Using Second Temple Literature to Interpret the New Testament
The Bible is our primary source of divine wisdom, but as we study its pages, we often encounter terms and concepts that seem familiar yet remain unexplained. For example, when Jesus and John the Baptist spoke of the "kingdom of heaven" or when Paul wrote about "works of the law," they didn't define these terms in detail. Why? Because their original audience already understood them—these were common concepts in first-century Jewish thought.
But how do we, as modern readers, grasp these terms with the same clarity? This is where Second Temple literature—the writings produced during the period between the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple in 516 BCE and its destruction in 70 CE—comes into play. By examining these extra-biblical sources, we can shed light on the cultural and religious context that shaped Jewish beliefs and, by extension, the New Testament writings.
Why Second Temple Literature?
Second Temple literature includes works like the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Apocrypha, and the Pseudepigrapha. These writings reflect the theological and cultural currents that influenced Jewish life at the time of Jesus, John the Baptist, Paul, and the apostles. While the Bible itself is our ultimate authority, these extra-biblical sources help us understand terms that the New Testament assumes its audience already knows.
For example, when we read in Matthew that John the Baptist preached about the kingdom of heaven, or when Jesus spoke of the same, what exactly did they mean? Second Temple literature helps us understand that the "kingdom" wasn't just a spiritual or distant idea—it was a core expectation of Jewish eschatology, a hope for the restoration of God's rule on earth.
Similarly, when Paul used the phrase "works of the law", he didn't stop to explain it. Why? Because his readers were already familiar with the concept, rooted in the Jewish understanding of the Torah and specific religious practices. By studying the writings of the Qumran community, we gain insights into what Paul meant and how his audience would have understood him.
Bridging the Cultural Gap
The gap between the first-century Jewish audience and our modern understanding is vast. What makes a first-century Jew different from us today? Primarily, it's how they viewed the universe and their expectations of the future. First-century Jews had a worldview shaped by centuries of anticipation for God's intervention in history. Terms like "the day of judgment," "the resurrection of the dead," and "Gehenna" were commonplace but are left undefined in the New Testament because the audience already knew what they meant.
For instance, Gehenna, often interpreted as a place of eternal punishment, is mentioned by Jesus without any detailed explanation. Why? Because His audience already understood it based on common teachings of the time. By looking at Second Temple texts, we can better appreciate how Jews of that era viewed Gehenna—not just as a fiery place, but as part of a larger framework of divine judgment and justice.
Avoiding Circular Reasoning
One of the most valuable benefits of using Second Temple literature is that it helps us avoid circular reasoning. Without historical context, interpreting terms like "the day of the Lord" or "the resurrection" can quickly lead to confusion or debates with no resolution. We can end up arguing over the meaning of terms without grounding our understanding in how they were used historically.
For example, "the day of judgment" appears frequently in the New Testament but is never fully explained. By looking at Second Temple literature, we can see how first-century Jews viewed this "day" as a moment of divine reckoning, a time when God would set things right. This understanding adds layers of meaning to New Testament passages and helps us engage with the text more faithfully.
Conclusion: The Value of Context
Second Temple literature is not a replacement for Scripture, but it is a powerful tool to enhance our understanding of the Bible. By delving into these writings, we can better appreciate the depth of New Testament teachings and the worldview that shaped them. Terms like "kingdom of heaven," "works of the law," and "Gehenna" take on richer, more precise meanings when we understand how they were used by Jews during the time of Jesus and the apostles.
As we continue our study, let’s remember that understanding the cultural and historical context of Scripture is essential for fully grasping its message. Second Temple literature provides the background we need to bridge the gap between ancient Jewish thought and our modern perspective, allowing us to more faithfully interpret and apply the teachings of the New Testament.