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The period between the closing of the Old Testament and the arrival of Christ is known as the intertestamental period, sometimes referred to as the 400 silent years. During this time, the absence of prophetic messages from God marked a period of quiet, but politically and socially, significant changes unfolded in Palestine. Many of these shifts were predicted by the prophet Daniel in chapters 2, 7, 8, and 11.
Israel was under Persian rule from about 532-332 B.C., a time when the Persians allowed the Jews to practice their religion without much interference. The Jews were even permitted to rebuild the temple and worship there (2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4). This period, which spanned the last century of the Old Testament and the first century of the intertestamental period, was a relatively peaceful time, though it foreshadowed greater challenges.
The next phase began with the conquests of Alexander the Great, who defeated Darius of Persia and ushered in Greek rule. Alexander, a pupil of Aristotle, was deeply influenced by Greek philosophy and politics. He spread Greek culture throughout the lands he conquered, including Palestine. This led to the translation of the Hebrew Old Testament into Greek, a version known as the Septuagint. This translation became widely used, and many New Testament references to the Old Testament are based on the Septuagint. While Alexander allowed religious freedom for the Jews, the promotion of Greek cultural values, which were often in conflict with Jewish traditions, posed challenges for Israel.
After Alexander's death, Judea came under the rule of a series of Greek successors, culminating in Antiochus Epiphanes. His reign marked a darker chapter for the Jews, as he overthrew the priestly line and defiled the temple, offering pagan sacrifices (see Mark 13:14). The Jewish resistance eventually restored the temple, but the period that followed was marked by internal strife, war, and violence.
In 63 B.C., the Roman general Pompey conquered Palestine, placing it under Roman control. This eventually led to Herod being appointed as the king of Judea by the Roman emperor. This marked the beginning of Roman governance over the region, and it was under Roman rule that Jesus, the Messiah, would be crucified.
The Greek and Roman occupations also saw the rise of two influential political and religious groups: the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees, known for their adherence to the Law of Moses, began to add layers of oral tradition, often elevating their own interpretations above God's Word (see Mark 7:1-23). The Sadducees, composed of aristocrats, held power through the Sanhedrin and rejected most of the Old Testament except the Torah. They were deeply influenced by Greek thought and did not believe in the resurrection of the dead.
The events of the intertestamental period left both Jews and pagans disillusioned with their respective religions. Pagans were beginning to question polytheism, while Jews were disheartened by their continued subjugation and the pollution of their faith. The Jews were yearning for the arrival of the Messiah, believing He was their only hope.
The New Testament reveals how that hope was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ. His life and teachings confirmed the prophecies, and many recognized Him as the Messiah. Figures such as the Roman centurion, the wise men, and the Pharisee Nicodemus show how the Messiah was acknowledged during His time on earth. After 400 years of silence, the gospel of Jesus Christ marked the beginning of a new chapter in history.
The Churches of Revelation:
The Church of Ephesus
Revelation 2:1-7 – Jesus commends the church for its hard work, patience, and discernment of false apostles. However, He rebukes them for losing their first love and calls them to repentance. Those who overcome will eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God.
The Church of Smyrna
Revelation 2:8-11 – Jesus acknowledges their suffering and poverty, yet reminds them that they are rich in spiritual matters. He encourages them to remain faithful in the face of tribulation, promising them the crown of life for those who overcome.
The Church of Pergamum
Revelation 2:12-17 – Jesus praises the church for holding fast to His name despite persecution but rebukes them for tolerating false teachings, including the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitanes. Those who overcome will receive hidden manna and a new name written on a white stone.
The Church of Thyatira
Revelation 2:18-29 – Jesus commends their deeds, love, and faith but rebukes them for tolerating a false prophetess named Jezebel, who led people into immorality. He promises power over the nations to those who overcome.
The Church of Sardis
Revelation 3:1-6 – Jesus warns the church for having a reputation of being alive while being spiritually dead. He calls them to watchfulness and repentance. Those who overcome will be clothed in white garments and their names will be acknowledged before God.
The Church of Philadelphia
Revelation 3:7-13 – Jesus commends them for their faithfulness and promises them an open door that no one can shut. Those who overcome will be made pillars in God's temple, and their names will be written in the new Jerusalem.
The Church of Laodicea
Revelation 3:14-22 – Jesus rebukes the church for being lukewarm and self-sufficient. He advises them to buy from Him gold refined by fire, to wear white garments, and to anoint their eyes with eye salve. He calls them to repentance and offers the promise of sitting with Him on His throne to those who overcome.
This passage and the messages to the seven churches in Revelation highlight the challenges and encouragements for believers, showing both the failures and victories of the early churches. Each message emphasizes the importance of staying faithful and overcoming adversity to inherit the promises of eternal life with Christ.