1. TIME.

From the annunciation to Zacharias, 6 B. C., to the baptism of Jesus, 26 A. D.

2. SCRIPTURE.

This period is known as the silent years of Jesus, as we have but a few Chapters in the Gospels to furnish us information. Matt. 1:1 - 3:13; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 1:1-3:22; John 1:1-18.

3. PLACE.

All the events of this period occurred in Palestine except Joseph's interview with the angel in the land of Egypt.

4. SUBDIVISIONS.

(1) The Preparation for Christ's Coming.

Many centuries were necessary to prepare the world for Christ's coming. We have carefully studied the history of the Jewish nation that was prepared to give us a Savior. The Old Testament revelation was written in the Hebrew language; but the rise and fall of nations, the dispersion of the Jews, the development of philology prepared the Greek language, which was universal when Christ came. During these centuries the government was changed many times until the time of Christ, when there was a universal government— the Roman Empire— which unified all the nations. We have, therefore, these three preparations: (a) The Jewish Nation; (6) The Greek Language; (c) The Roman Government. Malachi received the last Old Testament message from God about four hundred years before Zacharias received the first New Testament message concerning the coming of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. Six months later Gabriel announced to Mary that she was to be the mother of the Son of God. Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to be enrolled, and during their stay in Bethlehem Jesus was born.

(2) The Childhood of Jesus.

Very little is known of his childhood. His time was spent (a) at Jerusalem, (6) in Egypt, (c) at Nazareth. During his stay at Bethlehem his birth was announced to the shepherds. When he was presented in the temple the aged Simeon and the prophetess Anna recognized him as the Savior. He was taken to Egypt to escape Herod, and when Herod was dead the angel directed him to Nazareth, the home of his parents. Here he grew in wisdom, stature and knowledge. When he was twelve he was about his Father's business " in the temple with the Bible students.

(3) The Silent Years.

From the time he visited Jerusalem, at the age of twelve, until he left Nazareth to be baptized by John in the Jordan, at the age of thirty, the Bible is silent concerning his development.

5. EVENTS.

(1) The Birth of John the Baptist, 5 B. C. — Luke 1:57-65.

(2) The Birth of Jesus, 4 B. C.— Luke 2:1-7.

(3) The Presentation in the Temple, 4 B. C. — Luke 2:22-38.

(4) The Visit of the Wise Men, 3 B. C. — Matt. 2:1-11.

(5) The Message to Joseph, 3 B. C. — Matt. 2:13-15.

(6) At the Temple at the Age of Twelve, 8 A. D. — Luke 2:41-50.

6. CHIEF CHARACTERS.

(1) Zacharias, the one to whom God first spoke after a silence of four hundred years.

(2) Mary, the mother of Jesus.

(3) Simeon, the devout priest.

(4) Anna, the prophetess.

QUESTIONS.

• What are the five periods of New Testament history?
• What is the central theme of the Bible?
• What is the central theme of all history?
• What is the real purpose of Old Testament history?
• How much time is covered by New Testament history?
• What are the opening and closing events of the period of preparation?
• What are the dates?
• Where did the events of this period occur?
• What are the subdivisions?
• How was the world prepared for Christ's coming?
• What is known of the childhood of Jesus?
• What is meant by “ the silent years "?
• Name six important events?
• Who are the chief characters?
• For what was each noted?