The Middle East: 76–87 CE

Religious Foundations and Parthian Dynastic Changes

This era sees important developments in the religious and political realms of the Middle East, underscored by the formation of key religious texts and dynastic shifts within the Parthian Empire.

The Gospel of Matthew and Early Christianity

Around 80 CE (though scholarly estimates range between 65 and 100 CE), the Gospel According to Matthew is composed. Traditionally attributed to the Apostle Matthew, contemporary scholarship generally suggests that a later disciple or a collective school of followers authored the Gospel, incorporating earlier sources and teachings.

Despite appearing first in canonical order, the Gospel of Matthew is likely not the earliest Gospel. Its composition borrows significantly from the Gospel According to Mark, arranging teachings and narrative around Mark’s established outline. It also integrates material from a hypothetical source known to scholars as “Q” (from the German Quelle, meaning “source”), thought primarily to contain sayings attributed to Jesus and shared also with the Gospel of Luke.

Matthew uniquely details the birth narrative of Jesus, organizes the influential Sermon on the Mount, and offers distinctive eschatological teachings. It emphasizes Jesus as fulfilling Jewish messianic prophecy, particularly portraying him as both a kingly figure and a profound teacher of righteousness. Structured into five thematic discourses interwoven into Mark’s narrative framework, Matthew’s Gospel is characterized by a strong emphasis on law, righteousness, and Jewish tradition, clearly aimed at a predominantly Jewish audience—likely residing in Palestine or Syria.

Parthian Dynastic Transition: From Vologases to Pacorus

In the Parthian Empire, significant dynastic changes occur around 78 CE with the death of King Vologases I, a ruler celebrated for his revival of Persian traditions and Zoroastrianism. His brief successor, Vologases II, about whom very little historical detail survives, reigns for approximately three years before being overthrown by his uncle, Pacorus II (ca. 78–105 CE).

The ascension of Pacorus II marks a period of relative stability following initial dynastic upheaval. Although precise details of his reign are scarce, Pacorus II manages to secure power, ruling Parthia for nearly three decades, thereby providing continuity and stability after a brief period of internal unrest.

Thus, the era 76–87 CE witnesses foundational developments in early Christianity through the influential Gospel According to Matthew, alongside notable political transitions within the Parthian Empire, reflecting broader cultural and political realignments across the region.