John the Baptist
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Key words
- Persist: to continue to do something in a determined way even when facing difficulties or opposition
Although the meeting had ended, she persisted in trying to question the mayor.
- Skepticism: doubt that something is true or useful
The government proposal faced widespread skepticism.
- At hand: near in time or position
The time to act is at hand.
- Herald: to make something publicly known, especially by celebrating or praising it
The president's speech heralds a new era in foreign policy.
- Imminent: (esp. of something unpleasant) likely to happen very soon
The storm is imminent.
Read the article to find the answers
- How many centuries were there between the Old Testament and the New Testament?
- Which religious schools emerged during this period of time?
- What was Zacharias told about his son, John?
- What did John the Baptist say about the axe?
After Malachi
There's a gap of four centuries between the Old Testament and the New Testament. During this time, the Jewish people were under the rule of various powerful empires such as Persia, Greece, and Antiochus IV Epiphanes. There were no divine messages or prophets during this time.
Many Jews settled in the countries surrounding Israel. They took with them their synagogue worship and the Greek translation of the Old Testament, and established religious schools based on the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Throughout this period, the hope of a Messiah who would deliver Israel from foreign domination and establish a Kingdom of Heaven persisted. The popular expectation of this King, however, was often worldly. The moral condition of the people had not improved, and the original Jewish religion was declining because of the rituals of the Pharisees and the skepticism of the Sadducees.
Nevertheless, the faithful waited eagerly for salvation. Then a new prophet arose preaching, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!"