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
Gospels: Narratives of Jesus's life.
Acts of the Apostles: Early church history.
Epistles: Letters to communities or individuals.
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
Life and Teachings of Jesus (4 BC - AD 33).
Missionary Campaign/ Oral Tradition (AD 30 - AD 65).
Written Tradition (AD 65 - AD 95).
Inclusion of Inspired Texts into the Canon.
Transition from Oral to Written
Reasons for transition:
Death of disciples.
Delay of the Parousia.
Destruction of the Temple (AD 70).
Combat against heresies.
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
Apostolic Origin: Authorship by an apostle or close companion.
Community Acceptance: Validity recognized by early Christian communities.
Liturgical Use: Texts used in early Christian ceremonies.
Consistency: Agreement with other established Christian writings.