New Testament

Definition

The New Testament is a collection of 27 books that form the second part of the Christian Bible, detailing the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with the early Christian church's development. It includes the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and Revelation, serving as a foundation for Christian faith and practice. This collection is critical for understanding concepts of salvation, the establishment of the early church, and the inclusion of Gentiles into Christianity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Testament was written in Greek and composed between approximately 50-100 CE, reflecting a variety of genres including history, poetry, and theology.
2. The four Gospels serve not only to narrate Jesus' life but also to convey theological messages about his identity as the Messiah and Son of God.
3. The Acts of the Apostles describes the early church's formation and growth, emphasizing the role of key figures like Peter and Paul in spreading Christianity.
4. Salvation is a central theme in the New Testament, particularly articulated through Pauline theology which emphasizes faith in Christ as essential for salvation.
5. The inclusion of Gentiles into Christianity was a major development within the New Testament narrative, leading to significant theological debates represented in letters like Galatians.

Review Questions

• How do the teachings found in the New Testament shape Christian concepts of salvation?
  • The New Testament is pivotal in shaping Christian concepts of salvation primarily through its portrayal of Jesus Christ as the Savior. In particular, Paul's letters emphasize that salvation is attained through faith in Christ rather than adherence to the law. This shift represents a significant development in soteriology as it opened up the possibility of salvation to all humanity, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.
• Discuss how the New Testament documents reflect the experiences and challenges faced by the early church during its formation.
  • The New Testament documents offer valuable insights into the experiences and challenges faced by the early church, such as persecution, doctrinal disputes, and questions surrounding inclusion. For instance, Paul's letters often address specific issues within communities regarding morality and theology while also emphasizing unity among believers. The Book of Acts showcases both miraculous growth amidst adversity and how church leaders navigated conflicts related to Jewish law and Gentile inclusion.
• Evaluate how the New Testament's portrayal of Gentile inclusion influenced broader theological developments within early Christianity.
  • The New Testament's portrayal of Gentile inclusion significantly influenced theological developments within early Christianity by challenging existing Jewish norms regarding covenant and law. This shift is most evident in Paul's writings, which argue that faith in Jesus supersedes traditional Jewish laws for salvation. The acceptance of Gentiles not only expanded Christianity’s reach but also prompted debates that shaped core doctrines about grace and community identity, ultimately contributing to a more universal understanding of faith.

Related terms

Gospels: The first four books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that recount the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Epistles:

Letters written by early Christian leaders, such as Paul, to various churches or individuals addressing theological issues and moral guidance.

Apostolic Fathers: Early Christian writers who are considered to be the immediate successors to the apostles and provide insight into early Christian beliefs and practices.