Before we can understand what Jesus said, we must understand the world in which He spoke.

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Colburn takes you inside the world of first-century Judaism under Roman rule — a world of empires and expectation, prophets and priests, oppression and hope.

Discover how political tension, Temple worship, and Jewish faith shaped the social landscape of the Gospels. Learn about the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots — the diverse movements wrestling with what faithfulness to God meant under empire.

This episode lays the foundation for everything to come, helping us see why Jesus’ announcement of the Kingdom of God was both profoundly Jewish and deeply revolutionary.

Listen now to step into the story of faith, history, and hope that set the stage for Jesus’ ministry.