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Creative Bible Study
CHAPTER SEVEN
BIBLE BACKGROUND
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
• Write the Key Verse from memory. • Identify major historical periods of the Bible. • Describe everyday life in Bible times. • Define Biblical archaeology.
KEY VERSE:
Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever. (Psalm 119:152)
INTRODUCTION
Each part of the Bible occurred at a specific time in history and in a specific cultural context. Proper understanding of a passage often relates to these factors. This chapter gives a brief summary of the history of the Bible and explains details of everyday life in Bible days.
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY
Chronological history tells when an event occurred in the past. "Chronological" means in order or sequence. Chronological history organizes events of the past in proper order.
In most of the world the dating of time is divided into two major periods. These two periods are shown by the use of initials after the number of the year:
B.C. Numbers marked with these initials mean an event happened before the birth of Christ.
A.D. Numbers marked with these initials mean an event happened after the time of the birth of Christ.
When we say something happened 250 B.C., it means it happened 250 years Before Christ. When we say an event happened 700 A.D., it means it happened 700 years after the birth of Christ. When a number has B.C. after it, the larger the number is the older the date is. When a number has an A.D. after it, the larger number is the more recent date.