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Creative Bible Study
Between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament regular worship shifted from the main temple to the local synagogue. This practice started in the days when Israel was in captivity and there was no temple in Jerusalem. Only men took an active part in the
synagogue service. The women and children sat in a different section. The pattern of the service included statement of a creed, prayers, and readings from the law and prophets. This was followed by a sermon and a time when the men could question the minister.
The Old Testament Scriptures were written on sacred scrolls which only the doctors of law might open. Whenever possible visits were made to the temple at Jerusalem which had been rebuilt. The temple was similar to Solomon's original temple of Old Testament times but on a larger scale.
The story of the Bible is set against this background of traditional family and rural life which did not change for centuries. It was also set against the background of warring empires around Israel and the influence of the Roman Empire. Rome had extended to control the people of Israel during the time of Jesus.