New Testament Backgrounds - Part 1

As one reads the New Testament, several things are encountered which are not found in the Old Testament.  For example, we read of something called the synagogue. What was it?  What went on there?  We also meet different groups of people such as Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, and Zealots.  Who were these people? What did they believe and how did their beliefs affect the people of the day?  This and some future articles will look at these and some other areas of background to the New Testament which will help us better understand the New Testament teaching.

The New Testament mentions the Herodians in Matthew 22:16; Mark 3:6; 12:13. These were a group who supported the Herods who ruled parts of Palestine in the time of Jesus.  Herod the Great had used his political influence with Rome to be appointed governor of Judah.  His descendants were appointed small portions of the area to rule over after the death of their father.

Given the support of the Herodians for the family line as rulers, and their dependence upon Rome for authority, these men would act in support of Rome.  In the context of Matthew 22:16 and Mark 12:13 they along with the Pharisees were attempting to “entangle Him in His talk” (NKJV).  That is, they were attempting to get Jesus into some trouble to discredit Him.  It seems the question put to Jesus in the context, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (Matthew 22:17) was designed to cause trouble for Jesus with the Roman authorities.  Anyone refusing to pay taxes was rebellious and cause for concern for Rome.  Given the popularity of Jesus, and the fact some sought to force Him to be their king (John 6:15), an answer suggesting it was lawful for Jews to refuse to pay taxes would be of serious concern to the Romans.

Why did they want to cause Jesus trouble?  A clue is found in Mark 3:6. There it is revealed that the Pharisees plotted with the Herodians against Him.” Jesus was opposed for religious reasons by the Pharisees (a detailed look at them will be made in another article).  The Herodians no doubt feared him politically.  If Jesus were to stir up things enough to bring Rome to settle an uprising then the present government would be reorganized.   So the solution was to get Jesus to say something to bring about His arrest, or have Him say something to discredit him before the people.  (To be continued)

—Denny