History of Judea: Ptolemies and Beyond

Christian Education Course: The New Testament

• This course covers the New Testament, a collection of Christian scriptures.
• The course outline includes topics like the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Missionary Trips and Pauline Letters, Catholic Letters, and Revelation.
• The course aims to encourage spiritual maturity through bible study, reflection, and church teachings.
• The course will also involve studying the writings of the early church fathers.
• A schedule for the course is also provided including activities such as names and writing, structure and history, the gospel of John, and the 4 Gospels

Growing in Spiritual Maturity

• Students are encouraged to commit to regular bible reading, reflect on scripture, and actively seek guidance from church teachings.
• Students should also pray for wisdom and discernment, in accordance to Hebrews 5:13-14.

The Light of Apostolic Faith

• The course aims to teach aligning oneself with the teachings of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
• Students will be expected to study the writings of the early church fathers.
• The need for encouragement, questions, and discussion is emphasized.
• Lifelong learning is considered a vital component of the course.

Today's Schedule

• The schedule outlines various topics for each day of the course.
• Topics include names and writing, structure and history, the book of John, and the four Gospels.

The Names

• The Bible, originating from Koine Greek, is referred to as "The Books".
• The Bible's importance is highlighted, particularly its role in spiritual growth.
• The text of John 5:39 is quoted emphasizing the Bible's connection with eternal life.

Covenants By God With Humanity

• Several covenants are covered, including those with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus Christ.
• Each covenant features a unique sign. For example, Noah's covenant is symbolized by a rainbow.
• The significance of each covenant in detailing God's relationship with humanity is detailed.

The Gospel

• The Greek word for "Gospel" is euaggelion.
• The Arabic equivalent is barshara.
• 'Gospel' means the "good news" concerning God sending Jesus Christ to redeem humanity.
• Different stages of the concept of "Gospel", spanning from reward for good news, the good news themselves, and the life of Jesus Christ, are conveyed.

The Writing

• This section investigates the authors of the New Testament books.
• The section queries the languages used for these books.

The Writers

• The New Testament was written by figures like St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, St. John, St. Paul, St. James, St. Peter, and St. Jude.
• These figures of authority communicated through the Holy Spirit in composing these books which impacted their approaches and delivery.
• The importance of the Holy Spirit's influence in composing these works was emphasized.

Which Language Did Our Lord Jesus Christ Used?

• Jesus Christ used Hebrew and Aramaic languages when he ministered.
• The list shows the different spoken languages during that period.

The Writing - Language

• Aramaic, a language frequently used in Judea, was used in daily conversation but Biblical Hebrew was used for religious purposes.
• After Alexander, the language of Jewish culture in Judea was significantly influenced by Hellenistic culture primarily Greek.

The Structure

• This section inquires about the number of books found within the New Testament.

The New Testament

• This course will discuss the structure of the New Testament.
• Different sections of the New Testament, like the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and Revelation are explicitly categorized in terms of the genre they fall under. This categorization includes historical, wisdom, and prophetic content.

The Pauline Epistles - St. Paul

• Lists the Epistles written by St. Paul, including detailed timings and locations of writing.
• The categories of letters, such as major and minor letters, letters to families, and pastoral letters are also provided.

The Catholic Epistles

• Covers the epistles (letters) of St. James, St. Peter, St. John, and St. Jude.
• Revelation, a particular section within the New Testament, is mentioned.

IT'S QUIZ TIME!

• Alerts the learner that a quiz is forthcoming.

The History

• This section focuses on the historical context of the New Testament.
• It examines the time periods, important places, and individuals relevant to the writing of the New Testament.

To whom and when?

• This section details the authors of the New Testament books.
• It outlines to whom those respective authors wrote, the languages used, and when each work was written.

The Gathering

• Details the process of how the New Testament reached its current form, including the importance of biblical manuscripts, and New Testament Papyri.
• Sections concerning canonical and non-canonical books are provided, along with details on translation versions.

The Holy Book is the word of God

• This section highlights the Bible as the word of God rather than a human book, a biography, or a book of historical events.

Why to study the Bible?

• This section emphasizes the importance of studying scripture.
• This section highlights the importance of scripture for reflecting on eternal life and drawing testimonies.
• Direct quoting from the Bible is performed in the section.

Introduction to the Gospel

• Covers the introduction to the Gospel presented through the 4 Evangelists.
• Details the distinct views through which these 4 Evangelists present the message of the Gospel.

Ezekiel's Vision

• This section describes Ezekiel's vision involving four living creatures.

John's Vision

• This section describes John's vision involving four living creatures.

Introduction to the Gospel Part 2

• This section details how the separate accounts of the Gospel, presented by the four Evangelists, offer a multilayered understanding of the message.

Introduction to the Gospel Part 3

• This section emphasizes the importance and roles of the 4 Evangelists in providing a full understanding of the Gospel message, emphasizing both their personal perspectives and their access to the apostles.

The Synoptic Gospel

• This section further explores the similarities and differences between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, highlighting the usage of various sources from oral and written traditions to form their messages.

Introduction to the Gospel Part 4

• This section emphasizes how the 4 Evangelists shared similar understandings through parables and various narratives, highlighting the direct influence of the Holy Spirit in composing their collective message.

Introduction to the Gospel Part 5

• This section describes the symbolism used in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John's Gospels, describing insights into the cultures and audiences for which these texts were created.

Translations

• Details the King James Version (1611) and the Van Dyke Version (1860/1865).
• This section details the translation years and a brief description of each translation.

Thank you and God bless you

• A general closing statement concluding the course.

This quiz explores the historical governance of Judea post-Alexander, focusing on the Ptolemaic rule and its implications. It also delves into the origins of the Bible and spiritual growth within the context of Coptic Orthodox teachings. Test your knowledge on these intertwined topics!