new testament

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Covering: Second Temple Judaism ¡ Qumran & Dead Sea Scrolls ¡ Practices, texts, and New Testament touchpoints
📜 Who were the Essenes?

Who were the Essenes

The Essenes were a strict Jewish renewal movement (c. 150 BCE–70 CE) devoted to holiness, communal life, Scripture study, and end-times hope. They are not named in the Bible, but we learn about them from Josephus, Philo, Pliny, and—most importantly—the Dead Sea Scrolls connected with the Qumran community.

Who were they?

 A priestly–aristocratic party centered on Jerusalem’s Temple and high-priestly leadership. Think “Temple administrators, landowners, and elite families” rather than a popular lay movement.

Where did they come from?

 They rose to prominence in the Hasmonean period (2nd–1st century BCE), when priest-kings ruled Judea. Their base was the Temple, and many high priests came from Sadducean families. [1][2]