Unit_1-_Intro-_Slides

Unit 1: An Introduction to the New Testament

Overview

• Focuses on the New Testament as the second division of the Christian canon.

The Creation of Adam

Artwork

• Michelangelo's famous depiction explores themes of humanity and divine creation.

New Covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34

• Verses: Day will come for a new covenant with Israel and Judah.

  • Not like the previous covenant made when leading them out of Egypt.

  • Acknowledgment of their past failures to keep covenant.

  • Promises a new law written upon their hearts.

  • Emphasizes a personal relationship with God, accessible to all.

The Infancy Narratives

Definition

• The texts in the Gospels narrating the early life of Jesus, found only in Matthew and Luke.

Genealogies of Jesus

Matthew

• Start of Gospel: 42 generations from Abraham to Jesus.

  • Mentions women.

  • Follows Solomon as David's son.

  • Joseph's father is Jacob.

Luke

• Beginning of Jesus's Public Ministry: 77 generations from Jesus to God.

  • No women mentioned.

  • Follows Nathan as David's son.

  • Joseph's father is Heli.

Comparison

• Matthew presents a royal lineage through Joseph; Luke provides Mary's line.

• Heli and Jacob are brothers linked through levirate marriage.

Key Aspects of Infancy Narratives

Accounts in Matthew (1-2)

• Focus on Joseph's perspective.

  • Angel appears to Joseph in a dream.

• Events include:

  • Visit of the Magi (their visit timing is debated).

  • Jesus's early years lived in Egypt.

  • The Massacre of the Innocents.

  • Return and settling in Nazareth.

Accounts in Luke (1-2)

• Mary’s perspective is emphasized:

  • Annunciation by Angel Gabriel.

  • The Visitation to Elizabeth (cousin).

  • Includes four canticles sung.

Mirroring of Narratives

• John and Jesus's narratives mirror:

  • Annunciations for both.

  • Birth accounts.

  • Circumcision and naming events.

Sacred Scripture

• CCC 134 emphasizes unity of Scripture and Christ's fulfillment in it.

Structure of the New Testament

Overview

• Second division of the Christian canon, covering Jesus's life and early followers.

• Composed of 27 books written circa 50-95 AD.

Parts of the New Testament

1. Gospels: Narratives of Jesus's life.

2. Acts of the Apostles: Early church history.

3. Epistles: Letters to communities or individuals.

4. Revelation: Apocalyptic literature.

Common Categories of Books

• Gospels (Biography): Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.

• History: Acts.

• Letters (Epistles): Romans, Corinthians, etc.

• Prophecy: Revelation.

Understanding the Gospels

• Evangelion: Means "good news"; writers called evangelists.

• Narrative of life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Acts of the Apostles

• Written by Luke as a sequel to his Gospel.

• Chronicles the early church's formation and spread, with Paul as a key figure.

Epistles

Types of Letters

• Letters addressed to communities (e.g., Corinthians).

• Two categories:

  • Pauline Epistles: Written by Saint Paul.

  • Catholic Epistles: Universal messages by Peter, James, John.

Revelation

• Last book of the New Testament, also known as the Apocalypse.

• Attributes visions to Apostle John, rich in symbolism drawn from the Old Testament.

Development of the New Testament Canon

Stages of Development

1. Life and Teachings of Jesus (4 BC - AD 33).

2. Missionary Campaign/ Oral Tradition (AD 30 - AD 65).

3. Written Tradition (AD 65 - AD 95).

4. Inclusion of Inspired Texts into the Canon.

Transition from Oral to Written

• Reasons for transition:

  1. Death of disciples.

  2. Delay of the Parousia.

  3. Destruction of the Temple (AD 70).

  4. Combat against heresies.

  5. Easier instruction for communities.

Finalization of the Canon

• All writings by AD 100; continued discussions for around 100 years.

• Canon: Accepted collection of sacred texts, originates from "measuring rod" in Greek.

Selection Criteria for Texts

1. Apostolic Origin: Authorship by an apostle or close companion.

2. Community Acceptance: Validity recognized by early Christian communities.

3. Liturgical Use: Texts used in early Christian ceremonies.

4. Consistency: Agreement with other established Christian writings.