Long considered a series of “loosely connected and grossly editorialized traditions” about the hero Samson,1 Judges 13–16 has been seen as increasingly unified in recent decades, with studies arguing for the coherence of its structure, theme, and even plot. 2 A 1974 essay by James Crenshaw extols the narrator’s skill at achieving a unified composition organized around a universal theme, “the conflict between filial devotion and erotic attachment.” 3 Cheryl Exum’s series of articles published between 1980 and 1983 reveals structural and thematic webs connecting scene to scene, episode to episode, and cycle to cycle, many of them lifting up the theological message that despite his strength Samson is nonetheless utterly dependent on the Lord for life and death. 4 A 1990 essay by Robert Alter describes the structural, thematic, and even psychological connections between episodes forged by the root -36, which underscores Samson’s compulsive drive toward foreign women. 5 Yairah Amit’s 1...
64 AD Fire in Rome – Starting on July 19, ten of fourteen sections were burnt. Nero blamed Christians beginning sporadic and local persecution. 67 AD Paul Beheaded by Nero. 70 AD Jerusalem Destroyed – A Jewish revolt against Rome broke out in 66 AD. The temple was destroyed and its gold and furniture disappeared into the Roman world. 150 AD Justin Martyr Writes “Apology” – The philosopher convets to Christianity and became the first apologist to explain the faith as reasonable. 156 AD Polycarp Martyred – The 86 year old had been a student of the Apostle John. He is burnt at the stake in Smyrna. 177 AD Irenaeus becomes Bishop in Lyons (city in modern France)– A life long acquaintance of Polycarp used the writings of John to defeat Gnosticism, 196 AD Tertullian begins to Write- An African who wrote in Latin which became the language of theology to describe the Trinity. He joined a charismatic/puritan group in 206 and began to look for the return of Christ. Famou...