Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the New Testament, the division of the night into four watches is a significant aspect of Roman influence on Jewish and early Christian life. The Roman system of timekeeping divided the night into four distinct watches, each lasting approximately three hours. This method of time division is evident in several passages of the New Testament, reflecting the Roman occupation of Judea and the cultural intermingling that occurred during this period.The Four Watches: 1. First Watch (Evening Watch): This watch spanned from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It marked the beginning of the night and was a time when people would settle in for the evening. In Mark 13:35, Jesus refers to the first watch when He warns His disciples to be vigilant: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning." 2. Second Watch (Midnight Watch): Lasting from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM, this watch is often associated with the time of deepest night. In Luke 12:38, Jesus speaks of the second watch, emphasizing the need for readiness: "Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed." 3. Third Watch (Cockcrow Watch): This watch extended from 12:00 AM to 3:00 AM. It is notably mentioned in the context of Peter's denial of Jesus. In Mark 14:72, it is recorded: "And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken to him: 'Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.' And he broke down and wept." 4. Fourth Watch (Morning Watch): The final watch of the night, from 3:00 AM to 6:00 AM, is often associated with the approach of dawn. In Matthew 14:25, it is during this watch that Jesus walks on water: "During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea." Cultural and Spiritual Significance: The Roman division of the night into four watches had practical implications for security and military operations, as it allowed for organized shifts of guards and soldiers. However, its presence in the New Testament also carries spiritual significance. The watches of the night are often used metaphorically to encourage vigilance and readiness among believers. The call to be watchful is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings, urging His followers to remain spiritually alert and prepared for His return. The use of Roman timekeeping in the Gospels highlights the historical context of the New Testament, where Roman authority and Jewish tradition intersected. This division of the night serves as a reminder of the pervasive influence of Roman culture during the time of Jesus and the early Church, while also providing a framework for understanding the urgency and anticipation that characterized the early Christian community's expectation of the Lord's return. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 12:38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 14:25 Mark 13:35 Library The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud To the Disciples - Two Events and their Moral. Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his ... The Nile and Egypt St. Gregory the Great. Demonstration vi. --Of Monks. Christian Behavior The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) Resources What does it mean that Jesus will return like a thief in the night? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night signify? (Exodus 13:21-22) | GotQuestions.org Why would God's law command a woman who is not a virgin on her wedding night to be stoned to death? | GotQuestions.org Night: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Night: Continued Until Sunrise Night: Divided Into Four Watches by the Romans Night: Eastern Fishermen Continued Their Employment During Night: Eastern Shepherds Watched Over Their Flocks During Night: Favourable to the Purposes of the Wicked Night: Frequently: Accompanied by Heavy Dew Night: Frequently: Cold and Frosty Night: Frequently: Exceeding Dark Night: General Scriptures Concerning Night: God Frequently: Executed his Judgments In Night: God Frequently: Revealed his Will In Night: God Frequently: Visited his People In Night: Originally Divided Into Three Watches Night: Regular Succession of Established by Covenant Night: Regular Succession of Ordained for the Glory of God Night: Seasons of Severe Calamities Night: Seasons of Spiritual Desertion Night: The Darkness First Called Night: The Heavenly Bodies Designed to Separate Day From Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Prayer Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Sorrow and Humiliation Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Allow Malefactors to Hang During Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Keep the Wages of Servants During Night: The Jews: Often Kept Lamps Burning During Night: The Moon and Stars Designed to Rule and Give Light By Night: Unsuitable for Travelling Night: Wearisome to the Afflicted Night: Wild Beasts Go Forth in Search of Prey During Related Terms Yesterday-night (1 Occurrence) |