The Time Between the Testaments
Carousel of images for this Bible Exhibit
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus’ baptism is depicted in the 19th-century painting. John the Baptist is wearing traditional robes made of camel hair, pouring water over Jesus, who stands before him. The dove from heaven has descended on Jesus, representing the Holy Spirit's presence.
The Spirit Descending on Jesus
This painting from 1895 shows John the Baptist pouring water over Jesus, whose head is illuminated, representing his divine nature. The Holy Spirit, represented by the dove, is descending on Jesus.
The Baptism of Christ
This Renaissance painting from 1591 imagines the scene at the Jordan River where John the Baptizer is pouring water over Jesus as the dove descends from God the Father, pictured in the clouds.
The Baptism of Christ
This Baroque period painting from 1622-1623 imagines the scene of John pouring water over Jesus while the Spirit descends in the form of a dove.
The Baptism of Christ
This 19th-century painting depicts God’s light shining down on Jesus as he rises up out of the water.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The baptism site known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” ruins on the eastern side of the Jordan River across from Jericho. This location has been preserved as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
The Baptism Site of Jesus
This is a side view of Jesus’ baptism site, known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho.
The Modern Jordan River
This picture is of the modern Jordan River near the traditional baptismal site. In Jesus' day, the river would have been significantly wider with a greater water flow.
A Monument Marking Jesus’ Baptism
A cross marking the area of Jesus' baptism site overlooking the Jordan River.
St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
This is one of several churches or chapels rebuilt in this area, marking Jesus’ baptism.
Listen to this Bible Exhibit
Prophets speak the word of God. When the Lord stopped raising prophets, the Old Testament ended, and the Bible would not begin again until God chose to speak again. This time between the Old and New Testaments is sometimes called the “Silent Years” or the “Intertestamental Period.” This period marked significant developments in Jewish religious, cultural, and political life.
While the Old Testament closes with the Persians in power, the period quickly changes with the military campaigns of Alexander the Great. Alexander began his conquest in 333 BC, known as the Hellenistic or Greek period, and within two years, he toppled the Persian Empire. By 323 BC, Alexander died, and his army generals carved up his empire.
The first general, Ptolemies, ruled from Alexandria in Egypt for 122 years (320-198 BC), allowing the Jews to maintain their religious and cultural practices. Eventually, the Seleucids conquered the Ptolemies in 198 BC. They were very hostile to the Jews and their religion and attempted to impose the Greek language, culture, and religion in their 34 years of rule (198-164 BC). The Hellenistic influence over the Jews led to new Jewish sects, such as the Sadducees, Pharisees, and Essenes.
The Maccabean Revolt began in 167 BC with an elderly priest, Mattathias, and his five sons. After the father died, his son Judas Maccabeus, took charge and eventually gained Jewish independence from the Seleucids in 164 BC. This priestly family rule restored Jewish worship and religious ceremonies, also known as Hasmonean rule. They became progressively immoral and corrupt, ultimately ruling as dictators. Jewish leadership asked Rome for help, and when General Pompey marched into Jerusalem in 63 BC, he brought Roman rule and religion with him. When the New Testament opened, the Roman senate had appointed Herod the Great as their representative and king of the Jews, ruling all of Judea.
This Bible Exhibit is one of the several hundred found on the Bible Compass within the Bible Ventures app
