Amber Franco

August 30, 2016

Reading Guide for Day 3: Exile, Return, and the Kingdom of God
Daniel Smith, The Kingdom of God? in Into the World of the New Testament, pages 23-34
1. What does Smith tell us about how a first-century Greek-speaker would have understood the
word kingdom (basileia)?
The Greek word basileia is translated as kingdom, therefore when Mark or Matthew use the
Kingdom of God, it could mean the God-Given authority to rule. Therefore, to first-century
Jews, the word basileia meant kingship or royal power.
2. Why did Israels geographical location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River
bring them into conflict with other nations?
Egypt and Mesopotamia gained wealth and power and looked to expand their power.
Since Egypt and Mesopotamia would have to set off to expand their land and power, in order to
do so, Israel was in the perfect path for military to go, because of their water sources. If the
militaries were to pass through the Arabian Desert, they would not survive due to lack of water.
3. Make a list of every nation that exercised domination over Israel/the Jews.
Assyrian (8th century)
Bar Kokhba (2nd century)
Mesopotamia
Egypt
Babylon destroyed the Jerusalem temple
Persian Ascent to power
4. What is Hellenism?
Hellenization is the spread of Greek language and culture.
Explains both why Jews translated their scriptures into Greek, and why the New Testament
writings are all written in Greek.
5. What is the Septuagint?
Septuagint is a translation of the Hebrew bible, or Jewish bible, and some Jewish scriptures, from
Hebrew to Greek.