In reading the Gospels we are in some ways walking into the middle of a movie, not knowing what has gone before. In this study we examine some key questions: What is the political setting and background of the Gospels? How did conditions in the Roman Empire establish a climate in which the Messiah could come on the scene to start and build His Church and spread the gospel? Who were the Roman and Herodian rulers and political groups mentioned in the Gospels and what roles do they play? All these help us understand what we read in the Gospels.

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.