Why did Jesus come when He did?

[iamrefreshed]

This is something I’ve been giving some thought to lately. I wonder if the world, at that time, was at its lowest in terms of morals. Slavery was rampant, Rome ruled with an iron fist and human life meant nothing to most.

Were we, as humans, at our worst then? Is that why He chose that time?

Any thoughts?

 

[VociMike]

One thing is that, since Rome was a the peak of its power and expanse, converting Rome (within a few hundred years) gave a giant boost to Christianity.

 

[mercygate]

Eusebius of Caesarea, in the 4th century speculated that the Incarnation occurred at the peak of Jewish religion, Greek philosophy, and Roman order – all three of them conspired to spread the Gospel and to develop theology.

 

[puzzleannie]

Luke tells us why . . . during the reign of Caesar Augustus, the whole world being at peace . . .

the footnotes to most bibles elaborate on this historical context, and there used to be a proclamation recited I believe on the vigil of Christmas stating out this historical context more fully, dating the event according to the Roman, Greek and Jewish systems.

Only in this peaceful period–unique in the history of the Roman Empire could all the conditions necessary for this story to play out occur. The Romans were relatively benign in their treatment of other religions and peoples (compared to the later empire). The same social and cultural evils that are around today were there, but the later Roman empire became far more depraved and satanic than under Augustus. Most of all the extent of the empire to most of the known world made Jesus’ command to his disciples to spread the gospel to all nations a real possibility.

God promised to send the Messiah in the fullness of time, and by His reckoning, this was it.

 

[quasimodo]

iamrefreshed:

This is something I’ve been giving some thought to lately. I wonder if the world, at that time, was at its lowest in terms of morals. Slavery was rampant, Rome ruled with an iron fist and human life meant nothing to most.

Were we, as humans, at our worst then? Is that why He chose that time?

Any thoughts?

I don’t think the morals were at the lowest point. Just look at the 20th century, for Heaven’s sake.

Slavery was rampant, but it was not like the slavery of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, which was a much worse form.

When I was a kid, we used to say that human life meant less to the people of other parts of the world, but that was not true. I could see the tears of mothers and fathers when their little ones died. So I doubt that this statement would be true for people in the old days.

So why did He come when He did? It was time.

 

[awalt]

I have heard the explanation about the right time based on what the Romans had established. I have also heard other examples, like roads being established, making it much easier for the disciples to preach etc. once the Pentecost occurred.

That being said, IMHO that time period would therefore be one of the earliest times those circumstances occurred, but they are by no means unique. So I am not sure that is the answer, and I don’t think God has told anyone why – yet.

My own personal opinion, God chose Mary as the Mother of God out of everyone in creation ever, and that’s when she lived. All the physical circumstances stuff could be overcome if it had to have been. God is not complicated in His dealings, things usually happen for simple reasons - love, family, communication, simple commandments, etc. I find common sense is very much an indicator of God’;s desires. So I would be surprised if the reason God picked that time frame was some complicated reason. So I say that’s when Mom was ready

 

[FCEGM]

VociMike:

One thing is that, since Rome was a the peak of its power and expanse, converting Rome (within a few hundred years) gave a giant boost to Christianity.

Yes, Mike. And also that soon Jerusalem and its Temple would be destroyed and Jews slaughtered and scattered. The Messiah would not have had a cohesive People (who had been prepared for His coming) and culture into which He could be born.