Biblical Reference Guide

James Collazo
Nov 20, 2025
1 min read

Robe-clad men discuss scrolls at a table in an ancient library with wall-to-wall scrolls and sunlit columns. — Courtesy of LightWorkers Media

Foreword to the Reference Guide

The New Testament did not appear in a vacuum. God revealed his Word through real people living in a real world under Roman rule, within the culture of Second Temple Judaism, and during a time when Greek served as the common language of the eastern Mediterranean. The writers assumed their readers understood many of the customs, places, institutions, and historical events that are unfamiliar to many readers today. This guide is designed to provide a brief overview of the religious and cultural world of the first century. While it is not exhaustive, understanding this background can clarify difficult passages, illuminate familiar ones, and help us read the New Testament as its original audience would have understood it. The historical and cultural setting of Scripture does not determine its meaning, but it often helps explain its language and context. I hope this guide will serve as a useful reference as you study the New Testament and grow in your understanding of the Word of God.

Infographic titled The Cultural Backgrounds of the New Testament, with maps, icons, and panels on Jewish, Roman, and Greek influences. — FCCF Ministries

Infographic titled Roman Judea in the First Century, showing maps, timelines, rulers, events, and Roman prefects over a beige background. — FCCF Ministries

Illustrated map infographic of Jerusalem in Jesus’ time, showing Temple Mount, city walls, labeled sites, and surrounding valleys. — FCCF Ministries

Infographic of Solomon’s Temple with diagrams, key facts, dates, scripture, and a gold-and-stone temple illustration. — FCCF Ministries

Infographic of Herod’s Second Temple with layout, timeline, facts, and scripture; gold-white ruins, titled THE SECOND TEMPLE. — FCCF Ministries

Infographic of Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah with table, scripture refs, scrolls, and cross at sunset. — FCCF Ministries

Infographic chart titled HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS comparing Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John with gospel events and key themes. — FCCF Ministries

Map titled Paul’s Missionary Journeys showing colored route lines across the Mediterranean with journey details and Bible verses. — FCCF Ministries

Infographic titled The Development of the New Testament Canon showing a 1st–4th century timeline, manuscripts, and biblical quotes. — FCCF Ministries

Infographic titled The World Behind the New Testament showing maps and panels on politics, religion, daily life, temple, synagogue, and food. — FCCF Ministries