What Broke The 400 Years Of Silence?

Introduction

The 400 years of silence was a period between the Old and New Testaments in the Bible when God had stopped communicating with His people. During this time, there were no prophets or divine messages from God. This silence lasted for four centuries, leaving the Jews in darkness and uncertainty. But what caused this silence to break? Let’s delve deeper into this subject.

The Babylonian Exile

One of the reasons for the 400 years of silence was the Babylonian exile. The Babylonians invaded Judah in 586 BC and destroyed the temple. They took the Jews captive to Babylon, and they were forced to live in exile for 70 years. During this time, the Jews were without a temple, and their priesthood was non-existent, which caused a spiritual vacuum.

The Persian Empire

The Persian Empire was another factor that contributed to the 400 years of silence. After the Babylonian exile, the Persian king Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. However, the Persian Empire did not support the rebuilding of the temple, and the Jews faced many challenges, including opposition from neighboring nations.

The Greek Empire

The Greek Empire was another significant factor that played a role in breaking the 400 years of silence. The Greeks conquered the Persian Empire in 333 BC, and their culture and language spread throughout the known world. This created a new international language, which became known as Koine Greek. The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, and it became the universal language of the early church.

The Rise of the Roman Empire

The Roman Empire was the final factor that contributed to the breaking of the 400 years of silence. The Romans conquered the Greeks in 146 BC and became the dominant power in the Mediterranean world. The Romans allowed the Jews to practice their religion, and they were able to rebuild the temple. However, the Romans also brought their own culture and language, which contributed to the spread of the gospel.

The Birth of Jesus Christ

The ultimate reason for the breaking of the 400 years of silence was the birth of Jesus Christ. He was the promised Messiah, and His birth fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection brought salvation to all who believe in Him. His message spread throughout the world, and the gospel continues to be proclaimed to this day.

The Role of John the Baptist

John the Baptist was a prophet who played a significant role in the breaking of the 400 years of silence. He was a messenger who prepared the way for Jesus Christ. John preached repentance and baptized people in the Jordan River. His message was one of hope and salvation, and many people believed in him.

The Ministry of Jesus Christ

Jesus’ ministry was another significant factor in breaking the 400 years of silence. He preached the good news of the kingdom of God and performed many miracles. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and even raised the dead. His teachings were revolutionary, and they challenged the religious leaders of his time.

The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ were the ultimate events that broke the 400 years of silence. Jesus’ death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins, and his resurrection proved that he was the Son of God. His sacrifice opened the way for us to have a relationship with God and eternal life.

The Holy Spirit

After Jesus’ resurrection, he sent the Holy Spirit to his disciples. The Holy Spirit empowered them to preach the gospel and perform miracles. The Holy Spirit was the ultimate source of power that broke the 400 years of silence. He continues to empower believers to this day.

The Early Church

The early church was another significant factor in breaking the 400 years of silence. The apostles and early believers spread the gospel throughout the known world. They faced persecution and opposition, but they remained faithful to their message. The early church grew and became a powerful force in the world.

The Written Word of God

The written word of God was another factor that contributed to breaking the 400 years of silence. The Old and New Testaments were written down and preserved for future generations. The Bible continues to be the ultimate source of truth and wisdom for believers today.

The Reformation

The Reformation was a significant event in church history that helped to spread the gospel even further. The Protestant Reformation challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and emphasized the importance of faith in Jesus Christ. The Reformation led to the translation of the Bible into many languages, which helped to spread the gospel to even more people.

The Great Commission

Finally, the Great Commission was the ultimate reason for breaking the 400 years of silence. Jesus commanded his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. This command continues to be the driving force behind the spread of the gospel to this day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the breaking of the 400 years of silence was a complex event that involved many factors. The Babylonian exile, the Persian Empire, the Greek Empire, the Roman Empire, the birth of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, the ministry of Jesus Christ, the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the early church, the written word of God, the Reformation, and the Great Commission all played a role in breaking the silence. Today, we can be grateful that we have the opportunity to hear and proclaim the gospel message.