Unit 9: The New Testament - Study Notes

Unit 9: The New Testament - Acts, Epistles, and Revelation

Lesson 1: Post-Resurrection Encounters & Evidence for the Resurrection

Objective

• Explain key post-Resurrection events

• Defend the reality of the Resurrection

Key Concepts

• Significant Events: Post-resurrection encounters detailed in scripture, such as:

• John 20:19-29: Jesus appears to the Apostles and bestows the Holy Spirit.

  • Peculiarities: Locked room appearance.

  • Doubt of Thomas emphasizes faith.

• Luke 24:13-35: Road to Emmaus, where Jesus explains scripture to disciples, highlighting how he was recognized in the breaking of bread.

• John 21:1-17: Jesus’ third appearance to the Apostles; Peter’s three affirmations relate to his three denials.

Evidence for Resurrection

• Eyewitness Testimony: Over 500 witnesses.

• Martyrdom of the Apostles: Many died for their faith, indicating they believed in the Resurrection.

• Notable martyrdoms: Peter (crucified), Paul (beheaded).

• Non-Christian Historical Sources: Confirmation from historians such as Tacitus and Josephus.

• The Empty Tomb: Even opponents of Jesus acknowledged the tomb was empty.

Lesson 2: The New Testament - Its Structure & Purpose

Objective

• Identify the four types of New Testament books

• Discuss general content of the New Testament following the Gospels

Structure of the New Testament

1. Acts of the Apostles: History of the early Church.

2. Epistles: Letters addressing various communities and issues, emphasizing Christian living.

3. Revelation: Prophetic text filled with symbolic visions.

Key Themes in Epistles

• Addressing church communities, applying teachings of Christ, resolving issues, moral living, and community guidance.

• Major Epistles: Romans, Corinthians, Thessalonians, Galatians, etc.

Lesson 3: The Book of Revelation - Symbolism & Liturgy

Objective

• Discuss significant prophecies and imagery in Revelation

• Explain key themes and liturgical connections

Key Themes in Revelation

• Symbolism: Highly symbolic language used to convey spiritual truths.

• Hope and Comfort: Assurance of God’s ultimate victory.

• Liturgy Connections: Structure parallels with the Mass, including Penitential Rite and Eucharist symbolisms.

Takeaways

• Good triumphs over evil; faith is necessary during persecution.

• Key symbols include the Lamb, the Scroll, and the heavenly throne room imagery.

Lesson 4: Eschaton - Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory

Objective

• Articulate Catholic teaching on the afterlife and God’s justice

• Discuss the significance of Hell as an act of God's mercy

Concepts of Afterlife

• Heaven: State of eternal happiness in God's presence (Beatific Vision).

• Purgatory: Final purification before entering Heaven.

• Hell: Eternal suffering due to separation from God.

Key Discussions on Fairness of God's Justice

• Deathbed conversions, morality of atheists, reasons for no redemption for fallen angels, and implications for unbaptized infants.

Lesson 5: Angels & Demons - The Spiritual Realm

Objective

• Explain the role of angels and demons in salvation history

Concepts

• Angels: Created as messengers and guardians; each person has a guardian angel.

• Demons: Fallen angels who rejected God; their temptations are part of spiritual warfare.

Lesson 6: The Epistles - Advice for Christian Living

Objective

• Explain the significance of the Epistles and their application

Features of Paul’s Epistles

• Address real issues in the early communities; themes include unity, morality, suffering, and faith.

• Understanding the value of loving one’s enemies and showing humility.

Test Review

• Coverage of NT structure, significant authors, post-resurrection stories, themes in Revelation, understanding angels, and Catholic teachings on afterlife.