3Q Christian Living Education Handout 1 - PDF

**Chair of St. Peter School** **Third Quarter Handout \#1** **Christian Living Education 11** **The Bible** The Bible is the written Word of God and thus the ultimate set of guiding principles governing all areas of life for the people of God. Through these writings, God communicates his will, h...

**Chair of St. Peter School** **Third Quarter Handout \#1** **Christian Living Education 11** **The Bible** The Bible is the written Word of God and thus the ultimate set of guiding principles governing all areas of life for the people of God. Through these writings, God communicates his will, his laws, his nature, and his saving purpose to humanity. The Bible is a [compilation of 66 books and letters](https://www.learnreligions.com/books-of-the-bible-700274) written by more than 40 authors during a period of approximately 1,500 years. The original text of the Bible was communicated in just [three languages](https://www.learnreligions.com/what-language-was-the-bible-written-in-4158596): [Hebrew](https://www.learnreligions.com/the-hebrew-language-2076678), *koine* or common Greek, and Aramaic. The [Old Testament](https://www.learnreligions.com/the-old-testament-4684893) was written for the most part in Hebrew, with a small percentage in Aramaic. The [New Testament](https://www.learnreligions.com/the-new-testament-4684894) was written in Greek. The English word \"Bible\" comes from ***bíblia*** in Latin and ***bíblos*** in Greek. The term means book, or books, and may have originated from the ancient Egyptian port of Byblos (in modern-day Lebanon), where papyrus used for making books and scrolls was exported to Greece. Other terms for the Bible are the Holy Scriptures, Holy Writ, Scripture, or the Scriptures, which means \"sacred writings.\" For Christians, the simplest definition of the Bible is ***\"the Word of God to humankind.\"*** Beyond its two main sections (the Old Testament and the New Testament), the Bible contains several more divisions: the [Pentateuch](https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-the-pentateuch-700745), the [Historical Books](https://www.learnreligions.com/historical-books-of-the-bible-700269), the [Poetry and Wisdom Books](https://www.learnreligions.com/poetry-and-wisdom-books-of-the-bible-700273), the books of [Prophecy](https://www.learnreligions.com/prophetic-books-of-the-bible-700270), the [Gospels](https://www.learnreligions.com/gospels-of-the-bible-700272), and the [Epistles](https://www.learnreligions.com/epistles-of-the-bible-700271). Originally, the Holy Scriptures were written on scrolls of papyrus and later parchment, until the invention of the codex. A codex is a handwritten manuscript formatted like a modern book, with pages bound together at the spine within a hardcover. The Bible unfolds as a divine love story between the [Creator God](https://www.learnreligions.com/the-creation-story-700209) and the object of his love, humankind. In the pages of the Bible, we learn of God\'s interaction with humans. We discover his purposes and plans from the beginning of time and throughout history. Fairchild, Mary. (2023, April 5). What Is the Bible? Retrieved from **Old Testament** ----------------- The Old Testament is a collection of books that are considered sacred by Jews and Christians. These books were written over a period of approximately 1,000 years and are divided into several categories, each one with its unique purpose, message, and style. Together, they tell the story of God\'s relationship with humanity, offering insights into the nature of God, the meaning of life, and the human condition. ### The Five Books of the Law: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy The first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Pentateuch or the Five Books of the Law, were written by [Moses](https://www.infoplease.com/religion/old-testament-names) and are considered the foundation of the Jewish faith and the Hebrew bible. They provide a historical account of the creation of the world, the early history of humanity, and the establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites. **Genesis** is the first book of the Old Testament and tells the story of creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah\'s Ark, and the patriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It lays the foundation for the rest of the Bible, introducing themes of sin, redemption, and the promise of a savior. **Exodus** recounts the story of Moses and the Israelites\' escape from slavery in Egypt. It includes the Ten Commandments and the establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites. It also introduces the concept of sacrifice and the importance of the law in the Israelite religion. **Leviticus** contains laws and regulations regarding worship and sacrifice in the Israelite religion. It emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity, and the need for atonement for sin. **Numbers** tells the story of the Israelites\' journey to the Promised Land and includes the census of the Israelites in the desert. It also highlights the Israelites\' disobedience and lack of faith, which resulted in their prolonged wandering in the wilderness. **Deuteronomy** contains the final speeches of Moses and a summary of the laws given to the Israelites. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God and the consequences of disobedience. ### Historical Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and 1 and 2 Chronicles The Historical Books of the Old Testament recount the history of the Israelites from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile. These books provide insights into the political, social, and cultural developments of ancient Israel, as well as the role of prophets and kings in shaping the destiny of the nation. ### Wisdom Literature: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon The Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament consists of five books that offer insights into the nature of God, the meaning of life, and the human condition. They are characterized by their poetic style, their use of metaphors and imagery, and their emphasis on the importance of wisdom, virtue, and faith. ### Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel The Major Prophets of the Old Testament are so-called because of the length of their books. They are also called the \"classical prophets\" because they were active during the period of the Babylonian exile. They offer insights into the nature of God, the consequences of sin, and the hope of redemption. ### Books of Poetry and Songs: Lamentations, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah The Books of Poetry and Songs of the Old Testament include a variety of genres, including laments, prayers, and songs of praise. They offer insights into the emotional and spiritual life of the Israelites, as well as the role of faith and prayer in their relationship with God. [*Books of the Bible: Old Testament Books in Order \| Infoplease*](https://www.infoplease.com/religion/old-testament-bible-books-order) **The New Testament** The New Testament (NT) is the second division of the [Christian biblical canon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_biblical_canon). It discusses the teachings and person of [Jesus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_in_Christianity), as well as events relating to [first-century Christianity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_the_1st_century). The New Testament is a collection of Christian texts originally written in the Koine Greek language, at different times by various authors. Thus, in almost all Christian traditions today, the New Testament consists of 27 books: - - - - - - **The Gospels** Each of the four [gospels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospels) in the New Testament narrates the life, death, and resurrection of [Jesus of Nazareth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_of_Nazareth) (the gospel of Mark in the original text ends with the empty tomb and has no account of the post-resurrection appearances, but the emptiness of the tomb implies a resurrection). The word \"gospel\" derives from the [Old English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_English_language) *gōd-spell* (rarely *godspel*), meaning \"good news." - **The [Gospel of Matthew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Matthew)**, ascribed to the [Apostle Matthew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_the_Evangelist). This gospel begins with a [genealogy of Jesus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genealogy_of_Jesus) and a story of his birth that includes a visit from [magi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi) and a [flight into Egypt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_into_Egypt), and it ends with the [commissioning of the disciples](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Commission) by the resurrected Jesus. - **The [Gospel of Mark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Mark)**, ascribed to [Mark the Evangelist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_the_Evangelist). This gospel begins with the preaching of [John the Baptist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist) and the [baptism of Jesus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptism_of_Jesus) and ends with the [Ascension of Jesus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascension_of_Jesus). Two different secondary endings were affixed to this gospel in the 2nd century. - **The [Gospel of Luke](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Luke)**, ascribed to [Luke the Evangelist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist), who was not one of [the Twelve Apostles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Disciples#The_Twelve_Apostles), but was mentioned as a companion of the [Apostle Paul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_of_Tarsus) and as a physician. This gospel begins with parallel stories of the birth and childhood of John the Baptist and Jesus and ends with appearances of the resurrected Jesus and his ascension into heaven. - **The [Gospel of John](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_John)**, ascribed to [John the Evangelist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Evangelist). This gospel begins with a philosophical prologue and ends with appearance of the resurrected Jesus. **Acts of the Apostles** The Acts of the Apostles is a narrative of the apostles\' ministry and activity after [Christ\'s death](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ%27s_death) and resurrection, from which point it resumes and functions as a sequel to the [Gospel of Luke](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Luke). **Epistles** The epistles of the New Testament are considered by Christians to be divinely inspired and holy letters, written by the apostles and disciples of Christ, to either local congregations with specific needs, or to [New Covenant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Covenant) Christians in general, scattered about; or \"[catholic epistles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_epistles).\" **Book of Revelation** The final book of the New Testament is the [Book of ***Revelation***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Revelation), also known as the ***Apocalypse*** of John. In the New Testament canon, it is considered [prophetical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_prophecy) or [apocalyptic literature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalyptic_literature). The work opens with letters to [seven local congregations of Asia Minor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_churches_of_Asia) and thereafter takes the form of an [apocalypse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalypse), a ***\"revealing\"*** of divine prophecy and mysteries, a literary genre popular in ancient Judaism and Christianity.