
2 . King. Kings24 were the highest local
rulers of territories in the Roman Empire,
subject to the central authority of the
emperor at Rome. The king’s o ce was
approved by the Roman senate. During New
Testament times Palestine, in whole or in
part, was ruled by kings of the Herodian
dynasty (succession of rulers from the same
family). (See Appendix A, The Herodian
Family.) The dynasty began with Herod the
Great in 37 B.C. and ended with the death of
Herod Agrippa II in A.D. 70.
Study carefully the names of kings of
territories in Palestine as shown on Chart
12.25 Who was king of all Palestine when
Jesus was born? What three kings succeeded
him? Over what lands did each rule? Locate
those lands on Map E. What two kings ruled
over all Palestine at any one time, between
37 B.C. and A.D. 70?
Read the following New Testament
references to the kings. As you read,
associate the geography and time.
a. Herod the Great — Matthew 2:1-19;
Luke 1:5
