In this sermon we examine several key aspects of the political and religious background of the Gospels: How conditions in the Roman Empire established a climate in which the Messiah could come to start and build His Church and spread the gospel; who the Roman and Herodian rulers were who are mentioned in the Gospels; and the different religious and political groups that existed during the time of Christ's ministry the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Herodians, and Zealots.

Scott Ashley

United Church of God Pastor, Beyond Today Managing Editor

Scott Ashley is managing editor of Beyond Today magazine, United Church of God booklets and its printed Bible Study Course. He and his wife, Connie, live near Denver, Colorado. 
Mr. Ashley attended Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas, graduating in 1976 with a theology major and minors in journalism and speech. It was there that he first became interested in publishing, an industry in which he has worked for 50 years.