Introduction to the New Testament

Lecture 1

Sept 10, 2006

 

I. "Introduction" as a Interdisciplinary Specialty in New Testament Studies

 

A. 'Introduction' is a subfield in New Testament studies and includes:

 

 

1. Authorship of texts

2. Dates texts written

3. Structure of texts

4. Sources Authors Used

5. History of Documents After Written

6. Development of Canon

 

B. Why Study the New Testament?

 

Different people approach it from different angles:

 

1. Learn more about the Word of God / grow in relationship with Christ

2. Learn about the history of the early Christian community

3. What it meant then and what it means today

4. Look underneath basics, dig deeper

5. Knowledge of literature, history, sociology, theology helped by study of New Testament

 

II.  New Testament as a Historical Document

 

Professor uses the historical / critical approach to study the Bible.  What is the historical / critical approach and why is it used?  Is it helpful?  Does it have limits?

 

Main point is: the New Testament is written by real historical people in history.  How does this approach consider NT as Word of God? (human / divine authorship, what parts handled how?)

 

The authors were members of communities, shaped by culture and traditions.  Text written in response to circumstances and events.

 

Letters written to real people in real cities with real problems.

 

Had immediate historical purposes (not so much an eternal outlook)

 

Letters received and read by real people before being canonized.

 

Process of collecting, valuing and canonizing NT was a historical process.

 

Professor -> Miracle of New Testament worked through above historical process through power of Holy Spirit.

 

Professor also believes approach should include a critical approach (inquisitive and curious and analytical) when studying Bible.

 

Must also develop an appreciation for living context in which writings emerged.

 

III. Nature of the Course

 

Professor a Mennonite, author of textbook a Catholic.

 

Translation of Bible to use: New Revised Standard Version, NASB, New Jerusalem etc.

 

Assignments: two main papers, and smaller assignment

 

Exam: test ability to identify key persons, places and concepts.  Understand a particular passage using tools learned in course.

 

IV. The Contents of the New Testament

 

New Testament part of a larger work, the Holy Bible (Word of God)

 

What does Bible mean?  It means book.

 

There are 27 books in the New Testament.

 

What is the biography of the Bible?  How did we get from individual books to canonized scripture?

 

NT originally written all in Greek, year 50 to year 100.  Rome to Syria.  Writings associated with important figures.

 

Canon = measure or standard.

 

Canonical process - rules for determining which writings accorded Scriptural status.  Not 'settled' until 367 AD (4th Century)

 

Canon also refers to the list of New Testament books.

 

View of Christ as LORD in earlier writings, as rabbi in later writings.

 

V. Key Concepts

 

1. introduction

2. historical

3. Bible

4. canon

5. synoptic

 

 

 

 

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