Prose - Pfeiffer's Epilogue

This is taken from Charles F. Pfeiffer's book "Between the Testaments." (An excellent and succinct survey of the background to the Persian and Hellenistic eras and how exactly it contributed to the spreading of the gospel).

In the days of Herod the Great, in an obscure corner of the Roman Empire, in the city which had been the birthplace of King David a millennium earlier, Jesus the Messiah was born.  History took little note of His life.  Only a few devoted disciples openly espoused His cause.  The religious leaders attributed the miracles He performed to Beelzebub, the Prince of the Devils.  To Roman officials He was an insurrectionist; to the Jews, a blasphemer.  In the hour of his trial, His disciples forsook him and fled.  He was crucified as a malefactor, between two thieves.

Yet His life and His death introduce a new age.  From apparent defeat came the triumph of victory.  The death of the cross is heralded as the divinely provided atonement for sin.  The resurrection brings the assurance of life eternal.

Merry Christmas! The Lord Jesus came to earth to die for our sins enabling us to worship, fellowship and serve.