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Introduction to the New Testament

Introduction to the New Testament. Wednesday October 2 nd. What is the New Testament? . The part of our Bible that tells us the story of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church

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Introduction to the New Testament

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  1. Introduction to the New Testament Wednesday October 2nd

  2. What is the New Testament? • The part of our Bible that tells us the story of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church • A collection of 27 documents written in the Greek language that the early Christians added to the Hebrew Bible as sacred scripture • Includes the 4 Gospels, the Book of Acts, 21 letters and the Book of Revelations

  3. Organization of the Hebrew Bible & New Testament Hebrew Bible New Testament Torah (five books of Moses) A Nevi’im (Prophets & history of Israel) A Kethuvim (Writings – poetry, wisdom, apocalypse of Daniel) Four Gospels (story of Jesus) Book of Acts (church history) & Paul’s Letters Hebrews, the Epistles & the Book of Revelations

  4. Time of the New Testament • Jesus’ ministry was around the time of 27 to 30 CE in rural Galilee • Oral tradition was how stories and news was spread • Paul’s letters are the earliest writings in the NT (around 50 to 70 CE) • The Book of Revelations was composed around 95 CE • The early church spread from Galilee & Jerusalem throughout Asia Minor in the first few generations • The Roman Empire ruled Asia Minor & southern Europe • In retaliation for the Jewish revolt, the Roman Empire destroyed the city of Jerusalem, the Temple and the priesthood in 70 CE and began active persecution of the Jewish and Jewish-Christian communities

  5. Map of the Roman Empire in Jesus’ Time

  6. Map of the Gospel Communities

  7. The Gospels • Word Gospel derived from Greek word evangelion which means GOOD NEWS • Tell us the story of Jesus • Questions for you: • What are the four Gospels? • What is the first Gospel in the New Testament? • Which Gospel was written first?

  8. The Gospels cont. • Mark • 1st Gospel written • Written during a time of crisis – earthquakes and Jewish revolt against the Roman Empire – Nero was persecuting Jews & Jewish-Christians alike • Theme of the “hidden Messiah” – Jesus’ true identity is kept secret and revealed through his suffering and death on the cross • Matthew • 1st Gospel in the NT – links to the Hebrew Bible with his genealogy of Jesus’ ancestors including Abraham & David • Known as the most Jewish Gospel – Jesus is an observant Jew who teaches the torah to his followers • Famous for the Sermon the Mount – the Beatitudes • Luke • Part of a two volume work (Luke-Acts) • Written in a Greco-Roman community – Gentiles • Luke’s Jesus emphasizes care for the poor • Famous for Lukan stories of the Prodigal Son & the Good Samaritan • John • Doesn’t not follow the pattern of Mark, Matthew and Luke • Doesn’t include the stories of Jesus’ birth, baptism or institution of communion • Famous for the “I am” sayings . . . “I am way” etc

  9. The Book of Acts • The story of the early church • Begins with the story of Pentecost • First half is dedicated to the apostle Peter and Jewish-Christian community in Palestine • Second half is dedicated to Paul and his mission to the Gentiles • Second half of Luke’s 2 volume work • Luke sees the church as the continuance of Jesus’ ministry on earth

  10. Paul’s Letters Authentic Paul Attributed to Paul Romans 1 Corinthians 2nd Corinthians 1 Thessalonians Galatians Philippians Philemon 2 Thessalonians Colossians Ephesians Titus 1 Timothy 2nd Timothy

  11. Map of Paul’s Ministry

  12. Hebrews & the Epistles • The Book of Hebrews was included in the NT because it argues that Jesus was born both a kingly and priestly Messiah (argument among early Christians and the Jewish community) • The General Epistles were letters from church leaders to the entire church • 1st & 2nd Peter, James, 1st, 2nd and 3rd John and Jude

  13. The Book of Revelation • The last book in the New Testament • Called apocalyptic literature because it talks about the end of times • Apocalypse comes from the Greek word apokalypsis which means “unveiling” • A book full of metaphors & symbolic language • Written during a time of persecution in the Roman Empire (around 95-96 CE) • Represents the Christian hope for transformation of the world including the end of evil and the coming of God’s kingdom

  14. Questions?

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