1. The Bible

2. Bible – From the Greek word biblia meaning “the books or library” It contains 66 books divided into two sections: New and Old Testaments The Old Testament is the scripture of the Jews and deals with the time prior to Jesus Reveals the nature of God and His relationship with humanity in 39 separate books Creation narrative (Genesis) and Moses and the Ten Commandments (Exodus) are found in Old Testament Only major religion that contains another religions scripture in its holy book Christians believe that its writings of a coming deliverer, the Messiah, were about Jesus

3. The New Testament deals with: The early life of Jesus The early Church Beginning of new relationship between God and humanity The New Testament caintains 27 books The four books about Jesus are called the gospels Gospels (“Good News”) record Jesus’ early teachings and his life Written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Referred to as “Synoptic” books or gospels because they are dealing with similar content from different perspectives – lots of overlap

4. New Testament made up of the four gospels plus: One book about the early Christians – Acts Concentrates on exploits of Peter and Paul and the apostles as they spread Jesus’ teachings after the ascension 21 letters –called epistles Letters written by early Christian leaders to gatherings of of believers to give them advice and encouragement – sent to churches Give insight into beliefs and concerns of early Christians One Prophetic book – Revelation Written at end of 1 st century CE Theme is that good will eventually win over evil and Christ will return to earth in victory Understood ay symbolic, not literally

5. The “canon” of the New Testament” was finally settled around 200CE Books had to meet the following criteria: Widely read by Christians Considered helpful Written by one of the apostles or thought o be faithful in their teachings Christians look to the New Testament for: Advice on leading a life characteristic of Christian values – ethically and spiritually Guidance in the practices of the Church Help in matters of doctrine (written Christian teachings)

6. Bible was not written as a complete work It is an edited and translated compilation of many authors works Writings were from different places and times Consequently, many different renderings and translations of the bible Original languages were Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic – the first translated version was Latin First English translation was in 1539 in England

7. Recent translations try to put bible into more modern language Example: http://www.bibleontheweb.com/Bible.asphttp://www.bibleontheweb.com/Bible.asp Because of the way the bible was compiled and translated, its authority and interpretation has been debated for centuries (Literal vs. Symbolic) Bible is basis for private study and often an important part of church services (readings) Sermons are interpretations of readings