Until the close of the Old Testament, African and Asian powers had dominated the Mediterranean region. Then Europe grew stronger. Greece became the next world power. Beginning in 336 B.C., Alexander defeated the Persians and rapidly conquered more nations than anyone before him. He spread Greek culture and made Greek the common language. Greek influence was such that the Old Testament was translated from Hebrew into Greek, perhaps beginning in about 250 B.C. That version was called the Septuagint. Later, the New Testament was written in the common (koine) Greek language.
After Alexander died in 323 B.C., his empire was split among his four generals. Two fought over Palestine, where the Jews eventually came under the control of the Seleucids, the Greek rulers of Syria. The worst Seleucid was Antiochus Epiphanes who was determined to stamp out the Jewish religion. He killed many Jews, ravaged Jerusalem, and—the worst of many insults—he sacrificed a pig on the altar in the Lord’s temple. He destroyed copies of the Scriptures and tried to force all Jews to deny God. Jews led by Mattathias and his sons—called the Maccabees—led a successful revolt against overwhelming odds. They gained independence for the Jews that lasted from 167 B.C. to 63 B.C.
In the meantime, Rome had come to power, defeating nation after nation. In 63 B.C., the Roman Pompey conquered Palestine. He placed the Jews under Antipater, an Idumean or Edomite (descendant of Esau). Antipater’s son was Herod the Great. It was during King Herod’s reign over Judea (beginning 37 B.C.) that Jesus was born in Bethlehem—the place foretold by prophecy (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6). Herod tried to kill Jesus by slaughtering many baby boys (Matthew 2:16). This same Herod, for political advantage, rebuilt the temple desecrated by Antiochus Epiphanes. At the time of John 2:20, Herod had been building it for 46 years.
Herod the Great’s descendants also featured in New Testament history. His son was Herod Antipas who killed God’s special messenger, John the Baptizer (Matthew 14), and ridiculed Jesus at His trial (Luke 23). Herod the Great’s grandson was Herod Agrippa I who killed the apostle James (Acts 12). His great grandson was Herod Agrippa II who tried Paul (Acts 25-26). Throughout this period, Rome remained fully in charge. Quirinius was Rome’s governor over Syria (Luke 2:2). Pilate was Rome’s governor over Judea. He authorized the execution of Jesus (Matthew 27).
GOD CHOSE THE WORST OF TIMES FOR HIS GREATEST WORK.
Now, consider this: Rome, as predicted by the prophet Daniel, was like an iron monster, ruthlessly crushing all previous empires (Daniel 2:40; 7:7, 19, 23). Herod was one of history’s most devious and cruel kings. Yet God chose their time, the worst of times, to work His greatest wonder: the birth, the life, the death and the resurrection of His Son, Jesus the Christ. God’s eternal purpose prevails in the worst of worldly circumstances.