B-14 400 Years of Silence

Main point: God used the 400 years of silence to prepare the world for the rapid spread of the gospel message.


Materials needed:

• Greek alphabet printed onto cardstock
• White Paper
• Pens
• Yellow or gold cardstock (available at Walmart)
• Gem stickers (available at Walmart or Dollar Tree)
• Legos
• Set up three different stations for the three different nations that impacted God's people during the 400 years of silence.

Station 1: The Greeks
Script: Language: Alexander the Great spread the Greek language. This was widely spoken throughout the world, even though Latin was the language of Rome. This made the spread of the gospel much easier. The Old Testament was translated into Greek during this time. The New Testament was written in Greek instead of Hebrew. 

Main point: Many people in the Roman Empire spoke Greek, making spreading the gospel very easy.
Activity: Write the Greek alphabet

Station 2: The Jews
Script: The Maccabees fought for freedom, and for a brief period of time, Israel was ruled by a "Priest/King." Infighting led the priests to appeal to Rome to settle who would reign. Rome was happy to help settle the dispute, as it meant they would now be in control of Jerusalem. As Rome's power increased, the Jews soon grew to resent Rome. Herod eventually usurped the throne entirely and the Jews became completely under Rome's control. 

Main point: The Jews asked for Rome to "rule over them" just like they chose Barabbas over Jesus.
Activity: Make a paper crown

Station 3: The Romans
Script: Rome rose to power and soon controlled the territory previously controlled by Greece. The Romans built incredible roads, making it easy for later Apostles like Paul to travel and spread the Word. Roman soldiers also helped keep crime down so that it was safe to spread the gospel. 

Main point: God allowed Rome to control much of the world so that the gospel could spread rapidly.
Activity: Make a Roman Road out of Legos.