WHEN THE TIME WAS RIGHT

but when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman . . . (Galatians 4:4).

Many have speculated about why Jesus' entrance into the world was when it was, 6 to 4 BC--calender correction.  It has been noted that the Pax Romana, the Roman Peace, provided the stability required for one to travel from the Nile to Britain without hindrance.  The Romans built great roads throughout the Empire, providing much easier transportation, and an efficient postal system through which a letter could travel 170 miles in 24 hours.  As a result, there was reliable communication with the distant parts of the empire; the apostles and evangelists made good use of them.

Because of the armies of Alexander the Great, Koine Greek was spoken from India throughout the Middle East.  During the time of the Romans it was spoken throughout the Empire.  From 300 BC to 330 AD Koine Greek was the language of the world, making the task of sharing Christ with the nations much easier.

There is consensus that there was a feeling of expectancy that a "Holy One" would be born. Some have pointed to what Confucious, Zoroaster and Virgil predicted.  Others point to Homer, Plato and Socrates' Messianic symbolism in their writing and teaching as the cause of that expectancy.  I do believe the expectancy of a Messiah was real, but that it was produced by the Old Testament prophets.  As the Hebrew people were dispersed throughout the lands, they took those prophecies with them and influenced the world.  Daniel's prophecy was especially influential, having a definite time line for the coming of the Messiah; it was well known.

The time had fully come because it was on the time line that the prophets foretold.  The God has not revealed  a specific time line for the Lord's second coming, though he has given us some general indicators that history is headed in that direction.  Wouldn't it be great if he came to receive us home by Christmas?  Are you prepared for his appearing?

Grace&Peace;
Tom