2. Bible in the Art By Leon Dzananovic

3. Sandro Botticcelli - Scenes from the Life of Moses This is the second fresco on the southern wall of the Sistine Chapel. It is part of the series on the life of Moses. This fresco shows a number of events that preluded the journey from Egypt. In the bottom right Moses kills an Egyptian who had attacked a Hebrew (Exodus 2:11-12). When Pharaoh heard of the murder Moses fled into the land of Midian (Exodus 2:15). There he drove away a group of shepherds who harassed the daughters of the local priest, Jethro. Moses helped them to water their flock (Exodus 2:17). He was allowed to marry one of Jethro's daughters, Zipporah. Moses lived in Midian as a shepherd. The top left shows how one day God appears to Moses in a burning bush (Exodus 3:2). The ground he stands on is sacred so he has to take off his shoes (Exodus 3:5). God tells Moses to lead his people from Egypt to the promised land. In the bottom left Moses and his family return to Egypt to perform that task (Exodus 4:20). Another interpretation of that scene is that is shows the actual journey from Egypt, which was not to happen for many chapters.

4. The Good Samaritan - Eugène Delacroix The man from Samaria puts the stranded traveller on his horse. Other passers-by had let the robbed man lay on the road - even though they were supposed to be more pious than the Samaritan.

5. Sandro Botticcelli – Birth of Christ This work is also known as the Mystical Nativity. Mary, the ox and the ass are watching over the infant while Joseph is sleeping. The three men kneeling to the left of the stable are the Magi; they can be recognized by their long gowns. Kneeling to the right are the shepherds, wearing cheaper and so shorter outfits. All the angels carry olive branches and the men are crowned with olive: a symbol of peace. The heavens over the stable have opened, allowing the golden light of paradise to shine down on the scene. The angels and the men are obviously celebrating the birth of the newborn king. In the corners in the foreground demons can be seen fleeing from all the joy into the underworld. Many of the angels carry banners with texts like 'Gloria in excelsis deo' [Glory to God in Heaven] or texts that praise Mary - all in Latin.

6. Michelangelo Buonarroti - Noah's Sacrifice A fresco on the ceiling of theSistine Chapel. After the Flood Noah builds an altar so that he can thank God. He sacrifices some animals that he saved from drowning earlier.

7. Rembrandt van Rijn - Christ and the Woman Taken in Adultery A group of scribes and Pharisees bring a woman before Jesus. She has been caught in adultery. According to the Law of Moses, the woman has to be stoned. The scribes believe that Jesus is too softhearted for such a cruel punishment, so they challenge him for his opinion. He responds with "he who is without sin, cast the first stone".

8. Leonardo da Vinci - The Last Supper Jesus has just told his followers that he is about to be betrayed by one of them. We see the reactions of all. From left to right: Bartholomew, James Minor and Andrew are flabbergasted by the announcement. Jude is hanging over the table, small money pouch in his right hand. Peter is angry, demanding that John find out whom Jesus is referring to. John looks about to faint. Jesus looks imperturbable, acquiescent – as if he just wants to get on with sharing the bread and wine. Thomas is angry, James Major looks stunned and seems to be holding back Thomas and Philip. Philip seems to be looking for an explanation. Matthew, Thaddeus and Simon are emerged in a lively conversation, most likely about the betrayal.

9. El Greco - The Resurrection Jesus is risen from his grave. The guards look on, taken by surprise. One of them, with the helmet on his head, is still asleep. The white banner symbolizes the triumph over death. The purple cloak represents martyrdom and sacrifice.