THE NEW TESTAMENT CANON

AUTHORS OF THE GOSPELS

is normally divided into four main parts:  Gospels  Acts  Letters  Apocalypse THE NEW TESTAMEMT

 Good News about Jesus Christ  authorship attributed to the four Evangelists  narrative portraits of Jesus written for various early Christian communities  similar to ancient biographies in form THE FOUR GOSPELS

 Matthew  Mark  Luke THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS

 John THE FOURTH GOSPEL:

Why were certain books eventually accepted into the New Testament Canon, while others were rejected? FOUR CRITERIA FOR CANONICITY

Apostolic Origin - attributed to and/or based on the preaching/teaching of the first-generation apostles (or their closest companions). Universal Acceptance - acknowledged by all major Christian communities in the Mediterranean world (by the end of the fourth century). FOUR CRITERIA FOR CANONICITY

Liturgical Use - read publicly along with the OT when early Christians gathered for the Lord's Supper (their weekly worship services). Consistent Message - containing theological ideas compatible with other accepted Christian writings (incl. the divinity and humanity Jesus).

 There are 21 letters included in the New Testament.  The letters were written by (or attributed to) various early Christian leaders, known as “apostles”. "LETTERS" OR "EPISTLES":

Of the 21 Epistles,  Thirteen Letters are attributed to Paul.  They are real letters written by Paul (or his associates) to particular communities or to a specific individual.  They address or respond to various local problems and issues. PAULINE EPISTLES

1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Romans Philippians Colossians LETTERS SENT TO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES IN CITIES

1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon LETTERS ADDRESSED TO INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN LEADERS

ONE BIBLICAL SERMON Hebrews

SEVEN CATHOLIC EPISTLES OR GENERAL LETTERS James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude

The Book of Revelation A highly symbolic narrative that interprets a historical crisis and provides hope for a better future. "APOCALYPSE"

 a partial narrative account of the growth of the Early Church  a continuation of Luke's Gospel  contains historical materials, but is not a complete "history" of apostolic Christianity ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

o Group 1: Acts 1: o Group 2:Acts 2: 1-41 o Group 3:Acts 3 o Group 4Acts 4: 1-31 o Group 5:Acts 2: 42-47; Acts 4: 32-37; Acts 5: 1-11 GROUPS

Complete a short skit by Wednesday that depicts what has gone on in the young Christian community in Jerusalem. TASK DUE THURSDAY