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Rhema Week 2.1 The New Testament

Rhema Week 2.1 The New Testament. Welcome back! A very happy New Year to you all James and Richard. 1. Spring Term 2011. Images of Christ. Look at the different images of Christ around the room Decide on one you particular like Decide on one you dislike

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Rhema Week 2.1 The New Testament

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  1. Rhema Week 2.1 The New Testament Welcome back!A very happy New Year to you all James and Richard 8948-01 1

  2. Spring Term 2011 8948-01

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  5. Images of Christ • Look at the different images of Christ around the room • Decide on one you particular like • Decide on one you dislike (please leave in place until asked to collect them) • Be prepared to share briefly why you like/ dislike a particular image. (Some images from “The Christ we Share” pack) 8948-01

  6. Judea: The Inter-Testamental Period • Persian Control 532BC • Alexander the Great 332BC • The desecration of Antiochus and the Maccabean revolution 164BC • Roman Invasion 63BC • Herod the Great 39BC-4BC • & Sons 8948-01

  7. Judaism: The Inter-Testamental Period • The Pharisees • added to the Law of Moses, • considered their own laws more important • Christ’s railed against their hollow legalism and lack of compassion. • The Sadducees • represented the aristocrats and the wealthy. • wielded power through the Supreme-Court-like Sanhedrin, • rejected all but the Mosaic (first 5) books of the Old Testament. • Did not believe in resurrection • The Synagogue • Developed by Jews during exile • place for community affairs, • a place of worship, • centre for religious teaching. 8948-01

  8. (as Hierome saith) the Church doth read for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet doth it not apply them to establish any doctrine; such are these following: The Third Book of Esdras.The Fourth Book of Esdras.The Book of Tobias.The Book of Judith.The rest of the Book of Esther.The Book of Wisdom.Jesus the Son of Sirach.Baruch the Prophet.The Song of the Three Children.The Story of Susanna.Of Bel and the Dragon.The Prayer of Manasses.The First Book of Maccabees.The Second Book of Maccabees. All the Books of the New Testament, as they are commonly received, we do receive, and account them Canonical. The Apocrypha From the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion of the Church of England Article VI. Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for salvationHoly Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be. believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scripture we do understand those Canonical Books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church. Of the Names and Numbers of the Canonical Books… <list of the Old Testament books> 8948-01

  9. The Dead Sea Scrolls • The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in eleven caves along the northwest shore of the Dead Sea between the years 1947 and 1956. • The Scrolls can be divided into two categories—Biblical and non-Biblical. Fragments of every book of the Old Testament have been discovered except for the book of Esther. • The Isaiah Scroll, found relatively intact, is 1000 years older than any previously known copy of Isaiah. In fact, the scrolls are the oldest group of Old Testament manuscripts ever found. • In the Scrolls are found never before seen psalms attributed to King David and Joshua. • The Scrolls are for the most part, written in Hebrew, but there are many written in Aramaic. • The Dead Sea Scrolls were most likely written by the Essenes during the period from about 200 B.C. to 68 A.D. The Essenes are mentioned by Josephus and in a few other sources, but not in the New Testament. 8948-01

  10. The Roman Empire 8948-01

  11. Matthew Paul’s letters Dates for the Gospels and Acts indicate the period covered, not the date of writing Mark General letters Luke James I&II Peter, I, II, III John, Jude John Revelation ?Hebrews Acts Jesus’ death & resurrection Timeline of The New Testament Paul arrives in Rome ?Death of Paul C115-118 Revolt of Jews in provinces Persecution of Christians under Domitian AD67 Jewish Revolt Paul’s Conversion ?Death of John AD70 Titus captures Jerusalem: temple destroyed 132-135 Jewish revolt: sack & renaming of Jerusalem Paul’s 1st Missionary Journey (c46-47) Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey (c48-51) Paul’s 3rd Missionary Journey (begins 53) Paul in prison in Caesarea Roman Rule Vespasian 69-79 Vitellius 69 Claudius 41-54 Augustus 31BC-AD14 Otho 69 Trajan 98-117 Domitian 81-96 Nero 54-68 Tiberius AD14-37 Hadrian 117-138 Galba 68-69 Caligula 37-41 Titus 79-81 Nerva 96-98 8948-01

  12. Literary Forms in NT • Gospels - New literary form Matthew Mark Luke John • History Acts of the Apostles • Apocalyptic Writing • Revelation 8948-01

  13. Letters (Epistles) Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy • Discussion • Read together Paul’s letter to Philemon • How is the structure of the letter similar/ different to a letter we would send today? • What you think the letter is about? • what you think the main themes are? • What points are relevant today? 8948-01

  14. Sacraments • Christianity is an almost religion-less faith – in the New Testament we find • No rituals • No priestly caste • Nothing we have to do to win approval by God or earn our place in heaven • A relationship with the Father through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit • But Jesus gave us two ‘sacraments’ • Baptism – washing • Communion – eating and drinking • No detailed instructions 8948-01

  15. Questions about the sacraments • Why did Jesus ask us to do these things? • How vital are they to believers? • Why washing (once), eating and drinking (repeated)? • Why water then wine? • How do we ensure that we perform these actions correctly? • How have different parts of the church viewed them through the centuries? • What is your understanding of Baptism and Communion? 8948-01

  16. Instructions • Jesus’ command • “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”(Mat 28:19) • …and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.“ (1 Corinthians 11:24-25) • Jesus’ example, • “Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him”.(Mat 3:13) • Apostles teaching • "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven;” (Acts 2:38) • For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26) 8948-01

  17. The meaning of Baptism • Baptism represents: • A cleansing of our sin – this is John’s ‘baptism of repentance’ • An identification with Jesus in his death, burial and resurrection so clearly described by Paul: • A prayer for Jesus to baptise us in the Holy Spirit, to do for us what John the Baptist promised. • John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah • Elijah was involved with a ‘baptism in water’ on Mt. Carmel, when he ordered that the sacrifice should be drenched with water three times • Elijah prayed and fire descended from heaven on the sacrifice • On the Day of Pentecost, the fire from heaven fell on the disciples. This was when they were baptised in the Holy Spirit[ • Our bodies are to be ‘living sacrifices’, water baptism is therefore an act of preparation before we are baptised ‘with the Holy Spirit and with fire’ 8948-01

  18. How might Baptism be interpreted? Baptism is a symbolic token. It effects nothing. Baptism signifies the entitlement to God’s gift of grace. This gift must be received by faith before, during or sometime later after baptism. Baptism is a opportunity for God to bestow he gift of grace Baptism automatically and unconditionally conveys God’s grace. Anyone who is baptised (especially an infant) is automatically ‘saved’ and ‘reborn’ and receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Catholic View - ex opere operato) 8948-01

  19. Water, Bread and Wine • Baptism – water externally, Communion – bread and wine internally • Water  wine = Jesus’ first miracle (water for purification  wine for new life) Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:3-4) For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26 ) • Baptism and communion re-enact the burial of Jesus • in baptism we are identified with Jesus (Romans 6:3-4) • In communion Jesus is buried in us, so that he can be resurrected in us (body and blood re-united) • Communion is a prayer that we may be transformed into Jesus’ likeness (‘you are what you eat’) • Baptism speaks of ‘Us in Christ’, Communion speaks of ‘Christ in Us’ • We become the re-presentation of Jesus on earth 8948-01

  20. Baptism and Communion: The Debates • Baptism • Infant or believers only? • Full immersion or sprinkling? • Anyone or only after instruction? • Rebaptism? • Communion • Do we need someone to ‘preside’? • How often? • What words should be used? • What actually happens at communion? 8948-01

  21. Homework 1) Read the whole of Mark’s Gospel (preferably in a single sitting) • Try and approach it as though it is a new story to you. • Make a note of anything that strikes you • What are the important stories or themes? • Is Mark a good story teller? (is is an un-put-downable book to read or a chore?) 8948-01

  22. Rhema Week 2.2 The Four Gospels 8948-01 22

  23. Comparative Documentary Evidence 8948-01

  24. Important Manuscripts 8948-01

  25. John Rylands Manuscript:Fragment of John’s Gospel (AD 125-150) 8948-01

  26. Codex Sinaiticus 8948-01

  27. Exercise Glean as much as possible about each author and his contact with witnesses, etc. • Group 1, Mark • Mark 14:15, 14:52 • Acts 12:12-17 • Acts 15:37-39 • Philemon 23 • 1 Peter 5:13 • Group 2, Matthew • Matthew 1 • Matthew 2 • Matthew 5 • Matthew 27:62, 28:2-4, 28:11-15 • This is material that is unique to Matthew’s Gospel; what does it tell us about the author’s perspective? • Group 3, John • 3:23 19:35 2:20 • 4:4 20:2, 8 • 5:2 21:20-25 • 10:22,23 • 19:13 • Group 4, Luke • Luke 1:1-4 Luke 1 • Colossians 4:14 Luke 2:1 • Acts 13:1 Luke 3:1,2 • Acts 21:18 Luke 24:13-35 8948-01

  28. Authorship and Sources of Gospels 8948-01

  29. Mark’s Gospel : Background • Shortest of Gospels • Probably first to be written (AD65-70) – could be earlier • For non-Jewish AudienceExplains Jewish customs (Mk 7:2-4, 15:42) & translates Aramaic words (3:17, 5:41) • Tradition that John Mark was the writer • Wrote it in Rome from what he heard directly from Peter. • Mark’s mother had a house in Jerusalem where Jesus’ followers met (Acts 12:12) • Cousin to Paul’s companion Barnabas (Colossians 4:10) • Mark deserted Paul’s first missionary journey at Perga (Acts 13:13) • Caused a split between Paul & Barnabas, but Barnabas gave him a second chance (Acts 15:36-39) • Mark was restored to Paul’s favour (2 Timothy 4:11) 8948-01

  30. Mark’s Gospel: Style • Limited vocabulary -1,270 different words • Transliterating Latin words into Greek • Influence of Aramaic (mother tongue) • Forceful, fresh vigorous style • “immediately” occurs 41 times • Impression of on the spot reporting • Eyewitness style details • eg reaction of crowds, (1:27, 2:12) • emotional repose of Jesus, (1:41, 3:5, 7:34) • reactions of disciples (9:5-6, 10:24) • Interaction with readers • Eg Directly addressing them (2:10, 7:19) 8948-01

  31. Matthew’s Gospel : Background • Probably written before the destruction of the temple in AD70) • For a Jewish Audience • shows that Christianity was rooted in Judaism. • Bridge connecting Jesus with what had happened in the past • Jesus presented as the long awaited Messiah • Tradition that Matthew (Levi) the tax collector was the writer • Wrote it in Antioch – Greek speaking city with large Jewish population • Matthew 10:3-Matthew referred to in a self-deprecating way not found in Mark or Luke. • son of Alphaeus therefore probably brother to James son of Alphaeus • Had a party for Jesus (Matthew 9:10) 8948-01

  32. Luke’s Gospel background “The most beautiful book ever written”* *Ernest Renan on Luke’s Gospel • Author: Luke the doctor, a companion of Paul (Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24, 2 Timothy 4:11) – see the ‘we’ passages in Acts • The anti-Marcionite Prologue to the Third Gospel (between A.D. 160 and 180): " Luke was an Antiochian of Syria, a physician by profession. He was a disciple of the apostles and later accompanied Paul until the latter's martyrdom. He served the Lord without distraction having neither wife nor children, and at the age of eighty-four he fell asleep in Boeotia, full of the Holy Spirit. While there were already Gospels previously in existence-that according to Matthew written in Judaea and that according to Mark in Italy-Luke, moved by the Holy Spirit, composed the whole of this Gospel in the parts about Achaia. In his prologue he makes this very point clear, that other Gospels had been written before his, and that it was necessary to expound to the Gentile believers the accurate account of the [divine] dispensation, so that they should not be perverted by Jewish fables, nor be deceived by heretical and vain imaginations and thus err from the truth.” 8948-01

  33. John’s Gospel : Background • Very different picture of Jesus to The Synoptic Gospels • Thought for many years to be a late book c. AD120 • now placed between AD 70 &100, probably post AD85 • Appears to have been written by an eyewitness/ based on eyewitness testimony • Possibly for a group of mainly Gentile Christians who needed encouragement, support and sound teaching • Christians expelled from the synagogue after Jewish council in AD90 • John refers to Jesus opponents as ‘The Jews’ – yet Jesus himself was a Jew • Jesus’ followers being ‘put out of the synagogue’ • Tradition that was written by John son of Zebedee, brother of James • Written in Ephesus • Gives a good reason why John’s name is not mentioned in the Gospel • Reference’s to the ‘beloved disciple’ – Makes sense for this to be John 8948-01

  34. Rhema Week 2.3 Mark’s and Matthew’s Gospels 8948-01 34

  35. The Four Gospels 8948-01

  36. In the beginning • Jesus’ pre-existence: • John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. • John 10:30 “I and the Father are one.” • Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. • Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. • Revelation 22:13 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” 8948-01

  37. Mark’s Gospel : Background • Shortest of Gospels • Probably first to be written (AD65-70) – could be earlier • For non-Jewish Audience • Explains Jewish customs (Mk 7:2-4, 15:42) & translates Aramaic words (3:17, 5:41) • Tradition that John Mark was the writer • wrote it in Rome from what he heard directly from Peter. • Mark’s mother had a house in Jerusalem where Jesus’ followers met (Acts 12:12) • Cousin to Paul’s companion Barnabas (Colossians 4:10) • Mark deserted Paul’s first missionary journey at Perga (Acts 13:13) • Caused a split between Paul & Barnabas, but Barnabas gave him a second chance (Acts 15:36-39) • Mark is restored to Paul’s favour (2 Timothy 4:11) 8948-01

  38. Mark’s Gospel: Style • Limited vocabulary -1,270 different words • Transliterating Latin words into Greek • Influence of Aramaic (mother tongue) • Forceful, fresh vigorous style • “immediately” occurs 41 times • Impression of on the spot reporting • Eyewitness style details • e.g. reaction of crowds, (1:27, 2:12) • emotional repose of Jesus, (1:41, 3:5, 7:34) • reactions of disciples (9:5-6, 10:24) • Interaction with readers • E.g. Directly addressing them (2:10, 7:19) 8948-01

  39. Mark’s Gospel: Themes • Christology (view of who Jesus was) • Jesus was Son of God • The Messiah • Son of Man • Messianic secret (Jesus asks, his disciples, those he heals, demons to keep his identity secret) • Kingdom of God • Future expectation • Present reality (“Let little children come to me”) • Discipleship • Failure of disciples to understand • Hardship and cost of being a disciple 8948-01

  40. A Passion Narrative with an Extended Introduction • Prologue (1:1-15) • Part 1: Jesus’ Public Ministry (1:16-8:26) • Jesus’ authority (1:16-3:12) • over sickness, sins, evil, conflict with religious leaders • Jesus’ teaching (3:13-6:6) –Kingdom of God –words & actions • parable of sower, mustard seed • Jesus and mission (6:7-8:26) –widening effect of Jesus’ ministry • sending out of 12, feeding of 5000, Syro-Phoenician women • Part 2: Jesus’ Death (8:27-16:8) • Jesus foretells his own death and resurrection (8:27-10:52) • Jesus in and around the temple (11:1-13:37) • Last supper, arrest, trial, crucifixion, • burial & resurrection (14:1-16:8) 8948-01

  41. Thinking into Mark • Read Mark 2.1-12 • Try to imagine the scene from the point of view of the person/ people you have been allocated (Jesus, The crowd, The invalid, The four friends, The scribes, ) • Imagine what the room might have been like • the atmosphere • Where were you in the room? • What might you have expected? • What might you have thought felt, at the time/ afterwards • Share back with rest of group 8948-01

  42. The End of the Gospel: Problems • Three Main versions of the end of the gospel • 16:1-8 • The shorter ending (not in all translations eg NIV) • The longer ending 16:1-20 • If 16:1-8 • Seems unfinished • Where is the Good News promised at the beginning (finishes with women being afraid) • Verse 8 finishes in Greek “they were afraid for” – doesn’t make sense • If 16:1-20 • Doesn’t read the same as rest of Gospel • Textual criticism 8948-01

  43. The End of the Gospel: Textual Criticism • Compare all the early manuscripts of Mark –what is most common ending • Not found in earliest manuscripts • Early theologians doubted its authenticity • Is the style and vocabulary similar to the rest of the Gospel? • Style and vocabulary more similar to Luke –better Greek • Third of words not used elsewhere in Gospel • Link between v8 & 9 very abrupt • Does the content and theology fit with the rest of the Gospel? • Mary Magdalene introduced for first time (16:9) • Jesus’ severe rebuke to his disciples (16:14) • Immunity from snakes and poisons (16:18) 8948-01

  44. Matthew’s Gospel: Style • Crafted Gospel with specific structure -5 blocks of teaching – -each finished with “when Jesus had finished saying all these…” -Interspersed with narratives (What Jesus does) • Systematically arranged • Good quality Greek 8948-01

  45. Matthew’s Gospel: Themes • Christology (view of who Jesus was) • Jesus Son of David –Jesus is the Messiah from line of David • Lord –used frequently • Son of God • Prophecy and fulfilment. • How Jesus fulfils OT prophecy • Kingdom of heaven • uses Jewish term heaven rather than God • Discipleship: • Importance of changing behaviour • The Religious Leaders • Heart for his people (Jews) but frustrated by their leaders 8948-01

  46. Matthew’s Gospel: Structure • Prologue: The Origin and Birth of Jesus the Christ (1:1-4:23) • Genealogy, Infancy, Baptism • Teaching 1: The Gospel of the Kingdom (3:1-7:29) • The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ Miracles of healing • Teaching 2: The Kingdom Extended (8:1-11:1) • The Mission charge, • Teaching 3: The Gospel of the Kingdom (11:2-13:53) • Rejection of John the Baptist and Jesus by the Jews • Teaching 4: Progressive Polarization (13:54-19:2) • Controversies with Pharisees, Peter’s confession, Transfiguration • Teaching 5: Judgement and the end of the world (19:3-26:5) • Jesus goes up to Jerusalem and teachers • The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus (26:6-28:20) 8948-01

  47. Things of God vs. Things of Men • Read Matthew 16:13-23 • Why this extreme contrast? • “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” vs. “Get behind me, Satan!” • Things of God • Come from revelation • Require a step of faith • Things of Men • May come from human compassion or reasoning • Ignore the power and love of God • God’s way • Wait for revelation – step out in obedience and faith – give God the glory • Otherwise: do nothing 8948-01

  48. Homework • Read Mark’s Gospel (preferably at one sitting) • What do you think of it as a peace of writing? • How would you describe the nature of Jesus? • Are we really following Jesus in the way: • lived his life? • exercised his ministry? • related to other people? 8948-01

  49. Rhema Week 2.4 – Luke’s Two-Part Story The Evangelist’s Gospel (euaggelion) • Summaries of Luke and Acts • Exercise: Evangelistic summaries of the gospel 8948-01

  50. “The most beautiful book ever written”* *Ernest Renan on Luke’s Gospel • Author: Luke the doctor, a companion of Paul (Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24, 2 Timothy 4:11) – see the ‘we’ passages in Acts • The anti-Marcionite Prologue to the Third Gospel (between A.D. 160 and 180): " Luke was an Antiochian of Syria, a physician by profession. He was a disciple of the apostles and later accompanied Paul until the latter's martyrdom. He served the Lord without distraction having neither wife nor children, and at the age of eighty-four he fell asleep in Boeotia, full of the Holy Spirit. While there were already Gospels previously in existence-that according to Matthew written in Judaea and that according to Mark in Italy-Luke, moved by the Holy Spirit, composed the whole of this Gospel in the parts about Achaia. In his prologue he makes this very point clear, that other Gospels had been written before his, and that it was necessary to expound to the Gentile believers the accurate account of the [divine] dispensation, so that they should not be perverted by Jewish fables, nor be deceived by heretical and vain imaginations and thus err from the truth.” 8948-01

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