How Do We Learn About Jesus? CHAPTER 1

Faith Sources Biblical Scholars – Those who concentrate on studying the Bible. Theologians – Those who study the history, beliefs, and teachings of the church. Throughout the years, scholars and theologians have based their understandings of Jesus on the teachings of the Apostles and the experiences of the early followers of Jesus.

The Christian Scriptures Include the whole collection of sacred writings that includes both the Old and New Testament. Testament – means covenant which is the solemn promise made between people. The Old Testament is all about the covenant or special relationship, that God made with the people of Israel long before the birth of Jesus (46 books written by different people over about a thousand years). Christians believe that everything God promised to Christians the people of Israel was promised to Christians too, and through Jesus, God fulfilled those promises. The New Testament is all about that new covenant (27 books specific to the Christian faith). Inspired texts – writings who authors, prompted by the Holy Spirit, convey God’s truth using their own abilities, words and styles. Faith sources – written by believers prompted by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of proclaiming the work of God.

The Gospels When we understand Jesus’ ministry and life, we rely on the 4 short books: The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The gospels are the link between the Jesus of Nazareth and the people throughout history who have claimed to be his followers. Many non-Christian sources discuss Jesus: Josephus, a Jewish Historian proclaims Jesus had a profound impact on the people he encountered by saying, “he was a wise man…a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of men who receive the truth with pleasure,” and he also notes that Jesus was later condemned by Pilate to crucifixion. Roman writers: Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, and Suetonius also mention Jesus or Chrestus (referring to Christ), and the condemnation of Christians.

The New Testament Canon – comes from the Greek work for “rule” or “standard.” Christian Canon – was inspired by the Holy Spirit and these scriptures are considered to be authorative.

Vocab Epistles – Letter Catholic – Universal General Epistles – letters addressed to believing Christians as a general audience rather than to a specific individual or community. Book of Revelation – referred to as Apocalypse based on Greek word for “revelation”