Christianity Canon and New Testament Overview

Meaning of the word Canon

• A collection of books accepted as inspired and authoritative by a particular religious community.
• In Christianity, the canon refers to the collection of books considered to be divinely inspired and authoritative Scripture.

Divisions of the NT

• Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
• Acts of the Apostles
• Pauline Epistles: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon
• General Epistles: Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude
• Revelation

Geographical Divisions

• Palestine: The land where Jesus lived and ministered
• Galilee: Region in northern Palestine
• Judea: Region in central Palestine
• Samaria: Region between Galilee and Judea

Jewish Parties

• Pharisees: Strict adherence to the Law, emphasis on oral tradition
• Sadducees: Aristocratic group, denied the resurrection and the existence of angels
• Essenes: A group who withdrew from society and lived communal lives
• Herodians: Supporters of King Herod and his family

Earthly life of Christ

• Birth, Childhood and Youth: Born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth
• Ministry: Began in Galilee, preached the Kingdom of God, performed miracles
• Passion and Death: Arrested, tried, crucified in Jerusalem
• Resurrection: Rose from the dead on the third day
• Ascension: Ascended to heaven, promising to send the Holy Spirit

LIFE OF CHRIST

• Jesus was the Son of God.
• He was the Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
• He died on the cross to redeem humanity from sin.

Est. of the Canon

• The canon was established gradually over several centuries.
• The Council of Hippo (393 AD) and the Council of Carthage (397 AD) made official pronouncements about the canon.

Matthew the Publican

• Author of the Gospel of Matthew.
• A former tax collector.
• Known for his deep understanding of the Old Testament.
• Wrote for a Jewish audience, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus.
• The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the King of the Jews.
• Matthew was critical of the Pharisees and presented Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law.
• Matthew emphasized Jesus' teachings about the Kingdom of God.

Message of Matthew

• ** Jesus is the Messiah, the King of the Jews.**
• The Law is fulfilled in Jesus.
• The Kingdom of God is both present and future.
• Discipleship involves sacrifice and following Jesus.
• The Church is the new Israel.

Mark the Servant

• Author of the Gospel of Mark.
• May have been a companion of Peter.
• The Gospel of Mark emphasizes the actions of Jesus and his authority.
• The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus as the suffering servant.

Mark's Gospel outlined by location

• Galilee: Jesus begins his ministry
• Decapolis: Jesus performs miracles and teaches.
• Jerusalem: Jesus' final week, culminating in his death and resurrection.

Mark can be outlined by the thrust of Jesus Ministry (Jesus the..)

• Teacher.
• Miracle Worker.
• Son of God.

Analysis of Mark's Gospel

• The Gospel of Mark is characterized by a sense of urgency and speed.
• The Gospel of Mark is full of action and drama.
• The Gospel of Mark ends with a sense of mystery and hope.

LUKE the Beloved Physician

• Author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.
• A Gentile doctor.
• Wrote for both Jewish and Gentile audiences.
• Emphasizes Jesus' compassion and care for the marginalized.

Outline of Luke

• The Birth and Childhood of Jesus.
• Jesus' ministry in Galilee.
• Jesus' journey to Jerusalem.
• Jesus' Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
• The early church.

Unique Passages

• The parables of the Good Samaritan.
• The story of the Prodigal Son.
• The account of the Ascension.

Unique Emphasis

• Prayer.
• Compassion for the poor and marginalized.
• The importance of forgiveness.
• The Holy Spirit.

PRESENTS JESUS AS PERFECT MAN

• Luke emphasizes Jesus' humanity and his perfect example of love and obedience.
• Luke presents Jesus as the ideal human being, fulfilling God's plan for humanity.

The Canon

• The word "Canon" refers to a rule, standard, or collection of sacred writings recognized as authoritative and inspired by God.

New Testament Divisions

• Gospels
• Acts of the Apostles
• Pauline Epistles
• General Epistles
• Revelation

Geographical Divisions

• Palestine
• Asia Minor
• Europe
• Africa

Jewish Parties

• Pharisees: A religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions.
• Sadducees : A priestly group that rejected the concept of resurrection and the authority of the Oral Law.
• Essenes: A group living in isolation, known for their emphasis on purity and their practice of communal living.
• Zealots: A political group who advocated for armed resistance against Roman rule.

Earthly Life of Christ

• Birth
• Ministry
• Crucifixion
• Resurrection
• Ascension

Life of Christ

• Jesus was fully God and fully man.

Establishing the Canon

• The early church recognized certain writings as inspired and authoritative.
• The process of canonization involved careful examination and acceptance by the church.
• The New Testament canon was established by the end of the fourth century.

Matthew the Publican

• Originally a tax collector
• Son of Alphaeus
• James was his brother
• Lived in Capernaum
• Familiar with the Old Testament
• Moved to Capernaum where he heard of Jesus' miracles.
• Heard the Sermon on the Mount
• Left Palestine in 45 A.D.
• Wrote his Gospel in Greek
• Used pen and ink from his time as a tax collector
• Preached near the Black Sea
• Martyred in Ethiopia
• Criticized by the Pharisees
• Presents Jesus as the King of the Jews

Message of Matthew

• Matthew emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Jesus.
• He portrays Jesus as the Messiah and King of the Jews.
• The Gospel highlights the importance of following Jesus and the teachings of the kingdom.

Mark the Servant

• Originally a follower of Peter
• Wrote his gospel in Rome
• Wrote to a Roman audience
• Included details about the miracles and healings of Jesus.
• Emphasized Jesus' suffering and death for the sake of others.

Mark's Gospel Outline by Location

• Galilee
• Jerusalem
• Perea
• Judea

Mark's Gospel Outline by Thrust of Jesus' Ministry

• Jesus the Son of God
• Jesus the Servant
• Jesus the Messiah

Analysis of Mark's Gospel

• Mark's Gospel is concise and action-packed.
• It focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus and his suffering.

Luke the Beloved Physician

• Traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys
• Wrote his Gospel in Greece
• Wrote to the Gentile audience
• Emphasizes the love, compassion, and forgiveness of Jesus

Outline of Luke

• Birth and Childhood of Jesus
• Earthly Ministry of Jesus
• Suffering, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus
• The Early Church

Unique Passages in Luke

• The Parable of the Good Samaritan
• The Prodigal Son
• The Road to Emmaus

Unique Emphases in Luke

• The Holy Spirit
• Prayer
• Compassion
• Forgiveness

Presents Jesus as the Perfect Man

• Jesus was fully God and fully man without sin or blemish.
• He lived a perfect life and set an example for humanity.
• He was the Son of God, the Savior of mankind.

Explore the meaning of the word 'Canon' within Christianity and the various divisions of the New Testament. This quiz covers the different segments of scripture, geographical locations relevant to Jesus's life, and the major Jewish parties of the time. Test your understanding of these essential topics in Christian theology.