On the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, in 163 BCE, 134 years before the birth of the Roman Empire, Judas Maccabee and his four brothers - John Gaddis, Simon Matthes, Eleazar Auran, and Jonathan Apphus - laid the foundation of the mysterious fourth kingdom of Daniel 2 and 7: The Hasmonean state. It is important to note how these events influenced later prophecies given by Jesus Christ and his apostles during their time period because understanding them helps us make sense out of why certain things happened and how many New Testament prophecies make sense. However, misunderstanding this historical context led Judaism down an incorrect path that ultimately resulted in destruction, chaos and loss of life. Correcting this mistake allows Christians today gain insight into why all attempts at military messianism failed including the A.D.66-70 First Great Revolt, the A.D.115-117 Kitos Wars and the A.D. 132-136 Bar Kokhba Rebellion. The Hasmonean Episode: From Rebellion to Kingdom is an excellent introduction to that missing link that supports the imminent claims of the New Testament.