The belief is was novel at the time of Christ and met with great acceptance.
At the time of Christ it may have been culturally foreign, but certainly not doctrinally so. the idea of a loving God is evident throughout the Old Testament. If I weren't so tired I'd go through it all...
JYD #126 Super JYD #13
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
