Page 14 - Advanced Life of Christ - Student Textbook w videos

culture and practices into their religious practices. They also controlled the “sales” activities of the
temple, making huge profits in the exchange of temple money and sale of sacrificial animals.

All these events set the stage for the coming of the Messiah. The general atmosphere of the Jews was
one of despondence. They were conquered, oppressed, and polluted by the false religions of their
pagan conquerors. Hope was at an all-time low. They were convinced that their only salvation from the
oppression of the Romans was going to come through the appearance of a coming Messiah.
God had prepared the way for His coming. The Romans built extensive roads, so travel was made easier.
Everyone understood a common language and there was a fair amount of peace and freedom to travel
from place to place.

Thus, is the setting for the coming of the Messiah.

400 Silent Years

1.4 Let’s Practice…

1 – 4. Enter the percentages of uniqueness for the four Gospels. _____ Mark,
_____ Matthew, _____ Luke, _____ John.

5. Who was Matthew’s target audience and what was Matthew’s emphasis in writing his
book?

6. Who was Marks’s target audience and what was Marks’s emphasis in writing his book?

7. Who was Luke’s target audience and what was Luke’s emphasis in writing his book?

8. Who was John’s target audience and what was John’s emphasis in writing his book?

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