Download A. The Fullness of Time: 3. to 5.

3) Roman Roads
 Many empires in history have conquered Israel e.g., Babylon, Assyria, Persia.
 The Romans happened to be Israel’s conquerors in the time between 10 BC and
40 AD.
 Of all the empires that conquered Israel, the Romans were the only ones who
built an extensive system of roads.
 Every major city and province in the Roman Empire was connected to each other
and to the major waterways (e.g., the Mediterranean Sea).
 This system allowed for the most efficient means of communication the world
had ever seen.
 So, it was as perfect time to spread new ideas, like the Apostles would do with
Jesus’ teachings.
4) The Pax Romana (“Roman Peace”)
 No matter how good a road system is, safe travel is impossible during war.
 The history of the Roman Empire is known for war.
 From 264 BC, when Rome started to evolve into a superpower, the Romans were
either at war with other peoples or with each other.
 It was only in 29 BC that Emperor Augustus took control of the Roman Empire.
 Instead of invading, Augustus declared the Pax Romana, deciding that Rome
would be at peace with everyone.
 This Pax Romana lasted until about AD 100, and it allowed Jesus’ message to
spread quickly and safely.
5) Caesar’s gift to the Jews
 Christianity is based on Judaism; if there were no Judaism, there would be no
Christianity.
 Ever since the 600s BC, different empires have conquered Israel and tried to get
the Jews to abandon Judaism.
 Israel resisted…barely.
 In 48 BC, Julius Caesar was aided in battle by Jews in Alexandria.
 In gratitude, Caesar gave the Jews in the whole Roman Empire a unique privilege
not granted to any other people:
 The Jews were granted protection for their religion and culture.
 This guaranteed that Judaism would be preserved between 10 BC and 40 AD in
time for Jesus and his message.
Assignment
1. Which of the five elements of the Fullness of Time do you think is the most
important and why?
2. Considering all five elements of the Fullness of Time theory, explain whether or
not it was merely result of coincidence.