Biblical Information

Posted on 04. Nov, 2009 by admin in Fall/Summer 2009

1. SANHEDRIN
In the time of Jesus, Palestine (Israel-today) was ruled by the romans
who generally allowed the Jews to take care of their religious matters. the
Sanhedrin (Council of 71 Jewish priests, scribes and political leaders) had
the power to arrest and try people in both civil and criminal cases. The
Council also settled disputes over the interpretation of the Jewish Law. the
Council was led by the High Priest. the romans did not allow the Sanhedrin
to condemn a prisoner to death without the permission of the Roman
governor.

2. CAPERNAUM
this fishing city on the Sea of Galilee was where Jesus preached many
months. It became Jesus’ headquarters during His public ministry.
Capernaum was the home of the Apostles Matthew, Peter and Andrew
and probably, James and John. Jesus taught in its synagogue and performed
several miracles in the city.

3. INCENSE
It is a mixture of spices and resins and gives off an aromatic smoke
when it is burned. the ancient Jews believed that this pleasant odor soothed
God’s anger toward sinners. So burning incense became a form of praying
for forgiveness.
In the Great temple at Jerusalem only the High Priest could burn the
incense, although later other priests could do it.
Interestingly, if anyone misused the holy incense of the Temple (holy
because it was blessed by the priest), he was put to death.

4. ISHMAEL
He was the son of Abraham and his servant, Hagar. When Abraham and
his wife, Sarah had a child called Isaac. Hagar and Ishmael were forced to
leave Abraham’s home.

the Arabs, who regard themselves as descendants of Ishmael, are
enemies of the Jews, the descendants of Isaac. Very interesting situation to
say the least.

5. NAZARETH
It is a village where Jesus grew up after His family’s flight into egypt.
Located in Galilee about seventy miles north of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, it
was a very small town. Jesus never performed a miracle in his town because
they did not believe in Him.

Tags: biblical