We will be studying the old and New Testament simultaneously. In preparation for starting the book of Matthew, we reviewed the events of the Old Testament up to the end of Malachi ending with the Jews under Persian rule. We then discussed the different eras the Jews were under during the 400 year period (Persians, Greeks, Maccabean, and finally Roman). We also talked about some Jewish groups who arose during these silent years (Pharisees, Sadducee’s, Herodians, Zealots, Essences). We talked about how Alexander the Great and the Greek culture helped pave the way for the Messiah (roads, language, forced peace etc.) The 400 years of silence was broken when John the Baptist began to speak about Jesus. #foryou #4you #foryourpage #fyp #silent years #pharisees #sadducees #mathew #intertestamental  @Reading Through the Bible with Elder Linda ​