OVERVIEW OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

REVIEW

The OT covers the origins of faith including creation (Genesis), covenants with various patriarchs (Abraham), the Exodus from Egypt, and ends with the Exile and prophecies of a covenant to be fulfilled (the Messiah).

The New Testament can be broken into 4 key parts: The Gospels The Acts of the Apostles Letters Revelation

I. THE GOSPELS

Heart of the Scriptures source for learning the life/lessons of Jesus

Inspired by God, but written by men

GOSPELS APPROX. DATE WRITTEN

Matthew (Mt) A.D. 70-85

Mark (Mk) A.D. 65-70

Luke (Lk) A.D. 70-85

John (Jn) A.D. 90-100

Mt, Mk, and Lk known as the synoptic Gospels means that they have similar visions Lk and Mt used many of the verses

that appeared in Mk Mt and Lk share material that doesn’t

appear in Mk Q document: hypothetical source believed to be made up of the sayings of Jesus

Jn uses symbolism and strong imagery to emphasize the divinity of Jesus

II. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

Written A.D. 80-100 Focuses on the growth of the Church

guidance of the Holy Spirit Is the 2nd part of Lk Gospel and covers

Christian expansion in the Roman world

Includes the activities of the early Church such as the preaching of Peter/the Apostles, the growth of the 1st Christian community, the missionary journeys of Paul, and the Council of Jerusalem

III. LETTERS

Includes 21 letters or Epistles Generally took the form of letter writing and

addressed to a Christian community or individuals

Letter structure Opening: a greeting (identifying the sender and

recipient) then a prayer Body: usually an account of Jesus’ life, teachings on

how to grow, and advice/encouragement to the community

Conclusion: a personal remark/farewell

Can be divided into 3 groups: The letters of Paul: from Romans to

Philemon Letter to the Hebrews Catholic Epistles (the last 7 letters)

Called Catholic or “universal” because they’re addressed to the general public, not a specific community

IV. REVELATION

Written A.D. 95-96 The final book, the Revelation to John Uses poetic imagery and challenges the

reader to fully understand the truth of Jesus

Written in styles of apocalyptic literature A popular style in both Christian and Jewish

communities Apocalyptic means “revealed” or

“unveiled” Secrets of heaven/the future are revealed

by an angel or the Risen Christ Much of the imagery comes from the OT

(Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Daniel)

Rich with symbolism of numbers, colours, and images which were used to hide messages from the Romans (who were persecuting Christians) Writings were meant to comfort/give hope to the people Encouraged Christians to remain faithful to the mission