A resource created to support the Religious Education Curriculum from the Archdiocese of Brisbane
What was life like in first century Palestine?
Archaeological evidence and historical records which exist from the first century in Palestine, such as the writings of the historian, Josephus Flavius, enable us to have very accurate insights into life in the time of Jesus. Josephus provides a good insight into the many social, political and religious factions in life of the time. These writings enable readers to understand the context of the Gospels more clearly. "Herod and his successors could not wipe out all resistance to Hellenism among the Jews. There were, of course, varying degrees of resistance. Herod's supporters sought to bridge the gap between the two cultures and thus have the best of both worlds; the Sadducees combined a strict adherence to the Mosaic Law with at least a partial acceptance of Hellenism; the Pharisees were sterner opponents of foreign culture but more flexible in their attitude toward Judaism; the Essenes and other groups hoped for a messiah to deliver them from Roman domination and restore an independent Jewish nation. The Zealots had the most important influence on political events. They condemned anything foreign and insisted that force was the only weapon with which to combat it. At first only a minority, they grew powerful as Roman policy toward the Jews changed".
