It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene. 2 Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness. (Luke 3:1-2 NLT)
The Israelites had gone 400 years without a true prophet sent by God. That was about to change when John the Baptist began to speak God's word to the people. Luke gives us detailed historical records about the time this took place. Things have changed since Jesus was born. Tiberius has been the emperor for fifteen years. Herod the Great is long gone and Pontius Pilate is the latest Roman Governor over Judea. Herod's sons govern different parts of the region. Since the Romans did not allow the High Priest to hold that position for life, Annas, Caiaphas and their sons held this position. Luke gives us a definitive time for the start of John's ministry.
John was living in the wilderness. Many Biblical scholars think John may have spent time with the Essene community. The Essences were the ones who copied and left behind the "Dead Sea Scrolls."
The Word of the Lord came to John. This was the start of something new. John would prepare people to meet Jesus. God was keeping His promises. God still keeps His promises. Because of what Jesus has done for us, God loves and forgives us. He makes us new and restores us to God's family. Every day is a new day in God's love.
The Israelites had gone 400 years without a true prophet sent by God. That was about to change when John the Baptist began to speak God's word to the people. Luke gives us detailed historical records about the time this took place. Things have changed since Jesus was born. Tiberius has been the emperor for fifteen years. Herod the Great is long gone and Pontius Pilate is the latest Roman Governor over Judea. Herod's sons govern different parts of the region. Since the Romans did not allow the High Priest to hold that position for life, Annas, Caiaphas and their sons held this position. Luke gives us a definitive time for the start of John's ministry.
John was living in the wilderness. Many Biblical scholars think John may have spent time with the Essene community. The Essences were the ones who copied and left behind the "Dead Sea Scrolls."
The Word of the Lord came to John. This was the start of something new. John would prepare people to meet Jesus. God was keeping His promises. God still keeps His promises. Because of what Jesus has done for us, God loves and forgives us. He makes us new and restores us to God's family. Every day is a new day in God's love.