In the gospels, Jesus didn’t tell his disciples to save individual souls for an unearthly eternity. He was announcing a Kingdom that had national and spiritual implications. And they were to model a kingdom of priests, indeed a royal priesthood.

In the gospels, Jesus didn’t tell his disciples to save individual souls for an unearthly eternity. He was announcing a Kingdom that had national and spiritual implications. And they were to model a kingdom of priests, indeed a royal priesthood.

The mythos of a culture control the minds of millions. The grand, controlling narratives that Shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions that form the basis of our shared values. Mythos is spread in culture through Religion and philosophy, the same as in the days of Jesus.

A look at the four main sects in the 1st Century and their responses to Roman occupation.

1. The Zealots who revolted and sought revolutionary overthrow.
2. Pharisees who sought an internal renewal
3. The Essenes retreated from culture to purify and await the Messiah
4. Sadducees who capitulated to the power of the empire and got remunerated for their alliance with the power structures.

The New Testament was written in a cultural and economic context that helps us better understand the focus of many conversations being had.

The New Testament was written in a cultural and economic context that helps us better understand the focus of many conversations being had.