Changes

==PAPER 121: THE TIMES OF MICHAEL'S BESTOWAL==

==PAPER 121: THE TIMES OF MICHAEL'S BESTOWAL==

121:0.1 [[Acting]] under the [[supervision]] of a commission of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_%28number%29 twelve] members of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:8._THE_UNITED_MIDWAYERS United Brotherhood of Urantia Midwayers], conjointly sponsored by the presiding head of our order and the [[Melchizedek]] of [[record]], I am the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:6._THE_SECONDARY_MIDWAYERS secondary midwayer] of onetime attachment to the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Apostle Andrew], and I am authorized to place on record the [[narrative]] of the life [[transactions]] of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] as they were [[observed]] by my order of [[earth]] [[creatures]], and as they were subsequently partially recorded by the [[human]] subject of my [[temporal]] guardianship. Knowing how his [[the Master|Master]] so scrupulously avoided leaving [[written]] records behind him, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] [[steadfastly]] refused to multiply [[copies]] of his written [[narrative]]. A similar [[attitude]] on the part of the other [[apostles]] of [[Jesus]] greatly [[delayed]] the writing of the [[Gospels]].

 

121:0.1 [[Acting]] under the [[supervision]] of a commission of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_%28number%29 twelve] members of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:8._THE_UNITED_MIDWAYERS United Brotherhood of Urantia Midwayers], conjointly sponsored by the presiding head of our order and the [[Melchizedek]] of [[record]], I am the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:6._THE_SECONDARY_MIDWAYERS secondary midwayer] of onetime attachment to the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Apostle Andrew], and I am authorized to place on record the [[narrative]] of the life [[transactions]] of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] as they were [[observed]] by my order of [[earth]] [[creatures]], and as they were subsequently partially recorded by the [[human]] subject of my [[temporal]] guardianship. Knowing how his [[the Master|Master]] so scrupulously avoided leaving [[written]] records behind him, [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] [[steadfastly]] refused to multiply [[copies]] of his written [[narrative]]. A similar [[attitude]] on the part of the other [[apostles]] of [[Jesus]] greatly [[delayed]] the writing of the [[Gospels]].

==121:1. THE OCCIDENT OF THE FIRST CENTURY AFTER CHRIST==

==121:1. THE OCCIDENT OF THE FIRST CENTURY AFTER CHRIST==

121:1.1 [[Jesus]] did not come to this world during an age of [[spiritual]] [[decadence]]; at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Century the time] of his [[birth]] [[Urantia]] was experiencing such a [[revival]] of spiritual [[thinking]] and religious living as it had not known in all its previous [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:3._POST-ADAMIC_MAN post-Adamic history] nor has experienced in any era since. When [[Michael]] [[incarnated]] on [[Urantia]], the world presented the most favorable condition for the [[Creator Son]]'s [[bestowal]] that had ever previously prevailed or has since obtained. In the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_history#Timeline_of_ancient_history centuries] just prior to these times [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greek culture] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek language] had spread over [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece#Hellenistic_Greece Occident and near Orient], and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews], being a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levantine race], in nature part [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidental] and part [[Oriental]], were eminently fitted to utilize such [[cultural]] and [[linguistic]] settings for the effective spread of a new [[religion]] to both East and West. These most favorable circumstances were further enhanced by the [[tolerant]] [[political]] rule of the [[Mediterranean]] world by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident#The_Roman_Empire Romans].

121:1.1 [[Jesus]] did not come to this world during an age of [[spiritual]] [[decadence]]; at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Century the time] of his [[birth]] [[Urantia]] was experiencing such a [[revival]] of spiritual [[thinking]] and religious living as it had not known in all its previous [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:3._POST-ADAMIC_MAN post-Adamic history] nor has experienced in any era since. When [[Michael]] [[incarnated]] on [[Urantia]], the world presented the most favorable condition for the [[Creator Son]]'s [[bestowal]] that had ever previously prevailed or has since obtained. In the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_history#Timeline_of_ancient_history centuries] just prior to these times [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greek culture] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek language] had spread over [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece#Hellenistic_Greece Occident and near Orient], and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews], being a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levantine race], in nature part [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occidental] and part [[Oriental]], were eminently fitted to utilize such [[cultural]] and [[linguistic]] settings for the effective spread of a new [[religion]] to both East and West. These most favorable circumstances were further enhanced by the [[tolerant]] [[political]] rule of the [[Mediterranean]] world by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident#The_Roman_Empire Romans].

121:1.2 This entire combination of world [[influences]] is well [[illustrated]] by the [[activities]] of [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]], who, being in [[religious]] culture a [[Hebrew]] of the Hebrews, proclaimed the [[gospel]] of a Jewish [[Messiah]] in the [[Greek]] tongue, while he himself was a [[Roman]] [[citizen]].

121:1.2 This entire combination of world [[influences]] is well [[illustrated]] by the [[activities]] of [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]], who, being in [[religious]] culture a [[Hebrew]] of the Hebrews, proclaimed the [[gospel]] of a Jewish [[Messiah]] in the [[Greek]] tongue, while he himself was a [[Roman]] [[citizen]].

121:1.3 Nothing like the [[civilization]] of the times of [[Jesus]] has been seen in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident] before or since those days. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe European civilization] was unified and [[co-ordinated]] under an extraordinary threefold [[influence]]:

121:1.3 Nothing like the [[civilization]] of the times of [[Jesus]] has been seen in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident] before or since those days. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe European civilization] was unified and [[co-ordinated]] under an extraordinary threefold [[influence]]:

*1. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident#The_Roman_Empire Roman political and social systems].

*1. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident#The_Roman_Empire Roman political and social systems].

*2. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece#Hellenistic_Greece Grecian language and culture]—and [[philosophy]] to a certain extent.

*2. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece#Hellenistic_Greece Grecian language and culture]—and [[philosophy]] to a certain extent.

*3. The rapidly spreading [[influence]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jewish] religious and [[moral]] teachings.

*3. The rapidly spreading [[influence]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jewish] religious and [[moral]] teachings.

121:1.4 When [[Jesus]] was [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:8._THE_BIRTH_OF_JESUS born], the entire [[Mediterranean]] world was a unified [[empire]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_roads Good roads], for the first time in the world's history, interconnected many major centers. The [[seas]] were cleared of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirates pirates], and a great era of [[trade]] and [[travel]] was rapidly advancing. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe] did not again enjoy another such period of travel and trade until the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century nineteenth century] after [[Christ]].

121:1.4 When [[Jesus]] was [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:8._THE_BIRTH_OF_JESUS born], the entire [[Mediterranean]] world was a unified [[empire]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_roads Good roads], for the first time in the world's history, interconnected many major centers. The [[seas]] were cleared of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirates pirates], and a great era of [[trade]] and [[travel]] was rapidly advancing. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe] did not again enjoy another such period of travel and trade until the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century nineteenth century] after [[Christ]].

121:1.5 Notwithstanding the internal [[peace]] and [[superficial]] [[prosperity]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_world Greco-Roman world], a [[majority]] of the [[inhabitants]] of the [[empire]] languished in squalor and [[poverty]]. The small upper class was rich; a miserable and impoverished lower class embraced the rank and file of [[humanity]]. There was no [[happy]] and prosperous [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_class middle class] in those days; it had just begun to make its [[appearance]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_citizenship Roman society].

121:1.5 Notwithstanding the internal [[peace]] and [[superficial]] [[prosperity]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_world Greco-Roman world], a [[majority]] of the [[inhabitants]] of the [[empire]] languished in squalor and [[poverty]]. The small upper class was rich; a miserable and impoverished lower class embraced the rank and file of [[humanity]]. There was no [[happy]] and prosperous [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_class middle class] in those days; it had just begun to make its [[appearance]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_citizenship Roman society].

121:1.6 The first [[struggles]] between the expanding [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Republic Roman] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthia Parthian] states had been concluded in the then recent past, leaving [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria Syria] in the hands of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome#Empire Romans]. In the times of [[Jesus]], [[Palestine]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria Syria] were enjoying a period of [[prosperity]], relative [[peace]], and extensive [[commercial]] [[intercourse]] with the lands to both the East and the West.

121:1.6 The first [[struggles]] between the expanding [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Republic Roman] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthia Parthian] states had been concluded in the then recent past, leaving [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria Syria] in the hands of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome#Empire Romans]. In the times of [[Jesus]], [[Palestine]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria Syria] were enjoying a period of [[prosperity]], relative [[peace]], and extensive [[commercial]] [[intercourse]] with the lands to both the East and the West.

==121:2. THE JEWISH PEOPLE==

==121:2. THE JEWISH PEOPLE==

121:2.1 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] were a part of the older [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semite Semitic race], which also included the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonians Babylonians], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia Phoenicians], and the more recent enemies of [[Rome]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Carthage Carthaginians]. During the fore part of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Century first century] after Christ, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] were the most [[influential]] group of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semite Semitic peoples], and they happened to occupy a peculiarly [[strategic]] [[geographic]] position in the world as it was at that time ruled and [[organized]] for [[trade]].

121:2.1 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] were a part of the older [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semite Semitic race], which also included the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonians Babylonians], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia Phoenicians], and the more recent enemies of [[Rome]], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Carthage Carthaginians]. During the fore part of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Century first century] after Christ, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] were the most [[influential]] group of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semite Semitic peoples], and they happened to occupy a peculiarly [[strategic]] [[geographic]] position in the world as it was at that time ruled and [[organized]] for [[trade]].

121:2.2 Many of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_road great highways] joining the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Near_East nations of antiquity] passed through [[Palestine]], which thus became the meeting place, or crossroads, of three [[continents]]. The [[travel]], [[trade]], and [[armies]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonia Babylonia], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assyria Assyria], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_egypt Egypt], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria#Antiquity_and_early_Christian_era Syria], [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthia Parthia], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome Rome] successively swept over [[Palestine]]. From time immemorial, many caravan routes from the [[Orient]] passed through some part of this region to the few good seaports of the eastern end of the [[Mediterranean]], whence ships carried their cargoes to all the maritime [[Occident]]. And more than half of this caravan [[traffic]] passed through or near the little town of [[Nazareth]] in [[Galilee]].

121:2.2 Many of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_road great highways] joining the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Near_East nations of antiquity] passed through [[Palestine]], which thus became the meeting place, or crossroads, of three [[continents]]. The [[travel]], [[trade]], and [[armies]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonia Babylonia], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assyria Assyria], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_egypt Egypt], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria#Antiquity_and_early_Christian_era Syria], [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthia Parthia], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome Rome] successively swept over [[Palestine]]. From time immemorial, many caravan routes from the [[Orient]] passed through some part of this region to the few good seaports of the eastern end of the [[Mediterranean]], whence ships carried their cargoes to all the maritime [[Occident]]. And more than half of this caravan [[traffic]] passed through or near the little town of [[Nazareth]] in [[Galilee]].

121:2.3 Although [[Palestine]] was the [[home]] of [[Jewish]] religious [[culture]] and the birthplace of [[Christianity]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] were abroad in the world, dwelling in many nations and trading in every province of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome#Monarchy.2C_Republic.2C_Empire Roman] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthia Parthian] states.

121:2.3 Although [[Palestine]] was the [[home]] of [[Jewish]] religious [[culture]] and the birthplace of [[Christianity]], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] were abroad in the world, dwelling in many nations and trading in every province of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome#Monarchy.2C_Republic.2C_Empire Roman] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthia Parthian] states.

121:2.4 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece] provided a [[language]] and a [[culture]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome Rome] built the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_roads roads] and unified an [[empire]], but the [[dispersion]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews], with their more than two hundred synagogues and well-[[organized]] religious [[communities]] scattered hither and yon throughout the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman world], provided the cultural [[centers]] in which the new [[gospel]] of the [[kingdom of heaven]] found initial [[reception]], and from which it subsequently spread to the uttermost parts of the world.

121:2.4 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greece Greece] provided a [[language]] and a [[culture]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome Rome] built the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_roads roads] and unified an [[empire]], but the [[dispersion]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews], with their more than two hundred synagogues and well-[[organized]] religious [[communities]] scattered hither and yon throughout the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman world], provided the cultural [[centers]] in which the new [[gospel]] of the [[kingdom of heaven]] found initial [[reception]], and from which it subsequently spread to the uttermost parts of the world.

121:2.5 Each [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synagogue|Jewish synagogue] [[tolerated]] a fringe of [[Pagan|gentile]] believers, " devout " or " God-fearing " men, and it was among this [[fringe]] of proselytes that [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] made the bulk of his early [[converts]] to [[Christianity]]. Even the [[temple]] at [[Jerusalem]] possessed its ornate court of the gentiles. There was very close [[connection]] between the [[culture]], [[commerce]], and [[worship]] of [[Jerusalem]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioch Antioch]. In Antioch [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]'s [[disciples]] were first called " Christians. "

121:2.5 Each [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synagogue|Jewish synagogue] [[tolerated]] a fringe of [[Pagan|gentile]] believers, " devout " or " God-fearing " men, and it was among this [[fringe]] of proselytes that [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] made the bulk of his early [[converts]] to [[Christianity]]. Even the [[temple]] at [[Jerusalem]] possessed its ornate court of the gentiles. There was very close [[connection]] between the [[culture]], [[commerce]], and [[worship]] of [[Jerusalem]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioch Antioch]. In Antioch [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]'s [[disciples]] were first called " Christians. "

121:2.6 The centralization of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jewish] temple [[worship]] at [[Jerusalem]] constituted alike the [[secret]] of the [[survival]] of their [[monotheism]] and the [[promise]] of the nurture and sending forth to the world of a new and enlarged [[concept]] of that one [[God]] of all nations and [[Father]] of all [[mortals]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon%27s_Temple temple service] at [[Jerusalem]] represented the [[survival]] of a religious [[cultural]] [[concept]] in the face of the downfall of a [[succession]] of gentile national overlords and racial [[persecutors]].

121:2.6 The centralization of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jewish] temple [[worship]] at [[Jerusalem]] constituted alike the [[secret]] of the [[survival]] of their [[monotheism]] and the [[promise]] of the nurture and sending forth to the world of a new and enlarged [[concept]] of that one [[God]] of all nations and [[Father]] of all [[mortals]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon%27s_Temple temple service] at [[Jerusalem]] represented the [[survival]] of a religious [[cultural]] [[concept]] in the face of the downfall of a [[succession]] of gentile national overlords and racial [[persecutors]].

121:2.7 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jewish people] of this time, although under Roman [[suzerainty]], enjoyed a considerable [[degree]] of [[self]]-[[government]] and, remembering the then only recent [[heroic]] exploits of deliverance [[executed]] by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Maccabee Judas Maccabee] and his immediate successors, were vibrant with the [[expectation]] of the [[immediate]] [[appearance]] of a still greater deliverer, the long-expected [[Messiah]].

121:2.7 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jewish people] of this time, although under Roman [[suzerainty]], enjoyed a considerable [[degree]] of [[self]]-[[government]] and, remembering the then only recent [[heroic]] exploits of deliverance [[executed]] by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Maccabee Judas Maccabee] and his immediate successors, were vibrant with the [[expectation]] of the [[immediate]] [[appearance]] of a still greater deliverer, the long-expected [[Messiah]].

121:2.8 The [[secret]] of the [[survival]] of [[Palestine]], the kingdom of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews], as a semi-[[independent]] [[state]] was wrapped up in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_policy foreign policy] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_rome#Government Roman government], which desired to maintain [[control]] of the Palestinian highway of [[travel]] between [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria Syria] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt] as well as the western terminals of the caravan routes between the [[Orient]] and the [[Occident]]. [[Rome]] did not wish any [[power]] to arise in the [[Levant]] which might curb her [[future]] expansion in these regions. The [[policy]] of [[intrigue]] which had for its object the pitting of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seleucid_Empire#Rise_of_Seleucus Seleucid Syria] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_egypt#Ptolemaic_Dynasty Ptolemaic Egypt] against each other necessitated fostering [[Palestine]] as a separate and [[independent]] [[state]]. Roman [[policy]], the [[degeneration]] of Egypt, and the [[progressive]] weakening of the Seleucids before the rising [[power]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthia Parthia], explain why it was that for several [[generations]] a small and unpowerful [[group]] of Jews was able to [[maintain]] its [[independence]] against both Seleucidae to the north and Ptolemies to the south. This fortuitous [[liberty]] and [[independence]] of the political rule of surrounding and more powerful peoples the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] attributed to the [[fact]] that they were the " [[chosen people]], " to the direct interposition of [[Yahweh]]. Such an [[attitude]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnocentrism racial superiority] made it all the harder for them to [[endure]] Roman [[suzerainty]] when it finally fell upon their land. But even in that sad hour the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] refused to learn that their world mission was [[spiritual]], not [[political]].

121:2.8 The [[secret]] of the [[survival]] of [[Palestine]], the kingdom of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews], as a semi-[[independent]] [[state]] was wrapped up in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_policy foreign policy] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_rome#Government Roman government], which desired to maintain [[control]] of the Palestinian highway of [[travel]] between [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria Syria] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt] as well as the western terminals of the caravan routes between the [[Orient]] and the [[Occident]]. [[Rome]] did not wish any [[power]] to arise in the [[Levant]] which might curb her [[future]] expansion in these regions. The [[policy]] of [[intrigue]] which had for its object the pitting of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seleucid_Empire#Rise_of_Seleucus Seleucid Syria] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_egypt#Ptolemaic_Dynasty Ptolemaic Egypt] against each other necessitated fostering [[Palestine]] as a separate and [[independent]] [[state]]. Roman [[policy]], the [[degeneration]] of Egypt, and the [[progressive]] weakening of the Seleucids before the rising [[power]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthia Parthia], explain why it was that for several [[generations]] a small and unpowerful [[group]] of Jews was able to [[maintain]] its [[independence]] against both Seleucidae to the north and Ptolemies to the south. This fortuitous [[liberty]] and [[independence]] of the political rule of surrounding and more powerful peoples the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] attributed to the [[fact]] that they were the " [[chosen people]], " to the direct interposition of [[Yahweh]]. Such an [[attitude]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnocentrism racial superiority] made it all the harder for them to [[endure]] Roman [[suzerainty]] when it finally fell upon their land. But even in that sad hour the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] refused to learn that their world mission was [[spiritual]], not [[political]].

121:2.9 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] were unusually apprehensive and suspicious during the times of [[Jesus]] because they were then ruled by an outsider, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_the_Great Herod the Idumean], who had seized the overlordship of Judea by cleverly ingratiating himself with the Roman rulers. And though Herod professed [[loyalty]] to the [[Hebrew]] [[ceremonial]] observances, he proceeded to build [[temples]] for many strange gods.

121:2.9 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews Jews] were unusually apprehensive and suspicious during the times of [[Jesus]] because they were then ruled by an outsider, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_the_Great Herod the Idumean], who had seized the overlordship of Judea by cleverly ingratiating himself with the Roman rulers. And though Herod professed [[loyalty]] to the [[Hebrew]] [[ceremonial]] observances, he proceeded to build [[temples]] for many strange gods.

121:2.10 The friendly [[relations]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_the_Great Herod] with the Roman rulers made the world safe for Jewish [[travel]] and thus opened the way for increased Jewish penetration even of distant portions of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman Empire] and of foreign treaty nations with the new [[gospel]] of the [[kingdom of heaven]]. Herod's reign also contributed much toward the further blending of [[Hebrew]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_civilization Hellenistic] philosophies.

121:2.10 The friendly [[relations]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_the_Great Herod] with the Roman rulers made the world safe for Jewish [[travel]] and thus opened the way for increased Jewish penetration even of distant portions of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman Empire] and of foreign treaty nations with the new [[gospel]] of the [[kingdom of heaven]]. Herod's reign also contributed much toward the further blending of [[Hebrew]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_civilization Hellenistic] philosophies.

121:2.11 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_the_Great Herod] built the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesarea_Maritima harbor of Caesarea], which further aided in making [[Palestine]] the crossroads of the civilized world. He died in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4th_century_BC 4 B.C.], and his son [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas] governed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galilee Galilee] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perea Perea] during [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_124 Jesus' youth] and ministry to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/39_AD A.D. 39]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Antipas], like his [[father]], was a great builder. He rebuilt many of the cities of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galilee Galilee], including the important [[trade]] [[center]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris].

121:2.11 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_the_Great Herod] built the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesarea_Maritima harbor of Caesarea], which further aided in making [[Palestine]] the crossroads of the civilized world. He died in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4th_century_BC 4 B.C.], and his son [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas] governed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galilee Galilee] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perea Perea] during [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_124 Jesus' youth] and ministry to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/39_AD A.D. 39]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Antipas], like his [[father]], was a great builder. He rebuilt many of the cities of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galilee Galilee], including the important [[trade]] [[center]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris].

121:2.12 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galilee Galileans] were not regarded with full [[favor]] by the [[Jerusalem]] religious [[leaders]] and rabbinical [[teachers]]. Galilee was more gentile than Jewish when [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122 Jesus was born].

121:2.12 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galilee Galileans] were not regarded with full [[favor]] by the [[Jerusalem]] religious [[leaders]] and rabbinical [[teachers]]. Galilee was more gentile than Jewish when [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122 Jesus was born].

==121:3. AMONG THE GENTILES==

==121:3. AMONG THE GENTILES==

121:3.1 Although the [[social]] and [[economic]] condition of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome#Republic Roman state] was not of the highest order, the widespread [[domestic]] [[peace]] and [[prosperity]] was propitious for the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 bestowal of Michael]. In the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_century first century] after Christ the [[society]] of the [[Mediterranean]] world consisted of five well-defined strata:

121:3.1 Although the [[social]] and [[economic]] condition of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome#Republic Roman state] was not of the highest order, the widespread [[domestic]] [[peace]] and [[prosperity]] was propitious for the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 bestowal of Michael]. In the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_century first century] after Christ the [[society]] of the [[Mediterranean]] world consisted of five well-defined strata:

*1. 121:3.2 ''The [[aristocracy]]''. The upper classes with [[money]] and official [[power]], the [[privileged]] and ruling groups.

*1. 121:3.2 ''The [[aristocracy]]''. The upper classes with [[money]] and official [[power]], the [[privileged]] and ruling groups.

*2. 121:3.3 ''The [[business]] groups''. The merchant princes and the [[bankers]], the traders—the big importers and exporters—the [[international]] merchants.

*2. 121:3.3 ''The [[business]] groups''. The merchant princes and the [[bankers]], the traders—the big importers and exporters—the [[international]] merchants.

*3. 121:3.4 ''The small [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_class middle class]''. Although this [[group]] was indeed small, it was very [[influential]] and provided the [[moral]] backbone of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christian_Church early Christian church], which encouraged these groups to continue in their various [[crafts]] and trades. Among the [[Jews]] many of the [[Pharisees]] belonged to this class of tradesmen.

*3. 121:3.4 ''The small [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_class middle class]''. Although this [[group]] was indeed small, it was very [[influential]] and provided the [[moral]] backbone of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christian_Church early Christian church], which encouraged these groups to continue in their various [[crafts]] and trades. Among the [[Jews]] many of the [[Pharisees]] belonged to this class of tradesmen.

*4. 121:3.5 ''The free [[proletariat]]''. This [[group]] had little or no [[social]] standing. Though proud of their [[freedom]], they were placed at great disadvantage because they were forced to compete with [[slave]] [[labor]]. The upper classes regarded them disdainfully, allowing that they were useless except for "breeding [[purposes]]."

*4. 121:3.5 ''The free [[proletariat]]''. This [[group]] had little or no [[social]] standing. Though proud of their [[freedom]], they were placed at great disadvantage because they were forced to compete with [[slave]] [[labor]]. The upper classes regarded them disdainfully, allowing that they were useless except for "breeding [[purposes]]."

*5. 121:3.6 ''The [[slaves]]''. Half the [[population]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome#Republic Roman state] were [[slaves]]; many were superior [[individuals]] and quickly made their way up among the free [[proletariat]] and even among the tradesmen. The [[majority]] were either mediocre or very inferior.

*5. 121:3.6 ''The [[slaves]]''. Half the [[population]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome#Republic Roman state] were [[slaves]]; many were superior [[individuals]] and quickly made their way up among the free [[proletariat]] and even among the tradesmen. The [[majority]] were either mediocre or very inferior.

121:3.7 [[Slavery]], even of superior peoples, was a feature of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome Roman] [[military]] [[conquest]]. The [[power]] of the master over his [[slave]] was unqualified. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christian_Church early Christian church] was largely [[composed]] of the lower classes and these [[slaves]].

121:3.7 [[Slavery]], even of superior peoples, was a feature of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome Roman] [[military]] [[conquest]]. The [[power]] of the master over his [[slave]] was unqualified. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christian_Church early Christian church] was largely [[composed]] of the lower classes and these [[slaves]].

121:3.8 Superior [[slaves]] often received wages and by saving their earnings were able to purchase their [[freedom]]. Many such emancipated [[slaves]] rose to high positions in [[state]], church, and the [[business]] world. And it was just such [[possibilities]] that made the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christian_Church early Christian church] so [[tolerant]] of this modified form of [[slavery]].

121:3.8 Superior [[slaves]] often received wages and by saving their earnings were able to purchase their [[freedom]]. Many such emancipated [[slaves]] rose to high positions in [[state]], church, and the [[business]] world. And it was just such [[possibilities]] that made the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christian_Church early Christian church] so [[tolerant]] of this modified form of [[slavery]].

121:3.9 There was no widespread [[social]] problem in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome#Empire Roman Empire] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_centur first century] after Christ. The major portion of the [[populace]] regarded themselves as belonging in that [[group]] into which they [[chanced]] to be [[born]]. There was always the open door through which [[talented]] and able [[individuals]] could [[ascend]] from the [[Social status|lower to the higher]] strata of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome Roman society], but the people were generally content with their [[Social status|social rank]]. They were not [[class]] [[conscious]], neither did they look upon these class distinctions as being unjust or wrong. [[Christianity]] was in no sense an [[economic]] movement having for its [[purpose]] the amelioration of the miseries of the depressed classes.

121:3.9 There was no widespread [[social]] problem in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome#Empire Roman Empire] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_century first century] after Christ. The major portion of the [[populace]] regarded themselves as belonging in that [[group]] into which they [[chanced]] to be [[born]]. There was always the open door through which [[talented]] and able [[individuals]] could [[ascend]] from the [[Social status|lower to the higher]] strata of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome Roman society], but the people were generally content with their [[Social status|social rank]]. They were not [[class]] [[conscious]], neither did they look upon these class distinctions as being unjust or wrong. [[Christianity]] was in no sense an [[economic]] movement having for its [[purpose]] the amelioration of the miseries of the depressed classes.

121:3.10 Although [[woman]] enjoyed more [[freedom]] throughout the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome#Empire Roman Empire] than in her restricted position in [[Palestine]], the [[family]] [[devotion]] and [[natural]] [[affection]] of the [[Jews]] far [[transcended]] that of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentile gentile] world.

121:3.10 Although [[woman]] enjoyed more [[freedom]] throughout the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome#Empire Roman Empire] than in her restricted position in [[Palestine]], the [[family]] [[devotion]] and [[natural]] [[affection]] of the [[Jews]] far [[transcended]] that of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentile gentile] world.

==121:4. GENTILE PHILOSOPHY==

==121:4. GENTILE PHILOSOPHY==

121:4.1 The [[gentiles]] were, from a [[moral]] [[standpoint]], somewhat inferior to the [[Jews]], but there was present in the [[hearts]] of the [[nobler]] gentiles [[abundant]] soil of natural [[goodness]] and potential human [[affection]] in which it was possible for the [[seed]] of [[Christianity]] to sprout and bring forth an abundant [[harvest]] of moral [[character]] and [[spiritual]] [[achievement]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity gentile world] was then [[dominated]] by four great [[philosophies]], all more or less derived from the earlier [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato Platonism] of the [[Greeks]]. These schools of [[philosophy]] were:

121:4.1 The [[gentiles]] were, from a [[moral]] [[standpoint]], somewhat inferior to the [[Jews]], but there was present in the [[hearts]] of the [[nobler]] gentiles [[abundant]] soil of natural [[goodness]] and potential human [[affection]] in which it was possible for the [[seed]] of [[Christianity]] to sprout and bring forth an abundant [[harvest]] of moral [[character]] and [[spiritual]] [[achievement]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity gentile world] was then [[dominated]] by four great [[philosophies]], all more or less derived from the earlier [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato Platonism] of the [[Greeks]]. These schools of [[philosophy]] were:

*1. 121:4.2 ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicureanism The Epicurean]''. This school of [[thought]] was dedicated to the pursuit of [[happiness]]. The better Epicureans were not given to [[sensual]] excesses. At least this [[doctrine]] helped to deliver the Romans from a more deadly form of [[fatalism]]; it taught that men could do something to improve their [[terrestrial]] [[status]]. It did effectually combat ignorant [[superstition]].

*1. 121:4.2 ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicureanism The Epicurean]''. This school of [[thought]] was dedicated to the pursuit of [[happiness]]. The better Epicureans were not given to [[sensual]] excesses. At least this [[doctrine]] helped to deliver the Romans from a more deadly form of [[fatalism]]; it taught that men could do something to improve their [[terrestrial]] [[status]]. It did effectually combat ignorant [[superstition]].

*2. 121:4.3 ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism The Stoic]''. Stoicism was the superior [[philosophy]] of the better [[classes]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoics] believed that a controlling [[Reason]]-[[Fate]] dominated all [[nature]]. They taught that the [[soul]] of man was [[divine]]; that it was imprisoned in the [[evil]] [[body]] of [[physical]] [[nature]]. Man's [[soul]] achieved [[liberty]] by living in [[harmony]] with [[nature]], with [[God]]; thus [[virtue]] came to be its own reward. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoicism] ascended to a [[sublime]] [[morality]], [[ideals]] never since [[transcended]] by any purely [[human]] system of [[philosophy]]. While the Stoics professed to be the "offspring of [[God]]," they failed to know him and therefore failed to find him. Stoicism remained a [[philosophy]]; it never became a [[religion]]. Its followers sought to [[attune]] their [[minds]] to the [[harmony]] of the [[Infinite Spirit|Universal Mind]], but they failed to envisage themselves as the [[children]] of a loving [[Father]]. [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] leaned heavily toward [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoicism] when he wrote, "I have learned in whatsoever [[state]] I am, therewith to be content."

*2. 121:4.3 ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism The Stoic]''. Stoicism was the superior [[philosophy]] of the better [[classes]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoics] believed that a controlling [[Reason]]-[[Fate]] dominated all [[nature]]. They taught that the [[soul]] of man was [[divine]]; that it was imprisoned in the [[evil]] [[body]] of [[physical]] [[nature]]. Man's [[soul]] achieved [[liberty]] by living in [[harmony]] with [[nature]], with [[God]]; thus [[virtue]] came to be its own reward. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoicism] ascended to a [[sublime]] [[morality]], [[ideals]] never since [[transcended]] by any purely [[human]] system of [[philosophy]]. While the Stoics professed to be the "offspring of [[God]]," they failed to know him and therefore failed to find him. Stoicism remained a [[philosophy]]; it never became a [[religion]]. Its followers sought to [[attune]] their [[minds]] to the [[harmony]] of the [[Infinite Spirit|Universal Mind]], but they failed to envisage themselves as the [[children]] of a loving [[Father]]. [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] leaned heavily toward [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoicism] when he wrote, "I have learned in whatsoever [[state]] I am, therewith to be content."

*3. 121:4.4 ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism The Cynic]''. Although the Cynics traced their [[philosophy]] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diogenes Diogenes of Athens], they derived much of their [[doctrine]] from the remnants of the teachings of [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism Cynicism] had formerly been more of a [[religion]] than a [[philosophy]]. At least the Cynics made their religio-philosophy democratic. In the fields and in the market places they continually preached their [[doctrine]] that "man could save himself if he would." They preached [[simplicity]] and [[virtue]] and urged men to meet [[death]] fearlessly. These wandering Cynic preachers did much to [[prepare]] the spiritually [[hungry]] populace for the later Christian missionaries. Their [[plan]] of popular preaching was much after the [[pattern]], and in [[accordance]] with the style, of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Christian_Bible Paul's Epistles].

*3. 121:4.4 ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism The Cynic]''. Although the Cynics traced their [[philosophy]] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diogenes Diogenes of Athens], they derived much of their [[doctrine]] from the remnants of the teachings of [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism Cynicism] had formerly been more of a [[religion]] than a [[philosophy]]. At least the Cynics made their religio-philosophy democratic. In the fields and in the market places they continually preached their [[doctrine]] that "man could save himself if he would." They preached [[simplicity]] and [[virtue]] and urged men to meet [[death]] fearlessly. These wandering Cynic preachers did much to [[prepare]] the spiritually [[hungry]] populace for the later Christian missionaries. Their [[plan]] of popular preaching was much after the [[pattern]], and in [[accordance]] with the style, of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Christian_Bible Paul's Epistles].

*4. 121:4.5 ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skepticism The Skeptic]''. Skepticism asserted that [[knowledge]] was fallacious, and that [[conviction]] and [[assurance]] were impossible. It was a purely [[negative]] [[attitude]] and never became widespread.

*4. 121:4.5 ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skepticism The Skeptic]''. Skepticism asserted that [[knowledge]] was fallacious, and that [[conviction]] and [[assurance]] were impossible. It was a purely [[negative]] [[attitude]] and never became widespread.

121:4.6 These philosophies were semireligious; they were often invigorating, [[ethical]], and ennobling but were usually above the common people. With the possible exception of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism Cynicism], they were philosophies for the strong and the [[wise]], not religions of [[salvation]] for even the [[poor]] and the weak.

121:4.6 These philosophies were semireligious; they were often invigorating, [[ethical]], and ennobling but were usually above the common people. With the possible exception of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism Cynicism], they were philosophies for the strong and the [[wise]], not religions of [[salvation]] for even the [[poor]] and the weak.

==121:5. THE GENTILE RELIGIONS==

==121:5. THE GENTILE RELIGIONS==

*1. 121:5.3 ''The [[pagan]] [[cults]]''. These were a combination of Hellenic and Latin mythology, patriotism, and tradition.

*1. 121:5.3 ''The [[pagan]] [[cults]]''. These were a combination of Hellenic and Latin mythology, patriotism, and tradition.

*2. 121:5.4 ''[[Emperor]] [[worship]]''. This deification of [[man]] as the [[symbol]] of the [[state]] was very seriously resented by the [[Jews]] and the early Christians and led directly to the bitter [[persecutions]] of both churches by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman government].

*2. 121:5.4 ''[[Emperor]] [[worship]]''. This deification of [[man]] as the [[symbol]] of the [[state]] was very seriously resented by the [[Jews]] and the early Christians and led directly to the bitter [[persecutions]] of both churches by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman government].

*3. 121:5.5 ''[[Astrology]]''. This [[pseudo science]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon Babylon] [[developed]] into a [[religion]] throughout the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_world Greco-Roman Empire]. Even in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth century] man has not been fully delivered from this [[superstitious]] [[belief]].

*3. 121:5.5 ''[[Astrology]]''. This [[pseudo science]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon Babylon] [[developed]] into a [[religion]] throughout the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_world Greco-Roman Empire]. Even in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth century] man has not been fully delivered from this [[superstitious]] [[belief]].

*4. 121:5.6 ''The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_mysteries mystery religions]''. Upon such a [[spiritually]] [[hungry]] world a flood of mystery [[cults]] had broken, new and strange [[religions]] from the [[Levant]], which had enamored the common people and had [[promised]] them [[individual]] [[salvation]]. These religions rapidly became the [[accepted]] [[belief]] of the lower classes of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_world Greco-Roman world]. And they did much to [[prepare]] the way for the rapid spread of the vastly superior [[Christian]] teachings, which presented a [[majestic]] [[concept]] of [[Deity]], associated with an [[intriguing]] [[theology]] for the [[intelligent]] and a [[profound]] proffer of [[salvation]] for all, including the ignorant but spiritually hungry [[average]] man of those days.

*4. 121:5.6 ''The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_mysteries mystery religions]''. Upon such a [[spiritually]] [[hungry]] world a flood of mystery [[cults]] had broken, new and strange [[religions]] from the [[Levant]], which had enamored the common people and had [[promised]] them [[individual]] [[salvation]]. These religions rapidly became the [[accepted]] [[belief]] of the lower classes of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_world Greco-Roman world]. And they did much to [[prepare]] the way for the rapid spread of the vastly superior [[Christian]] teachings, which presented a [[majestic]] [[concept]] of [[Deity]], associated with an [[intriguing]] [[theology]] for the [[intelligent]] and a [[profound]] proffer of [[salvation]] for all, including the ignorant but spiritually hungry [[average]] man of those days.

121:5.7 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_mysteries mystery religions] spelled the end of [[national]] [[beliefs]] and resulted in the [[birth]] of the numerous [[personal]] cults. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_mysteries mysteries] were many but were all characterized by:

121:5.7 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_mysteries mystery religions] spelled the end of [[national]] [[beliefs]] and resulted in the [[birth]] of the numerous [[personal]] cults. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_mysteries mysteries] were many but were all characterized by:

*1. 121:5.8 Some mythical [[legend]], a [[mystery]]—whence their [[name]]. As a rule this [[mystery]] pertained to the story of some god's life and death and return to life, as [[illustrated]] by the teachings of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism], which, for a time, were contemporary with, and a competitor of, [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]'s rising [[cult]] of [[Christianity]].

*1. 121:5.8 Some mythical [[legend]], a [[mystery]]—whence their [[name]]. As a rule this [[mystery]] pertained to the story of some god's life and death and return to life, as [[illustrated]] by the teachings of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraism], which, for a time, were contemporary with, and a competitor of, [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]'s rising [[cult]] of [[Christianity]].

*2. 121:5.9 The mysteries were nonnational and interracial. They were [[personal]] and fraternal, giving rise to religious brotherhoods and numerous [[sectarian]] societies.

*2. 121:5.9 The mysteries were nonnational and interracial. They were [[personal]] and fraternal, giving rise to religious brotherhoods and numerous [[sectarian]] societies.

*3. 121:5.10 They were, in their services, characterized by elaborate [[ceremonies]] of [[initiation]] and impressive sacraments of [[worship]]. Their [[secret]] rites and [[rituals]] were sometimes gruesome and revolting.

*3. 121:5.10 They were, in their services, characterized by elaborate [[ceremonies]] of [[initiation]] and impressive sacraments of [[worship]]. Their [[secret]] rites and [[rituals]] were sometimes gruesome and revolting.

*4. 121:5.11 But no matter what the [[nature]] of their [[ceremonies]] or the degree of their excesses, these mysteries invariably [[promised]] their devotees [[salvation]], " deliverance from [[evil]], [[survival]] after [[death]], and enduring life in blissful realms beyond this world of sorrow and [[slavery]]. "

*4. 121:5.11 But no matter what the [[nature]] of their [[ceremonies]] or the degree of their excesses, these mysteries invariably [[promised]] their devotees [[salvation]], " deliverance from [[evil]], [[survival]] after [[death]], and enduring life in blissful realms beyond this world of sorrow and [[slavery]]. "

121:5.12 But do not make the mistake of [[confusing]] the teachings of [[Jesus]] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_mysteries the mysteries]. The popularity of the mysteries reveals man's [[quest]] for [[survival]], thus portraying a real [[hunger]] and thirst for [[personal]] [[religion]] and individual [[righteousness]]. Although the mysteries failed adequately to satisfy this longing, they did [[prepare]] the way for the subsequent [[appearance]] of [[Jesus]], who truly brought to this world the bread of life and the water thereof.

121:5.12 But do not make the mistake of [[confusing]] the teachings of [[Jesus]] with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_mysteries the mysteries]. The popularity of the mysteries reveals man's [[quest]] for [[survival]], thus portraying a real [[hunger]] and thirst for [[personal]] [[religion]] and individual [[righteousness]]. Although the mysteries failed adequately to satisfy this longing, they did [[prepare]] the way for the subsequent [[appearance]] of [[Jesus]], who truly brought to this world the bread of life and the water thereof.

121:5.13 [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]], in an [[effort]] to utilize the widespread [[adherence]] to the better [[types]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_mysteries mystery religions], made certain [[adaptations]] of the teachings of [[Jesus]] so as to render them more [[acceptable]] to a larger number of prospective [[converts]]. But even Paul's [[compromise]] of Jesus' teachings ([[Christianity]]) was superior to the best in the mysteries in that:

121:5.13 [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]], in an [[effort]] to utilize the widespread [[adherence]] to the better [[types]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_mysteries mystery religions], made certain [[adaptations]] of the teachings of [[Jesus]] so as to render them more [[acceptable]] to a larger number of prospective [[converts]]. But even Paul's [[compromise]] of Jesus' teachings ([[Christianity]]) was superior to the best in the mysteries in that:

*1. 121:5.14 Paul taught a [[moral]] redemption, an [[ethical]] [[salvation]]. [[Christianity]] pointed to a new life and proclaimed a new [[ideal]]. Paul forsook [[magic]] rites and ceremonial [[enchantments]].

*1. 121:5.14 Paul taught a [[moral]] redemption, an [[ethical]] [[salvation]]. [[Christianity]] pointed to a new life and proclaimed a new [[ideal]]. Paul forsook [[magic]] rites and ceremonial [[enchantments]].

*2. 121:5.15 Christianity presented a [[religion]] which grappled with final solutions of the [[human problem]], for it not only offered [[salvation]] from [[sorrow]] and even from [[death]], but it also promised deliverance from [[sin]] followed by the [[endowment]] of a [[righteous]] [[character]] of [[eternal]] survival qualities.

*2. 121:5.15 Christianity presented a [[religion]] which grappled with final solutions of the [[human problem]], for it not only offered [[salvation]] from [[sorrow]] and even from [[death]], but it also promised deliverance from [[sin]] followed by the [[endowment]] of a [[righteous]] [[character]] of [[eternal]] survival qualities.

*3. 121:5.16 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_mysteries mysteries] were built upon [[myths]]. Christianity, as [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] preached it, was founded upon a historic [[fact]]: the bestowal of [[Michael]], the Son of God, upon [[mankind]].

*3. 121:5.16 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_mysteries mysteries] were built upon [[myths]]. Christianity, as [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] preached it, was founded upon a historic [[fact]]: the bestowal of [[Michael]], the Son of God, upon [[mankind]].

121:5.17 [[Morality]] among the [[gentiles]] was not necessarily related to either [[philosophy]] or [[religion]]. Outside of [[Palestine]] it not always occurred to people that a [[priest]] of [[religion]] was supposed to lead a [[moral]] life. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Jewish religion] and subsequently the teachings of [[Jesus]] and later the evolving [[Christianity]] of Paul were the first European religions to lay one hand upon [[morals]] and the other upon [[ethics]], insisting that religionists pay some [[attention]] to both.

121:5.17 [[Morality]] among the [[gentiles]] was not necessarily related to either [[philosophy]] or [[religion]]. Outside of [[Palestine]] it not always occurred to people that a [[priest]] of [[religion]] was supposed to lead a [[moral]] life. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Jewish religion] and subsequently the teachings of [[Jesus]] and later the evolving [[Christianity]] of Paul were the first European religions to lay one hand upon [[morals]] and the other upon [[ethics]], insisting that religionists pay some [[attention]] to both.

121:5.18 Into such a [[generation]] of men, [[dominated]] by such incomplete [[systems]] of [[philosophy]] and perplexed by such [[complex]] [[cults]] of religion, [[Jesus]] was born in [[Palestine]]. And to this same [[generation]] he subsequently gave his [[gospel]] of [[personal]] [[religion]]— sonship with God.

121:5.18 Into such a [[generation]] of men, [[dominated]] by such incomplete [[systems]] of [[philosophy]] and perplexed by such [[complex]] [[cults]] of religion, [[Jesus]] was born in [[Palestine]]. And to this same [[generation]] he subsequently gave his [[gospel]] of [[personal]] [[religion]]— sonship with God.

==121:6. THE HEBREW RELIGION==  

==121:6. THE HEBREW RELIGION==  

121:6.1 By the close of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_BC first century] before Christ the religious [[thought]] of [[Jerusalem]] had been tremendously [[influenced]] and somewhat [[modified]] by [[Greek]] cultural teachings and even by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy]. In the long contest between the [[views]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Eastern and Western schools] of [[Hebrew]] thought, [[Jerusalem]] and the rest of the [[Occident]] and the [[Levant]] in general adopted the Western Jewish or modified [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Hellenistic viewpoint].

121:6.1 By the close of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_BC first century] before Christ the religious [[thought]] of [[Jerusalem]] had been tremendously [[influenced]] and somewhat [[modified]] by [[Greek]] cultural teachings and even by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy]. In the long contest between the [[views]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Eastern and Western schools] of [[Hebrew]] thought, [[Jerusalem]] and the rest of the [[Occident]] and the [[Levant]] in general adopted the Western Jewish or modified [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Hellenistic viewpoint].

121:6.2 In the days of [[Jesus]] three languages prevailed in [[Palestine]]: The common people spoke some [[dialect]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic Aramaic]; the [[priests]] and rabbis spoke [[Hebrew]]; the educated [[classes]] and the better strata of [[Jews]] in general spoke [[Greek]]. The early [[translation]] of the [[Hebrew scriptures]] into [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septuagint Greek at Alexandria] was responsible in no small measure for the subsequent predominance of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Greek wing of Jewish culture and theology]. And the [[writings]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septuagint#Christian_use Christian teachers] were soon to appear in the same language. The [[renaissance]] of Judaism dates from the [[Greek]] [[translation]] of the [[Hebrew scriptures]]. This was a [[vital]] [[influence]] which later determined the drift of [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]'s Christian [[cult]] toward [[the West]] instead of toward [[the East]].

121:6.2 In the days of [[Jesus]] three languages prevailed in [[Palestine]]: The common people spoke some [[dialect]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic Aramaic]; the [[priests]] and rabbis spoke [[Hebrew]]; the educated [[classes]] and the better strata of [[Jews]] in general spoke [[Greek]]. The early [[translation]] of the [[Hebrew scriptures]] into [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septuagint Greek at Alexandria] was responsible in no small measure for the subsequent predominance of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Greek wing of Jewish culture and theology]. And the [[writings]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septuagint#Christian_use Christian teachers] were soon to appear in the same language. The [[renaissance]] of Judaism dates from the [[Greek]] [[translation]] of the [[Hebrew scriptures]]. This was a [[vital]] [[influence]] which later determined the drift of [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]'s Christian [[cult]] toward [[the West]] instead of toward [[the East]].

121:6.3 Though the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Hellenized Jewish beliefs] were very little [[influenced]] by the teachings of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicureans Epicureans], they were very materially affected by the [[philosophy]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato Plato] and the [[Asceticism|self-abnegation]] doctrines of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoics]. The great inroad of Stoicism is exemplified by the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Maccabees,_4 Fourth Book of the Maccabees]; the penetration of both [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato Platonic] philosophy and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoic] doctrines is exhibited in the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Wisdom_of_Solomon Wisdom of Solomon]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Hellenized Jews] brought to the [[Hebrew scriptures]] such an [[allegorical]] [[interpretation]] that they found no [[difficulty]] in conforming [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_theology Hebrew theology] with their revered [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotle Aristotelian philosophy]. But this all led to disastrous [[confusion]] until these problems were taken in hand by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo of Alexandria], who proceeded to [[harmonize]] and systemize [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_philosophy Hebrew theology] into a compact and fairly consistent [[system]] of religious [[belief]] and [[practice]]. And it was this later teaching of combined [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_philosophy Hebrew theology] that prevailed in [[Palestine]] when [[Jesus]] lived and taught, and which [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] utilized as the [[foundation]] on which to build his more advanced and enlightening [[cult]] of [[Christianity]].

121:6.3 Though the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Hellenized Jewish beliefs] were very little [[influenced]] by the teachings of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicureans Epicureans], they were very materially affected by the [[philosophy]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato Plato] and the [[Asceticism|self-abnegation]] doctrines of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoics]. The great inroad of Stoicism is exemplified by the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Maccabees,_4 Fourth Book of the Maccabees]; the penetration of both [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato Platonic] philosophy and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoic] doctrines is exhibited in the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Wisdom_of_Solomon Wisdom of Solomon]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Hellenized Jews] brought to the [[Hebrew scriptures]] such an [[allegorical]] [[interpretation]] that they found no [[difficulty]] in conforming [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_theology Hebrew theology] with their revered [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotle Aristotelian philosophy]. But this all led to disastrous [[confusion]] until these problems were taken in hand by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo of Alexandria], who proceeded to [[harmonize]] and systemize [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_philosophy Hebrew theology] into a compact and fairly consistent [[system]] of religious [[belief]] and [[practice]]. And it was this later teaching of combined [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek_philosophy Greek philosophy] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_philosophy Hebrew theology] that prevailed in [[Palestine]] when [[Jesus]] lived and taught, and which [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] utilized as the [[foundation]] on which to build his more advanced and enlightening [[cult]] of [[Christianity]].

121:6.4 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo] was a great [[teacher]]; not since [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] had there lived a man who exerted such a [[profound]] [[influence]] on the [[ethical]] and religious [[thought]] of the [[Occidental world]]. In the matter of the combination of the better elements in contemporaneous systems of [[ethical]] and [[religious]] teachings, there have been [[seven]] outstanding [[human]] [[teachers]]: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seth Sethard], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lao-tse Lao-tse], [[Buddha]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo], and [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]].

121:6.4 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo] was a great [[teacher]]; not since [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] had there lived a man who exerted such a [[profound]] [[influence]] on the [[ethical]] and religious [[thought]] of the [[Occidental world]]. In the matter of the combination of the better elements in contemporaneous systems of [[ethical]] and [[religious]] teachings, there have been [[seven]] outstanding [[human]] [[teachers]]: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seth Sethard], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster Zoroaster], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lao-tse Lao-tse], [[Buddha]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo], and [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]].

121:6.5 Many, but not all, of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo]'s inconsistencies resulting from an [[effort]] to combine [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_religion Greek mystical philosophy] and Roman [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoic] doctrines with the legalistic [[theology]] of the [[Hebrews]], [Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] recognized and wisely eliminated from his pre-Christian basic theology. Philo led the way for Paul more fully to restore the [[concept]] of the [[Paradise Trinity]], which had long been dormant in Jewish theology. In only one matter did Paul fail to keep pace with Philo or to [[transcend]] the teachings of this [[wealthy]] and educated Jew of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], and that was the doctrine of the [[atonement]]; Philo taught deliverance from the [[doctrine]] of [[forgiveness]] only by the shedding of blood. He also possibly glimpsed the [[reality]] and [[presence]] of the [[Thought Adjusters]] more clearly than did Paul. But Paul's [[theory]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_sin original sin], the doctrines of hereditary [[guilt]] and innate [[evil]] and redemption therefrom, was partially [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraic] in origin, having little in common with Hebrew theology, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo]'s philosophy, or [[Jesus]]' teachings. Some phases of Paul's teachings regarding [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_sin original sin] and the [[atonement]] were original with himself.

121:6.5 Many, but not all, of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo]'s inconsistencies resulting from an [[effort]] to combine [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_religion Greek mystical philosophy] and Roman [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoic] doctrines with the legalistic [[theology]] of the [[Hebrews]], [Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] recognized and wisely eliminated from his pre-Christian basic theology. Philo led the way for Paul more fully to restore the [[concept]] of the [[Paradise Trinity]], which had long been dormant in Jewish theology. In only one matter did Paul fail to keep pace with Philo or to [[transcend]] the teachings of this [[wealthy]] and educated Jew of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], and that was the doctrine of the [[atonement]]; Philo taught deliverance from the [[doctrine]] of [[forgiveness]] only by the shedding of blood. He also possibly glimpsed the [[reality]] and [[presence]] of the [[Thought Adjusters]] more clearly than did Paul. But Paul's [[theory]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_sin original sin], the doctrines of hereditary [[guilt]] and innate [[evil]] and redemption therefrom, was partially [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraic] in origin, having little in common with Hebrew theology, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo]'s philosophy, or [[Jesus]]' teachings. Some phases of Paul's teachings regarding [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_sin original sin] and the [[atonement]] were original with himself.

121:6.6 The [[Gospel of John]], the last of the [[narratives]] of Jesus' earth life, was addressed to the Western peoples and presents its story much in the light of the [[viewpoint]] of the later [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria#Christianity Alexandrian Christians], who were also disciples of the teachings of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo].

121:6.6 The [[Gospel of John]], the last of the [[narratives]] of Jesus' earth life, was addressed to the Western peoples and presents its story much in the light of the [[viewpoint]] of the later [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria#Christianity Alexandrian Christians], who were also disciples of the teachings of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo].

121:6.7 At about the time of [[Christ]] a strange reversion of feeling toward the [[Jews]] occurred in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], and from this former Jewish stronghold there went forth a virulent wave of [[persecution]], extending even to [[Rome]], from which many thousands were banished. But such a [[campaign]] of misrepresentation was short-lived; very soon the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire imperial] government fully restored the curtailed [[liberties]] of the Jews throughout the [[empire]].

121:6.7 At about the time of [[Christ]] a strange reversion of feeling toward the [[Jews]] occurred in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], and from this former Jewish stronghold there went forth a virulent wave of [[persecution]], extending even to [[Rome]], from which many thousands were banished. But such a [[campaign]] of misrepresentation was short-lived; very soon the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire imperial] government fully restored the curtailed [[liberties]] of the Jews throughout the [[empire]].

121:6.8 Throughout the whole wide world, no matter where the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_diaspora Jews] found themselves dispersed by [[commerce]] or [[oppression]], all with one accord kept their [[hearts]] centered on the holy [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_in_Jerusalem temple at Jerusalem]. Jewish theology did [[survive]] as it was [[interpreted]] and practiced at [[Jerusalem]], notwithstanding that it was several times saved from oblivion by the timely [[intervention]] of certain [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonia Babylonian] teachers.

121:6.8 Throughout the whole wide world, no matter where the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_diaspora Jews] found themselves dispersed by [[commerce]] or [[oppression]], all with one accord kept their [[hearts]] centered on the holy [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_in_Jerusalem temple at Jerusalem]. Jewish theology did [[survive]] as it was [[interpreted]] and practiced at [[Jerusalem]], notwithstanding that it was several times saved from oblivion by the timely [[intervention]] of certain [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonia Babylonian] teachers.

121:6.9 As many as two and one-half million of these [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_diaspora dispersed Jews] used to come to [[Jerusalem]] for the celebration of their national religious festivals. And no matter what the theologic or philosophic [[differences]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_Jews Eastern (Babylonian)] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Western (Hellenic) Jews], they were all agreed on [[Jerusalem]] as the [[center]] of their [[worship]] and in ever looking forward to the coming of the [[Messiah]].

121:6.9 As many as two and one-half million of these [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_diaspora dispersed Jews] used to come to [[Jerusalem]] for the celebration of their national religious festivals. And no matter what the theologic or philosophic [[differences]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_Jews Eastern (Babylonian)] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Western (Hellenic) Jews], they were all agreed on [[Jerusalem]] as the [[center]] of their [[worship]] and in ever looking forward to the coming of the [[Messiah]].

==121:7. JEWS AND GENTILES==

==121:7. JEWS AND GENTILES==

121:7.1 By the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_century times of Jesus] the [[Jews]] had arrived at a settled [[concept]] of their [[origin]], [[history]], and [[destiny]]. They had built up a rigid wall of [[separation]] between themselves and the [[gentile]] world; they looked upon all gentile ways with utter [[contempt]]. They [[worshiped]] the [[letter]] of the [[law]] and indulged a form of [[self-righteousness]] based upon the false [[pride]] of [[descent]]. They had formed preconceived notions regarding the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish messianism promised Messiah], and most of these [[expectations]] envisaged a [[Messiah]] who would come as a part of their [[national]] and [[Race|racial]] history. To the [[Hebrews]] of those days Jewish theology was irrevocably settled, forever fixed.

121:7.1 By the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_century times of Jesus] the [[Jews]] had arrived at a settled [[concept]] of their [[origin]], [[history]], and [[destiny]]. They had built up a rigid wall of [[separation]] between themselves and the [[gentile]] world; they looked upon all gentile ways with utter [[contempt]]. They [[worshiped]] the [[letter]] of the [[law]] and indulged a form of [[self-righteousness]] based upon the false [[pride]] of [[descent]]. They had formed preconceived notions regarding the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish messianism promised Messiah], and most of these [[expectations]] envisaged a [[Messiah]] who would come as a part of their [[national]] and [[Race|racial]] history. To the [[Hebrews]] of those days Jewish theology was irrevocably settled, forever fixed.

121:7.2 The teachings and [[practices]] of [[Jesus]] regarding [[tolerance]] and kindness ran counter to the long-standing [[attitude]] of the Jews toward other peoples whom they considered [[heathen]]. For [[generations]] the [[Jews]] had nourished an [[attitude]] toward the outside world which made it impossible for them to accept [[the Master]]'s teachings about the spiritual [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_12#12:7._THE_PART_AND_THE_WHOLE brotherhood of man]. They were unwilling to share [[Yahweh]] on [[equal]] terms with the [[gentiles]] and were likewise unwilling to accept as the Son of God one who taught such new and strange [[doctrines]].

121:7.2 The teachings and [[practices]] of [[Jesus]] regarding [[tolerance]] and kindness ran counter to the long-standing [[attitude]] of the Jews toward other peoples whom they considered [[heathen]]. For [[generations]] the [[Jews]] had nourished an [[attitude]] toward the outside world which made it impossible for them to accept [[the Master]]'s teachings about the spiritual [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_12#12:7._THE_PART_AND_THE_WHOLE brotherhood of man]. They were unwilling to share [[Yahweh]] on [[equal]] terms with the [[gentiles]] and were likewise unwilling to accept as the Son of God one who taught such new and strange [[doctrines]].

121:7.3 The [[scribes]], the [[Pharisees]], and the [[priesthood]] held the [[Jews]] in a terrible bondage of [[ritualism]] and [[legalism]], a bondage far more real than that of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire#Government Roman political rule]. The [[Jews]] of Jesus' time were not only held in subjugation to the [[law]] but were equally bound by the slavish demands of the [[traditions]], which involved and invaded every domain of [[personal]] and [[social]] life. These minute regulations of conduct pursued and dominated every loyal [[Jew]], and it is not strange that they promptly rejected one of their number who presumed to ignore their [[sacred]] [[traditions]], and who dared to flout their long-honored regulations of [[social]] [[conduct]]. They could hardly regard with [[favor]] the teachings of one who did not hestitate to clash with [[dogmas]] which they regarded as having been [[ordained]] by Father [[Abraham]] himself. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] had given them their [[law]] and they would not [[compromise]].

121:7.3 The [[scribes]], the [[Pharisees]], and the [[priesthood]] held the [[Jews]] in a terrible bondage of [[ritualism]] and [[legalism]], a bondage far more real than that of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire#Government Roman political rule]. The [[Jews]] of Jesus' time were not only held in subjugation to the [[law]] but were equally bound by the slavish demands of the [[traditions]], which involved and invaded every domain of [[personal]] and [[social]] life. These minute regulations of conduct pursued and dominated every loyal [[Jew]], and it is not strange that they promptly rejected one of their number who presumed to ignore their [[sacred]] [[traditions]], and who dared to flout their long-honored regulations of [[social]] [[conduct]]. They could hardly regard with [[favor]] the teachings of one who did not hestitate to clash with [[dogmas]] which they regarded as having been [[ordained]] by Father [[Abraham]] himself. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] had given them their [[law]] and they would not [[compromise]].

121:7.4 By the time of the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_century first century] after Christ the spoken [[interpretation]] of the [[law]] by the recognized [[teachers]], the [[scribes]], had become a higher [[authority]] than the written [[law]] itself. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbinic Judaism] And all this made it easier for certain religious [[leaders]] of the Jews to array the people against the [[acceptance]] of a new [[gospel]].

121:7.4 By the time of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_century first century] after Christ the spoken [[interpretation]] of the [[law]] by the recognized [[teachers]], the [[scribes]], had become a higher [[authority]] than the written [[law]] itself. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbinic Judaism] And all this made it easier for certain religious [[leaders]] of the Jews to array the people against the [[acceptance]] of a new [[gospel]].

121:7.5 These [[circumstances]] rendered it impossible for the [[Jews]] to fulfill their [[divine]] [[destiny]] as [[messengers]] of the new [[gospel]] of religious [[freedom]] and [[spiritual]] [[liberty]]. They could not break the fetters of [[tradition]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah Jeremiah] had told of the "law to be written in men's hearts,"[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Jeremiah#Chapter_.31] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel Ezekiel] had spoken of a "new spirit to live in man's soul,"[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Ezekiel#Chapter_36] and the Psalmist had prayed that God would "create a clean heart within and renew a right spirit."[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_51] But when the Jewish religion of good works and [[slavery]] to [[law]] fell victim to the stagnation of traditionalistic [[inertia]], the [[motion]] of religious [[evolution]] passed westward to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe European] peoples.

121:7.5 These [[circumstances]] rendered it impossible for the [[Jews]] to fulfill their [[divine]] [[destiny]] as [[messengers]] of the new [[gospel]] of religious [[freedom]] and [[spiritual]] [[liberty]]. They could not break the fetters of [[tradition]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah Jeremiah] had told of the "law to be written in men's hearts,"[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Jeremiah#Chapter_.31] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel Ezekiel] had spoken of a "new spirit to live in man's soul,"[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Ezekiel#Chapter_36] and the Psalmist had prayed that God would "create a clean heart within and renew a right spirit."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_51] But when the Jewish religion of good works and [[slavery]] to [[law]] fell victim to the stagnation of traditionalistic [[inertia]], the [[motion]] of religious [[evolution]] passed westward to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe European] peoples.

121:7.6 And so a [[different]] people were called upon to carry an advancing [[theology]] to the world, a [[system]] of teaching embodying the [[philosophy]] of the [[Greeks]], the [[law]] of the [[Romans]], the [[morality]] of the [[Hebrews]], and the [[gospel]] of [[personality]] sanctity and [[spiritual]] [[liberty]] formulated by [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] and based on the teachings of [[Jesus]].

121:7.6 And so a [[different]] people were called upon to carry an advancing [[theology]] to the world, a [[system]] of teaching embodying the [[philosophy]] of the [[Greeks]], the [[law]] of the [[Romans]], the [[morality]] of the [[Hebrews]], and the [[gospel]] of [[personality]] sanctity and [[spiritual]] [[liberty]] formulated by [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] and based on the teachings of [[Jesus]].

121:7.7 Paul's [[cult]] of [[Christianity]] exhibited its [[morality]] as a Jewish birthmark. The [[Jews]] viewed [[history]] as the [[providence]] of [[God]]—[[Yahweh]] at [[work]]. The [[Greeks]] brought to the new teaching clearer [[concepts]] of the [[eternal]] life. Paul's [[doctrines]] were influenced in [[theology]] and [[philosophy]] not only by Jesus' teachings but also by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato Plato] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo]. In [[ethics]] he was inspired not only by [[Christ]] but also by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoics].

121:7.7 Paul's [[cult]] of [[Christianity]] exhibited its [[morality]] as a Jewish birthmark. The [[Jews]] viewed [[history]] as the [[providence]] of [[God]]—[[Yahweh]] at [[work]]. The [[Greeks]] brought to the new teaching clearer [[concepts]] of the [[eternal]] life. Paul's [[doctrines]] were influenced in [[theology]] and [[philosophy]] not only by Jesus' teachings but also by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato Plato] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo]. In [[ethics]] he was inspired not only by [[Christ]] but also by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism Stoics].

121:7.8 The [[gospel]] of [[Jesus]], as it was embodied in [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]'s [[cult]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity#Antioch Antioch Christianity], became blended with the following teachings:

121:7.8 The [[gospel]] of [[Jesus]], as it was embodied in [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]'s [[cult]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity#Antioch Antioch Christianity], became blended with the following teachings:

*1. The philosophic reasoning of the Greek proselytes to [[Judaism]], including some of their [[concepts]] of the [[eternal]] life.

*1. The philosophic reasoning of the Greek proselytes to [[Judaism]], including some of their [[concepts]] of the [[eternal]] life.

*2. The appealing teachings of the prevailing [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_mysteries mystery cults], especially the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraic] doctrines of redemption, [[atonement]], and [[salvation]] by the [[sacrifice]] made by some god.

*2. The appealing teachings of the prevailing [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_mysteries mystery cults], especially the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism Mithraic] doctrines of redemption, [[atonement]], and [[salvation]] by the [[sacrifice]] made by some god.

*3. The sturdy [[morality]] of the [[established]] [[Jewish]] religion.

*3. The sturdy [[morality]] of the [[established]] [[Jewish]] religion.

121:7.9 The [[Mediterranean]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman Empire], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthian_Empire Parthian kingdom], and the adjacent peoples of [[Jesus]]' time all held crude and [[primitive]] [[ideas]] regarding the [[geography]] of the world, [[astronomy]], [[health]], and [[disease]]; and naturally they were amazed by the new and startling pronouncements of the carpenter of [[Nazareth]]. The [[ideas]] of spirit [[Possessed|possession]], good and bad, applied not merely to [[human being]]s, but every rock and tree was viewed by many as being spirit possessed. This was an [[enchanted]] age, and everybody believed in [[miracles]] as commonplace occurrences.

121:7.9 The [[Mediterranean]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman Empire], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthian_Empire Parthian kingdom], and the adjacent peoples of [[Jesus]]' time all held crude and [[primitive]] [[ideas]] regarding the [[geography]] of the world, [[astronomy]], [[health]], and [[disease]]; and naturally they were amazed by the new and startling pronouncements of the carpenter of [[Nazareth]]. The [[ideas]] of spirit [[Possessed|possession]], good and bad, applied not merely to [[human being]]s, but every rock and tree was viewed by many as being spirit possessed. This was an [[enchanted]] age, and everybody believed in [[miracles]] as commonplace occurrences.

==121:8. PREVIOUS WRITTEN RECORDS==

==121:8. PREVIOUS WRITTEN RECORDS==

121:8.1 As far as possible, [[consistent]] with our [[mandate]], we have endeavored to utilize and to some extent [[co-ordinate]] the existing [[records]] having to do with the life of [[Jesus]] on [[Urantia]]. Although we have enjoyed [[access]] to the lost record of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Apostle Andrew] and have benefited from the [[collaboration]] of a vast host of [[celestial]] [[beings]] who were on earth during the ''times of Michael's bestowal'' (notably his now [[Personalized Adjuster]]), it has been our [[purpose]] also to make use of the so-called [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Canonical_Gospels Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John].

121:8.1 As far as possible, [[consistent]] with our [[mandate]], we have endeavored to utilize and to some extent [[co-ordinate]] the existing [[records]] having to do with the life of [[Jesus]] on [[Urantia]]. Although we have enjoyed [[access]] to the lost record of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Apostle Andrew] and have benefited from the [[collaboration]] of a vast host of [[celestial]] [[beings]] who were on earth during the ''times of Michael's bestowal'' (notably his now [[Personalized Adjuster]]), it has been our [[purpose]] also to make use of the so-called [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Canonical_Gospels Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John].

121:8.2 These [[New Testament]] records had their [[origin]] in the following circumstances:

121:8.2 These [[New Testament]] records had their [[origin]] in the following circumstances:

121:8.3 1. ''[[The Gospel by Mark]]''. [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_177#177:1._ONE_DAY_ALONE_WITH_GOD John Mark] wrote the earliest (excepting the notes of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew]), briefest, and most simple [[record]] of [[Jesus]]' life. He presented [[the Master]] as a minister, as man among men. Although Mark was a [[lad]] lingering about many of the scenes which he depicts, his [[record]] is in [[reality]] the [http://wesley.nnu.edu/sermons-essays-books/noncanonical-literature/gospel-of-peter/ Gospel according to Simon Peter]. He was early associated with [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Peter]; later with [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]. Mark wrote this [[record]] at the instigation of [[Peter]] and on the earnest [[petition]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christian_churches#Rome church at Rome]. Knowing how consistently [[the Master]] refused to [[write]] out his teachings when on [[earth]] and in the [[flesh]], Mark, like the [[apostles]] and other leading [[disciples]], was hesitant to put them in [[writing]]. But [[Peter]] felt the church at Rome required the [[assistance]] of such a written [[narrative]], and Mark consented to undertake its [[preparation]]. He made many notes before [[Peter]] died in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/67_AD A.D. 67], and in [[accordance]] with the [[outline]] approved by [[Peter]] and for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christian_churches#Rome church at Rome], he began his [[writing]] soon after [[Peter]]'s [[death]]. [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark The Gospel] was completed near the end of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/68_AD A.D. 68]. Mark wrote entirely from his own [[memory]] and [[Peter]]'s [[memory]]. The record has since been considerably [[changed]], numerous passages having been taken out and some later matter added at the end to replace the latter one fifth of the [[original]] Gospel, which was lost from the first [[manuscript]] before it was ever copied. This [[record]] by [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_177#177:1._ONE_DAY_ALONE_WITH_GOD Mark], in conjunction with [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew]'s and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:7._MATTHEW_LEVI Matthew]'s notes, was the written basis of all subsequent [[Gospel]] [[narratives]] which sought to portray the life and teachings of [[Jesus]].

121:8.3 1. ''[[The Gospel by Mark]]''. [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_177#177:1._ONE_DAY_ALONE_WITH_GOD John Mark] wrote the earliest (excepting the notes of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew]), briefest, and most simple [[record]] of [[Jesus]]' life. He presented [[the Master]] as a minister, as man among men. Although Mark was a lad lingering about many of the scenes which he depicts, his [[record]] is in [[reality]] the [https://wesley.nnu.edu/sermons-essays-books/noncanonical-literature/gospel-of-peter/ Gospel according to Simon Peter]. He was early associated with [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:2._SIMON_PETER Peter]; later with [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]. Mark wrote this [[record]] at the instigation of [[Peter]] and on the earnest [[petition]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christian_churches#Rome church at Rome]. Knowing how consistently [[the Master]] refused to [[write]] out his teachings when on [[earth]] and in the [[flesh]], Mark, like the [[apostles]] and other leading [[disciples]], was hesitant to put them in [[writing]]. But [[Peter]] felt the church at Rome required the [[assistance]] of such a written [[narrative]], and Mark consented to undertake its [[preparation]]. He made many notes before [[Peter]] died in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/67_AD A.D. 67], and in [[accordance]] with the [[outline]] approved by [[Peter]] and for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christian_churches#Rome church at Rome], he began his [[writing]] soon after [[Peter]]'s [[death]]. [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark The Gospel] was completed near the end of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/68_AD A.D. 68]. Mark wrote entirely from his own [[memory]] and [[Peter]]'s [[memory]]. The record has since been considerably [[changed]], numerous passages having been taken out and some later matter added at the end to replace the latter one fifth of the [[original]] Gospel, which was lost from the first [[manuscript]] before it was ever copied. This [[record]] by [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_177#177:1._ONE_DAY_ALONE_WITH_GOD Mark], in conjunction with [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew]'s and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:7._MATTHEW_LEVI Matthew]'s notes, was the written basis of all subsequent [[Gospel]] [[narratives]] which sought to portray the life and teachings of [[Jesus]].

121:8.4 2. ''[[The Gospel of Matthew]]''. The so-called Gospel according to [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:7._MATTHEW_LEVI Matthew] is the record of [[the Master]]'s life which was written for the edification of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Christians Jewish Christians]. The [[author]] of this [[record]] constantly seeks to show in [[Jesus]]' life that much which he did was that "it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet."[http://urantiabook.org/newbook/papers/Paramony/pmny121_8.html] Matthew's Gospel portrays [[Jesus]] as a [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_1 son of David], picturing him as showing great [[respect]] for the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Torah law] and the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Hebrew_Prophets prophets].

121:8.4 2. ''[[The Gospel of Matthew]]''. The so-called Gospel according to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:7._MATTHEW_LEVI Matthew] is the record of [[the Master]]'s life which was written for the edification of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Christians Jewish Christians]. The [[author]] of this [[record]] constantly seeks to show in [[Jesus]]' life that much which he did was that "it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet."[https://urantiabook.org/newbook/papers/Paramony/pmny121_8.html] Matthew's Gospel portrays [[Jesus]] as a [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_1 son of David], picturing him as showing great [[respect]] for the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Torah law] and the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Hebrew_Prophets prophets].

121:8.5 The [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:7._MATTHEW_LEVI Apostle Matthew] did not write this [[Gospel]]. It was written by ''Isador'', one of his [[disciples]], who had as a help in his [[work]] not only Matthew's [[personal]] remembrance of these [[events]] but also a certain [[record]] which the latter had made of the sayings of [[Jesus]] directly after the [[crucifixion]]. This [[record]] by Matthew was written in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic Aramaic]; Isador wrote in [[Greek]]. There was no [[intent]] to [[deceive]] in accrediting the production to Matthew. It was the [[custom]] in those days for [[pupils]] thus to [[honor]] their [[teachers]].

121:8.5 The [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:7._MATTHEW_LEVI Apostle Matthew] did not write this [[Gospel]]. It was written by ''Isador'', one of his [[disciples]], who had as a help in his [[work]] not only Matthew's [[personal]] remembrance of these [[events]] but also a certain [[record]] which the latter had made of the sayings of [[Jesus]] directly after the [[crucifixion]]. This [[record]] by Matthew was written in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic Aramaic]; Isador wrote in [[Greek]]. There was no [[intent]] to [[deceive]] in accrediting the production to Matthew. It was the [[custom]] in those days for [[pupils]] thus to [[honor]] their [[teachers]].

121:8.6 [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:7._MATTHEW_LEVI Matthew]'s original [[record]] was edited and added to in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40_AD A.D. 40] just before he left [[Jerusalem]] to engage in evangelistic preaching. It was a [[private]] record, the last copy having been destroyed in the burning of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_monasteries_in_Syria Syrian monastery] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/416_AD A.D. 416].

121:8.6 [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:7._MATTHEW_LEVI Matthew]'s original [[record]] was edited and added to in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40_AD A.D. 40] just before he left [[Jerusalem]] to engage in evangelistic preaching. It was a [[private]] record, the last copy having been destroyed in the burning of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_monasteries_in_Syria Syrian monastery] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5th_century A.D. 416].

121:8.7 Isador escaped from [[Jerusalem]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/70_AD A.D. 70] after the investment of the city by the armies of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titus Titus], taking with him to Pella a copy of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:7._MATTHEW_LEVI Matthew]'s notes. In the year 71, while living at Pella, Isador wrote the [[Gospel according to Matthew]]. He also had with him the first four fifths of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark Mark's narrative].

121:8.7 Isador escaped from [[Jerusalem]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/70_AD A.D. 70] after the investment of the city by the armies of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titus Titus], taking with him to Pella a copy of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:7._MATTHEW_LEVI Matthew]'s notes. In the year 71, while living at Pella, Isador wrote the [[Gospel according to Matthew]]. He also had with him the first four fifths of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark Mark's narrative].

121:8.8 3. ''[[The Gospel by Luke]]''. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist Luke], the physician of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioch Antioch] in Pisidia, was a [[gentile]] convert of [[Paul]], and he wrote quite a [[different]] story of [[the Master]]'s life. He began to follow [[Paul]] and learn of the life and teachings of [[Jesus]] in [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/47_AD A.D. 47]. Luke preserves much of the "grace of the Lord Jesus Christ"[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_XIII] in his record as he gathered up these [[facts]] from [[Paul]] and others. Luke presents [[the Master]] as "the friend of publicans and sinners."[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_5] He did not formulate his many notes into the Gospel until after [[Paul]]'s death. Luke wrote in the year [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/82_AD 82] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achaea Achaia]. He planned [[three]] [[books]] dealing with the [[history]] of [[Christ]] and [[Christianity]] but died in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/90_AD A.D. 90] just before he finished the second of these works, the "[[Acts of the Apostles]]."

121:8.8 3. ''[[The Gospel by Luke]]''. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist Luke], the physician of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioch Antioch] in Pisidia, was a [[gentile]] convert of [[Paul]], and he wrote quite a [[different]] story of [[the Master]]'s life. He began to follow [[Paul]] and learn of the life and teachings of [[Jesus]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/47_AD A.D. 47]. Luke preserves much of the "grace of the Lord Jesus Christ"[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#2nd_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_XIII] in his record as he gathered up these [[facts]] from [[Paul]] and others. Luke presents [[the Master]] as "the friend of publicans and sinners."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_5] He did not formulate his many notes into the Gospel until after [[Paul]]'s death. Luke wrote in the year [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/82_AD 82] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achaea Achaia]. He planned [[three]] [[books]] dealing with the [[history]] of [[Christ]] and [[Christianity]] but died in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/90_AD A.D. 90] just before he finished the second of these works, the "[[Acts of the Apostles]]."

121:8.9 As material for the compilation of his Gospel, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist Luke] first depended upon the [[story]] of [[Jesus]]' life as [[Paul]] had related it to him. Luke's Gospel is, therefore, in some ways the Gospel according to [[Paul]]. But Luke had other [[sources]] of [[information]]. He not only interviewed scores of eyewitnesses to the numerous episodes of [[Jesus]]' life which he records, but he also had with him a copy of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark Mark's Gospel], that is, the first four fifths, Isador's [[narrative]], and a brief [[record]] made in the year [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/78_AD A.D. 78] at Antioch by a believer named Cedes. Luke also had a mutilated and much-edited copy of some notes purported to have been made by the  

121:8.9 As material for the compilation of his Gospel, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist Luke] first depended upon the [[story]] of [[Jesus]]' life as [[Paul]] had related it to him. Luke's Gospel is, therefore, in some ways the Gospel according to [[Paul]]. But Luke had other [[sources]] of [[information]]. He not only interviewed scores of eyewitnesses to the numerous episodes of [[Jesus]]' life which he records, but he also had with him a copy of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark Mark's Gospel], that is, the first four fifths, Isador's [[narrative]], and a brief [[record]] made in the year [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/78_AD A.D. 78] at Antioch by a believer named Cedes. Luke also had a mutilated and much-edited copy of some notes purported to have been made by the  

[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Apostle Andrew].

[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Apostle Andrew].

121:8.10 4. ''[[The Gospel of John]]''. The Gospel according to [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] relates much of [[Jesus]]' work in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judea Judea] and around [[Jerusalem]] which is not contained in the other [[records]]. This is the so-called [[Gospel according to John]] the son of Zebedee, and though John did not write it, he did inspire it. Since its first [[writing]] it has several times been edited to make it appear to have been written by John himself. When this record was made, John had the other [[Gospels]], and he saw that much had been omitted; accordingly, in the year [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/101_AD A.D. 101] he encouraged his associate, Nathan, a [[Greek]] [[Jew]] from Caesarea, to begin the writing. John supplied his material from [[memory]] and by reference to the three records already in existence. He had no written records of his own. The Epistle known as "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_John First John]" was written by John himself as a covering letter for the work which Nathan executed under his direction.

121:8.10 4. ''[[The Gospel of John]]''. The Gospel according to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] relates much of [[Jesus]]' work in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judea Judea] and around [[Jerusalem]] which is not contained in the other [[records]]. This is the so-called [[Gospel according to John]] the son of Zebedee, and though John did not write it, he did inspire it. Since its first [[writing]] it has several times been edited to make it appear to have been written by John himself. When this record was made, John had the other [[Gospels]], and he saw that much had been omitted; accordingly, in the year [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/101_AD A.D. 101] he encouraged his associate, Nathan, a [[Greek]] [[Jew]] from Caesarea, to begin the writing. John supplied his material from [[memory]] and by reference to the three records already in existence. He had no written records of his own. The Epistle known as "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_John First John]" was written by John himself as a covering letter for the work which Nathan executed under his direction.

121:8.11 All these [[writers]] presented honest pictures of [[Jesus]] as they saw, remembered, or had learned of him, and as their concepts of these distant events were affected by their subsequent espousal of [[Paul]]'s theology of [[Christianity]]. And these records, imperfect as they are, have been sufficient to [[change]] the [[course]] of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents#Part_III._The_History_of_Urantia history of Urantia] for almost two thousand years.

121:8.11 All these [[writers]] presented honest pictures of [[Jesus]] as they saw, remembered, or had learned of him, and as their concepts of these distant events were affected by their subsequent espousal of [[Paul]]'s theology of [[Christianity]]. And these records, imperfect as they are, have been sufficient to [[change]] the [[course]] of the history of Urantia for almost [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Millennium two] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2nd_Millennium thousand years].

121:8.12 Acknowledgment: In carrying out my commission to restate the teachings and retell the doings of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]], I have drawn freely upon all [[sources]] of record and [[planetary]] [[information]]. My ruling [[motive]] has been to [[prepare]] a record which will not only be [[enlighten]]ing to the [[generation]] of men now living, but which may also be helpful to all [[future]] [[generations]]. From the vast store of [[information]] made available to me, I have chosen that which is best suited to the accomplishment of this [[purpose]]. As far as possible I have derived my [[information]] from purely [[human]] [[sources]]. Only when such sources failed, have I resorted to those records which are [[superhuman]]. When [[ideas]] and concepts of [[Jesus]]' life and teachings have been acceptably expressed by a human mind, I invariably gave preference to such apparently human [[thought]] patterns. Although I have sought to [[adjust]] the verbal [[expression]] the better to conform to our [[concept]] of the real [[meaning]] and the true import of [[the Master]]'s life and teachings, as far as possible, I have adhered to the [[actual]] human [[concept]] and thought [[pattern]] in all my [[narratives]]. I well know that those concepts which have had [[origin]] in the human mind will prove more acceptable and helpful to all other human minds. When unable to find the necessary concepts in the human records or in human [[expressions]], I have next resorted to the [[memory]] resources of my own order of earth creatures, the [[midwayers]]. And when that secondary source of [[information]] proved inadequate, I have unhesitatingly resorted to the superplanetary sources of [[information]].

121:8.12 Acknowledgment: In carrying out my commission to restate the teachings and retell the doings of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]], I have drawn freely upon all [[sources]] of record and [[planetary]] [[information]]. My ruling [[motive]] has been to [[prepare]] a record which will not only be [[enlighten]]ing to the [[generation]] of men now living, but which may also be helpful to all [[future]] [[generations]]. From the vast store of [[information]] made available to me, I have chosen that which is best suited to the accomplishment of this [[purpose]]. As far as possible I have derived my [[information]] from purely [[human]] [[sources]]. Only when such sources failed, have I resorted to those records which are [[superhuman]]. When [[ideas]] and concepts of [[Jesus]]' life and teachings have been acceptably expressed by a human mind, I invariably gave preference to such apparently human [[thought]] patterns. Although I have sought to [[adjust]] the verbal [[expression]] the better to conform to our [[concept]] of the real [[meaning]] and the true import of [[the Master]]'s life and teachings, as far as possible, I have adhered to the [[actual]] human [[concept]] and thought [[pattern]] in all my [[narratives]]. I well know that those concepts which have had [[origin]] in the human mind will prove more acceptable and helpful to all other human minds. When unable to find the necessary concepts in the human records or in human [[expressions]], I have next resorted to the [[memory]] resources of my own order of earth creatures, the [[midwayers]]. And when that secondary source of [[information]] proved inadequate, I have unhesitatingly resorted to the superplanetary sources of [[information]].

121:8.13 The memoranda which I have collected, and from which I have [[prepared]] this [[narrative]] of the life and teachings of [[Jesus]]—aside from the [[memory]] of the record of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Apostle Andrew]—[[embrace]] thought gems and superior concepts of [[Jesus]]' teachings assembled from more than two thousand human beings who have lived on [[earth]] from the days of [[Jesus]] down to the time of the inditing of these [[revelations]], more correctly restatements. The revelatory permission has been utilized only when the human [[record]] and human concepts failed to supply an adequate [[thought]] [[pattern]]. My revelatory commission forbade me to resort to extrahuman sources of either [[information]] or [[expression]] until such a time as I could testify that I had failed in my efforts to find the required conceptual expression in purely [[human]] sources.

121:8.13 The memoranda which I have collected, and from which I have [[prepared]] this [[narrative]] of the life and teachings of [[Jesus]]—aside from the [[memory]] of the record of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_139#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Apostle Andrew]—[[embrace]] thought gems and superior concepts of [[Jesus]]' teachings assembled from more than two thousand human beings who have lived on [[earth]] from the days of [[Jesus]] down to the time of the inditing of these [[revelations]], more correctly restatements. The revelatory permission has been utilized only when the human [[record]] and human concepts failed to supply an adequate [[thought]] [[pattern]]. My revelatory commission forbade me to resort to extrahuman sources of either [[information]] or [[expression]] until such a time as I could testify that I had failed in my efforts to find the required conceptual expression in purely [[human]] sources.

121:8.14 While I, with the [[collaboration]] of my eleven associate fellow [[midwayers]] and under the supervision of the [[Melchizedek]] of [[record]], have portrayed this [[narrative]] in accordance with my [[concept]] of its effective arrangement and in [[response]] to my choice of immediate [[expression]], nevertheless, ‶ the [[majority]] of the [[ideas]] and even some of the effective [[expressions]] which I have thus utilized had their [[origin]] in the [[minds]] of the men of many races who have lived on earth during the intervening [[generations]], right on down to those who are still alive at the time of this undertaking. In many ways I have served more as a collector and [[editor]] than as an original narrator. ″ I have unhesitatingly appropriated those [[ideas]] and [[concepts]], preferably human, which would enable me to create the most effective portraiture of [[Jesus]]' life, and which would qualify me to restate his matchless teachings in the most strikingly helpful and universally uplifting phraseology. In behalf of the Brotherhood of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:8._THE_UNITED_MIDWAYERS United Midwayers] of [[Urantia]], I most gratefully acknowledge our indebtedness to all sources of [[record]] and [[concept]] which have been hereinafter utilized in the further elaboration of our restatement of [[Jesus]]' life on [[earth]].

121:8.14 While I, with the [[collaboration]] of my eleven associate fellow [[midwayers]] and under the supervision of the [[Melchizedek]] of [[record]], have portrayed this [[narrative]] in accordance with my [[concept]] of its effective arrangement and in [[response]] to my choice of immediate [[expression]], nevertheless, ‶ the [[majority]] of the [[ideas]] and even some of the effective [[expressions]] which I have thus utilized had their [[origin]] in the [[minds]] of the men of many races who have lived on earth during the intervening [[generations]], right on down to those who are still alive at the time of this undertaking. In many ways I have served more as a collector and [[editor]] than as an original narrator. ″ I have unhesitatingly appropriated those [[ideas]] and [[concepts]], preferably human, which would enable me to create the most effective portraiture of [[Jesus]]' life, and which would qualify me to restate his matchless teachings in the most strikingly helpful and universally uplifting phraseology. In behalf of the Brotherhood of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:8._THE_UNITED_MIDWAYERS United Midwayers] of [[Urantia]], I most gratefully acknowledge our indebtedness to all sources of [[record]] and [[concept]] which have been hereinafter utilized in the further elaboration of our restatement of [[Jesus]]' life on [[earth]].

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[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]

[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]