What happened in the 400 years between the Old Testament and the New Testament? This often-overlooked era—known as the Intertestamental Period or the Silent Period—bridges the gap between the books of Malachi and Matthew and helps explain the world Jesus entered.

Join the The Chara Project team, as they walk through the major historical events that shaped the political, cultural, and religious landscape of the New Testament. Explore the rise and fall of four major empires—the Persian and Greek periods, a period of independence, and then the Roman period—and how each influenced Jewish life, faith, and identity.

You’ll learn about Alexander the Great and Hellenization, the translation of the Hebrew scriptures into the Greek Septuagint, the Maccabean Revolt that led to the celebration of Hanukkah, and how the Jewish Diaspora, synagogues, Pharisees, and Sadducees emerged.

Understanding this critical period helps make sense of the New Testament and the cultural setting of Jesus’ ministry.

If you’ve ever felt like the Bible jumps suddenly from the Old Testament to the New Testament, this episode helps bridge the 400-year gap in the story of the Bible.

Access the Story of the Bible Guide at www.thecharaproject.com/storyofthebible

Check out Episode 134 of The Chara Project Podcast available on YouTube, Apple, and most podcasting sites.