New Testament Perspectives on Creation
New Testament Interpretations of Creation
Quiz Review
- John 1:1: The word that goes in all the blanks is "Word" (Greek:
logos). "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This was the correct answer. - Kugol Article: According to ancient Jewish interpretations, the first thing God created even before the heavens and the earth was "Wisdom."
- Book of Revelation (End): The answer for what creates light in the new creation is God, who will be the light; there is no need for sun or moon.
- Book of Revelation (New Creation Tree): The tree that shows up in the description of the new creation is the "Tree of Life." It is mentioned with its
12 leaves for the healing of the nations. Note: Some later medieval interpreters connected the Tree of Life with the cross, but this was not covered in the reading.
Introduction to New Testament Interpretation of Creation
- Christians interpret the same Genesis
1-3 stories as Jews, but in the New Testament, they assume readers already know these creation and sin narratives. - Instead of re-telling creation, New Testament texts use these foundational stories to discuss other concepts, primarily Jesus and the idea of a new creation.
John Chapter 1: The Logos and Creation
The Gospel of John
- John is one of the
4 gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). - Unlike the Synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) which "see things together" and tell similar stories, John is distinct.
- John is considered the "spiritual gospel," focusing on meaning and symbolism rather than just facts about Jesus's life.
- It uniquely begins at the
