Lesson+2+-+Composition+_+writers+of+the+Bible

Page 1: Introduction

  • Title: NTES 112 Samestelling & skrywers van die Bybel / Composition & writers of the Bible

  • Lecture based on: Carson and Douglas, 2005: 23-76 and 726-742.

  • Lecturer Name: Dr. Walter Maqoma

Page 2: Study Outcomes

  • Discuss authorship of New Testament books.

  • Explore collection and selection processes of the Bible's books.

  • Investigate the origin of the biblical texts.

  • Discuss significance of "Old Testament" and "New Testament" titles.

  • Explain origin of the title "Bible".

  • Explore authors' reasons for writing.

  • Discuss languages used in writing.

  • Investigate timeframe for writing biblical books.

  • Explain information gathering methods for the texts.

Page 3: Key Sources

  • Notable works include:

    • "The Origin of the Bible" by F. F. Bruce, J. I. Packer, Philip Comfort, Carl F. H. Henry.

    • "An Introduction to the New Testament" by D. A. Carson & Douglas J. Moo.

Page 4: Biblical Exegesis

  • Subject of biblical exegesis is highlighted.

Page 5: Compilation of Canon

  • Bible: Versameling van boeke (Collection of books) under God's guidance and historical research.

  • Faith shared and gospel widely spread (Col. 4:16).

  • Death of disciples and eye-witnesses led to documentation.

  • Writings recorded in letters and books.

Page 6: Compilation of Canon (continued)

  • Various manuscripts circulated.

  • "Different" documents noted (Gal. 1:6-9).

  • Lists of accepted texts developed over time.

Page 7: Athanasius and Canon Acceptance

  • Athanasius' list accepted at Hippo Regius (393) and Carthage (397).

  • Canon decisions not made by a single individual; approval was a community process.

  • Reference to Belgic Confession Art 5.

Page 8: Origin of New Testament Books

  • Mention of scripture passages: Luk 1:1; 1 Cor 1:1-2; 16:19-24.

  • Some authors of texts are known, others not.

  • Overlap noted among Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Page 9: The Two Testaments

  • Definitions: Testament = Covenant

  • Explore relationship and renewal of covenants (Mark 14:24).

Page 10: Origin of "Bible"

  • Inquiry into the etymology of the term "Bible".

Page 11: Information on Biblical Authors

  • Emphasis on gathering comprehensive information about each author.

  • Explore biographies of key figures: Mark and Paul.

  • Eyewitnesses involved in writing the texts.

Page 12: Reasons for Writing

  • Passages indicating the purpose behind writings (Gal. 1:11-12; 1 Joh 1:5; Luk 1:1-4).

Page 13: Languages of the Bible

  • Old Testament primarily in Semitic languages with Greek translation (LXX).

  • New Testament composed in Greek and translated into Latin (Vulgate).

Page 14: Duration of Composition

  • Events from both testaments were not recorded immediately.

Page 15: Authority and Process of Canon

  • Study focus on Bible's divine inspiration, authority, and infallibility.

  • Examination of processes in selecting Old and New Testament books.

Page 16: Literary Aspects of the Bible

  • Exploration of the Bible as a literary text.

  • Insights into ancient biblical manuscripts and their role in scripture formation.

Page 17: Bible Translation Processes

  • Information on biblical languages and the translation process.

Page 18: Etymology of "Bible"

  • Derived from Latin and Greek terms referring to "books" recognized by the Christian church.

  • Reference to early use in Christian literature (2 Clement 2:14).

Page 19: Terminology Related to Scripture

  • Synonyms for the Bible include "the writings" and "the Scriptures"; examples from the New Testament.

Page 20: New Testament Canon Differences

  • Variances in agreement on content among different Christian branches regarding New Testament writings.

Page 21: Different Biblical Canons

  • Protestant English Bible aligned with Jerome’s translation; mentions of additional texts in various communions.

Page 22: Concept of Canon

  • Etymology of "canon" with background on its use in Christianity.

Page 23: Early Church and Canon Recognition

  • Lack of a fixed New Testament canon in early Christianity; reliance on apostolic teachings.

Page 24: Timeline of Canon Development

  • Marcion's list and its historical context.</br>

Page 25: Muratorian List

  • Reflection of early church understanding of New Testament canon in the end of second century.

Page 26: Manuscripts and Council Outcomes

  • Cheltenham manuscript and its inclusion of New Testament texts; influence of councils on canon recognition.

Page 27: Authority of the Bible

  • The Bible viewed as God's Word yet subjected to critical examination.

Page 28: Impact of Biblical Criticism

  • Discussion on the consequences and implications of modern biblical criticism.

Page 29: The Bible's Infallibility

  • Asserted reliability and divine inspiration of the Bible; concepts of plenary and verbal inspiration noted.

Page 30: Higher Criticism의

  • Examining literature's authenticity and reliability.

Page 31: A Call for Confidence in Scripture

  • Observations on shifting confidence in the Scriptures.

Page 32: Wisdom vs. Cleverness

  • Reflection on the nature of modern generations in understanding wisdom.

Page 33: Unity of Scripture

  • Description of unified theology amidst diverse expressions in the Bible.

Page 34: Maintaining Historic Positions

  • Inquiry into commitment to historic scriptural authority.

Page 35: Definition of Inspiration

  • Scripture's derivation from God and its intended educational purpose.

Page 36: Infallibility and Inerrancy

  • Correlational relationship between inspiration, infallibility, and inerrancy.

Page 37: Reformation Views on Inspiration

  • Reformers' perspectives on inspiration and authority of Scripture.

Page 38: Jesus on Scriptures

  • Jesus' affirmations regarding the divine origin and reliability of Scripture.

Page 39: Scriptural Historical Narratives

  • Depictions of historical accounts as factual records influenced by divine authority.

Page 40: Human Writers and Divine Influence

  • Exploration of how human agents contributed to Scripture under divine influence.

Page 41: Reliability of Scripture

  • Importance of defending the doctrine of infallibility in modern discussions.

Page 42: Objective Revelation

  • Examination of the consequences of rejecting objective divine revelation in theology.

Page 43: Evidence Supporting the Bible

  • Historical-empirical evidence highlighted as assurance for biblical reliability.

Page 44: Authority of Scripture

  • Acknowledgment of the Bible as the sole authority in Christian faith and practice.

Page 45: Supremacy of Scriptural Truth

  • Recognition of submission to scriptural truth as a religious act.

Page 46: Divine Message Assessment

  • God's communication through various literary forms seen as conveying divine messages.

Page 47: Belief in God as Creator

  • Argument for the necessity of acknowledging divine creation in finding purpose.

Page 48: Conclusion

  • Summary of the Bible's status as the most quoted work with profound insights into various aspects of life.

Page 49: Introduction to Literary Criticism

  • Transition to discussion on literary criticism within biblical texts.

Page 50: Composition and Rhetoric

  • Focus on the composition and rhetorical styles present in biblical texts.

Page 51: Historical vs. Literary Criticism

  • Distinction between historical criticism's context and literary criticism's analytical focus.

Page 52: Text as World of Investigation

  • The text's internal world as an object of investigation.

Page 53: Language Study

  • Examination of words and meanings using philology and lexicography.

Page 54: Grammar and Literary Patterns

  • Importance of syntax and structure in the analysis of texts.

Page 55: Literary Style Awareness

  • Consideration of vocabulary and style in text analysis.

Page 56: Recognition of Literary Forms

  • Identification of various literary genres within biblical literature.

Page 57: Diverse Literary Forms

  • Exploration of smaller literary forms that exist within larger works.

Page 58: Importance of Literary Classification

  • Importance of identifying literary forms for text interpretation and life setting.

Page 59: Unity and Integrity of Text

  • Concern with the text's completeness and authorship.

Page 60: Character and Plot Analysis

  • Examination of character portrayal and narrative development.

Page 61: Literary Mood and Perspective

  • Discussion on emotional elicitation and narrative perspectives in the literary analysis.

Page 62: Structuralist Criticism Introduction

  • Introduction to structuralist and deconstructivist criticism.

Page 63: Structural Criticism Focus

  • Exploration of universal structures in texts.

Page 64: Exegesis Process

  • Process of understanding the author’s intended message through the text.

Page 65: Non-Historical Criticism

  • Overview of structuralist methodology and its basic assumptions.

Page 66: Importance of Polarities

  • Role of oppositions in structuring narratives and ideas.

Page 67: Surface and Deep Structures

  • Differentiation between easily perceived features and complex linguistic structures.

Page 68: Communication Beyond Surface

  • Understanding language's deeper levels beyond mere communication.

Page 69: Text as Mirror

  • Analysis of texts as reflections of universal structures.

Page 70: Generic vs. Genetic Considerations

  • Importance of focusing on generic features without historical influence.

Page 71: Reader-Text Dynamics

  • Reader and text interaction and understanding framework in structuralism.

Page 72: Atemporal Text Consideration

  • Understanding texts outside of their historical development.

Page 73: Final Form of Text Focus

  • Working with texts as finished pieces rather than in developmental stages.

Page 74: Exclusion of Historical Elements

  • Structuralist criticism does not consider historical context in analysis.

Page 75: Emphasis on Text-itself

  • Framing meaning as derived directly from the text rather than the author's intent.

Page 76: Synchrony vs. Diachrony

  • Preference for synchronic analysis in understanding texts.

Page 77: Diachronic Analysis Importance

  • Overview of diachronic approach and its historical focus.

Page 78: Synchronic Analysis Definition

  • Explanation of synchronic approach as it applies to literature's inherent meaning.

Page 79: Reality Understanding

  • Structural criticism's view on language and its manifestation across contexts.

Page 80: Layers of Meaning in Language

  • Recognition of language's attributes in biblic texts and universal patterns within.

Page 81: Analyzing Deep Structures

  • Emphasis on uncovering deeper meanings behind written records.

Page 82: Textual Referencing

  • Reading to find underlying ordering principles within textual content.

Page 83: Principle of Binary Opposition

  • Application of oppositional pairs in analysis.

Page 84: Fundamental Oppositional Categories

  • Weight of binary opposites presented in scholarly critiques.

Page 85: Structuralist Exegesis Example

  • Example of structuralist exegesis on Genesis chapters addressing creation.

Page 86: Textual Observations in Genesis

  • Structuralist observations on literary units within Genesis.

Page 87: Binary Opposition in Genesis

  • Reflections on theme structure highlighting God's creation.

Page 88: Reading vs. Writing Perspective

  • Shift in reading approach from author intentions to reader understanding.

Page 89: Surface vs. Deep Analysis

  • Text analysis revealing deeper structural values and convictions.

Page 90: Conclusion and Acknowledgment

  • Thank you from North-West University.