The New Testament

250 words. APA format. 2 scholary sources for each question.

1. Try and define the New Testament to someone who has never before heard of it. How did the New Testament come to us? What language was it written in and why? When was The New Testament first translated into English, what was this translation called? In what ways does this collection of early Christian documents resemble the scriptures of other world religions? In what ways does the New Testament differ from other sacred texts? Why should we study the New Testament in its original language, rather than just English? How does the linguistics of the texts make a difference?

2. Does the “Synoptic Problem” present an issue for you and your understanding of the truth of Scripture? How might the differences in story, style and content of the Gospel books actually lead the reader into a better understanding of who Jesus was and what the church believed about Him than they might have with only a single Gospel account? What part did the early Christian Communities have in authorship? What do the Early Church Fathers tell us? (http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/churchfathers.html)
For example, much of the material that appears only in Luke’s Gospel highlights Jesus’ concern for women, the poor and social outcasts. Luke was not a disciple, so where did he get his material from? The parables unique to his account – such as the prodigal son, the good Samaritan, and Lazarus and the rich man – emphasizes unexpected reversals of society’s accepted norms. What view of Jesus’ character and teaching do you think Luke wishes to promote? Do you think this portrayal should affect the actions and priorities of those who follow Christ?