Early Christian Interpretive Approaches and the Development of the Bible

These flashcards encompass key vocabulary terms and definitions related to early Christian interpretive methods and the historical development of biblical texts.

Fourfold Interpretation

An early Christian approach to scriptural interpretation that includes Literal, Allegorical, Moral, and Eschatological meanings.

Source Criticism

A method of biblical criticism that seeks to identify the sources used by the biblical authors.

Redaction Criticism

Analyzes how the arrangement and editing of texts contributes to their meaning.

Form Criticism

Focuses on the literary forms used in the texts and their social contexts.

Narrative Criticism

Examines the narrative structures and devices used in biblical texts.

Rhetorical Criticism

Analyzes how persuasive language and argumentation influence the interpretation of texts.

Canonical Criticism

Studies how the canonical process affects the interpretation and placement of biblical texts.

Reader-Response Criticism

Focuses on the reader's interpretation and interaction with the text.

Feminist Criticism

Examines texts from a feminist perspective to address gender issues within biblical narratives.

Postcolonial Criticism

Analyzes texts in relation to colonial histories and power dynamics.

Papyrus

A writing material made from a reed plant, commonly used in ancient writings.

Parchment

A more durable writing material made from animal skins, often more expensive than papyrus.

Vellum

A high-quality form of parchment used in ancient Bibles.

Scribes

Individuals employed to copy texts by hand before the invention of the printing press.

Septuagint

The Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, significant in early Christian practices.

Codex Alexandrinus

An ancient manuscript of the Bible containing the entire Septuagint and other texts.

Codex Sinaiticus

An ancient manuscript containing a significant portion of the Old Testament and New Testament.

Codex Vaticanus

An ancient manuscript of the Bible that includes the Septuagint without Maccabees.

Text Criticism

The study of manuscript variations to establish the most authentic text of biblical writings.

Mark's Gospel Ending

Discrepancies exist among codices regarding the ending of Mark's Gospel, with different verses appearing in different manuscripts.