Jews

The term "Jews" refers to the descendants of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and more specifically, the people of the Kingdom of Judah after the division of the united monarchy of Israel. The Jewish people are central to the narrative of the Bible, being the chosen people through whom God revealed His laws, covenants, and ultimately, the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

In the Old Testament, the Jews are depicted as the recipients of God's covenant with Abraham, which promised them land, descendants, and blessings (Genesis 12:1-3). This covenant was reaffirmed with Isaac and Jacob, and later with the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai, where God gave them the Law through Moses (Exodus 19-20). The Jews were called to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6), set apart to worship Yahweh and to be a light to the nations.

Throughout their history, the Jews experienced periods of faithfulness and rebellion. The monarchy, established under Saul and reaching its zenith under David and Solomon, eventually divided into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The Jews of Judah, from whom the term "Jew" is derived, were exiled to Babylon due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets (Jeremiah 25:11-12).

The return from exile, as recorded in Ezra and Nehemiah, marked a period of restoration and reform. The Jews rebuilt the temple and reestablished the Law as central to their community life. This period set the stage for the intertestamental developments that shaped Jewish identity leading up to the New Testament era.

In the New Testament, the Jews are portrayed as both the initial recipients of the Gospel and, in many cases, its opponents. Jesus Christ, born into a Jewish family, fulfilled the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. However, His message was met with resistance from many Jewish leaders, leading to His crucifixion. The Apostle Paul, himself a Jew, expressed deep sorrow over his fellow Jews' rejection of Christ, yet he affirmed that "all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:26), indicating a future restoration.

Officials

The Bible frequently mentions various officials who played significant roles in the governance and administration of Israel and surrounding nations. These officials, often appointed by kings or ruling authorities, were responsible for maintaining order, executing justice, and managing the affairs of the state.

In the Old Testament, officials are seen in various capacities. Joseph, for example, rose to become the second-in-command in Egypt, overseeing the land during a time of famine (Genesis 41:40-41). During the monarchy, King David appointed officials to manage different aspects of his kingdom, including military, religious, and civil affairs (2 Samuel 8:15-18).

The role of officials is also evident in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where Persian officials such as governors and treasurers interacted with the Jewish leaders during the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Nehemiah himself served as a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes before being appointed governor of Judah, where he led the efforts to rebuild the city's walls (Nehemiah 1:11; 2:5).

In the New Testament, Roman officials are frequently mentioned, reflecting the political context of the time. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, played a pivotal role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:1-16). Other officials, such as Herod Antipas and Felix, are noted for their interactions with Jesus and the early Christians (Luke 23:7-12; Acts 24:24-27).

The Bible also addresses the relationship between believers and governing authorities. In Romans 13:1-7, Paul instructs Christians to submit to governing authorities, recognizing them as instituted by God for maintaining order and justice. This teaching underscores the importance of respecting officials while ultimately acknowledging God's sovereignty over all human institutions.