Bible Timeline Chart – Page 12 – Amazing Bible Timeline with World History

Posted on May 5, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Decius Fights the Goths

Decius was one of the Roman Emperors who was a native of the Illyricum province located in the Danube. He was highly skilled and qualified to become a political leader, unlike Maximinus or Philip the Arab, who were his predecessors who had little understanding on how to rule the people. In fact, Decius gained experience in politics when he became a senator and served as a consul before he assumed the throne.Arab, who were his predecessors who had little understanding on how to rule the people. In fact, Decius gained experience in politics when he became a senator and served as a consul before he assumed the throne.

In addition, Decius was appointed as the governor of Germania and Moesia, and he also became Hispania Tarraconensis’ governor during 235 to 238 AD. where he is located on the Bible Timeline Chart. This brilliant politician was noted as Rome’s urban prefect when Emperor Philip the Arab reigned in the empire.

Battles Against the Goths

During the reign of Decius, the barbarians remained as the most persistent opponent of the Roman Empire. These groups of people were known for their daring attempts to overthrow the empire, and their plagues against Rome came during that time when the entire kingdom was experiencing an economic crisis.

Although Decius briefly reigned the Roman Empire, he participated in one of the most significant operations where he fought against the Goths. It was at this period in time when the Goths were able to cross the Danube and began their devastating plans of raiding various districts of Thrace and Moesia. However, the Goths were defeated by the Emperor while they were in the act of causing chaos to Nicopolis, an area on the Danube. As a result, the Goths moved towards the Balkans as they plotted their next attempt to fight the Romans.

For their second attempt, they succeeded in sacking the Roman camp and defeated the troops in the modern-day Stara Zagora. Eventually, the Goths attacked Philippopolis that soon succumbed to their power. While this greatly discouraged Decius as he fled from the battle, along with some of his remaining army, he was more focused on rising back and regaining power over the Goths. He decided to devise a new scheme that would put the Goths into their place and end the battles, which have been causing much chaos and loss to the Roman Empire.

With a brilliant plan in mind, Decius reorganized his army and aimed to defeat the Goths once and for all. The Battle of Abrittus served as the “final engagement”, in which the Gothic Army fought against the Roman Empire under the rule of Decius in 251 AD. It took place in Ludogorie, which was a region located in the northeastern part of Bulgaria. It was in this swampy ground that Herennius Etruscus, son of Decius, died as he was shot by an arrow at the early part of the battle. Although Decius tried his best to keep up his army’s hope and spirit, he soon met his untimely death when he was also killed during that battle.

Decius might have died from that fight, yet his courage and determination to uphold Rome’s peace and order, as well as his great sense of leadership, have made him one of the empire’s greatest rulers of all time.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decius
http://www.academia.edu/444907/On_the_Chronology_of_the_Gothic_Invasions_under_Philippus_and_Decius_AD_248-251
http://www.luc.edu/roman-emperors/decius.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Emperor_Traianus_Decius_(Mary_Harrsch).jpg

Posted on April 28, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Roman Decline

Beginning of Rome’s Decline in 180 AD

Rome was an extremely successful nation for quite a period, particularly during the rule of Trajan. However, just as any kingdoms in history, its glory did not last. Beginning 180 AD where it is listed on the Bible Timeline Chart with World History, Rome was subjected to periods of losses and failures, which eventually led to its decline.

The Reign of Marcus Aurelius

Roman_Decline — Statue of Marcus Aurelius

Rome’s success was due to the efforts of its brilliant rulers who aimed to expand its territories while safeguarding it from invaders across the land. Unfortunately, the slow decline of Rome began under the rule of Marcus Aurelius, who became the empire’s leader from 161 to 180 AD. Although Rome was still in its powerful state when he began his rule, great problems became more apparent throughout his reign. The economy became weaker and more dishonest and unjust authorities were placed in the government.

One of the main causes of Rome’s downfall was the lack of new territories that were incorporated into the empire, which resulted in insufficient revenue sources for the nation. Moreover, there was an increasing volume of trade with nations from the East, specifically China. Luxury goods such as spices and silk were traded for gold and silver, and the empire had little left to pay for these items.

It was also during this period that an epidemic spread in Rome, and there was a lack of knowledge to address this devastating phenomena. Historians failed to give an account of what this epidemic was because of having a poor understanding of the disease. Thus, the symptoms and a total number of casualties were not recorded. Nevertheless, this plague has targeted and consumed a large percentage of Rome’s population. Since the empire relied on its people for labor, the death of these individuals resulted in a troubled economy and society.

Attacks of the Barbarians

The ever-present threat of invasions by the barbarians has always been a major concern of Rome’s rulers. This problem worsened during the reign of Marcus Aurelius as various tribes such as nomadic and semi-nomadic ones joined forces to create a strong alliance to defeat Rome. Hence, the Marcomanni, which was a powerful tribe, invaded the empire across the Danube area. The Roman army experienced difficulties in warding off these invaders as there was a lack of new recruits. Although the empire was able to restore its frontiers, invasions continued to threaten its security until the rule of Marcus Aurelius ended in 180 AD.

Several authorities who took the place of Aurelius further weakened Rome’s economy and power. For instance, Commodus, the son of the great Marcus Aurelius, came to the throne to lead the empire. With little knowledge, skill and experience in ruling the government, he failed to revive Rome’s glory. Other emperors who were appointed to lead the empire were just as worse, with some of them bribing the army to retain their power as rulers. Despite all of these, the Roman people still hoped for Rome’s rise from its fall, yet the bitter truth slowly made itself apparent when the empire reached its decline.

References:
http://www.forumromanum.org/history/morey27.html
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/fallromeeconomic/a/econoffall.htm
http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/historians/narrative/romanhistory.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius

Posted on April 11, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Britain a Roman Province

Rome had been a part of Britain since 55 BC through 40 AD where it is listed on the Bible Timeline Chart. During that time, there was significant influence from Rome to the British on many levels. An example would be how their culture was shaped and the way the economy flowed. In the end, Rome shaped the language, geography, structural design, and more. The current capitol is a Roman City, and for an extended period of time the language and religion was Roman.

Rome ultimately invaded Britain for the convenience of Julius Caesar and Emperor Claudius. It started with Julius Caesar who had just conquered Gaul and did not want to return to Rome. Britain had given him an excuse in 55 B.C. after King Cunobelin of the Catuvellauni imprisoned Commius for trying to prompt Britain to accept Roman protection. Britain had previously overtaken the Trinovantes as the strongest realm in south-eastern Britain, overpowering the previous Trinovantian capital of Camulodunum (Colchester), and pressed the nearby Atrebates, ruled by the descendants of Julius Caesar’s former ally Commius. Caesar then battled his way to land in order to free him. It was a small victory but impressed the senate in Rome. He then organized an expedition to conquer and plunder Britain in hopes of more prestige and gold. He returned to Britain with five legions at his command and re-established Commius as king on the Atrebatic throne. He then returned to Gaul disappointed having found nothing to plunder.

Later Emperor Claudius looking to make a better name for himself set out to return the Atrebatic throne to the rightful ruler of that time named Verica. He had lost his place to the new chief of the Catuvellauni, Caratacus. In 43 A.D., Claudius sent four legions overseas to conquer Britain. Starting at Richborough, they fought into the River Medway. The battle commenced when his general, Vespasian obtained the river with his legion sustained by a group of ‘Celtic’ auxiliaries, and the British were taken.

Britain_a_Roman_Province — Temple of Claudius

Vespasian continued on to attack MaidenCastle and Hod hill. During this time, laudius penetrated the Catuvellaunian capital of Colchester in victory. He erected a temple there and a bronze statue of himself; then founded a legionary fortress. He stayed in Britain for merely 16 days. The remaining parts of the island took almost 30 years to overcome.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_conquest_of_Britain
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/questions_01.shtml
http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/people_commius.html
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Celio_-_T_del_Divo_Claudio_contrafforti_del_convento_1260095.JPG

Posted on April 4, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 16 Comments

Infant Baptism and Sprinkling, History of

Purification and consecration are two important concepts in Christianity that reveals the type of relationship and expectations that God has toward his followers. Baptisms began with John the Baptist in the Bible. John the Baptist was the first evangelist in the history of Christianity, who preached the coming of Christ. He was gifted with the ability to preach, and he had drawn thousands of people from around the countryside of Judah with his message of repentance and salvation in Jesus. John baptized many people as they accepted faith in Christ and even Jesus himself was baptized by him as well.

The concept of a child being baptized isn’t a far-fetched idea since many early Christians also converted their whole entire households into the faith of Christ (see Christian verses). In the book of Proverbs, a passage of scripture reads “even a child is known by his deeds whether his way is evil or good”. Upon careful inspection, the Bible reveals many references to children being saved by God and showing faith in Jesus as well. Even Christ himself was seen acknowledging God at the temple when he was but a 12-year-old boy. Hebrew people were more than aware of the fact that their children could be evil and that not all children will automatically go to heaven when they die. Also noted, the Hebrews performed the practice of circumcision that was used to identify a person as a Jew. Since the first Christians were former Jewish believers, the idea of baptizing Christian youth definitely meant the same outward expression of their newfound faith in Christ.

As the early church began to grow and expand, the first believers began to develop doctrinal truths to stop heresy and false doctrine from infiltrating the church. One of the doctrines that they started was related to infant baptism. This particular ritual wasn’t documented until the 2nd century A.D. It is located on the Bible Timeline Chart between 50 A.D. and 250 A.D. Then early believers started to keep written records for children who were baptized.

The practice of infant baptism evolved over time before it became a standard practice within the Catholic Church. Some of the most notable members of the early Catholic Church were Polycarp and Justin Martyr. Both these famous Christian leaders were baptized when they were young children. A noted Church Father was named Irenaeus, and he stated that “Jesus came to save all men… including infants, children and youth”(see Against the Heresies II 22:4; the quote is paraphrased). His views were taken into consideration when the church began to develop doctrine on the matter. Origen another popular figure during the era of the early church also claimed that infants were to be baptized for the remission of sins. Ultimately, the concept of baptizing children was a natural part of a believer’s faith that began to take on some prominence when Christianity was first being developed. In the time, it has become a modern practice within many Catholic Churches.

Bible References:

Proverbs 20: 11 Even a child is known by his deeds

Colossians 2: 11 – 12 The New Circumcision

Acts 2: 39 Peter makes a reference to baptizing children

Acts 16: 15 Lydia converted with her household

Colossians 2: 11 – 12 The New Circumcision of the heart. Paul contrasts this with the former Jewish circumcision rituals.

References:
http://www.biblegateway.com/
http://www.mtio.com/articles/aissar40.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_baptism
http://www.catholic.com/tracts/infant-baptism
http://www.catholic.com/tracts/early-teachings-on-infant-baptism
http://www.gotquestions.org/infant-baptism.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_Baptism
http://pixabay.com

Posted on April 4, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 1 Comment

Caligula 37 AD

Caligula was a former Roman Emperor who ruled Rome from 37 to 41 A.D. That is where he is listed on the Bible Timeline Chart. He was the third son of a General named Germanicus and a princess named Agrippina. When Caligula was a little boy he used to travel with General Germanicus and his mother to different battlefields. While he was stationed with the troops at the Roman camps he would dress up in a customized Roman uniform and little army boots. Ancient Roman boots were called “caliga” and in his case it meant “little boots”. This name would stick with him for the rest of his life. Sources say that he didn’t like this nickname even though it still remained a major part of his identity.

The Life of Caligula

Caligula was actually born Caesar Augustus Germanicus in 12 A.D. His father Germanicus was a leading Roman general who defeated many rebellious tribes in Germania and conquered Rome’s enemies in Asia. Caligula learned much about warfare and politics from his father and he grew to become a powerful Roman ruler in his own right.

Germanicus eventually died of poisoning and when he did Caligula and his family had to move with their uncle Tiberius who was also a general. Tiberius had adopted Germanicus as his nephew but since Germanicus was so successful on the battlefield he was seen as a threat. Some historians claim that Tiberius had Germanicus poisoned, but no one is certain. Agrippina lived with her uncle for as long as she could before their relationship had completely deteriorated. Eventually, Tiberius had banished Agrippina and his brother Nero from Rome. He claimed that they committed the crime of treason.

Caligula ended up going to Tiberius’ mother’s home to live. She took the boy in since Agrippina could no longer care for him. Her name was Livia and she provided care for Caligula until she died. After her death, he lived with his other grandmother named Antonia. Caligula’s brothers Drusus and Nero had both died while in exile.

For the rest of Caligula’s youth, he lived as a well-kept prisoner of his uncle Tiberius. During his teenage years, Caligula had trained to become a good soldier and he was also educated at the finest Roman schools. His mother had eventually died in one of Tiberius’ prisons and though he wanted to avenge her death he was wise to keep his motives hidden from Tiberius. He was eventually appointed to a high financial office (quaestorship) by Tiberius. He eventually became a joint heir with Tiberius Gemellus (his cousin) to Emperor Tiberius’ estate.

Caligula the Emperor

Emperor Tiberius had died in 37 A.D. and it was at this time that Caligula became the next Roman Emperor. He then manipulated Tiberius’ will and forced Germellus out of his inheritance claiming that the former emperor was insane when he drew up the will. He had a powerful friend named Naevius Marco to validate his false claim about Tiberius’ insanity. He then marched into Rome where he was warmly received by the masses as the new emperor of Rome.

Caligula quickly realized that he had the backing of the Roman people behind him and he performed many public acts as soon as he started to rule. He gave bonus money to soldiers, undid many of Tiberius’ decrees and helped people who had been harmed by the imperial tax system. He put on public spectacles with the gladiator games and he banished well known sexual deviants and perverts from the empire.

When people hear about Caligula one of the things about his character that comes to light is the word insanity. After becoming emperor, he had ruled for six months before becoming gravely ill. This sickness which had affected him did not take his life but when the young emperor had recovered his personality changed. From that point onward, Caligula was seen as a lunatic and monster.

He suddenly started to kill off or exile his allies, family, and friends. When he supposedly had killed some of his closest family members, his grandmother Antonia had committed suicide because her heart was broken from this deed. If he didn’t kill a particular person it was only because he wanted to keep them around for the purpose of humiliating them. He exiled his sisters and slandered the rest of his family that managed to avoid his sword.

By 38 A.D., he had made some public reforms which seemed to go over well with the people. He helped citizens who lost their property to fires, he abolished certain taxes and he appointed new people to different public offices. Once again, he started to do things that the general public did not like such as executing people without giving them a trial. In 39 A.D., he exhausted Rome’s finances on his personal spending. He went up against the Senate and had many of them declared deranged and a few put to death.

The Last Days of Caligula

Emperor Caligula eventually referred to himself as a god. About 40 A.D. he started to pass policies which forced people to acknowledge him as a god. He would then enter into public life dressed as one of the Roman deities. Shortly after these decrees many leaders and high standing Roman public figures had enough of his antics. The Praetorian Guard led by Cassius Chaerea were assassins who were a part of a huge conspiracy to eliminate Caligula. They were finally able to carry out the assassination in 41 A.D.

Caligula’s reign had come to an end and with his demise his uncle Claudius became the next Roman Emperor. Caligula was popular when he became emperor but when he died the people wished he would have never ruled Rome. Claudius had avenged the death of his nephew by murdering or exiling his conspirators.

References:
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/emperors/ig/12-Caesars/Caligula.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caligula
http://www.thenagain.info/webchron/mediterranean/Caligula.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gaius_Caesar_Caligula.jpg

Posted on February 25, 2013May 8, 2019 by Margaret Hunter — Leave a comment

Video Review of the Amazing Bible Timeline with World History

The author of Teach To Change Lives, Glenn Brooke, made and posted a video of The Amazing Bible Timeline on YouTube. We think it’s great since he includes pros and cons.

We especially like when he uses his foot to give you an idea of the size. Glenn also posted a review of the timeline on his excellent blog about Teaching to Change Lives.

In his written review Glenn mentions the PDF file we provide. We send that as a surprise bonus a few days after you order. We have another surprise bonus we send out a few days after that too. We like to delight you by providing more than you expect.

Posted on February 25, 2013July 16, 2018 by Margaret Hunter — Leave a comment

Bible Timeline As a Gift

The darling Ashley (we don’t know her but we think she’s adorable) is not showing our Bible World History Timeline but we still like her video.

This is a great gift for Father’s Day and birthdays as well as Christmas – and for dads, husbands and good friends not just grandfathers.

The advantages of the Bible Timeline Chart over a book:

You can see it all in one view – without opening page after page
It’s compact – you don’t need a 20 foot wall to see it all
It has world history too – Find out what’s happening all over the world (China, Europe, The Americas) during any Biblical time period on up to 2000 AD
You can frame it and hang it on a wall – makes a great conversation piece.

Order the Amazing Bible World History Timeline Today- and get Interactive Maps of the Holy Land FREE! (limited time offer)

Tell me more about the Amazing Bible World History Timeline

Posted on February 23, 2013March 27, 2019 by Margaret Hunter — 1 Comment

Flavius Josephus Biography

Josephus was an ancient historian who recorded a great deal of Jewish and Roman history. His works primarily explain Jewish history during the first century. Titus Flavius Josephus was the birth name of Josephus, and he came from a wealthy family. His father was a priest named Matthias, and his mother descended from royalty. Josephus was born around 37 A.D., which is where he appears on the Biblical Timeline Chart with World History.

Early Life, Since his father was a priest, Josephus was trained to become a priest as well. Eventually, he turned toward military action. Apparently, Josephus had become an exceptional priest who was trusted and respected enough to conduct political affairs for the Jewish people. Around 60 A.D., he was given the responsibility of negotiating the release of some Jewish prisoners with Rome. He managed to free the priests and when he returned the Jews decided to make him a commander of the Galilean forces.

Military Life Shortly after becoming a military commander, the Jews revolted against Rome. General Vespasian showed up with his son Titus and began to retake Judea. Josephus led one of the first forces that Vespasian would encounter in Galilee. Josephus knew he was not a match for the Roman army, and he had to hide out with his soldiers. While they were in hiding, they decided to kill themselves through a process that Josephus was the only surviving member. He surrendered to the Romans and became a negotiator for them to ensure peace. His military life was over, but his life as a member of Vespasian’s court had just begun.

Negotiator and Historian Titus had used him as a negotiator to get the people to surrender peacefully, but the Jews did not listen to him. Jews were ultimately defeated, but he remained in the care of the Jews. He eventually married a Greek woman and had children while in the service of Vespasian and then Titus. He changed his name to Flavius and served these emperors in Rome. Many Jewish people consider him a traitorous individual, and they did not respect his works. Josephus’ works survive to this day. His works primarily focus on the First Jewish War, Masada and various Roman emperors who lived in the first century. Josephus mentions Jesus and the start of Christianity and the early church. Josephus’ works were used to record Jewish theory and philosophy to the world. He compared Jewish thought with classical Greek wisdom and he also outlines the importance of Hebrew culture and why the Jews were so rebellious against the Romans.

His accounts of the conflicts and struggles of the Jewish people during the first century are also notable because he personally experienced most of the historical events that he wrote about. His position as an adviser to Vespasian and Titus allowed him to witness the inner workings of Roman life from the highest level of its society. Many Roman citizens could not view the Rome from this perspective. Though many Jews believe that Josephus was a traitor to his people, his works continue to be used as a critical historical source that tells the tale of his people and their struggles during the first century.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josephus http://www.livius.org/jo-jz/josephus/josephus.htm http://www.infoplease.com/biography/var/flaviusjosephus.html http://www.josephus.org/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Josephusbust.jpg

Posted on February 22, 2013October 12, 2018 by Margaret Hunter — 173 Comments

John Exiled to Patmos

John, the Disciple of Jesus, was banished to Patmos during the latter years of his life. When Rome had exiled John to Patmos, he was the last remaining member of the Twelve Disciples of Jesus Christ. John was born 6 A.D. His life appears on the Bible Timeline Chart between then and 100 AD. He was a close follower of Christ who was also called the Disciple that Jesus loved.

His Service to Christ
Jesus first encountered John and his brother James on the shores of Galilee. He invited them to become his followers, and they complied. John then joined Jesus as he went about his public ministry. John traveled with Jesus during his ministry and was chosen to be in his inner circle as one the Twelve Disciples. This was a special privilege because Jesus had many followers. John was the only disciple that was present when Christ was crucified, and he also was extremely loyal to Jesus during his ministry in Jerusalem. Christ told him to watch over Mary his mother who was also present at the crucifixion.

The Early Church
When Jesus came back to life after his crucifix, he met John and Peter while they were fishing. Christ referred to him as the Disciple whom Jesus loved. John and Peter told the others what had happened, and they went back to Jerusalem until the arrival of the Holy Spirit. John was present with the believers in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit had arrived. He received power and played a critical role in the expansion of the early church.

In the book of Acts John helped Peter to heal people, spread the Gospel and he was imprisoned for preaching the message of Christ. He also cared for Mary, Jesus' mother. Until the time she had died in 54 A.D. King Herod Agrippa I attacked the Christians and caused them to scatter outside of Jerusalem (Acts 12: 1 -17). John ended up in Ephesus.

John Imprisoned
Some parts of John's life are not clear and historical sources claim that he was a leader of the church at Ephesus. Eventually, he was captured in a persecution campaign by the Roman Emperor Domitian. John was ultimately sentenced to Patmos (Revelation 1:9). Patmos was a small, rocky and barren area where many criminals of Rome were sent to serve out their prison terms in harsh conditions. There were mines on the island that the criminals were forced to work. John was sent to the island for the same reasons because the early Christians were considered a strange cult group who were known for causing trouble within the Empire. After John had arrived, he began to have visions that were written into the Book of Revelation of the Bible.

Some historians and scholars claim that John died while on Patmos and others say that he was freed from the island before his death. No one is certain when or where he died, but many people do agree that he was not executed like the other apostles.

Biblical References:
Revelation 1: 9 John speaks about his banishment to the island of Patmos
Acts 12: 1 -17 King Herod Agrippa I attacked the Christians and caused them to scatter outside of Jerusalem.

References:
Picture By Jacopo Vignali - Giovanni Piccirillo (a cura di), La chiesa dei Santi Michele e Gaetano, Becocci Editore, Firenze 2006., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3098473
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_of_Patmos
http://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher/why-was-john-on-patmos/
http://www.bibleprobe.com/revelation.htm

Posted on February 20, 2013December 19, 2018 by Margaret Hunter — 1 Comment

Christ’s Birth

Prophecies

The Old Testament books of the Bible contain many prophecies that speak of the coming Messiah or savior of the world. Originally the Old Testament books were written for the Hebrew or Jewish people. They claimed that a Messiah would be born who would ultimately come into the world and save the Jewish people from their enemies while establishing a new era of greatness for the Jewish people.

At the time of Jesus’ birth, Judea was under the control of Rome and many people expected the Messiah to return to liberate them from their tyranny. There are some key Old Testament prophecies such Genesis and Isaiah. In Genesis, God says that the serpent will bruise the heel of a child and that the child would crush his head. The prophet Isaiah states “for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” These are primary examples of the many Old Testament prophecies that foreshadowed the coming of Christ.

Importance of Genealogies

At the beginning of the New Testament Books Matthew and Luke, there is a series of genealogies that outline the family line of Jesus. The genealogy lists show that Jesus‘ parents Joseph and Mary were descendants of Abraham and Adam and that he had a legitimate claim to the throne of Israel. The list also shows that he has a spiritual and legal claim as well. Jesus was able to lay claim to the throne of David by the adoption of Joseph as a son.

God had cursed a former Jewish king named Jeconiah and told him that none of his descendants would ever sit on the throne of Israel again but he also told King David that his royal line would forever rule on the throne of Israel. God remedied this problem through Christ. Jesus was not the biological son of Joseph which would mean that he would gain his legal right to the throne by being adopted and when he was adopted he could then legally claim to be king.

Romans states that for by one man sin has entered into the world but all are made righteous through Christ. The genealogies also point out how Christ birth has ushered in a new era of salvation that would break the power of sin. The hereditary lists also point out that Jesus was the expected Messiah.

The Virgin Birth An angel appears to a virgin woman named Mary who was engaged to married to a man named Joseph. The angel tells Mary that she was going to have a son that was to be born from the Holy Spirit. Her son would be the chosen Messiah of the world. Mary has a hard time accepting this message and she eventually finds out that cousin Elizabeth has a son named John who was also born under supernatural circumstances. After her visit with Elizabeth, she is convinced about what the angel is saying and returns home. Joseph was going to cancel his engagement to her, but an angel appeared to him and told him to follow through the wedding. Joseph listened to the angel and Christ became his legal son.

Christ's_Birth_magi — The Magi Journeying

Herod and the Magi

King Herod was in charge of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’ birth. He had close ties to Rome and as long as he paid tribute to the empire they allowed him to govern as he pleased. Rome had also sent a governor to Judea at the time to ensure that the people would constantly be reminded of their presence.

During the reign of King Herod, there were Magi who came from the east after seeing the Star of David appear in the sky over Jerusalem. These men were ancient astronomers who knew of the ancient Jewish prophecies of the coming Messiah. After seeing the star, they gathered gifts and traveled to Jerusalem.

When they arrived they visited King Herod before finding Jesus. They told Herod that the Messiah would be born and that he was going to be a king. Herod pretended to like their good news, but he really wanted to know where the child was located so he could kill it. The Wise Men said that they would return, but they were warned by an angel not to go back to the palace of Herod. After they found Christ in Bethlehem they presented Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus with the gifts.

The Slaughtering of the Innocents

Herod was outraged that the Wise Men had left the country without telling him where the child was located. So he decided to kill all of the male children that were 2 years old and younger. Many historians claim that there was not any historical record to validate this act, but no one can prove with clarity that this act did not happen. Joseph was warned by an angel to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt and hide out there until King Herod had passed away.

After the king had died, Joseph and his family returned how to Jerusalem. These facts about Jesus’ birth are very fascinating and the early days of Christ’s life is an epic tale full of drama and adventure. Jesus’ impact on the world is so significant because each generation that is born into the world has to decide if he is the savior of all people or just a madman who made some pretty far-fetched claims during his lifetime.

Biblical References:

Genesis 3:15 God foretells the prophecy about Christ and how he is going to defeat the serpent (the Devil).
Isaiah 9:6 Isaiah prophesies about the birth of Jesus and his ministry in the world.
Matthew 1: 1 – 16 The genealogy of Christ from Mary’s side of the family.
Luke 3: 23 – 38 The genealogy of Christ from Joseph’s side of the family.
Luke 1: 39 – 45 Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth and her supernatural birth of Jesus is confirmed.
Matthew 1: 18 – 25 The Virgin Birth
Matthew 2: 1 – 12 The Magi and Jesus Christ
Matthew 2: 13 – 23 Joseph takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt after being warned by an angel to go there in order to avoid the slaughter of children enacted by King Herod.

References:
http://www.biblegateway.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nativity_of_Jesus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gerard_van_Honthorst_001.jpg
http://pixabay.com/en/village-nativity-crib-figures-586794/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus)#mediaviewer/File:L%27_Annonciation_de_1644,_Philippe_de_Champaigne..jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi#mediaviewer/File:Brooklyn_Museum_-_The_Magi_Journeying_(Les_rois_mages_en_voyage)_-_James_Tissot_-_overall.jpg
http://pixabay.com/en/infant-baby-face-hand-small-303075/