programme for catholic secondary schools in · scripture and church tradition revelation is the...

LEARNING STRAND: SCRIPTURE AND TRADITION

Biblical Studies 1

12E

RELIGIOUSEDUCATIONP R O G R A M M E

FOR CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

THE LOGOThe logo is an attempt to express Faith as an inward and outward journey.

This faith journey takes us into our own hearts, into the heart of the world and into the heart of Christ who is God’s love revealed.

In Christ, God transforms our lives.We can respond to his love for us by reaching out and loving one another.

The circle represents our world.White, the colour of light, represents God.Red is for the suffering of Christ. Red also represents the Holy Spirit.Yellow represents the risen Christ.

The direction of the lines is inwardsexcept for the cross,which stretches outwards.

Our lives are embedded in anddependent upon our environment(green and blue) and our cultures(patterns and textures).

Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, isrepresented by the blueand white pattern.

The blue also represents the Pacific…

Annette Hanrahan RSCJ

Cover: St. Luke the Evangelist. Fresco detail.BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

LOGO: Annette Hanrahan rscjPHOTOGRAPHY: Carol Devine; Corbus Images; Digital Stock CorporationMODELS: Special thanks to the Year 12 students: Sian Doidge, Jamal Fortes, May Jarvis, Andrew McKenzie, Fatima Tanielu, Nimo Vili and Hannah Robinson of Catholic Cathedral College, Christchurch.

FIRST EDITION (1991)This booklet was part of a series prepared by the members of a Writing Party:

Anna Heffernan (Auckland)

Lorraine Campbell sm (Auckland)

Steve Jorgensen (Hamilton)

Mary Lynch (Palmerston North)

Gary Finlay (Wellington)

Mervyn Duffy sm (Wellington)

Sharon Alexander (Wellington)

Karaitiana Kingi sm (Christchurch)

Richard Walsh cfc (Dunedin)

SYLLABUS CO-ORDINATOR: Gary Finlay (NCRS, Wellington)

EDITORS: Gary Finlay (NCRS, Wellington)

Elizabeth M Russell sjc (NCRS, Auckland)

THEOLOGICAL CONSULTORS: + John Mackey DD

Paul Williamson sm, S.T.D., M.A. (Hons)ARTWORK: Norah Tobin, Shane Clapson

SECOND EDITION (2005)

CO-ORDINATOR/EDITOR: Charles Shaw

THEOLOGICAL CONSULTOR: Mons. Vincent Hunt

LITURGICAL CONSULTOR: Rev. Anthony Harrison

CONTACT FOR

MA-ORI CONSULTATION: Rev. Bernard Dennehy

NCRS: Gary Finlay, Director

Joan Parker rndm, Editing

Nuala Dunne, Secretary

ARTWORK: Hayley Roker, Carol Devine


Biblical Studies I

12E

© Copyright 2005 by National Centre for Religious Studies

No part of this document may be reproduced in any way, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Imprimatur + Colin Campbell DD Bishop of Dunedin Conference Deputy for National Centre for Religious Studies February 2005

Authorised by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Design & Layout: Devine Graphics P O Box 5954 Dunedin New Zealand

Published By: National Centre for Religious Studies Catholic Centre

P O Box 1937 Wellington New Zealand

Printed By: Printlink 33–43 Jackson Street Petone Private Bag 39996 Wellington Mail Centre Lower Hutt 5045

Ma-ori terms are italicised in the text. The first time a Ma-ori term appears in the text, its English meaning appears in brackets after it. A Ma-ori glossary at the back of the book gives a more detailed explanation of these terms and provides a guide for their

pronunciation.

GLOSSARY OF MA-ORI TERMS This glossary gives explanation of Ma- ori terms which are italicised in the text. The first time a Ma- ori term appears in the text, its English meaning appears in brackets after it.

Pronunciation – correct pronunciation of Ma- ori comes only with practice in listening to and speaking the language. The English phonetic equivalents provided under each Ma- ori word are intended to provide a reasonably accurate guide for students. If in doubt please seek assistance from someone practised in correct pronunciation of Te Reo Ma- ori.

indicates stressed syllable

Aroha – In general, means love and/or compassion. Note that the word is used in two senses: u h-raw-huh 1. a joyful relationship involving the expression of goodwill and the doing of

good,empathy. 2. sympathy, compassion towards those who are unhappy or suffering.

Atua – The Ma-ori word Atua has been used to describe God in the Christian sense sinceu h-too-uh missionary times. Before the coming of Christianity, Ma- ori used the word atua to

describe many kinds of spiritual beings (in the way we now use the word "spirit") and also unusual events. Io was the name given to the Supreme Being before missionary times. Many, but not all, tribes had this belief in Io.

Ha-karameta – Sacrament.háh-kuh-ruh-meh-tuh

Hehu Karaiti – Jesus Christ. héh-hoo kuh-rúh-ee-tee

Karakia – Prayer, ritual.kúh-ruh-kee-uh

Mana – Spiritual power and authority. Its sources are both divine and human, namely, God, múh-nuh one’s ancestors and one’s achievements in life. Mana comes to people in three ways:

mana tangata from people, mana whenua, from the land, and mana atua, from the spiritual powers.

Please note: when mana refers to Mana of God it is written as Mana.

Rongopai – Gospel or Good News. Nga Rongopai (plural). Te Rongopai (singular).ráw-ngaw-puh-ee

Tapu – This word is used in three senses:túh-poo 1. restrictions or prohibitions which safeguard the dignity and survival of people and

things. 2. the value, dignity, or worth of someone or something, eg the holiness of God,

human dignity, the value of the environment. 3. the intrinsic being or essence of someone or something, eg Tapu i Te Atua is the

intrinsic being of God, the divine nature. Please note: when tapu refers to the Tapu of God it is written as Tapu.

Te Aranga – The Resurrection.teh úh-ruh-nguh

Te Kupu a Te Ariki – The Word of God.teh kóo-poo uh teh úh-ree-kee

Te Rangatiratanga – The Kingdom or Reign of God.teh ruh-nguh-tée-ruh-tuh-nguh

TeWairuaTapu – The Holy Spirit.teh wúh-ee-roo-uh túh-poo

Whakapapa – Genealogy or family tree.fúh-kuh-puh-puh

Whakapono – Faith.fúh-kuh-paw-naw

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Summary

• WelearnaboutTe Atua in many ways, most completely through Hehu Karaiti whowecometoknowthroughScripture--theWordofGodexpressedinhumanlanguage – and the Church.

• TheOldandNewTestamentsoftheBibletogetherrecordthreethousandyearsof God’s revelation and contain many different literary forms, each with its own particular characteristics and features.

• TheChristiancanonofScriptureincludesthosewritingsthattheChurchhas

recognised as expressing God’s true revelation.

• TheBibleisconcernedwithreligioustruthbutisnotalwaysaccuratewhenitcomes to historical, scientific or similar matters.

• Scripturecanonlybeproperlyunderstoodwhenitisinterpretedaccordingtoitscontext – its message is easily abused when people fail to interpret it correctly.

• TheChurchguidesCatholicsintheirinterpretationofScripture,themeaningofwhich often goes beyond the literal.

• TheGospelAccordingtoLukeandtheActsoftheApostlestogethertellthestory of Hehu Karaiti and the beginnings of Christianity.

• Luke’sinfancynarrativesestablishthatJesusisfullyGodandfullyhumanandshow him to be the fulfilment of the Hebrew Scriptures.

• JourneysareimportantfeaturesofLuke’sGospelandprovideaframeworkformany of Jesus’ words and actions.

• Luke’sGospelteachesthattheGoodNewsofJesusChristandthearoha of God are intended for all people, especially sinners and those without power in society. Themes emphasised in Luke’s Gospel include joy and praise of God, the work of TeWairuaTapu, and the importance of prayer.

• Apocalypticliterature–includingpartsoftheBookofDanielandthewhole

of the Book of Revelation – uses coded language and symbolic visions to encourage God’s people to resist evil during times of trial and to look forward with hope to the wonderful future that Te Atua promises.

• TheBookofRevelationwaswrittenbyJohnofPatmostoencourageChristiansat the end of the first century to stay true to their faith during a period of crisis.

• TheoftenstrangeandcompleximageryandsymbolismoftheBookofRevelation identifies Rome as the enemy of the first-century Christians but links Christ and his faithful followers with heavenly realities.

• Althoughitdealswiththemesofdestructionanddeath,theBookofRevelationis essentially positive. Its enduring message of hope in Jesus Christ remains valid and meaningful for Christians today.

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CONTENTS Part One: God’s Revelation 2 Task One ………………………........................................…………………………… page 3

Part Two: What is the Bible? 4 Task Two ………………………........................................…………………………… page 5 Task Three ………………………........................................…………………………… page 6

Part Three: What is in the Bible? 7 Task Four ………………………........................................…………………………… page 8 Task Five ………………………........................................…………………………… page 11

Task Six ………………………........................................…………………………… page 12

Part Four: Interpreting the Bible 13 Task Seven ………………………........................................…………………………… page 14

Part Five: Introduction to the Gospel According to Luke 15 Task Eight ………………………........................................…………………………… page 15 Task Nine ………………………........................................…………………………… page 17

Part Six: Infancy Narratives in the Gospel According to Luke 17 Task Ten ………………………........................................…………………………… page 18 Task Eleven ………………………........................................…………………………… page 18

Part Seven: Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (I) 19 Task Twelve ………………………........................................…………………………… page 19

Task Thirteen ………………………........................................…………………………… page 20

Part Eight: Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (II) 20 Task Fourteen ………………………........................................…………………………… page 20 Task Fifteen ………………………........................................…………………………… page 21

Task Sixteen ………………………........................................…………………………… page 22

Part Nine: Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (III) 22 Task Seventeen ………………………........................................…………………………… page 24

Task Eighteen ………………………........................................…………………………… page 25

Part Ten: An Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature 25 Task Nineteen ………………………........................................…………………………… page 26

Part Eleven: An Introduction to the Book of Revelation 27 Task Twenty ………………………........................................…………………………… page 28

Task Twenty-One ………………………........................................…………………………… page 29

Part Twelve: Symbols in the Book of Revelation 30 Task Twenty-Two ………………………........................................…………………………… page 31

Task Twenty-Three ………………………........................................…………………………… page 32

Part Thirteen: The Meaning of the Book of Revelation Today 34 Task Twenty-Four ………………………........................................…………………………… page 34 Summary 36 Glossary of Ma-ori Terms ………………………........................................……………………….. page 37 Acknowledgements ………………………........................................…………………………… page 38

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Part One: God's Revelation Focus:

• WelearnaboutTe Atua (God) in many ways, most completely through Hehu Karaiti (Jesus Christ). • PeoplecometoknowChristthroughScriptureandtheChurch. • ScriptureisTe Kupu a Te Ariki(theWordofGod)expressedinhumanlanguage.

Ways of Knowing GodWe can come to a knowledge and awareness of God in many ways:

• Throughpersonalkarakia (prayer)

• Throughspiritualwritings,especiallythosewithaChristianoutlook

• Throughtheteachingsandha- karameta(sacraments)oftheChurch

• ThroughthecommunalprayeroftheChurch,especiallytheEucharist

• Throughthebeautyofthenaturalenvironment

• Throughthegoodnessandaroha (love) of other people

• Throughthevariouscustomsandwaysoflifeofthedifferentculturesoftheworld

• Throughallthatistrueintheworld’sreligions

• Throughhumanreasonandemotions

Scripture and Church TraditionRevelationisthewordusedtodescribehowTe Atua is shown or made known to us. The clearest and most certain way of coming to know God is through the ScripturesandtheChurch.TherewelearnaboutGod’sinvolvementinhumanhistoryandaboutJesusChristwho,astheSonofGod,isthemostcompleterevelation of what God is like.

ChristiansacceptthatGodistheauthoroftheScriptures which they refer to as the Word of God.

TheScripturesarealsotheworkofhumanauthorswhowereinspiredbyTe Wairua Tapu(theHolySpirit)tocommunicateGod’sWordinhumanlanguage.

TheChurchistheguardianoftheScripturesandofthetruthsthattheyreveal.FromthebeginningtheChurchhasacknowledgedtheverycloserelationshipbetweenScriptureandChurchTraditionwhichpreservesandbuildsonthetruthsfirst revealed in Scripture.

Something to DiscussRead the passages from the Book of Revelation which are used during Mass on:

a) The Feast of the Assumption – Revelation 11:19, 12:1-6,10 b) The Feast of All Saints – Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14

WhydoyouthinktheChurchchoosesthesereadingsforthesefeastdays?

Something to Find OutStatues and pictures of the Blessed Virgin Mary often use imagery taken from Chapter 12 of the Book of Revelation.

• Areyoufamiliarwithanyartistic representations of Mary that use such imagery?

• WhatparticulardetailsfromRevelation12dotheyshow?

The Book of Revelation 12:1-6

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Part Thirteen: The Meaning of the Book of Revelation Today Focus:

• TheBookofRevelationremainsvalidandmeaningfulforChristianstoday.

• TheChurchemphasisestheenduringmessageofhopeandconsolation contained in the Book of Revelation.

Valid TodayTheBookofRevelationhaditsorigininatimeofcrisis,butitremainsvalidandmeaningfulforChristianstoday.

Task Twenty-FourHere are some readers’ comments about how they understand the Book of Revelation. Reflect on what they say and then write your own response to the Book of Revelation.

People who take the Book of Revelation literally missthepoint.It’sstupidtoreaditexpectingtofindout when and how the world is going to end. The messageIgetfromitisthatTe Atua is the ultimate power.God’sgoodnessisgreaterthananyevil.(George)

WhenreadingtheBookofRevelationI’mremindedthat over the centuries hundreds of thousands of people have suffered martyrdom for what they believe.Itisnotmeaninglesstogiveupyourlifeforsomethingyoureallybelievein.Itisbettertodiethantocompromiseyourfaithbycommittingrealevil. (Eddie)

IgotintoaconversationoncewithanelderlycoupleaboutthespacestationsorbitingEarth.TheoldguysaidIwastalkingrubbish:“Theworldisnotround.TheBookofRevelationsays,‘Theangelswillstandonthefourcornersoftheearth.’Iftheworldhasfourcorners,itcan’tberound,canit?”TheBookofRevelationshouldn’tbeusedtoopposethefindingsofscience.(Doug)

There are many evil things in the world today –war,violence,famine,sicknessandpoverty.TheBook of Revelation reminds me to put my hope and trust in God who promises to reward those who remainfaithfultoJesus’teachingsintroubledtimes.(Victoria)

TheBookofRevelationtellsusthatJesuswillreturn,butitisimpossibletoknowwhenthiswillbe.Wemustbereadyatalltimesforhiscoming.“Butaboutthatdayandhournooneknows,neithertheangelsofheaven,northeSon,butonlytheFather”(Matthew24:36).(Renee)

InMatthew’sgospelJesussaid:“Andremember,Iamwithyoualways,totheendoftheage”(Matthew28:20).TheBookofRevelationremindsme of this. (Alex)

The Book of Revelation says that no matter what hardshiporsacrificeChristiansexperience,intheend,theywilltriumphoverSatanandhisforcesbystayingclosetoChrist.(Rita)

When the Book of Revelation speaks of people worshippingandpraisingtheLambaroundGod’sthroneinheavenIrecallwhatwedowhenwegathertocelebratetheEucharist.(Ryan)

IlikethefactthattheBookofRevelationgetsitsmessageacrossthroughvisionsandimages.It’sagood way of showing that there are underlying spiritualforces,bothgoodandevil,atworkinspaceandtime.(Carmel)

The Feasts of the Assumption and All SaintsThereareveryfewtimesduringtheChurch’syearwhentheBookofRevelationisreadattheLiturgyoftheWordduringMass.Perhaps,thisisbecausepeopleeasilymisinterpretitsmeaning.

Two important occasions when readings from the Book of Revelation are given are on the feasts of the Assumption and All Saints.

Onboththeseoccasions,theChurch,bycelebratingthepresenceofMaryandthesaintsinglorywithChristinheaven,givesushopethatonedaywetoowillexperiencethefullnessofGod’slifeandlove.

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Task OneUse ideas in the following statements from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Constitution on Divine Revelation to make a presentation on one of these themes:

Jesus Christ – God’s greatest revelationScripture–theWordofGodinhumanlanguageChurch Tradition – the guardian of God’s truth

Jesus ChristGod has revealed himself

fullybysendinghisownSon,inwhomhehasestablished

his covenant for ever. (CatechismoftheCatholicChurch73)

RevelationGod has revealed himself

tohumankindbygraduallycommunicating his own mystery

in deeds and in words. (CatechismoftheCatholic

Church69)

TheWordofGodThe Sacred Scriptures

contain the Word of God and,becausetheyare

inspired,theyaretrulytheWord of God.

(ConstitutiononDivineRevelation 24)

From the ApostlesWhatChristentrustedtothe

apostles,theyinturnhandedonbytheirpreachingandwriting,

under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,toallgenerations...(CatechismoftheCatholic

Church96)

Human AuthorsTocomposethesacredbooks,

God chose certain people who … made full use of their own faculties andpowerssothat,thoughGod

actedinthemandbythem,itwas as true authors that they put in writing whatever God wanted written,andnomore.(Constitution

onDivineRevelation11)

ScriptureSacred Scripture is the

speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breathoftheHolySpirit.

(CatechismoftheCatholicChurch81)

Church TraditionTheChurch,inher

doctrine,lifeandworship,perpetuates and transmits to every generation all that sheherselfis,allthatshebelieves.(Catechismofthe

CatholicChurch98)

TheSingleWordof God

Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture make up a single sacred deposit of the Word

of God. (ConstitutiononDivine

Revelation 10)

The Truth ofScripture

God is the author of Sacred Scripturebecauseheinspireditshuman authors; he acts in them andbymeansofthem.Hethus

gives assurance that their writings teach without error his saving

truth. (CatechismoftheCatholic

Church136)

Honouring theScriptures

TheChurchhasalwaysvenerated the divine Scriptures as she venerated the Body of theLord:bothnourishandgovernthewholeChristian

life. (CatechismoftheCatholic

Church141)

Your presentation could be in the form of:

•Acollageorposter•Aprayerorpoem•Alistofbeliefsorstatements•Amimeorpieceofscripteddrama•Aquiz

The Bible – Treasure-House of God’s Revelation“TheBiblepresentstoustheinexhaustibletreasuresofGod’srevelationandofhisloveforhumanity.”(PopeJohnPaulII–AddresstotheMembersofthePontificalBiblicalCommission,2004)

PeoplereadtheBibleformanyreasons–someoutofcuriosity,someaspartofaspiritualsearch,othersbecauseofitsliteraryvalue,oritsgreatculturalandhistoricalsignificance.However,forJews,theHebrewScriptures,andforChristians,thewholeBibleistheWordofGodsetdowninhumanwords.Thesacredtextscontained in it are fundamental to their faith.

Something to Find OutInterview someone you know who values the Bible and takes time toreadit.Whataretheirreasonsfordoingso?

Something to Think AboutWhatisyourownattitudetotheBible?

The Bible – A Collection of BooksThewordBibleliterallymeans“collectionofbooks.”TheBibleitselfisnotonebigbook,butasmalllibraryofbooks.Betweenitscovers,theBiblegathersmanydifferentkindsofwritings–histories,stories,genealogies,laws,poems,prayers,lovesongs,letters,visions,prophecies,andsoon.Thesewereproducedbymanydifferentauthors,writingmainlyinHebrewandGreek,overaperiodofmorethanonethousandyears.AfewbriefpassagesarealsowritteninAramaic,anancientlanguagecloselyrelatedtoHebrewthatwasspokenintheareaofGalileewhereJesuswasfrom.

TheBiblecontainstherecords of three thousand yearsofJewishandChristianculture.

PeopleoffaithamongtheJewishandChristiancommunitiesrecognisedGod’spresenceandactionintheirmidst–bothintheimportanteventsofhistoryandineverydaysituations–andexpressedthisexperienceinwords.

Evenbeforewritingmaterialswereinvented,muchofthematerialthatcametobeincludedintheBiblewashandeddownfromgenerationtogenerationbywordofmouth.Afteryearsofpassingonstories,songs,prayersetc.byoraltradition,someonewithinthecommunitywrotethemdown.Later,otherscontributedtothewrittentexts–copyingthem,addingmaterial,changingdetails,shiftingtheemphasis.

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Part Two: What is the Bible? Focus:

• TheBiblerecordsthreethousandyearsofGod’srevelation. • TheOldTestamentcontainstheoriginalHebrewScriptures,theNew Testament witnesses to the first Christians’ faith in Hehu Karaiti. • TheChristiancanonofScriptureincludesthosewritingsthattheChurch has decided belong in the Bible because they express God’s true revelation.

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How the Symbols WorkImagesandsymbolsintheBookofRevelationfunctioninvariousways.

• Sometimestheirmeaningisexplainedbythenarratororanangel.• Sometimestheycomefromotherbiblicalandapocalypticliterature.• Sometimestheyareincludedtoaddtothedramaandexcitement,buthavenodeepersignificance.

Contrasting Groups of SymbolsThe Book of Revelation is very critical ofRome’soppressionofChristianity.Imageryandsymbolismareusedinacoded way to present Rome in a very negative light.

Incontrast,Christandhisfaithfulfollowers are presented through images andsymbolsthatemphasisetheirglorybylinkingthemwithGodandheavenlyrealities.Thestrugglebetweengoodand evil which is at the heart of the Book of Revelation is shown through theinterplaybetweenthesetwosetsofcontrasting images.

John’svisionoftheSonofmanamidseven gold lampstands holding seven stars in his hand (Revelation 1:13-16) isexplainedtohimbyanangel:“The

seven stars are the angels of the seven Churches,andthesevenlampstandsare

thesevenChurches.”(Revelation1:20)

Task Twenty-ThreeRead Revelation 14:1-5 and 17:1-18 and study the prints by the artist Dürer, which appear on the following pages, that were inspired by these two passages of Scripture.

a)WhataresomeoftheimagesandsymbolsusedinRevelation14:1-5torepresentChristandhisfaithfulfollowers?

b) How are the evils of the Roman Empire represented by images and symbols in Revelation17:1-8?

Extension ActivityWhatothergroupsofcontrastingimagesorsymbolscanyoufindintheBookofRevelation?Whatdotheyrepresent?

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TheancientIsraelites'earliestwrittenstoriestoldaboutthe deeds of the kings. While the songs they used in worship(psalms)wererecordedasfarbackasthetenthcenturyBC,moststorieswerewrittendownbetweenthefifthandthethirdcenturyBC.

Two TestamentsThewritingsintheBiblearearrangedintwomaingroups,knownbyChristiansastheOldandtheNewTestaments. The word “testament” comes from the Latin testamentum–atranslationoftheHebrewwordmeaning “covenant”.

TheOldTestamentcontainstheoriginalHebrewScripturesandsomeGreekwritingssacredtotheJewishpeople. These tell of the covenant or agreement that GodmadewithIsraelthroughAbrahamandMoses.ThesinglemostimportantstoryinthehistoryoftheJewishpeople was the account of their escape from slavery inEgypttothePromisedLandofCanaan–aneventwhich revealed the guiding hand of God.

ThebooksoftheNewTestament,writtenbyChristiansinthefirstcenturyAD,presentJesusasthefulfilmentofthecovenantthatGodmadewithIsraelthroughMosesandtracethestoryandfaithoftheearlyChristianChurch.Becauseofthis,theOldTestamentissometimessaidtobethestoryoftheoldorfirstcovenantandtheNew Testament that of the new or second covenant.

ChristiansplacegreatvalueontheOldTestamentbecauseittellsoftheuniquerelationshipbetweenGodandtheJewishpeople.TheeventsoftheOldTestamentpreparethewayforthecomingofJesusChrist,whomakes God fully known.

Task Twoa) From what you have just read, list three

or four pieces of information that you didn’t already know about how the Bible was formed or produced.

b)Whichpieceofinformationdoyouthinkisthemostimportant?Why?

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Determining the CanonOriginally,acanon(fromthe Greek kanon) was a rod or stick that was used as a standard of measurement. Later,theterm“canon”cameto refer to those writings that theChurchrecognisedashaving a rightful place in the Bible.

TheChurchusedthefollowingcriteriatodeterminewhetherornotaparticularpieceofChristianwritingbelongedinthebiblicalcanon:

• Thewritinghadtobeapostolic–writtenbyan apostle or someone closely associated with him• Thewritinghadtobecatholic–relevanttothe wholeChurch• Thewritinghadtobelongtothetradition– therewasevidencethatthebookhadalways beenusedintheChurch• Thewritinghadtobeorthodox–thebookwas faithfultotheChurch’steachingandcontained no errors or heresy

Something to DiscussWhatmighthavehappenedifanyoneofthe four criteria had not been used for determiningthecanonofScripture?

Why are Catholic and Protestant Bibles Different?

Protestants consider that the Old and New Testaments together contain sixty-sixbookswhileCatholicsholdthatthere are seventy-threebooksinall.

CatholicsandProtestants accept the same twenty-sevenbookswithintheNewTestament,butdisagreeoverthe place of seven booksintheOld

Testament.Catholicsadmitthem,butProtestantsdonot.

The earliest versions of the Old Testament were writteninHebrew.However,twohundredyearsbeforeChristtheyweretranslatedintoGreekinorder

tosatisfytheincreasingnumberofGreek-speakingJewslivingoutsidePalestinewhowantedtoreadthesacred writings in their own language.

ThetranslationoftheHebrewScripturesintoGreekis known as the Septuagint (meaning “seventy”) in honour of the experts who carried out this task. Accordingtolegend,seventyscholarstravelledfromJerusalemtoAlexandria–themajorcentreforGreek-speakingJews–wheretheyworkedforseventy months. Also included in the Septuagint are sevenbooksthatoriginallyappearedinGreekorthatsurviveonlyinGreektranslations:Tobit,Judith,Wisdom,Sirach,Baruch,and1and2Maccabees.

CatholicsincludethesesevenbooksintheOldTestamentandrefertothemasdeutero-canonical,thatis,asbelongingtothesecondorGreekcanon.Protestants,however,acceptonlythethirty-ninebooksthatwereoriginallywritteninHebrewintotheir Old Testaments and refer to the seven disputed booksastheapocrypha(meaning“hidden”or“notgenuine”).Thus,Catholicsholdthatthereareforty-sixbooksintheOldTestamentcanonwhileProtestantsacknowledge only thirty-nine.

ThepracticeofincludingthesevenGreekbooksintheCatholiccanoncanbetracedbacktotheearlycenturiesoftheChurchwhenmostChristianswereGreek speakers and tended to rely on the Septuagint in order to read the sacred Scriptures from their Jewishheritage.Becauseofthis,theCatholicChurchcametoaccepttheSeptuagintasauthoritative.InresponsetotheProtestantReformation,thistraditionwasaffirmedattheCouncilofTrentin1546.

Something to DoSome people in your class may have seventy-three books in their Bibles, others only sixty-six.

a)HowmanybooksareinyourBible?

b)WhichbooksdoesyourBiblehave/nothave that makes it different from some otherBibles?

c) In a pair or small group plan and perform a role play that explains how this difference came about.

Task ThreeUsing the photocopy master which your teacher will give you complete the crossword Bible Background. The answers to all the clues can be found in this section of the student text.

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Symbolic Numbers

31/2–Thisnumber,beinghalfofseven,representsimperfection.Itindicatessufferingand a time of trial.

4–Thenumberfourreferstothecornersoftheworld,thepointsofthecompass.

6–Six(beingonelessthanseven)isanumberthatsymbolisesimperfection.

7–Thenumbersevenisassociatedwithperfectionandfullness,andthereforewithheavenly or divine realities. There are many patterns of seven in the Book of Revelation.

12–ThisnumberisasymbolforIsraelinthatitreferstoIsrael’stwelvetribes.Italsostandsfor the twelve apostles.

666–Thenumbersixrepeatedthreetimesstandsfortotalfailure.Itisthenumberofthebeast.IntheBookofRevelationitstandsforRomeanditsempire,especiallytheemperorNero.

1,000–Thisdoesnotrefertoanexactnumberbuttoagreatquantitythatcannotbecalculated.

144,000–Thisnumber(12x12x1000)referstotheelectorchosenones.Itrepresentsthecountlessmultitudeofbelievers.

Colour SymbolsWhite represents righteousness or purity.

Gold signifies great value.

Redindicatesblood,destructionanddeath.

Purple is the colour of royalty.

Animal SymbolsThe lambsymbolisesChrist.

The dragon represents Satan in particular and evil in general.

The beasts from the earth stand for tyrannicalempires,suchasRome,orforNero.

The beasts from the sea are the ideologies at the service of a tyrannical empire,orDomitian.

The four living creatures represent the createdworldwithfourhorizons(north,south,eastandwest)formingGod’sthrone.

The white horsesymbolisestheParthianswho fought against Rome.

The four horsemen of the apocalypse aretheevilsofwar,death,plagueandfamine that rage through the world.

The goats are the wicked.

The sheep are the people.

Task Twenty-TwoFind as many different examples as you can of symbolic colours, numbers and animals in the Book of Revelation. Focus on five or six symbols that you think are especially interesting or important.

a) Copy out the verse(s), along with the Scripture references, where each of the symbols appear(s).

b) Explain the meaning of each of the symbols in the context of the verse(s) where it appears.

c) Draw the symbols or present them in another visual form.

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Part Twelve: Symbols in the Book of Revelation Focus:

• TheimageryandsymbolismoftheBookofRevelation is often strange and complex, only intended to be understood by those with an inside knowledge.

• Muchoftheimageryandsymbolismidentifies Rome as the enemy of the first-century Christians but links Christ and his faithful followers with God and heavenly realities.

Reading with “Ancient Eyes”The Book of Revelation is typical of ancient apocalyptic writings in that it is fullofstrangeimagesandcomplexsymbols–colours,numbers,allsortsofanimals,objects,buildings,plantsandtrees.

Because apocalyptic literature was written for “insiders” who already knew something of the situation and of thesymbolsthatwereusedtopresentit,theoriginalaudienceoftheBookofRevelationwouldhavemadesenseofthestrangelanguageandweirdscenesdescribedthere.However,peopletodayfinditmoredifficulttounderstandthetext’smeaning.ModernreadersbenefitfromreadingtheBookofRevelationwith“ancienteyes”.

Something to DiscussWhatimagesandsymbolsintheBook of Revelation are you already awareof?Whichofthemdoyoufindstraightforward/difficulttounderstand?

Something to Think AboutHow might modern readers read the Book of Revelation through “ancient eyes”?

The title page to the second Latin edition (1511) of Dürer’s Revelation to Saint John

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Part Three: What is in the Bible? Focus:

• TheBooksoftheOldTestamentareusuallyarrangedinfourgroups–the Pentateuch, the histories, the wisdom books, and the prophets. • TheNewTestamentismadeupofthefourGospels,theActsofthe Apostles, the letters attributed to Paul, the general letters, and the Book of Revelation. • ThebooksoftheBiblecontainmanydifferentliteraryforms,eachwithits own particular characteristics and features.

THE BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENTThese are usually arranged in the following four groups:

The Pentateuch

Genesis NumbersExodus DeuteronomyLeviticus

The Deuteronomic History Books

The Book of Joshua The Book of EzraThe Book of Judges The Book of NehemiahThe Book of Ruth Tobit *The Books of Samuel Judith *The Books of Kings The First Book of Maccabees *The Books of Chronicles The Second Book of Maccabees *

TheWisdomBooks

Job The Song of SongsThe Psalms The Book of Wisdom *The Proverbs Ecclesiasticus / Ben Sira *Ecclesiastes / Qoheleth

The Prophets

Isaiah ObadiahJeremiah JonahLamentations MicahBaruch * NahumEzekiel HabakkukDaniel ZephaniahHosea HaggaiJoel ZechariahAmos Malachi

* Catholic Bibles include seven deutero-canonical books (Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees), as well as additions to various other Old Testament books, that are not usually found in Bibles used by the Protestant Churches.

Task Four Use the words from the box below to complete the following summary about the organisation of the books in the Old Testament.

The Organisation of the Old TestamentThefirst__________booksoftheOldTestament,calledthePentateuch(meaning“fivescrolls”),formthebasicTorahorLawofIsrael.Theyareacknowledgedasthefoundationdocumentof__________becausetheytellthestoryofthebeginningsofGod’sspecialrelationshipwiththeJewishpeoplethroughthepromisesmadetoAbrahamandSarahandthegivingofthe__________toMosesonMountSinai.

ThebooksthatformtheDeuteronomicHistory(the“second”stageofIsrael’shistoryfollowingthatdescribedinthe__________)tellthestoryofIsraelfromthesettlementinPalestineuntiltheexileinBabylon–aperiodofsixhundredyears.Themessageisthat__________toGodbringswell-beingandriches,whiledesertionofhimbringspunishmentandsuffering.

TheWisdombooks–includingthe__________,theprayerbookofIsrael–spannearlyone-thousand years. They emphasise that true wisdom and __________ come from God.

ThebooksoftheProphetsgathertogetherthepromisesand__________thatGodgavetothosespecialmessengerswhotriedtokeepIsraelfaithfulinthecenturiesbeforeChrist.

CatholicBiblesinclude__________booksthatarenotusuallyincludedinProtestantBibles.ThesearereferredtobyCatholicsasthe__________books.

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seven success Pentateuch warnings deutero-canonical

Law five Israel Psalms faithfulness

THE NEW TESTAMENT

The Gospels and Acts

The Gospel According to MatthewThe Gospel According to MarkThe Gospel According to LukeThe Gospel According to John

Acts of the Apostles

The Letters of Paul (and those attributed to him) Romans 2 Thessalonians1 Corinthians 1 Timothy2 Corinthians TitusGalatians PhilemonEphesians Hebrews*Philippians Colossians *Although the Letter to the Hebrews is grouped1 Thessalonians with Paul’s letters in some Bibles, modern

scholarship suggests it was not written by Paul.

The Letters to All Christians

James 2 John1 Peter 3 John2 Peter Jude1 John

The Revelation to John

The Book of Revelation / the Book of the Apocalypse

Task Twenty-OneStudy the diagram outlining the structure of the Book of Revelation. Make use of the Scripture references provided and read each section of the Book of Revelation in your Bible. From the summaries below find one that goes with each of the sections of the Book of Revelation.

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An Outline of the Structure of the Book of RevelationA. The Prologue and John’s Address and Greeting (1:1-20)B. The First Group of Seven (1:9-3:22)C. Second Group of Seven (4:1-8:1)D. Third Group of Seven (8:2-11:19)E. Fourth Group of Seven (11:19-15:4)F. Fifth Group of Seven (15:5-16:21)G. Sixth Group of Seven (17:1-20:15)H. The Final Vision – The New Jerusalem (21:1-22:20)I. Epilogue and Concluding Blessing (22:21)

1. Seven angels sound seven trumpets in the presence of God. These warn of destruction and death in every part of the cosmos and announce the dayofGod’sjudgement.

2. The sanctuary opens in heaven and the seven angels with the seven plagues empty seven golden bowlsofGod’sangerovertheearth

3. A new heaven and a new earth appear and the holycity,Jerusalem,comesdownoutofheavenfromGodinreadinessfortheweddingoftheLamb.

4. JohnseesintoheavenandwatchesasJesustheLambunsealsascrollwhichpresentsthehistoryofthe world in the last days. Each of its seven seals revealsanaspectofGod’sjudgementandvictory.

5. JohnintroduceshimselfasaservantofChristwhoisontheislandofPatmosbecauseofhiswitnesstoJesus.TheSonofManappearstohimamong seven golden lampstands.

6. TheauthorasksthatthegraceoftheLordJesusbewithall.

7. BabylontheGreat,themotherofallprostitutes,isseenridingascarletbeastwithseven heads and tenhorns–sheisdrunkwiththebloodofsaintsand martyrs. There then appear seven sights.

8. JohnseesJesusingloryandreceivesmessagesfor the sevenChurchesintheprovinceofAsia.

9. Heaven opens and sevensigns,includingawomanandadragon,greatbeastsdefyingGod,theLambandthedayofjudgementareseen.

The seven Churches of Asia Minor

Seven angels with seven trumpets

The Son of Man appears to John among seven golden lampstands







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THE NEW TESTAMENT











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Task TwentyUse your knowledge of apocalyptic literature and the material you have just read about the Book of Revelation to match the first part of each statement (in column A) with its ending (in column B).

Column B

A. in both Jewish and Christian circles from around 200 BC to 200 AD.

B. in order to hide its meaning from the enemies of first century Christians.

C. first century Christians to stand firm in the faith and avoid compromise with the Roman Empire.

D. its message is essentially about hope and trust in Christ.

E. it contains complex symbolism that seems strange to modern readers.

F. the oppression and persecution that it refers to most likely took place under Domitian.

G. a knowledge of the historical context in which it was written.

H. over Satan and the forces of evil.

I. to those who endure suffering in the present.

J. to address a crisis – in this case the persecution of the early Church by the Roman authorities.

Column A

1. The Revelation to John is difficult to understand because

2. Like other apocalyptic literature, the Book of Revelation was composed

3. Apocalyptic literature enjoyed wide popularity

4. A proper understanding of the BookofRevelationrequires

5. The Revelation to John both encourages and warns

6. The Book of Revelation shows the struggle and victory of Christ and his followers

7. Although the Book of Revelation deals with death and destruction

8. The Book of Revelation uses coded language

9. Although there are coded references to Nero in the Book of Revelation

10. The Book of Revelation promises a future reward

The Number Seven and the Structure of the Book of RevelationIntheancientworldthenumbersevenwasassociatedwithperfection,andthereforewithheavenlyordivinerealities.Incontrast,thenumbersixsymbolisedimperfection.

AlthoughtherearemanywaysoflookingatthestructureoftheBookofRevelation,the following diagram shows that much of the material in the Book of Revelation is organised around patterns of seven. The climax of the Book of Revelation is the final visionoftheNewJerusalem.Thesixgroupsofseventhatcomebeforeitleaduptoand point to the importance of this seventh and final vision.

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The Books of the New TestamentThefirstfourbooksoftheNewTestamentareallcalledGospels. They are fourcomplementaryaccountsofthelifeofJesus,eachbyadifferentwriter.TheGospelsofMatthew,Mark,LukeandJohneachhavetheirownparticularpurposeorangle,relatedtotheneedsofthedifferentcommunitiesforwhichthey were written.

The Acts of the ApostlesisthesecondpartofLuke’saccount,tellinghowJesus’firstfollowersspreadtheGoodNewsofwhathehaddonefromJerusalemandtheprovinceofJudeatothewiderworldoftheGreekandRoman Empire. A key figure in this expansion is Saint Paul.

After the Acts of the Apostles come the letters or epistles. Thirteen of these havePaul’snameattachedtothem.TherestarebyotherclosefollowersofJesus.MostarewrittentonewgroupsofChristiansindifferentplaces,

answeringquestions,explainingmoreaboutwhatJesusdid,andshowingnewChristianshowtoliveouttheirfaithinpracticalways.Thelettersbeginandendwithformalgreetingsandprayers.

ThelastbookintheNewTestamentistheBook of Revelation,alsoknownastheBook of the Apocalypse.Itbelongstoaspecialkindofwritingcalledapocalypticliterature.ItlooksforwardtothefinaltriumphofGodandservesasanencouragementtobelieverswhentimesarehard.

Something to DoIn your copy of the New Testament find:

a) Each of the four Gospelsb) The Acts of the Apostlesc) The Letters of Pauld) The Letters to all Christians – sometimes called

the General Letterse) The Book of Revelation

Something to ResearchMost Bibles provide introductions to each of the individual books or to the various groupings of books.

a) DoesyourBible?b) Read an introduction to one of the books or

groups of books in the New Testament. c) Whatsortofinformationisprovidedinit?

Literary Form Literary forms or genre are the categories or types of writing that an author usestoexpresstheirideas:forexample,novel,poetry,shortstory,history,biography,essay,letter,song,andsoon.Whileadictionarywillestablishthemeaningofparticularwords,thetruemeaningofanytextcannotbediscoveredunlessthecategoryofwritingorspeakingtowhichitbelongs–its‘literaryform’–isidentified.

Everyliteraryformhasitsownrulesorconventions,specialvocabulary,typeofpunctuationandstyleofexpressionetc.ThisisastrueofthebooksintheBibleasitisofanyothertexts.

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Literary Forms in the Old TestamentHere are some of the more common literary forms found in the Old Testament:

Common Literary Forms in the Old Testament

Eloquence Thisinvolvesspeakingoutinaskilful,fluentorexpressiveway.

Genealogy Whakapapa (family trees) are recited to show the origins and ancestry of a

particularperson,therebyestablishingthatperson’sidentityandstatus.

History There-tellingofimportanteventsfromIsrael’spast,especiallythoseinwhichGod

acteddirectlyorthroughthenation’sleaderstosavehischosenpeople.

Legal Codes TheseprovidedetailsabouttheworkingsoftheJewishlaw,includingtherules

andregulationsthattheJewishpeoplemustfollowandthepunishmentsthatthey

faceiftheybreakthem.

Medicine Thesepassagesoutlinevarioustreatmentsandcuresforbothphysicalandmental

disorders and diseases.

Moral Codes Moralcodes,suchastheTenCommandments,indicatewhatGodrequiresfor

good or ethical living.

Poetry Imagery(simile,metaphor,personificationetc)andsound(rhyme,rhythm,

alliteration etc) are used to convey strong feeling and insight.

Prophecy Throughwarnings,challengesandthreatsthepeoplearecalledbacktoaright

relationship with God.

Proverbs Theseobservationsintheformofshortsayingsexpresswiseadvicethatcomes

from ordinary human experience.

Sanitary Thesewritingsshowhowgoodhealthcanbemaintainedthroughmeasuressuch

Sciences asthecorrectdisposalofsewageandwasteandbymaintainingproperdrainage.

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Part Eleven: An Introduction to the Book of Revelation Focus:

• TheBookofRevelationwaswrittenbyJohnofPatmostoencourageChristians at the end of the first century to stay true to their faith during a period of crisis.

• AlthoughtheBookofRevelationdealswiththemesofdestructionand death, it is essentially about hope in Jesus Christ.

• ThematerialintheBookofRevelationisorganisedaroundpatternsof seven.

A Misunderstood TextTheBookofRevelation,thelastbookintheBible,istheonemostmisunderstoodbyreaders.TomanyitbringsfearandanxietybecausetheyseeitasablueprintforArmageddon,thegreatbattlebetweengoodandevilthatsomeChristiansbelievewilltakeplaceattheendoftime.

ManypeoplearenotawarethattheBookofRevelationisaworkofapocalypticliterature.Unfamiliarwithitsliterarystyle,theytwistitsmeaningbytakingitliterally.AbookthatisabouthopeinHehuKaraiti is seen as a bookaboutfearanddeath.

Response to a CrisisInthemid90sADtheRomanemperor,Domitian,persecutedChristianswhodidnotofferincensetohiminshrinesestablishedforthispurpose.JohnofPatmosdidnotwantChristianstocompromisetheircommitmenttoChristbyhonouringtheemperorasagod.He wrote the Book of Revelation to encourage ChristiansinAsiaMinortostayfirmintheirfaithat this time of crisis.

WritteninSecretCode

The Book of Revelation was written in secret codesothattheRomanscouldn’tunderstandit.TheimagesanddescriptionsusedbyJohnofPatmoswerefamiliartoChristianreadersofthetimebuttheirmeaningremainedhiddentooutsiders.Thesymbolsinthebookneededtobesecretbecauseitunderminedthepopularidea that the empire and the emperor were the ultimate powers.

The Author

The author of the Book of Revelation identifies himselfasJohn,anexileontheislandofPatmos,aRomanpenalcolonyintheAegeanSea,becauseofhisChristianfaith.HisletterstothesevenChurchesinAsiaMinorsuggestthathehadgreatauthorityovertheChristiancommunities in that region. Although it is unlikely that the author of the Book of RevelationistheapostleJohn,perhapshewashis disciple.

PastorPresentCrisis?

AlthoughmostexpertsbelievethattheBookofRevelationwaswrittenduringDomitian’sreign,codedreferencesinthetextlinkittoapersecutionthattheemperorNero(54–68AD)orderedandtoNero’sowndeath.Maybetheauthor of Revelation is attempting to protect Christiansofhisowntimefromevengreaterpersecutionbymakingoutthattheeventsheiswritingabouthappeneddecadesearlier.

Domitian – Roman emperor 81–96AD

Messages for Our Times

Manypeople’sunderstandingoftheBookofRevelationisdictatedbythemediaandpopularculture’semphasisonitsdoomsdayscenarios.Butitslessonsfortoday’sChristiansarereallyverypositive:

• AllegiancetoChristcomesbeforeallegianceto the state

• Christiansarecalledtobeagentsofhope• Christiansshouldremainfaithfulintimesof

trouble

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Task NineteenAfter studying the material on coded writing in this section of the student text, readthrough the following notes about apocalyptic literature.

a) Think carefully about the point that each note is making.b) Identify the points that you think are the most important. c) Add any points of your own.d) Organise these important points into an order that makes sense.e) Develop the most important points into two or three paragraphs about apocalyptic

literature.

The King’s DreamThesecondchapteroftheBookofDanielistypicalofmuchapocalypticwriting.KingNebuchadnezzarofBabylonhasapuzzlingandworryingdreamaboutagreatstatueformedoutofdifferentmetals.ThedreamisfinallyinterpretedforhimbyDaniel,aJewishcaptive,whoexplains that it is a message from God. The dream shows that Godisincontrolofhistory,raisingupandoverthrowingtherulersofthisworld.Eventually,Godwillsetupakingdomthatwillneverbedestroyed.

The different metal parts of the statue represent different rulers and empires (as shown on the diagram).

Something to Think AboutRead the second chapter of the Book of Daniel. Whatdoyouthinkthestonethatdestroysthestatueinthedreamrepresents?See Daniel 2:35, 44-45

Apocalyptic Visions and Dreams

Apocalyptic literature reveals its message throughsymbolicvisions,dreamsorjourneystoheaven.

• Apersonreceivesimportantsecretknowledgefromaheavenlybeing–anangelortherisenChrist.

• Anangelinterpretsthemeaningofthevision or dream for the person.

• Heavenandeartharecontrasted–theheavenly world is presented as the “real” world,theearthlyworldasaplacethatwillnot last.

• Lifebeyonddeathisshowntobeverydifferent from the life of our experience.

• The“endtime”andthecomingofa“newage”whichGodbringsaboutarerevealed.

• Agreatclashbetweentheforcesofgoodand evil takes place.

• Godhastotalvictoryoverevil.

Apocalyptic literature….*examplesareDaniel/Revelation *meaningisnon-literal* Greek for “uncovering” or “revealing” * maintains hope*usescodedlanguage/vividimagery *endof1stcenturyAD* struggle between good and evil * angels interpret * comes out of suffering and persecution * God has the final victory*dealswithendtime/newage *symbolicvisions * God’s final goal for humanity * secret knowledge * contrasts heaven with earth * 167 – 164 BC* uses past to write about present * faith is rewarded

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Task FiveUsing the explanations on the previous page to help you, decide which literary form best matches each of the following passages.

A. Then the daughters of Zelophehad came forward. Zelophehad was son of HephersonofGileadsonofMachirsonofManassehsonofJoseph,amemberoftheManassiteclans.Thenamesofhisdaughterswere:Mahlah,Noah,Hoglah,Milcah,andTirzah.(Numbers27:1)

B. A single witness shall not suffice to convict a person of any crime or wrongdoing in connection withanyoffencethatmaybecommitted.Onlyonthe evidence of two or three witnesses shall a charge besustained.(Deuteronomy19:15)

C. Return,faithlessIsrael,saystheLord.Iwillnotlookonyouinanger,forIammerciful,saystheLord;Iwillnotbeangryforever.(Jeremiah3:12b)

D. How lonely sits the city that once was full of people! Howlikeawidowshehasbecome, she that was great among the nations! She that was a princess among the provinces hasbecomeavassal. (Lamentations 1:1)

E. When a man or a woman has spots on the skinofthebody,whitespots,thepriestshallmakeanexamination,andifthespotsontheskinofthebodyareofadullwhite,itisarashthathasbrokenoutontheskin;heisclean.(Leviticus 13:28-39)

F. NowthedaysdrewnearforMatthiastodie,andhe said to his sons: “Arrogance and scorn have now becomestrong;itisatimeofruinandfuriousanger.Now,mychildren,showzealforthelaw,andgiveyour lives for the covenant of our ancestors.” (1Maccabees2:49-50)

G. Bywisdomahouseisbuilt,andbyunderstandingitisestablished;byknowledgetheroomsarefilledwith all precious and pleasant riches.(Proverbs24:3-4)

H. You shall have a designated area outside the camp to which you shall go. With your utensils you shall have a trowel; when you relieve yourself outside,youshalldigaholewithitandthencoverupyourexcrement.(Deuteronomy23:12-13)

I. Honouryourfatherandyourmother,sothatyourdaysmaybelonginthelandthattheLordyour God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shallnotbearfalsewitnessagainstyourneighbour.Youshallnotcovetyourneighbour’shouse;youshallnotcovetyourneighbour’swife,ormaleorfemaleslave,orox,ordonkey,oranythingthatbelongstoyourneighbour.(Exodus 20:12-17)

J. InthethirdyearofKingHosheasonofElahofIsrael,HezekiahsonofKingAhazofJudahbegantoreign.Hewastwenty-fiveyearsoldwhenhebegantoreign;hereignedtwenty-nineyearsinJerusalem.(2Kings18:1-2)

Literary Genre in the New TestamentTheNewTestamentcontainsmanyexamplesofvariousliteraryforms,especiallyparables,miraclestories,riddles,prayers,blessings,accountsofJesus’preachingandsermons,andapocalypticwriting.

Something to DoUse your copy of the Bible to find examples of the following in the New Testament:

In Matthew or Luke’s Gospel:

a) A miracle story b) A parable c) An account of Jesus preaching to the people d) A situation where Jesus is instructing his disciples e) Jesus teaching the apostles how to pray In one of Paul’s letters:

f) A greeting at the beginning g) A blessing at the end

Task SixUsing what you have learned in this section of the topic:

a) Define in your own words what a literary form or genre is. b) Explain why it is important to identify and understand the literary forms found in Scripture.

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Avoid Misunderstandings

By determining the kind of writing that an author has chosen to use it is much easier to work out his or her intention or message.

Tounderstandwhatwearereading,weneedtomakeallowancesfortheformandchangeour expectations accordingly.

Ifwemisunderstandanauthor’sliteraryform,wewillalsomisunderstandwhattheauthorintends to say.

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Usuallythehouseholdwaslinkedtothepublicworldbythemaleadultsofthefamily,especiallyitshead.Awidowwithoutasonwasallowedtoassumemalerolestoenablethesurvivalofherfamily.Insuchacasethewomanwasconsideredtobemoremalethanfemale.

Fortheirfirstsevenoreightyearsoflifeboyswereraisedbythewomenofthefamily.Afterthistimetheireducationwastakenoverbymenwhoinstilledinthemthe“male”virtuesthatwereseenasnecessaryforadultlifeinthecommunity–self-mastery,courage,eloquence,andjustice.

Task EighteenTake any aspect of Jesus’ ministry and relationship with women and explain how by his words or actions Hehu challenged the culture of his time.

Women in the Gospel of LukeTherearemorestoriesaboutwomenin the Gospel of Luke than in the other gospels.Perhapsthisisbecauseitwaswrittenforaneducated,intelligent,enquiringcommunityofGreek-speakingconvertswholivedinthetownsandcities.InsuchanenvironmentwomenweremorelikelytohavesomeroleinpubliclifethaninmoretraditionalJewishcommunities.

InLuke’sGospelandinhisActsoftheApostleswomenreceiveGod’sword,arebaptised,followJesus,andofferhimhospitalityintheirhomes.However,theirroleispresentedasbeingdifferentfromthatofmenwhoaregivenresponsibilityforthepublicministriesofpraying,prophesying,teaching,healingandleadingthecommunity.Luke’swomenareshownmainlyintheprivateworldofthehousehold.

Part Ten: An Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature Focus:

• ApocalypticliteratureusesacodedtypeoflanguagetoencourageGod’s people to resist evil during a time of trial and to look forward to a wonderful future that Te Atua promises. • Apocalypticliteraturepresentsitsmessageinsymbolicvisionsor journeys which should not be interpreted literally. • PartsoftheBookofDanielandthewholeoftheBookofRevelationare apocalyptic in form.

Coded WritingIntimesofsufferingandpersecutionatthehandsofthosewhoopposethem,itcanbecomeriskyformembersofoppressedgroupsorsocietiestocommunicatewitheachother.Insuchsituationstheymaytrytoavoiddangerbyspeakingandwritinginwaysthatonlytheyas“insiders”willunderstand.Theyadoptatypeofcodedlanguagethatwillnotmakesensetotheirenemies.Themessagebehindthecodedcommunicationis one of hope.

ThebestknownexamplesfromtheBibleofthiscodedformofcommunicationcalledapocalyptic–fromtheGreekwordfor“uncovering”or“revealing”–arepartsoftheBookofDaniel(167–164BC)andthewholeoftheBookofRevelation(endof1stcenturyAD).BothworksbuildupthehopeoffaithfulJewishorChristianpeople experiencing oppression or persecution at the hands of evil governments. Both hide the fact that they aredealingwithpresentcrisesbysuggestingthattheeventstheywriteofhappenedinthepast.Bothlookforward to a time when God will reward faithful endurance with a glorious future.

Apocalyptic literature uses vivid imagery and exaggerated language to communicate the message that God has a final goal or destiny for humanity and for all of creation. The visions and images which it presents should notbeinterpretedliterally.

Task SeventeenUsing your knowledge of Luke’s Gospel, prepare a presentation on aspects of the following theme:


• Apowerpoint• Aspeech• Aposter• Ashortessay

In it you should suggest how particular teachings and actions of Jesus bring out the themeormessage.MakeuseofquotesfromScripture.Whereappropriateincludevisualdesignand/orlayout.

Women in Jesus’ CultureInJesus’culturemenandwomen lived largely separate lives.

The household was the territory of women. Within the home theycarriedresponsibilityforraisingchildren,makingclothingand preparing food. Women had little or no contact with males outside their family group. Beforemarriage,awoman’shonourwasdeterminedbyher

virginity;aftermarriagebyherloyaltytoherhusband.Anybreachofhonourwouldpubliclyshameallmembersofawoman’sfamily,especiallythemaleswhorepresentedthefamilyinpublic.

Abridewhocouldnotproduceproofofhervirginityontheweddingnightcouldbereturnedtoherparents’family.Awomancouldalsoshameafamilybyherfailuretogivebirthtoason.Awomandidnot attain adult status until she was married and was notfullyacceptedintoherhusband’sfamilyuntilshehadproducedanheir.Chastity,silence(inthepublicworld)andobedienceweretheprimevirtuesofanhonourablewoman.

Women relied greatly on the companionship of other women.Inmanywaysthetiesbetweenwomenwerestrongerthanthosebetweenhusbandandwife.Women often closed ranks against males in order to protecteachother.Dependingonthelivingsituation,a woman might see the males in her family only at mealsand,inthecaseofahusband,atbedtime.

Women could have a great deal of influence on publiclife,indirectly,throughtheirsons.Amanwasundertheauthorityofhismotherthroughouthislife,andanymalewhodisobeyedhismother,eveninadulthood,wasconsidereddishonourable.

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Jesus’ Relationships with Women

Jesushadaveryopenandacceptingattitude towards women that went far beyondtheconditionsofhistimeandculture.WomenhadaspecialplaceinJesus’life and ministry.

• ThefaithofMary,themother ofJesus,playedacentralrolein Jesusconception,birthand upbringing.

• MaryMagdalene,Joanna, Susannaandothers(Luke8:2-3), travelledwithJesus,andwere present at his crucifixion and burial.AtthetombonEaster morning they were the first to come to Easter faith and to announce it. (Luke 24:9)

LukealsodescribesJesus’encounterswith:

• ThewidowofNain(Luke7:11-17)

• ThewomanwhowashedJesus’ feet with her tears (Luke 7:36-50)

• MarthaandMary(Luke10:38-42)

• Thecrippledwoman(Luke13:10-17)

Hetellsparablesbasedonwomen’sexperience:

• Theparableofthelostcoin(Luke 15:8-10)

• Thejudgeandtheinsistent widow (Luke 18:1-8)

The prominent role that women play in Luke’sGospelsuggests that they were an important presence inLuke’scommunity.

The Use and Abuse of the BibleChristiansbelievethattheBibleisGod’sWord,inspiredbyTe Wairua Tapu,andacceptthatitspeakswith great authority. They recognise that the purpose of the Scriptures is to lead people to Te Atua and acknowledgethattheBibleiscentraltothelifeoftheChurchandremainsrelevanttothelivesofindividualChristians.

However,somepeopleseetheBibleasaconvenienttextforallsortsofpurposes,andinmanyinstances,donotuseitproperly.Acrossthecenturies,someChristianshaveusedtheBibletopushtheirownideasandjustifytheirownactions.

Here are three examples:

Something to Think AboutCan you think of other situations where people have misused the Bible for their ownpurposes?

The Bible Speaks with Authority AlthoughChristiansacceptthattheBibleisGod’sinspired Word and treat it withaspecialreverence,theydiffer in their understanding of what it means to say thattheBiblespeakswithauthority.

SomeChristiansclaimthattheBibleisfreeofallerror–scientific,historical,orspiritual.TheyreadtheBibleat face value and interpret it in a way that fails to take into account the limitations of its human authors and the circumstances in which it was written. These Christiansareoftendescribedasfundamentalistsbecauseoftheirliteralapproachtothetext.

CatholicsandmostProtestants,however,recognisethattheBibleisconcernedprimarilywithreligioustruth.WhileacceptingwhattheBiblerevealsaboutGodandmattersoffaithastrue,theyadmitthattheBibleisnotalwaysaccurateinregardtohistoricalandscientificmatters.Forexample,readerscanfindsignificanterrorswithintheBible’spagesinregardtodates,geographicaldetails,andinformationrelatingto physics or chemistry etc. Such inaccuracies do notunderminetheBible’sreligioustruthbutserveasareminderthatitistheworkofhumanauthors,expressing TeKupuaTeArikiaccording to their own personal understandings and in ways that wereshapedbythecircumstancesandlimitationsoftheirownparticulartimesandcultures.TheChurchunderstands that the literal sense of a passage from Scripture does not always apply in every ageorsituation,andrecognises the impact of time and human culture on the way theBiblewaswrittenand put together.

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Part Four: Interpreting The Bible Focus:

• ThemessageoftheBibleiseasilyabusedwhenpeoplefailtointerpretit correctly or use its words to push their own agenda. • TheBibleisconcernedwithreligioustruthbutisnotalwaysaccuratewhen it comes to historical, scientific or similar matters. • Scripturecanonlybeproperlyunderstoodwhenitisinterpretedaccording to its context. • TheChurchguidesCatholicsintheirinterpretationofScripture,the meaning of which often goes beyond the literal.

Bible System to Win Lottery!

This appeared as the headline for an article that proposedawaytousetheBibleinordertowin

money–inany lottery.

God Hates Fags – Romans 9:13Anti-homosexual protesters were seen with this sign

following the torture and killing of a gay college student in WyominginOctober1998.

The End of theWorldisNear!

This comes from a large advertisement foranewbook,whichsuggeststhatacodehasbeenfoundintheoriginal

HebrewBibleforetellingeventsthatarehappening in our own day.

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InthecenturiessincetheBiblewaswritten,theHolySpirithasdeepenedtheChurch’sunderstandingofGod’srevelationinScripture.TheChurch,guidedbythecollegeofbishopsinunionwiththepope,assistsordinaryCatholicstocometoatrueunderstandingofwhatScriptureissaying.Thecontributionofbiblicalscholarsandtheologianshasalsobeenveryimportanttothisprocess.AttheheartoftheCatholicChurch’sapproachtoScriptureistheconvictionthatChristiansgrowintheirknowledgeandappreciationofGod’sWordnotasindividualsbutasmembersofacommunityoffaith,thepeopleofGod.

ContextContextmeansthree different things in regard to Scripture:

• Howaparticularscriptural passage relates tothetextimmediatelybeforeandafterit.

• HowthepassagerelatestothebookoftheBiblein which it is found.

• HowthepassagerelatestowhatissaidinotherbooksintheBible.

Itisalwaysdangeroustoignorethecontextofa Scripture passage. Taking a passage literally or removing it from its natural “home” almost always leadstoabuseoftheScriptures.Payingattentiontothe larger context prevents people from misreading theBible.

ChristiansarechallengedtoapplytheBiblefaithfullyto their own lives and to reflect on it in their prayer –butthisalwaysrequirescarefulattentiontocontext,history and literary form. Te Wairua Tapu always guides those who genuinely seek to uncover the messagethattheBibleproclaims,andarewillingto develop their knowledge and understanding of ScripturethroughtheirattentiontowhattheChurchteaches and to the expertise of Scripture scholars.

Task SevenWhichofthefollowing statements reflect the Catholic understanding about the authority oftheBible?

1. The Bible is theWordofGod and is inspired by the Holy Spirit.

2. God dictated the Bible to human authors.

3. The Bible is concerned with religious truth.

4. The Bible is free from all errors.

5. The Bible reflects the personalities of its authors and the cultures in which they lived.

6. It is possible to understand a passage from the Bible without knowing about its context.

7. Scripture must always be interpreted literally.

8. God’s revelation comes through Scripture and Tradition.

9. Christians can deepen their understandingofGod’sWordwithoutreference to the teachings of the Church.

10. Biblical scholars and theologians assist the Church in its interpretation of Scripture.

11. It is important to understand the literary form of a particular passage of Scripture.

12. The Holy Spirit automatically leads people to a correct understanding of Scripture.

A biblical passage is only biblical

when it is in the Bible.

(Raymond Brown – a famous Scripture

scholar)

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Outsiders and SinnersInLuke’sGospelJesusofferstheGoodNewsofGod’ssalvationtopeopleoflowstatus,especiallythosewhomsocietylabelledassinnersand“outsiders”–tax-collectors,prostitutes,andSamaritans.

• Jesus’meetingwithZacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) • Jesus'encounterwiththewoman atSimon’shouse(Luke7:36-50) • ThecureoftheSamaritanleper (Luke 17:11-19) • ThehealingoftheRoman centurion’sservant(Luke7:1-10)

Mercy and ForgivenessLuke’sGospelhasbeencalledtheGospelofMercy.ManyofJesus’parablesemphasisehealing,compassionandforgiveness.

• TheparableofthegoodSamaritan (Luke 10:29-37) • Theparableofthelostsheep (Luke 15:1-7) • Theparableofthelostcoin(Luke 15:8-10) • Theparableoftheprodigalorlost son (Luke 15:11-32)

Jesustellshisdisciplestobecompassionate(6:36) and even forgives his own killers (23:34).

The Poor and the RichInLuke’sgospelJesusisespeciallywelcoming of the poor. He also warns of the danger of material possessions and the misuse of wealth.

• Therichfool(Luke12:13-21) • Anxietyandattitudestowards possessions (Luke 12:22-34) • Theuseofmoney(Luke16:9-13) • TherichmanandLazarus(Luke 16:19-31) • Therichman(Luke18:18-30)

Luke 18:18-30

Some Things to DiscussRead the passages from Luke’s Gospel which are referred to on the previous page before discussingthefollowingquestions:

• WhichgroupsofpeoplewerelabelledasoutcastsandsinnersinJesus’society?• Whichgroupsofpeopledoesoursocietylabelasoutcastsandsinners?• InwhatwaysdidJesusbringmercyandforgivenesstopeopleinhistime?• InwhatwaysmightJesusbringmercyandforgivenesstothesepeopletoday?• WhatdidJesusteachabouttheuseofriches?• HowmightJesus’teachingonrichesapplyinAotearoaNewZealandtoday?

Jot down ideas that come up in the discussion.

Something to ResearchWhatcanyoufindoutabouttheattitudesofJesus’society towards the following groups ofpeople?

Samaritans gentiles tax-collectors lepers

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scholar)

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Luke 18:18-30






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PrayerWhileallfourgospelwritersrecordthatJesusprayed,itisLukewhoprovidesthemostinsightintoJesus’ownprayer-life.InLuke’sGospelweseeJesusprayingoften,especiallyinpreparationbeforeeachnewstageofhisministry.

Jesusisclearthathisdisciplesneedtobepeopleofprayeralso.Theyshouldprayforthosewhotreatthembadly(Luke6:28)andaskformorelabourerstohelpwiththeharvest–thatis,morepeopletoworkforthereignofGod(Luke10:2).Itisinresponsetothedisciples'requestabouthowtopraythatJesusteachesthemtheLord’sPrayer:

Hewasprayinginacertainplace,andafterhehadfinished,oneofhisdisciplessaidtohim,‘Lord,teachustopray,asJohntaughthisdisciples.’Hesaidtothem,‘Whenyoupray,say:Father,hallowedbeyourname.Yourkingdomcome.Giveuseachdayourdailybread.Andforgiveusoursins,forweourselvesforgiveeveryoneindebtedtous.Anddonotbringustothetimeoftrial.’(Luke 11:1-4)

JesusurgeshisfollowerstokeepaskingforthegiftofSpirit(Luke11:13)andtoprayatalltimes(Luke21:36).Theparablesaboutthefriendwhocomesaskingforbreadatmidnight(Luke11:5-10)andofthewidowbeforeanunjustjudge(Luke18:1-8)bothstresstheimportance of prayer.

Task SixteenLook up the various Scripture references provided. Makeup a list of Dos and Don’ts of prayer based on what Jesus says and does.

GethsemaneJesus’prayerintheGardenofGethsemanenotlongbeforehisdeathgetstotheheartoftrueChristianprayer:

‘Father,ifyouarewilling,removethiscupfromme;yet,notmywillbutyoursbedone.’(Luke 22:42)

Something to Think AboutWhatdoesJesus’prayeratGethsemanetellusabouthisrelationshipwithGod?

Special Times of Karakia inJesus’ Life• AtJesus’baptism(Luke3:21)

• WhileJesustakestimeoutina deserted place (Luke 5:16)

• BeforeJesuschoosestheTwelve(Luke6:12)

• BeforePeter’sconfessionoffaithinJesus(Luke9:18-21)

• AttheTransfiguration (Luke 9:28)

• BeforeJesusteaches the disciples the “Our Father” (Luke 11:1-4)

• IntheGarden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:41)

Part Nine: Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (lll)

Focus: • Luke’sGospelemphasisesthatGod’ssavingaroha

is for all people.

Qualities of Luke’s GospelLuke’sgospelisverywarmandhuman,concentratingonJesus’mercyandforgiveness.Luke’sJesuscallsallpeopletoTe Atua–gentilesaswellasJews,womenaswellasmen,thepooraswellastherich,outsidersandsinners.Lukebringsouttheimportanceofindividualspiritualqualities,includingjoyandpraiseofGod.

Part Five: Introduction to the Gospel According to Luke Focus:

• TheGospelAccordingtoLukeandtheActsoftheApostlestogethertellthe story of Hehu Karaiti and the beginnings of Christianity. • Luke’sGospelwaswritteninGreek,probablyfortyorfiftyyearsafterJesus’ resurrection, for Gentile Christians living in Asia Minor (Turkey). • LuketeachesthattheTe Rongopai (the Good News) of Jesus Christ and the aroha of God are intended for all people. • Luke’sGospelwasformedovermanyyearsbyaprocesssimilartothat which produced the other gospels.

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Luke’s Gospel and the Acts of the ApostlesThe Gospel of Luke is the first half of a two-part work thattellsthestoryofJesusandthebeginningsofChristianity.TheActsoftheApostlescontinuesthestory.

• Luke’sGospelstartswiththeinfancyofJesusand,followingtheresurrection,endswithJesusreturning to his Father in heaven.

• TheActsoftheApostlesstartswithJesus’ascensionand the coming of the promised Holy Spirit at Pentecost.ItdealswiththegrowthofChristianityupuntilthearrivalofPaulinRomearound60AD.

ItisuncertainwhenLuke’sGospelwaswritten,butmost experts agree it was put together in its final form somewherebetweenthirtyandfiftyyearsafterJesus’deathandresurrection–mostlikelyintheeighties.

LukewasaGreek-speakingChristian,possiblyaconvert of Paul. Tradition claims he was a doctor. His GospelwasprobablycomposedinAntioch(Syria)orAsiaMinor(modernTurkey)forcommunitiesinthatregion.

Luke’s Audience and MessageBythetimeLuke’sGospelcametobe,themessageaboutJesushadspreadwellbeyondPalestineandtheoriginalcommunitiesthatJesushimselfhadvisited.Peter,PaulandothermissionarieshadcarriedtheGoodNewsinalldirections.TheChurchwasquicklybecomingmoreGentile.

ItislikelythatLukeintendedhisGospelforrecentconverts,Greek-speakers,whowereeagertolearnmoreaboutJesus.Hehadawideaudienceinmind–aneducated,intelligent,enquiringpublicwholivedin the towns and cities.

IntheyearsbeforeLuke’sGospelwaswritten,aterriblewarragedinPalestinebetweentheJewsandtheRomanoccupyingforces.FollowingaJewishrebellionin66AD,theRomansbesiegedJerusalembeforetotallyflatteningthecityandTemplein70AD.Asaresult,manyofthetownsandvillageswhere

Jesushadworkedwerewipedout.NotonlywasthegenerationofbelieverswhohadknownJesusdyingoff,butcommunitiesthathadwitnessedhisministryweredestroyedorforcedtoestablishthemselveselsewhere.StoriesaboutJesuswhichhadbeenpassedonbywordofmouthanddependedfortheirsurvivalonapeaceful,stablesocietywereindangerofdisappearing.Jesus’followersrecognisedthatstepshadtobetakentowritetheGospelmessagedown,sothatitwouldsurviveandbepassedontofuturegenerations.

ItwasagainstthisbackgroundthatLukepresented his Gospel as asolidbasisforlastingfaith. He wished to show that the Greek-speaking ChurchofAsiaMinortowhichhebelongedhaditsorigins,notonlyinJesusChrist,butalsoin the community of Jesus’firstfollowerswhoallwereJews.Luke’smessage was that the GoodNewsofJesusChristwasmeantforeveryone.

Something to Think AboutThe focus at the beginning of this section of the topic lists three key points about Luke’s Gospel. If you had the opportunity to make three more important points about Luke’s Gospelwhatwouldtheybe?

Task EightWriteaprofileoftheGospelAccordingtoLuke that groups the information under the following headings:

•Theeventsitcovers •Theplaceandtimeofitscomposition•Itslikelyauthor•Itsintendedaudience•Itshistoricalbackground•Itspurpose

Tradition claims that Saint Luke was a doctor as well as the

authorofthethirdgospel.InLuke’srighthandisthecaduceus–astaffassociatedwithhealing.

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The Formation of the GospelsTheGospelAccordingtoLuke,liketheothergospels,developedinthreebroadstagesoveraperiodofatleast forty or fifty years:

Stage One: Jesus public ministry (circa 30 to 33 AD) Jesuscommandshisfollowers–thewitnessestohislifeandteaching,tohissavingdeathandresurrection–topreachtheGoodNews.

Stage Two: The preaching and teaching of the apostles (circa 33 to 70 AD) FaithinJesusChristasLordandSaviourspreadsbeyondPalestine.Jesus’wordsanddeedsarekeptaliveinstoriesthatarecirculatedfirstlybywordofmouth.Itislikelythatwrittencollectionsofthesematerialsbegintotakeshapebeforethefirstgospeliscomposed.Paul’sletters are also written during this time.

Stage Three: The Gospels are recorded in written form (circa 70 to 100 AD)Thegospelwriters,althoughtheywerethenextgenerationtotheoriginaleyewitnesses,inheritedthetraditionaboutJesusthatcamefromthem.TheyfaithfullyrecordtheGoodNewsofJesusChrist,shapingandeditingmaterialthathasbeenkeptalivewithin their particular communities.

Something to Discuss How do the opening verses of Luke’s Gospel show an awareness of the different stages ofgospelformation?

Since many have undertaken to set down an orderlyaccountoftheeventsthathavebeenfulfilledamongus,justastheywerehandedontousbythosewhofromthebeginningwereeyewitnessesandservantsoftheword,Itoodecided,afterinvestigatingeverythingcarefullyfromtheveryfirst,towriteanorderlyaccountforyou,mostexcellentTheophilus1,sothatyoumayknowthetruthconcerningthethingsaboutwhichyouhavebeeninstructed. (Luke 1:1-4)

Something to DoPresent a poster or diagram that clearly shows the process that formed the gospels.

Something to DiscussIn the years before nga rongopai (the gospels) were written, stories about Jesus were handed down by word of mouth.

a) Use the following images to help you list some of the most important things about Jesus that these stories kept alive and passed on.

b)WhatotherimportantaspectsofJesus'life and ministry are not shown here but would have been preserved by the oral tradition?

1Theophilus,whosenamemeans“loverofGod”,isthepersontowhomLukededicateshisGospel.

… so that you may know the truth… (Luke 1:4)

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The Holy SpiritLuke’sGospelemphasisestheessentialroleofTe Wairua TapuintheChristianlifeandalso the importance of prayer.

ThroughouthisGospel,LukeshowsthatthepromiseswhichGodmakestoIsraelintheOldTestamentarefulfilledinJesus,throughthepoweroftheHolySpirit.Jesushimself speaks of the Holy Spirit working through him when in the synagogue at NazarethhereadsfromthescrolloftheprophetIsaiah:

‘TheSpiritoftheLordisuponme,becausehehasanointedmetobringgoodnewstothepoor.Hehassentmetoproclaimreleasetothecaptivesandrecoveryofsighttotheblind,tolettheoppressedgofree,toproclaimtheyearoftheLord’sfavour.’Andherolledupthescroll,gaveitbacktotheattendant,andsatdown.Theeyesofallinthesynagoguewerefixedonhim.Thenhebegantosaytothem,‘Todaythisscripturehasbeenfulfilledinyourhearing.’ (Luke 4:18-21)

TherearemanysituationsrecordedinLuke’sGospelwheretheHolySpiritworksinJesus’lifeandinthelivesofpeopleoffaith.ItisthesameSpiritwhointheActsoftheApostlesempowersJesus’followers,afterPentecost,to take Te RongopaibeyondJerusalemintothewiderworld.

Task FifteenLink the Scripture passage referred to in the left hand column with the action of the HolySpirit that it describes in the right hand column.

Something to Think About

• CanyounameanypeoplethroughwhomtheHolySpiritworkstoday?

• WhatarethesignsthattheSpiritisactiveintheirlives?RefertoGalatians 5:22-23 for help.

Scripture Passage

1. Luke 1:11-16,67

2. Luke 1:26-38

3. Luke 2:25-32

4. Luke 3:21-22

5. Luke 4:1-2

6. Luke 4:14-15

7. Luke 10:21-22

8. Luke 11:9-13

9. Luke 12:11-12

10. Luke 24:49

Action of the Holy Spirit

A. The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus at his baptism by John.

B. The Holy Spirit empowers Jesus to begin his ministry in Galilee.

C. The Holy Spirit who is promised by the Father will be sent by Jesus.

D. The Holy Spirit is promised to those who ask the Father for this gift.

E. The Holy Spirit causes Mary to conceive Jesus.

F. The Holy Spirit fills Jesus with joy.

G. The Holy Spirit teaches the believer what to say in times of trial and difficulty.

H. The Holy Spirit acts in the life of John the Baptist and his parents.

I. The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the desert to be tested.

J. The Holy Spirit enables Simeon to recognise Jesus as the Messiah.

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Jesus’ Death in JerusalemJesus’preachingintheTempleand his prophesising of its destructionsoonbringhimintoconflictwiththeJewishauthorities (Luke 20:1-21:4). WhilethesearetheimmediatecauseofJesus’arrest,Luke makes it clear that this happens in order for God’splanofsalvationtobeaccomplished.

EventsmoverapidlytowardsJesus’crucifixion–theplottokillhim(22:1-6),theLastSupper(22:7-38),andhisprayerandbetrayalbyJudasattheMountofOlives(22:39-53).LukepresentsJesusastheinnocentonewhoselossoflifeisgloriouslyovercomebythefaithfulnessofalovingandsavingGod.DuringhistrialsJesusisidentifiedastheMessiahorChrist(22:67),theSonofMan(22:69),andtheSonofGod(22:70).Athiscrucifixion,the“goodthief”recognisesthatJesus,unlikehimself,iswithoutguilt(23:39-41),andthecenturionstandingbythecrossalsodeclareshis innocence (Luke 23:47).

The Emmaus JourneyThejourneythemeisalsopresentintheEmmausstory (Luke 24:13-32).

UnawarethatJesushadrisenfromthedead,twoofhisdisciples,disappointedthattheirhopesthatJesusmightbethesaviourofIsraelseemnottohavebeenfulfilled,setoutonajourneyawayfromJerusalem

towardsEmmaus.TheLord,however,goesoutafterthepair,explainingtothemallthattheScriptureshadsaidabouthim,startingwithMosesandtheprophets.Butthetwodisciplesaresoself-absorbedthattheyfailtorecogniseJesus.Itisonlywhenheblessesandbreaksthebreadthatthetwodisciples’eyesareopenedtoJesus’presence.“ThatsamehourtheygotupandreturnedtoJerusalem”,onceagainre-joiningthecompanyoffaithfulwitnessingtotheLord’sresurrection(Luke24:33–34).

The Journey of the ChurchLuke’sGospelendswithJesus’appearance to all the disciples whom he instructs to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins“inhisnametoallnations,beginningfromJerusalem”(Luke24:47).Thediscipleswillnotbealoneintheirmission,asJesuspromisestosendtheHolySpirit–thelife-givingpowerfromonhigh–tohelpthem(24:49).

AsJesus’ownjourneyonearthcomestoanendinJerusalemwithhisascensionintoheaven(Luke24:50-51),hisdisciples,fullofjoyandpraising,awaitthebirthoftheChurch–whichwillbegininthesamecity at Pentecost.

Task ThirteenList as many reasons as you can why Luke’sGospel could be called “The story of ajourney”.

Part Eight: Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (ll) Focus:

• JoyandpraiseofTe Atua are important spiritualqualitiesinLuke’sGospel. • Luke’sGospelemphasisestheworkofTe WairuaTapu and the importance of prayer in Jesus’ life and in the lives of his followers.

Joy-FullJesususesthewordjoyasmanytimesinLukeasintheotherthreeGospelscombined:• “Iambringingyougoodnewsofgreatjoy.”(Luke2:10)• “Rejoiceonthatdayandleapforjoy!”(Luke6:23)• “Therewillbemorejoyinheavenoveronesinnerwho repents.” (Luke 15:7).

Task FourteenRead the various passages from Luke’s Gospel thatemphasise joy or praise of God.

• Whichpassagedoyouthinkconveysthegreatestsenseofjoy?

• Copyoutthewordsorphrasesfromthepassagethatare especially joyful in their praise.

Something to Think AboutInthelightofLuke’sGospel,whyshouldChristiansbejoyfulpeople?

Joy and PraiseA sense of joy fills Luke’s Gospel – joyin response to the mana (power) and

love of God!

• Gabriel’s announcement to Mary (Luke 1:26-38)• Mary’s Canticle – the Magnificat

(Luke 1:46-55)• Zechariah’s Canticle (Luke 1:68-79)• The Beatitudes (Luke 6:20-23)• The apostles rejoice (Luke 10:17-20)• Jesus is filled with joy (Luke 10:21-22)

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The Synoptic GospelsWhenthegospelsofMatthew,MarkandLukeareplacedtogetherside-by-sideitbecomesclearthat:

• Matthew,MarkandLukeareverysimilarincontentandstyle.Forthisreason,theyareoftenlabelledsynoptic (from the Greek word meaning “overview”).

• MatthewandLukesharesignificantmaterial–mostlysayingsandteachingsofJesus,suchastheLord’sPrayer–whichisnotfoundinMark.

Toexplainthis,mostexperts suggest that MatthewandLukebasedtheirgospelson the Gospel of Mark,whichwaswrittenfirst,butalsodrew on another written source not knowntoMark.Thissource,acollectionof the sayings of Jesus,isnolongerinexistence.Itisreferredtoas‘Q’forshort,afterthe German word ‘quelle’(source).

AnothertheoryhasbeenputforwardtoexplaintheexistenceofmaterialinMatthewthatisnotinLuke(orMark)andmaterialinLukethatisnotinMatthew(orMark).Forexample,theparableoftheLabourersintheVineyardisfoundonlyinMatthew(20:1-15),andtheparableofthePhariseeandtheTaxCollectoronlyinLuke(18:9-14).MaterialthatisuniquetoMattheworLukeissaidtocomefromsourceslabelled‘M’or‘L’.

Task NineExplain in your own words the relationship between Luke’s Gospel and the Gospels of Mark and Matthew.

Part Six: Infancy Narratives in the Gospel According to Luke Focus:

• TheeventssurroundingJesus’birtharedescribedinboththeGospelsof MatthewandLukewhereeachtreatsthemquitedifferently. • TheinfancynarrativesestablishthatHehu is fully God and fully human and show him to be the fulfilment of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Two Infancy NarrativesTheeventssurroundingthebirthofJesusaredescribedinonlytwoNewTestamentbooks–theGospelsofMatthew(1:1-2:23)andofLuke(1:1-2:52). These infancy narratives are closely related to a type of writing foundintheHebrewScriptureswherewomenconceiveandgivebirthinunusual circumstances.

Althoughthetwoinfancynarrativesareverydifferentintheirdetails,theypresent a common religious message:

• BothestablishthatJesusChrististrulyGodandtrulyhuman• BothshowJesustobethefulfilmentoftheHebrewScriptures

InbothoftheinfancynarrativestheGoodNewsofJesus’birthissharedwithothers,whoeitheracceptorrejectit.

Luke’sGospelissymbolisedbythewingedoxbecauseitbeginswith

thestoryofZechariah,apriestwhose ministry at the Temple in

Jerusalemrequiredhimtotakepartin the sacrifice of animals. Luke

presentsJesus’deathasasacrificethat he made for the world.

The Two-Document Theory

Mark Q

Matthew Luke

The Four-Document Theory

(M) Mark Q (L)

Matthew LukeThe structure and much of

thecontentofJohn’sGospelissignificantly different from the synoptic gospels which leads

experts to suggest it was formed independently.

Task TenReadtheinfancynarrativesinLuke(1:1-2:52)andMatthew(1:1–2:23).WhichofthefollowingfeaturesbelongtoLuke’sinfancynarrativeandwhichtoMatthew’s?

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Mary’s faith is emphasised MaryvisitsElizabethJoseph and Mary take part in a census Magi/wisemenvisitthebabyJesusThe Holy Family escapes to Egypt

Joseph plays an important part Joseph and Mary live in BethlehemJosephandMaryliveinNazarethShepherds visit the baby Jesus The Holy Family visits Jerusalem

Jesus and John the BaptistThefirsttwochaptersofLuke’sGospelcloselyparallelthebirthofJesusofNazarethwiththatofJohntheBaptist.

LukeprepareshisreadersforthestoryofMary’sextraordinarypregnancyandJesus’extraordinarybirthbybeginningwiththestoryofZechariahandElizabeth–acouple,well-pastchild-bearingage,whothroughtheworkofGod,areatlastabletohaveachild.Theirson,whoistobecalledJohn,willplayakeyroleinthefulfilmentofGod’spromises.HisconceptionandbirtharesignsofthecomingofJesusChrist,Israel’slong-awaitedMessiah.

Asanadult,JohnpreparesthewayforJesus’ministrybycallingpeopletobaptismfortheforgivenessofsins.John’sbaptismofJesusintheJordanRiverisasignthatJesusisthechosenoneofGod.

Task ElevenWhakapono (faith), joy and wonder are important aspects of Luke’s infancy narratives. Choose one of the above incidents from the infancy narratives. Explain how it shows some of the following:

• Peoplefaithfullycarryingouttheirreligiousand/orfamilyduties • Godchallengingpeopletoshowfaith • PeopleplacingtheirfaithinTe Atua • Godachievinggreatthingsinpeopleoffaith • PeoplerespondingwithjoyandwondertowhatGodhasdone

Luke 1:5-25 TheannunciationofthebirthofJohntheBaptist.

Luke 1:26-38 TheannunciationofthebirthofJesus.

Luke 1:39-56 ThevisitofMarytoElizabeth.

Luke 1:57-80 ThebirthandcircumcisionofJohntheBaptist.

Luke 2:1-21 ThebirthandcircumcisionofJesus.

Luke 2:22-40 ThepresentationofJesusintheTemple.

Luke 2:41-52 ThefindingoftheboyJesusintheTemple.

Jesus’ Journey to JerusalemThethemeofjourneyiscentraltoLuke’sGospeland provides a framework formanyofJesus’wordsandactions.Itisduringthe course of his travels thatmanyoftheimportanteventsofJesus’ministrytake place.

PeopleinJesus’timedidn’ttravelmuch.TheonejourneythatJewssuchasJesus’familyinGalileewouldmakewastotheTempleinJerusalemforimportantreligiousfeastsandcelebrations–threeorfourdays’walk.

But from the time he leaves Galilee until he enters Jerusalem(Luke19:41),JesusisconstantlyonthemovethroughSamariaandJudea.Earlierinhispubliclife,JesusmakesitclearthatJerusalemishisgoal (Luke 9:51) and signals that it is there that he would fulfil the will of God through his death and resurrection.

ThecityofJerusalemhad a long history ofrebellingagainstGod and refusing the path of peace. Prophets such as Ezekielunderstoodthatwhenever the people ofIsraelwereunfaithful

totheCovenant,GodabandonedtheTemple,opening the way to a devastating enemy attack on thecity.BygoingtoJerusalem(whosenamemeans“peace”)andcallinguponitspeopletorepent–thatis,toturnbacktoGod–Jesuswasshowingthemtheway to true peace.

WhenJesusentersJerusalem(Luke19:28-40)hedoessoonthebackofacolt,asignthatJesushascomeon a peace mission and not for violent purposes. However,JerusalemmisunderstandsJesus’purposeand continues on a course of resistance against theRomansthateventuallyleadstothecity'stotaldestructionatthehandsoftheRomanarmyin70AD.

Neartheendofhisjourney,JesusweepsoverJerusalem(Luke19:41-44).HethenenterstheTempleand drives out those who are trading there (19:45-48) inordertomakeitafittingplaceforhisteaching,assomeone who comes from God.

Being a DiscipleOnthewaytoJerusalem,Jesusteaches his followers many things. Heemphasisesthatbeinghisdisciple involves walking in his footsteps–settingoutinresponsetoGod’scallandfacinghardshipsandsufferingalongthejourney.Announcing Te Rangatiratanga (thereignofGod)mustbeapriorityforanyonewhoclaimstobehisdisciple.

Task TwelveChoose one of the following events on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem. Explain what point is made in the relevant Scripture passage about being a follower of Hehu.

• Jesusdescribeswhatitmeanstobea disciple (Luke 9:46-62)

• Jesussendsoutseventy-twodisciples ahead of him (Luke 10:1-16)

• Jesustellsastoryusingthetheme of journey – the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

• JesusrestsinthehomeofMartha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42)

• JesusteacheshisdisciplestheLord’s Prayer (Luke 11:1-13)

• JesuseatswithaPharisee(Luke 11:37-54) and warns his disciples about the Pharisees’ hypocrisy (Luke 12:1-12)

Extension ActivityChoose another event or incident from Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem (see Luke 9:51-19:41). Present a role-play in which you interview Jesus and one of the other people involved about what has happened. Try to explore the deeper impact of the event or incident on people’s lives and faith.

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Part Seven: Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (l) Focus:

• JourneysareimportantfeaturesofLuke’sGospelandprovideaframework for many of Jesus’ words and actions. • Jesus’journeytoJerusalemiscentraltoLuke’sGospelandtohisfulfilment of God’s plan of salvation there through his saving death and Te Aranga (resurrection).

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Jesus’ Death in JerusalemJesus’preachingintheTempleand his prophesising of its destructionsoonbringhimintoconflictwiththeJewishauthorities (Luke 20:1-21:4). WhilethesearetheimmediatecauseofJesus’arrest,Luke makes it clear that this happens in order for God’splanofsalvationtobeaccomplished.

EventsmoverapidlytowardsJesus’crucifixion–theplottokillhim(22:1-6),theLastSupper(22:7-38),andhisprayerandbetrayalbyJudasattheMountofOlives(22:39-53).LukepresentsJesusastheinnocentonewhoselossoflifeisgloriouslyovercomebythefaithfulnessofalovingandsavingGod.DuringhistrialsJesusisidentifiedastheMessiahorChrist(22:67),theSonofMan(22:69),andtheSonofGod(22:70).Athiscrucifixion,the“goodthief”recognisesthatJesus,unlikehimself,iswithoutguilt(23:39-41),andthecenturionstandingbythecrossalsodeclareshis innocence (Luke 23:47).

The Emmaus JourneyThejourneythemeisalsopresentintheEmmausstory (Luke 24:13-32).

UnawarethatJesushadrisenfromthedead,twoofhisdisciples,disappointedthattheirhopesthatJesusmightbethesaviourofIsraelseemnottohavebeenfulfilled,setoutonajourneyawayfromJerusalem

towardsEmmaus.TheLord,however,goesoutafterthepair,explainingtothemallthattheScriptureshadsaidabouthim,startingwithMosesandtheprophets.Butthetwodisciplesaresoself-absorbedthattheyfailtorecogniseJesus.Itisonlywhenheblessesandbreaksthebreadthatthetwodisciples’eyesareopenedtoJesus’presence.“ThatsamehourtheygotupandreturnedtoJerusalem”,onceagainre-joiningthecompanyoffaithfulwitnessingtotheLord’sresurrection(Luke24:33–34).

The Journey of the ChurchLuke’sGospelendswithJesus’appearance to all the disciples whom he instructs to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins“inhisnametoallnations,beginningfromJerusalem”(Luke24:47).Thediscipleswillnotbealoneintheirmission,asJesuspromisestosendtheHolySpirit–thelife-givingpowerfromonhigh–tohelpthem(24:49).

AsJesus’ownjourneyonearthcomestoanendinJerusalemwithhisascensionintoheaven(Luke24:50-51),hisdisciples,fullofjoyandpraising,awaitthebirthoftheChurch–whichwillbegininthesamecity at Pentecost.

Task ThirteenList as many reasons as you can why Luke’sGospel could be called “The story of ajourney”.

Part Eight: Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (ll) Focus:

• JoyandpraiseofTe Atua are important spiritualqualitiesinLuke’sGospel. • Luke’sGospelemphasisestheworkofTe WairuaTapu and the importance of prayer in Jesus’ life and in the lives of his followers.

Joy-FullJesususesthewordjoyasmanytimesinLukeasintheotherthreeGospelscombined:• “Iambringingyougoodnewsofgreatjoy.”(Luke2:10)• “Rejoiceonthatdayandleapforjoy!”(Luke6:23)• “Therewillbemorejoyinheavenoveronesinnerwho repents.” (Luke 15:7).

Task FourteenRead the various passages from Luke’s Gospel thatemphasise joy or praise of God.

• Whichpassagedoyouthinkconveysthegreatestsenseofjoy?

• Copyoutthewordsorphrasesfromthepassagethatare especially joyful in their praise.

Something to Think AboutInthelightofLuke’sGospel,whyshouldChristiansbejoyfulpeople?

Joy and PraiseA sense of joy fills Luke’s Gospel – joyin response to the mana (power) and

love of God!

• Gabriel’s announcement to Mary (Luke 1:26-38)• Mary’s Canticle – the Magnificat

(Luke 1:46-55)• Zechariah’s Canticle (Luke 1:68-79)• The Beatitudes (Luke 6:20-23)• The apostles rejoice (Luke 10:17-20)• Jesus is filled with joy (Luke 10:21-22)

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The Synoptic GospelsWhenthegospelsofMatthew,MarkandLukeareplacedtogetherside-by-sideitbecomesclearthat:

• Matthew,MarkandLukeareverysimilarincontentandstyle.Forthisreason,theyareoftenlabelledsynoptic (from the Greek word meaning “overview”).

• MatthewandLukesharesignificantmaterial–mostlysayingsandteachingsofJesus,suchastheLord’sPrayer–whichisnotfoundinMark.

Toexplainthis,mostexperts suggest that MatthewandLukebasedtheirgospelson the Gospel of Mark,whichwaswrittenfirst,butalsodrew on another written source not knowntoMark.Thissource,acollectionof the sayings of Jesus,isnolongerinexistence.Itisreferredtoas‘Q’forshort,afterthe German word ‘quelle’(source).

AnothertheoryhasbeenputforwardtoexplaintheexistenceofmaterialinMatthewthatisnotinLuke(orMark)andmaterialinLukethatisnotinMatthew(orMark).Forexample,theparableoftheLabourersintheVineyardisfoundonlyinMatthew(20:1-15),andtheparableofthePhariseeandtheTaxCollectoronlyinLuke(18:9-14).MaterialthatisuniquetoMattheworLukeissaidtocomefromsourceslabelled‘M’or‘L’.

Task NineExplain in your own words the relationship between Luke’s Gospel and the Gospels of Mark and Matthew.

Part Six: Infancy Narratives in the Gospel According to Luke Focus:

• TheeventssurroundingJesus’birtharedescribedinboththeGospelsof MatthewandLukewhereeachtreatsthemquitedifferently. • TheinfancynarrativesestablishthatHehu is fully God and fully human and show him to be the fulfilment of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Two Infancy NarrativesTheeventssurroundingthebirthofJesusaredescribedinonlytwoNewTestamentbooks–theGospelsofMatthew(1:1-2:23)andofLuke(1:1-2:52). These infancy narratives are closely related to a type of writing foundintheHebrewScriptureswherewomenconceiveandgivebirthinunusual circumstances.

Althoughthetwoinfancynarrativesareverydifferentintheirdetails,theypresent a common religious message:

• BothestablishthatJesusChrististrulyGodandtrulyhuman• BothshowJesustobethefulfilmentoftheHebrewScriptures

InbothoftheinfancynarrativestheGoodNewsofJesus’birthissharedwithothers,whoeitheracceptorrejectit.

Luke’sGospelissymbolisedbythewingedoxbecauseitbeginswith

thestoryofZechariah,apriestwhose ministry at the Temple in

Jerusalemrequiredhimtotakepartin the sacrifice of animals. Luke

presentsJesus’deathasasacrificethat he made for the world.

The Two-Document Theory

Mark Q

Matthew Luke

The Four-Document Theory

(M) Mark Q (L)

Matthew LukeThe structure and much of

thecontentofJohn’sGospelissignificantly different from the synoptic gospels which leads

experts to suggest it was formed independently.

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The Formation of the GospelsTheGospelAccordingtoLuke,liketheothergospels,developedinthreebroadstagesoveraperiodofatleast forty or fifty years:

Stage One: Jesus public ministry (circa 30 to 33 AD) Jesuscommandshisfollowers–thewitnessestohislifeandteaching,tohissavingdeathandresurrection–topreachtheGoodNews.

Stage Two: The preaching and teaching of the apostles (circa 33 to 70 AD) FaithinJesusChristasLordandSaviourspreadsbeyondPalestine.Jesus’wordsanddeedsarekeptaliveinstoriesthatarecirculatedfirstlybywordofmouth.Itislikelythatwrittencollectionsofthesematerialsbegintotakeshapebeforethefirstgospeliscomposed.Paul’sletters are also written during this time.

Stage Three: The Gospels are recorded in written form (circa 70 to 100 AD)Thegospelwriters,althoughtheywerethenextgenerationtotheoriginaleyewitnesses,inheritedthetraditionaboutJesusthatcamefromthem.TheyfaithfullyrecordtheGoodNewsofJesusChrist,shapingandeditingmaterialthathasbeenkeptalivewithin their particular communities.

Something to Discuss How do the opening verses of Luke’s Gospel show an awareness of the different stages ofgospelformation?

Since many have undertaken to set down an orderlyaccountoftheeventsthathavebeenfulfilledamongus,justastheywerehandedontousbythosewhofromthebeginningwereeyewitnessesandservantsoftheword,Itoodecided,afterinvestigatingeverythingcarefullyfromtheveryfirst,towriteanorderlyaccountforyou,mostexcellentTheophilus1,sothatyoumayknowthetruthconcerningthethingsaboutwhichyouhavebeeninstructed. (Luke 1:1-4)

Something to DoPresent a poster or diagram that clearly shows the process that formed the gospels.

Something to DiscussIn the years before nga rongopai (the gospels) were written, stories about Jesus were handed down by word of mouth.

a) Use the following images to help you list some of the most important things about Jesus that these stories kept alive and passed on.

b)WhatotherimportantaspectsofJesus'life and ministry are not shown here but would have been preserved by the oral tradition?

1Theophilus,whosenamemeans“loverofGod”,isthepersontowhomLukededicateshisGospel.

… so that you may know the truth… (Luke 1:4)

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The Holy SpiritLuke’sGospelemphasisestheessentialroleofTe Wairua TapuintheChristianlifeandalso the importance of prayer.

ThroughouthisGospel,LukeshowsthatthepromiseswhichGodmakestoIsraelintheOldTestamentarefulfilledinJesus,throughthepoweroftheHolySpirit.Jesushimself speaks of the Holy Spirit working through him when in the synagogue at NazarethhereadsfromthescrolloftheprophetIsaiah:

‘TheSpiritoftheLordisuponme,becausehehasanointedmetobringgoodnewstothepoor.Hehassentmetoproclaimreleasetothecaptivesandrecoveryofsighttotheblind,tolettheoppressedgofree,toproclaimtheyearoftheLord’sfavour.’Andherolledupthescroll,gaveitbacktotheattendant,andsatdown.Theeyesofallinthesynagoguewerefixedonhim.Thenhebegantosaytothem,‘Todaythisscripturehasbeenfulfilledinyourhearing.’ (Luke 4:18-21)

TherearemanysituationsrecordedinLuke’sGospelwheretheHolySpiritworksinJesus’lifeandinthelivesofpeopleoffaith.ItisthesameSpiritwhointheActsoftheApostlesempowersJesus’followers,afterPentecost,to take Te RongopaibeyondJerusalemintothewiderworld.

Task FifteenLink the Scripture passage referred to in the left hand column with the action of the HolySpirit that it describes in the right hand column.

Something to Think About

• CanyounameanypeoplethroughwhomtheHolySpiritworkstoday?

• WhatarethesignsthattheSpiritisactiveintheirlives?RefertoGalatians 5:22-23 for help.

Scripture Passage

1. Luke 1:11-16,67

2. Luke 1:26-38

3. Luke 2:25-32

4. Luke 3:21-22

5. Luke 4:1-2

6. Luke 4:14-15

7. Luke 10:21-22

8. Luke 11:9-13

9. Luke 12:11-12

10. Luke 24:49

Action of the Holy Spirit

A. The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus at his baptism by John.

B. The Holy Spirit empowers Jesus to begin his ministry in Galilee.

C. The Holy Spirit who is promised by the Father will be sent by Jesus.

D. The Holy Spirit is promised to those who ask the Father for this gift.

E. The Holy Spirit causes Mary to conceive Jesus.

F. The Holy Spirit fills Jesus with joy.

G. The Holy Spirit teaches the believer what to say in times of trial and difficulty.

H. The Holy Spirit acts in the life of John the Baptist and his parents.

I. The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the desert to be tested.

J. The Holy Spirit enables Simeon to recognise Jesus as the Messiah.

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PrayerWhileallfourgospelwritersrecordthatJesusprayed,itisLukewhoprovidesthemostinsightintoJesus’ownprayer-life.InLuke’sGospelweseeJesusprayingoften,especiallyinpreparationbeforeeachnewstageofhisministry.

Jesusisclearthathisdisciplesneedtobepeopleofprayeralso.Theyshouldprayforthosewhotreatthembadly(Luke6:28)andaskformorelabourerstohelpwiththeharvest–thatis,morepeopletoworkforthereignofGod(Luke10:2).Itisinresponsetothedisciples'requestabouthowtopraythatJesusteachesthemtheLord’sPrayer:

Hewasprayinginacertainplace,andafterhehadfinished,oneofhisdisciplessaidtohim,‘Lord,teachustopray,asJohntaughthisdisciples.’Hesaidtothem,‘Whenyoupray,say:Father,hallowedbeyourname.Yourkingdomcome.Giveuseachdayourdailybread.Andforgiveusoursins,forweourselvesforgiveeveryoneindebtedtous.Anddonotbringustothetimeoftrial.’(Luke 11:1-4)

JesusurgeshisfollowerstokeepaskingforthegiftofSpirit(Luke11:13)andtoprayatalltimes(Luke21:36).Theparablesaboutthefriendwhocomesaskingforbreadatmidnight(Luke11:5-10)andofthewidowbeforeanunjustjudge(Luke18:1-8)bothstresstheimportance of prayer.

Task SixteenLook up the various Scripture references provided. Makeup a list of Dos and Don’ts of prayer based on what Jesus says and does.

GethsemaneJesus’prayerintheGardenofGethsemanenotlongbeforehisdeathgetstotheheartoftrueChristianprayer:

‘Father,ifyouarewilling,removethiscupfromme;yet,notmywillbutyoursbedone.’(Luke 22:42)

Something to Think AboutWhatdoesJesus’prayeratGethsemanetellusabouthisrelationshipwithGod?

Special Times of Karakia inJesus’ Life• AtJesus’baptism(Luke3:21)

• WhileJesustakestimeoutina deserted place (Luke 5:16)

• BeforeJesuschoosestheTwelve(Luke6:12)

• BeforePeter’sconfessionoffaithinJesus(Luke9:18-21)

• AttheTransfiguration (Luke 9:28)

• BeforeJesusteaches the disciples the “Our Father” (Luke 11:1-4)

• IntheGarden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:41)

Part Nine: Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (lll)

Focus: • Luke’sGospelemphasisesthatGod’ssavingaroha

is for all people.

Qualities of Luke’s GospelLuke’sgospelisverywarmandhuman,concentratingonJesus’mercyandforgiveness.Luke’sJesuscallsallpeopletoTe Atua–gentilesaswellasJews,womenaswellasmen,thepooraswellastherich,outsidersandsinners.Lukebringsouttheimportanceofindividualspiritualqualities,includingjoyandpraiseofGod.

Part Five: Introduction to the Gospel According to Luke Focus:

• TheGospelAccordingtoLukeandtheActsoftheApostlestogethertellthe story of Hehu Karaiti and the beginnings of Christianity. • Luke’sGospelwaswritteninGreek,probablyfortyorfiftyyearsafterJesus’ resurrection, for Gentile Christians living in Asia Minor (Turkey). • LuketeachesthattheTe Rongopai (the Good News) of Jesus Christ and the aroha of God are intended for all people. • Luke’sGospelwasformedovermanyyearsbyaprocesssimilartothat which produced the other gospels.

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Luke’s Gospel and the Acts of the ApostlesThe Gospel of Luke is the first half of a two-part work thattellsthestoryofJesusandthebeginningsofChristianity.TheActsoftheApostlescontinuesthestory.

• Luke’sGospelstartswiththeinfancyofJesusand,followingtheresurrection,endswithJesusreturning to his Father in heaven.

• TheActsoftheApostlesstartswithJesus’ascensionand the coming of the promised Holy Spirit at Pentecost.ItdealswiththegrowthofChristianityupuntilthearrivalofPaulinRomearound60AD.

ItisuncertainwhenLuke’sGospelwaswritten,butmost experts agree it was put together in its final form somewherebetweenthirtyandfiftyyearsafterJesus’deathandresurrection–mostlikelyintheeighties.

LukewasaGreek-speakingChristian,possiblyaconvert of Paul. Tradition claims he was a doctor. His GospelwasprobablycomposedinAntioch(Syria)orAsiaMinor(modernTurkey)forcommunitiesinthatregion.

Luke’s Audience and MessageBythetimeLuke’sGospelcametobe,themessageaboutJesushadspreadwellbeyondPalestineandtheoriginalcommunitiesthatJesushimselfhadvisited.Peter,PaulandothermissionarieshadcarriedtheGoodNewsinalldirections.TheChurchwasquicklybecomingmoreGentile.

ItislikelythatLukeintendedhisGospelforrecentconverts,Greek-speakers,whowereeagertolearnmoreaboutJesus.Hehadawideaudienceinmind–aneducated,intelligent,enquiringpublicwholivedin the towns and cities.

IntheyearsbeforeLuke’sGospelwaswritten,aterriblewarragedinPalestinebetweentheJewsandtheRomanoccupyingforces.FollowingaJewishrebellionin66AD,theRomansbesiegedJerusalembeforetotallyflatteningthecityandTemplein70AD.Asaresult,manyofthetownsandvillageswhere

Jesushadworkedwerewipedout.NotonlywasthegenerationofbelieverswhohadknownJesusdyingoff,butcommunitiesthathadwitnessedhisministryweredestroyedorforcedtoestablishthemselveselsewhere.StoriesaboutJesuswhichhadbeenpassedonbywordofmouthanddependedfortheirsurvivalonapeaceful,stablesocietywereindangerofdisappearing.Jesus’followersrecognisedthatstepshadtobetakentowritetheGospelmessagedown,sothatitwouldsurviveandbepassedontofuturegenerations.

ItwasagainstthisbackgroundthatLukepresented his Gospel as asolidbasisforlastingfaith. He wished to show that the Greek-speaking ChurchofAsiaMinortowhichhebelongedhaditsorigins,notonlyinJesusChrist,butalsoin the community of Jesus’firstfollowerswhoallwereJews.Luke’smessage was that the GoodNewsofJesusChristwasmeantforeveryone.

Something to Think AboutThe focus at the beginning of this section of the topic lists three key points about Luke’s Gospel. If you had the opportunity to make three more important points about Luke’s Gospelwhatwouldtheybe?

Task EightWriteaprofileoftheGospelAccordingtoLuke that groups the information under the following headings:

•Theeventsitcovers •Theplaceandtimeofitscomposition•Itslikelyauthor•Itsintendedaudience•Itshistoricalbackground•Itspurpose

Tradition claims that Saint Luke was a doctor as well as the

authorofthethirdgospel.InLuke’srighthandisthecaduceus–astaffassociatedwithhealing.

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scholar)

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Luke 18:18-30






Task SeventeenUsing your knowledge of Luke’s Gospel, prepare a presentation on aspects of the following theme:


• Apowerpoint• Aspeech• Aposter• Ashortessay

In it you should suggest how particular teachings and actions of Jesus bring out the themeormessage.MakeuseofquotesfromScripture.Whereappropriateincludevisualdesignand/orlayout.

Women in Jesus’ CultureInJesus’culturemenandwomen lived largely separate lives.

The household was the territory of women. Within the home theycarriedresponsibilityforraisingchildren,makingclothingand preparing food. Women had little or no contact with males outside their family group. Beforemarriage,awoman’shonourwasdeterminedbyher

virginity;aftermarriagebyherloyaltytoherhusband.Anybreachofhonourwouldpubliclyshameallmembersofawoman’sfamily,especiallythemaleswhorepresentedthefamilyinpublic.

Abridewhocouldnotproduceproofofhervirginityontheweddingnightcouldbereturnedtoherparents’family.Awomancouldalsoshameafamilybyherfailuretogivebirthtoason.Awomandidnot attain adult status until she was married and was notfullyacceptedintoherhusband’sfamilyuntilshehadproducedanheir.Chastity,silence(inthepublicworld)andobedienceweretheprimevirtuesofanhonourablewoman.

Women relied greatly on the companionship of other women.Inmanywaysthetiesbetweenwomenwerestrongerthanthosebetweenhusbandandwife.Women often closed ranks against males in order to protecteachother.Dependingonthelivingsituation,a woman might see the males in her family only at mealsand,inthecaseofahusband,atbedtime.

Women could have a great deal of influence on publiclife,indirectly,throughtheirsons.Amanwasundertheauthorityofhismotherthroughouthislife,andanymalewhodisobeyedhismother,eveninadulthood,wasconsidereddishonourable.

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Jesus’ Relationships with Women

Jesushadaveryopenandacceptingattitude towards women that went far beyondtheconditionsofhistimeandculture.WomenhadaspecialplaceinJesus’life and ministry.

• ThefaithofMary,themother ofJesus,playedacentralrolein Jesusconception,birthand upbringing.

• MaryMagdalene,Joanna, Susannaandothers(Luke8:2-3), travelledwithJesus,andwere present at his crucifixion and burial.AtthetombonEaster morning they were the first to come to Easter faith and to announce it. (Luke 24:9)

LukealsodescribesJesus’encounterswith:

• ThewidowofNain(Luke7:11-17)

• ThewomanwhowashedJesus’ feet with her tears (Luke 7:36-50)

• MarthaandMary(Luke10:38-42)

• Thecrippledwoman(Luke13:10-17)

Hetellsparablesbasedonwomen’sexperience:

• Theparableofthelostcoin(Luke 15:8-10)

• Thejudgeandtheinsistent widow (Luke 18:1-8)

The prominent role that women play in Luke’sGospelsuggests that they were an important presence inLuke’scommunity.

The Use and Abuse of the BibleChristiansbelievethattheBibleisGod’sWord,inspiredbyTe Wairua Tapu,andacceptthatitspeakswith great authority. They recognise that the purpose of the Scriptures is to lead people to Te Atua and acknowledgethattheBibleiscentraltothelifeoftheChurchandremainsrelevanttothelivesofindividualChristians.

However,somepeopleseetheBibleasaconvenienttextforallsortsofpurposes,andinmanyinstances,donotuseitproperly.Acrossthecenturies,someChristianshaveusedtheBibletopushtheirownideasandjustifytheirownactions.

Here are three examples:

Something to Think AboutCan you think of other situations where people have misused the Bible for their ownpurposes?

The Bible Speaks with Authority AlthoughChristiansacceptthattheBibleisGod’sinspired Word and treat it withaspecialreverence,theydiffer in their understanding of what it means to say thattheBiblespeakswithauthority.

SomeChristiansclaimthattheBibleisfreeofallerror–scientific,historical,orspiritual.TheyreadtheBibleat face value and interpret it in a way that fails to take into account the limitations of its human authors and the circumstances in which it was written. These Christiansareoftendescribedasfundamentalistsbecauseoftheirliteralapproachtothetext.

CatholicsandmostProtestants,however,recognisethattheBibleisconcernedprimarilywithreligioustruth.WhileacceptingwhattheBiblerevealsaboutGodandmattersoffaithastrue,theyadmitthattheBibleisnotalwaysaccurateinregardtohistoricalandscientificmatters.Forexample,readerscanfindsignificanterrorswithintheBible’spagesinregardtodates,geographicaldetails,andinformationrelatingto physics or chemistry etc. Such inaccuracies do notunderminetheBible’sreligioustruthbutserveasareminderthatitistheworkofhumanauthors,expressing TeKupuaTeArikiaccording to their own personal understandings and in ways that wereshapedbythecircumstancesandlimitationsoftheirownparticulartimesandcultures.TheChurchunderstands that the literal sense of a passage from Scripture does not always apply in every ageorsituation,andrecognises the impact of time and human culture on the way theBiblewaswrittenand put together.

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Part Four: Interpreting The Bible Focus:

• ThemessageoftheBibleiseasilyabusedwhenpeoplefailtointerpretit correctly or use its words to push their own agenda. • TheBibleisconcernedwithreligioustruthbutisnotalwaysaccuratewhen it comes to historical, scientific or similar matters. • Scripturecanonlybeproperlyunderstoodwhenitisinterpretedaccording to its context. • TheChurchguidesCatholicsintheirinterpretationofScripture,the meaning of which often goes beyond the literal.

Bible System to Win Lottery!

This appeared as the headline for an article that proposedawaytousetheBibleinordertowin

money–inany lottery.

God Hates Fags – Romans 9:13Anti-homosexual protesters were seen with this sign

following the torture and killing of a gay college student in WyominginOctober1998.

The End of theWorldisNear!

This comes from a large advertisement foranewbook,whichsuggeststhatacodehasbeenfoundintheoriginal

HebrewBibleforetellingeventsthatarehappening in our own day.

Literary Genre in the New TestamentTheNewTestamentcontainsmanyexamplesofvariousliteraryforms,especiallyparables,miraclestories,riddles,prayers,blessings,accountsofJesus’preachingandsermons,andapocalypticwriting.

Something to DoUse your copy of the Bible to find examples of the following in the New Testament:

In Matthew or Luke’s Gospel:

a) A miracle story b) A parable c) An account of Jesus preaching to the people d) A situation where Jesus is instructing his disciples e) Jesus teaching the apostles how to pray In one of Paul’s letters:

f) A greeting at the beginning g) A blessing at the end

Task SixUsing what you have learned in this section of the topic:

a) Define in your own words what a literary form or genre is. b) Explain why it is important to identify and understand the literary forms found in Scripture.

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Avoid Misunderstandings

By determining the kind of writing that an author has chosen to use it is much easier to work out his or her intention or message.

Tounderstandwhatwearereading,weneedtomakeallowancesfortheformandchangeour expectations accordingly.

Ifwemisunderstandanauthor’sliteraryform,wewillalsomisunderstandwhattheauthorintends to say.

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Usuallythehouseholdwaslinkedtothepublicworldbythemaleadultsofthefamily,especiallyitshead.Awidowwithoutasonwasallowedtoassumemalerolestoenablethesurvivalofherfamily.Insuchacasethewomanwasconsideredtobemoremalethanfemale.

Fortheirfirstsevenoreightyearsoflifeboyswereraisedbythewomenofthefamily.Afterthistimetheireducationwastakenoverbymenwhoinstilledinthemthe“male”virtuesthatwereseenasnecessaryforadultlifeinthecommunity–self-mastery,courage,eloquence,andjustice.

Task EighteenTake any aspect of Jesus’ ministry and relationship with women and explain how by his words or actions Hehu challenged the culture of his time.

Women in the Gospel of LukeTherearemorestoriesaboutwomenin the Gospel of Luke than in the other gospels.Perhapsthisisbecauseitwaswrittenforaneducated,intelligent,enquiringcommunityofGreek-speakingconvertswholivedinthetownsandcities.InsuchanenvironmentwomenweremorelikelytohavesomeroleinpubliclifethaninmoretraditionalJewishcommunities.

InLuke’sGospelandinhisActsoftheApostleswomenreceiveGod’sword,arebaptised,followJesus,andofferhimhospitalityintheirhomes.However,theirroleispresentedasbeingdifferentfromthatofmenwhoaregivenresponsibilityforthepublicministriesofpraying,prophesying,teaching,healingandleadingthecommunity.Luke’swomenareshownmainlyintheprivateworldofthehousehold.

Part Ten: An Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature Focus:

• ApocalypticliteratureusesacodedtypeoflanguagetoencourageGod’s people to resist evil during a time of trial and to look forward to a wonderful future that Te Atua promises. • Apocalypticliteraturepresentsitsmessageinsymbolicvisionsor journeys which should not be interpreted literally. • PartsoftheBookofDanielandthewholeoftheBookofRevelationare apocalyptic in form.

Coded WritingIntimesofsufferingandpersecutionatthehandsofthosewhoopposethem,itcanbecomeriskyformembersofoppressedgroupsorsocietiestocommunicatewitheachother.Insuchsituationstheymaytrytoavoiddangerbyspeakingandwritinginwaysthatonlytheyas“insiders”willunderstand.Theyadoptatypeofcodedlanguagethatwillnotmakesensetotheirenemies.Themessagebehindthecodedcommunicationis one of hope.

ThebestknownexamplesfromtheBibleofthiscodedformofcommunicationcalledapocalyptic–fromtheGreekwordfor“uncovering”or“revealing”–arepartsoftheBookofDaniel(167–164BC)andthewholeoftheBookofRevelation(endof1stcenturyAD).BothworksbuildupthehopeoffaithfulJewishorChristianpeople experiencing oppression or persecution at the hands of evil governments. Both hide the fact that they aredealingwithpresentcrisesbysuggestingthattheeventstheywriteofhappenedinthepast.Bothlookforward to a time when God will reward faithful endurance with a glorious future.

Apocalyptic literature uses vivid imagery and exaggerated language to communicate the message that God has a final goal or destiny for humanity and for all of creation. The visions and images which it presents should notbeinterpretedliterally.

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Task NineteenAfter studying the material on coded writing in this section of the student text, readthrough the following notes about apocalyptic literature.

a) Think carefully about the point that each note is making.b) Identify the points that you think are the most important. c) Add any points of your own.d) Organise these important points into an order that makes sense.e) Develop the most important points into two or three paragraphs about apocalyptic

literature.

The King’s DreamThesecondchapteroftheBookofDanielistypicalofmuchapocalypticwriting.KingNebuchadnezzarofBabylonhasapuzzlingandworryingdreamaboutagreatstatueformedoutofdifferentmetals.ThedreamisfinallyinterpretedforhimbyDaniel,aJewishcaptive,whoexplains that it is a message from God. The dream shows that Godisincontrolofhistory,raisingupandoverthrowingtherulersofthisworld.Eventually,Godwillsetupakingdomthatwillneverbedestroyed.

The different metal parts of the statue represent different rulers and empires (as shown on the diagram).

Something to Think AboutRead the second chapter of the Book of Daniel. Whatdoyouthinkthestonethatdestroysthestatueinthedreamrepresents?See Daniel 2:35, 44-45

Apocalyptic Visions and Dreams

Apocalyptic literature reveals its message throughsymbolicvisions,dreamsorjourneystoheaven.

• Apersonreceivesimportantsecretknowledgefromaheavenlybeing–anangelortherisenChrist.

• Anangelinterpretsthemeaningofthevision or dream for the person.

• Heavenandeartharecontrasted–theheavenly world is presented as the “real” world,theearthlyworldasaplacethatwillnot last.

• Lifebeyonddeathisshowntobeverydifferent from the life of our experience.

• The“endtime”andthecomingofa“newage”whichGodbringsaboutarerevealed.

• Agreatclashbetweentheforcesofgoodand evil takes place.

• Godhastotalvictoryoverevil.

Apocalyptic literature….*examplesareDaniel/Revelation *meaningisnon-literal* Greek for “uncovering” or “revealing” * maintains hope*usescodedlanguage/vividimagery *endof1stcenturyAD* struggle between good and evil * angels interpret * comes out of suffering and persecution * God has the final victory*dealswithendtime/newage *symbolicvisions * God’s final goal for humanity * secret knowledge * contrasts heaven with earth * 167 – 164 BC* uses past to write about present * faith is rewarded

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Task FiveUsing the explanations on the previous page to help you, decide which literary form best matches each of the following passages.

A. Then the daughters of Zelophehad came forward. Zelophehad was son of HephersonofGileadsonofMachirsonofManassehsonofJoseph,amemberoftheManassiteclans.Thenamesofhisdaughterswere:Mahlah,Noah,Hoglah,Milcah,andTirzah.(Numbers27:1)

B. A single witness shall not suffice to convict a person of any crime or wrongdoing in connection withanyoffencethatmaybecommitted.Onlyonthe evidence of two or three witnesses shall a charge besustained.(Deuteronomy19:15)

C. Return,faithlessIsrael,saystheLord.Iwillnotlookonyouinanger,forIammerciful,saystheLord;Iwillnotbeangryforever.(Jeremiah3:12b)

D. How lonely sits the city that once was full of people! Howlikeawidowshehasbecome, she that was great among the nations! She that was a princess among the provinces hasbecomeavassal. (Lamentations 1:1)

E. When a man or a woman has spots on the skinofthebody,whitespots,thepriestshallmakeanexamination,andifthespotsontheskinofthebodyareofadullwhite,itisarashthathasbrokenoutontheskin;heisclean.(Leviticus 13:28-39)

F. NowthedaysdrewnearforMatthiastodie,andhe said to his sons: “Arrogance and scorn have now becomestrong;itisatimeofruinandfuriousanger.Now,mychildren,showzealforthelaw,andgiveyour lives for the covenant of our ancestors.” (1Maccabees2:49-50)

G. Bywisdomahouseisbuilt,andbyunderstandingitisestablished;byknowledgetheroomsarefilledwith all precious and pleasant riches.(Proverbs24:3-4)

H. You shall have a designated area outside the camp to which you shall go. With your utensils you shall have a trowel; when you relieve yourself outside,youshalldigaholewithitandthencoverupyourexcrement.(Deuteronomy23:12-13)

I. Honouryourfatherandyourmother,sothatyourdaysmaybelonginthelandthattheLordyour God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shallnotbearfalsewitnessagainstyourneighbour.Youshallnotcovetyourneighbour’shouse;youshallnotcovetyourneighbour’swife,ormaleorfemaleslave,orox,ordonkey,oranythingthatbelongstoyourneighbour.(Exodus 20:12-17)

J. InthethirdyearofKingHosheasonofElahofIsrael,HezekiahsonofKingAhazofJudahbegantoreign.Hewastwenty-fiveyearsoldwhenhebegantoreign;hereignedtwenty-nineyearsinJerusalem.(2Kings18:1-2)

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Literary Forms in the Old TestamentHere are some of the more common literary forms found in the Old Testament:

Common Literary Forms in the Old Testament

Eloquence Thisinvolvesspeakingoutinaskilful,fluentorexpressiveway.

Genealogy Whakapapa (family trees) are recited to show the origins and ancestry of a

particularperson,therebyestablishingthatperson’sidentityandstatus.

History There-tellingofimportanteventsfromIsrael’spast,especiallythoseinwhichGod

acteddirectlyorthroughthenation’sleaderstosavehischosenpeople.

Legal Codes TheseprovidedetailsabouttheworkingsoftheJewishlaw,includingtherules

andregulationsthattheJewishpeoplemustfollowandthepunishmentsthatthey

faceiftheybreakthem.

Medicine Thesepassagesoutlinevarioustreatmentsandcuresforbothphysicalandmental

disorders and diseases.

Moral Codes Moralcodes,suchastheTenCommandments,indicatewhatGodrequiresfor

good or ethical living.

Poetry Imagery(simile,metaphor,personificationetc)andsound(rhyme,rhythm,

alliteration etc) are used to convey strong feeling and insight.

Prophecy Throughwarnings,challengesandthreatsthepeoplearecalledbacktoaright

relationship with God.

Proverbs Theseobservationsintheformofshortsayingsexpresswiseadvicethatcomes

from ordinary human experience.

Sanitary Thesewritingsshowhowgoodhealthcanbemaintainedthroughmeasuressuch

Sciences asthecorrectdisposalofsewageandwasteandbymaintainingproperdrainage.

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Part Eleven: An Introduction to the Book of Revelation Focus:

• TheBookofRevelationwaswrittenbyJohnofPatmostoencourageChristians at the end of the first century to stay true to their faith during a period of crisis.

• AlthoughtheBookofRevelationdealswiththemesofdestructionand death, it is essentially about hope in Jesus Christ.

• ThematerialintheBookofRevelationisorganisedaroundpatternsof seven.

A Misunderstood TextTheBookofRevelation,thelastbookintheBible,istheonemostmisunderstoodbyreaders.TomanyitbringsfearandanxietybecausetheyseeitasablueprintforArmageddon,thegreatbattlebetweengoodandevilthatsomeChristiansbelievewilltakeplaceattheendoftime.

ManypeoplearenotawarethattheBookofRevelationisaworkofapocalypticliterature.Unfamiliarwithitsliterarystyle,theytwistitsmeaningbytakingitliterally.AbookthatisabouthopeinHehuKaraiti is seen as a bookaboutfearanddeath.

Response to a CrisisInthemid90sADtheRomanemperor,Domitian,persecutedChristianswhodidnotofferincensetohiminshrinesestablishedforthispurpose.JohnofPatmosdidnotwantChristianstocompromisetheircommitmenttoChristbyhonouringtheemperorasagod.He wrote the Book of Revelation to encourage ChristiansinAsiaMinortostayfirmintheirfaithat this time of crisis.

WritteninSecretCode

The Book of Revelation was written in secret codesothattheRomanscouldn’tunderstandit.TheimagesanddescriptionsusedbyJohnofPatmoswerefamiliartoChristianreadersofthetimebuttheirmeaningremainedhiddentooutsiders.Thesymbolsinthebookneededtobesecretbecauseitunderminedthepopularidea that the empire and the emperor were the ultimate powers.

The Author

The author of the Book of Revelation identifies himselfasJohn,anexileontheislandofPatmos,aRomanpenalcolonyintheAegeanSea,becauseofhisChristianfaith.HisletterstothesevenChurchesinAsiaMinorsuggestthathehadgreatauthorityovertheChristiancommunities in that region. Although it is unlikely that the author of the Book of RevelationistheapostleJohn,perhapshewashis disciple.

PastorPresentCrisis?

AlthoughmostexpertsbelievethattheBookofRevelationwaswrittenduringDomitian’sreign,codedreferencesinthetextlinkittoapersecutionthattheemperorNero(54–68AD)orderedandtoNero’sowndeath.Maybetheauthor of Revelation is attempting to protect Christiansofhisowntimefromevengreaterpersecutionbymakingoutthattheeventsheiswritingabouthappeneddecadesearlier.

Domitian – Roman emperor 81–96AD

Messages for Our Times

Manypeople’sunderstandingoftheBookofRevelationisdictatedbythemediaandpopularculture’semphasisonitsdoomsdayscenarios.Butitslessonsfortoday’sChristiansarereallyverypositive:

• AllegiancetoChristcomesbeforeallegianceto the state

• Christiansarecalledtobeagentsofhope• Christiansshouldremainfaithfulintimesof

trouble

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Task TwentyUse your knowledge of apocalyptic literature and the material you have just read about the Book of Revelation to match the first part of each statement (in column A) with its ending (in column B).

Column B

A. in both Jewish and Christian circles from around 200 BC to 200 AD.

B. in order to hide its meaning from the enemies of first century Christians.

C. first century Christians to stand firm in the faith and avoid compromise with the Roman Empire.

D. its message is essentially about hope and trust in Christ.

E. it contains complex symbolism that seems strange to modern readers.

F. the oppression and persecution that it refers to most likely took place under Domitian.

G. a knowledge of the historical context in which it was written.

H. over Satan and the forces of evil.

I. to those who endure suffering in the present.

J. to address a crisis – in this case the persecution of the early Church by the Roman authorities.

Column A

1. The Revelation to John is difficult to understand because

2. Like other apocalyptic literature, the Book of Revelation was composed

3. Apocalyptic literature enjoyed wide popularity

4. A proper understanding of the BookofRevelationrequires

5. The Revelation to John both encourages and warns

6. The Book of Revelation shows the struggle and victory of Christ and his followers

7. Although the Book of Revelation deals with death and destruction

8. The Book of Revelation uses coded language

9. Although there are coded references to Nero in the Book of Revelation

10. The Book of Revelation promises a future reward

The Number Seven and the Structure of the Book of RevelationIntheancientworldthenumbersevenwasassociatedwithperfection,andthereforewithheavenlyordivinerealities.Incontrast,thenumbersixsymbolisedimperfection.

AlthoughtherearemanywaysoflookingatthestructureoftheBookofRevelation,the following diagram shows that much of the material in the Book of Revelation is organised around patterns of seven. The climax of the Book of Revelation is the final visionoftheNewJerusalem.Thesixgroupsofseventhatcomebeforeitleaduptoand point to the importance of this seventh and final vision.

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The Books of the New TestamentThefirstfourbooksoftheNewTestamentareallcalledGospels. They are fourcomplementaryaccountsofthelifeofJesus,eachbyadifferentwriter.TheGospelsofMatthew,Mark,LukeandJohneachhavetheirownparticularpurposeorangle,relatedtotheneedsofthedifferentcommunitiesforwhichthey were written.

The Acts of the ApostlesisthesecondpartofLuke’saccount,tellinghowJesus’firstfollowersspreadtheGoodNewsofwhathehaddonefromJerusalemandtheprovinceofJudeatothewiderworldoftheGreekandRoman Empire. A key figure in this expansion is Saint Paul.

After the Acts of the Apostles come the letters or epistles. Thirteen of these havePaul’snameattachedtothem.TherestarebyotherclosefollowersofJesus.MostarewrittentonewgroupsofChristiansindifferentplaces,

answeringquestions,explainingmoreaboutwhatJesusdid,andshowingnewChristianshowtoliveouttheirfaithinpracticalways.Thelettersbeginandendwithformalgreetingsandprayers.

ThelastbookintheNewTestamentistheBook of Revelation,alsoknownastheBook of the Apocalypse.Itbelongstoaspecialkindofwritingcalledapocalypticliterature.ItlooksforwardtothefinaltriumphofGodandservesasanencouragementtobelieverswhentimesarehard.

Something to DoIn your copy of the New Testament find:

a) Each of the four Gospelsb) The Acts of the Apostlesc) The Letters of Pauld) The Letters to all Christians – sometimes called

the General Letterse) The Book of Revelation

Something to ResearchMost Bibles provide introductions to each of the individual books or to the various groupings of books.

a) DoesyourBible?b) Read an introduction to one of the books or

groups of books in the New Testament. c) Whatsortofinformationisprovidedinit?

Literary Form Literary forms or genre are the categories or types of writing that an author usestoexpresstheirideas:forexample,novel,poetry,shortstory,history,biography,essay,letter,song,andsoon.Whileadictionarywillestablishthemeaningofparticularwords,thetruemeaningofanytextcannotbediscoveredunlessthecategoryofwritingorspeakingtowhichitbelongs–its‘literaryform’–isidentified.

Everyliteraryformhasitsownrulesorconventions,specialvocabulary,typeofpunctuationandstyleofexpressionetc.ThisisastrueofthebooksintheBibleasitisofanyothertexts.







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THE NEW TESTAMENT











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Part Twelve: Symbols in the Book of Revelation Focus:

• TheimageryandsymbolismoftheBookofRevelation is often strange and complex, only intended to be understood by those with an inside knowledge.

• Muchoftheimageryandsymbolismidentifies Rome as the enemy of the first-century Christians but links Christ and his faithful followers with God and heavenly realities.

Reading with “Ancient Eyes”The Book of Revelation is typical of ancient apocalyptic writings in that it is fullofstrangeimagesandcomplexsymbols–colours,numbers,allsortsofanimals,objects,buildings,plantsandtrees.

Because apocalyptic literature was written for “insiders” who already knew something of the situation and of thesymbolsthatwereusedtopresentit,theoriginalaudienceoftheBookofRevelationwouldhavemadesenseofthestrangelanguageandweirdscenesdescribedthere.However,peopletodayfinditmoredifficulttounderstandthetext’smeaning.ModernreadersbenefitfromreadingtheBookofRevelationwith“ancienteyes”.

Something to DiscussWhatimagesandsymbolsintheBook of Revelation are you already awareof?Whichofthemdoyoufindstraightforward/difficulttounderstand?

Something to Think AboutHow might modern readers read the Book of Revelation through “ancient eyes”?

The title page to the second Latin edition (1511) of Dürer’s Revelation to Saint John

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Part Three: What is in the Bible? Focus:

• TheBooksoftheOldTestamentareusuallyarrangedinfourgroups–the Pentateuch, the histories, the wisdom books, and the prophets. • TheNewTestamentismadeupofthefourGospels,theActsofthe Apostles, the letters attributed to Paul, the general letters, and the Book of Revelation. • ThebooksoftheBiblecontainmanydifferentliteraryforms,eachwithits own particular characteristics and features.

THE BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENTThese are usually arranged in the following four groups:

The Pentateuch

Genesis NumbersExodus DeuteronomyLeviticus

The Deuteronomic History Books

The Book of Joshua The Book of EzraThe Book of Judges The Book of NehemiahThe Book of Ruth Tobit *The Books of Samuel Judith *The Books of Kings The First Book of Maccabees *The Books of Chronicles The Second Book of Maccabees *

TheWisdomBooks

Job The Song of SongsThe Psalms The Book of Wisdom *The Proverbs Ecclesiasticus / Ben Sira *Ecclesiastes / Qoheleth

The Prophets

Isaiah ObadiahJeremiah JonahLamentations MicahBaruch * NahumEzekiel HabakkukDaniel ZephaniahHosea HaggaiJoel ZechariahAmos Malachi

* Catholic Bibles include seven deutero-canonical books (Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees), as well as additions to various other Old Testament books, that are not usually found in Bibles used by the Protestant Churches.

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Determining the CanonOriginally,acanon(fromthe Greek kanon) was a rod or stick that was used as a standard of measurement. Later,theterm“canon”cameto refer to those writings that theChurchrecognisedashaving a rightful place in the Bible.

TheChurchusedthefollowingcriteriatodeterminewhetherornotaparticularpieceofChristianwritingbelongedinthebiblicalcanon:

• Thewritinghadtobeapostolic–writtenbyan apostle or someone closely associated with him• Thewritinghadtobecatholic–relevanttothe wholeChurch• Thewritinghadtobelongtothetradition– therewasevidencethatthebookhadalways beenusedintheChurch• Thewritinghadtobeorthodox–thebookwas faithfultotheChurch’steachingandcontained no errors or heresy

Something to DiscussWhatmighthavehappenedifanyoneofthe four criteria had not been used for determiningthecanonofScripture?

Why are Catholic and Protestant Bibles Different?

Protestants consider that the Old and New Testaments together contain sixty-sixbookswhileCatholicsholdthatthere are seventy-threebooksinall.

CatholicsandProtestants accept the same twenty-sevenbookswithintheNewTestament,butdisagreeoverthe place of seven booksintheOld

Testament.Catholicsadmitthem,butProtestantsdonot.

The earliest versions of the Old Testament were writteninHebrew.However,twohundredyearsbeforeChristtheyweretranslatedintoGreekinorder

tosatisfytheincreasingnumberofGreek-speakingJewslivingoutsidePalestinewhowantedtoreadthesacred writings in their own language.

ThetranslationoftheHebrewScripturesintoGreekis known as the Septuagint (meaning “seventy”) in honour of the experts who carried out this task. Accordingtolegend,seventyscholarstravelledfromJerusalemtoAlexandria–themajorcentreforGreek-speakingJews–wheretheyworkedforseventy months. Also included in the Septuagint are sevenbooksthatoriginallyappearedinGreekorthatsurviveonlyinGreektranslations:Tobit,Judith,Wisdom,Sirach,Baruch,and1and2Maccabees.

CatholicsincludethesesevenbooksintheOldTestamentandrefertothemasdeutero-canonical,thatis,asbelongingtothesecondorGreekcanon.Protestants,however,acceptonlythethirty-ninebooksthatwereoriginallywritteninHebrewintotheir Old Testaments and refer to the seven disputed booksastheapocrypha(meaning“hidden”or“notgenuine”).Thus,Catholicsholdthatthereareforty-sixbooksintheOldTestamentcanonwhileProtestantsacknowledge only thirty-nine.

ThepracticeofincludingthesevenGreekbooksintheCatholiccanoncanbetracedbacktotheearlycenturiesoftheChurchwhenmostChristianswereGreek speakers and tended to rely on the Septuagint in order to read the sacred Scriptures from their Jewishheritage.Becauseofthis,theCatholicChurchcametoaccepttheSeptuagintasauthoritative.InresponsetotheProtestantReformation,thistraditionwasaffirmedattheCouncilofTrentin1546.

Something to DoSome people in your class may have seventy-three books in their Bibles, others only sixty-six.

a)HowmanybooksareinyourBible?

b)WhichbooksdoesyourBiblehave/nothave that makes it different from some otherBibles?

c) In a pair or small group plan and perform a role play that explains how this difference came about.

Task ThreeUsing the photocopy master which your teacher will give you complete the crossword Bible Background. The answers to all the clues can be found in this section of the student text.

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Symbolic Numbers

31/2–Thisnumber,beinghalfofseven,representsimperfection.Itindicatessufferingand a time of trial.

4–Thenumberfourreferstothecornersoftheworld,thepointsofthecompass.

6–Six(beingonelessthanseven)isanumberthatsymbolisesimperfection.

7–Thenumbersevenisassociatedwithperfectionandfullness,andthereforewithheavenly or divine realities. There are many patterns of seven in the Book of Revelation.

12–ThisnumberisasymbolforIsraelinthatitreferstoIsrael’stwelvetribes.Italsostandsfor the twelve apostles.

666–Thenumbersixrepeatedthreetimesstandsfortotalfailure.Itisthenumberofthebeast.IntheBookofRevelationitstandsforRomeanditsempire,especiallytheemperorNero.

1,000–Thisdoesnotrefertoanexactnumberbuttoagreatquantitythatcannotbecalculated.

144,000–Thisnumber(12x12x1000)referstotheelectorchosenones.Itrepresentsthecountlessmultitudeofbelievers.

Colour SymbolsWhite represents righteousness or purity.

Gold signifies great value.

Redindicatesblood,destructionanddeath.

Purple is the colour of royalty.

Animal SymbolsThe lambsymbolisesChrist.

The dragon represents Satan in particular and evil in general.

The beasts from the earth stand for tyrannicalempires,suchasRome,orforNero.

The beasts from the sea are the ideologies at the service of a tyrannical empire,orDomitian.

The four living creatures represent the createdworldwithfourhorizons(north,south,eastandwest)formingGod’sthrone.

The white horsesymbolisestheParthianswho fought against Rome.

The four horsemen of the apocalypse aretheevilsofwar,death,plagueandfamine that rage through the world.

The goats are the wicked.

The sheep are the people.

Task Twenty-TwoFind as many different examples as you can of symbolic colours, numbers and animals in the Book of Revelation. Focus on five or six symbols that you think are especially interesting or important.

a) Copy out the verse(s), along with the Scripture references, where each of the symbols appear(s).

b) Explain the meaning of each of the symbols in the context of the verse(s) where it appears.

c) Draw the symbols or present them in another visual form.

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How the Symbols WorkImagesandsymbolsintheBookofRevelationfunctioninvariousways.

• Sometimestheirmeaningisexplainedbythenarratororanangel.• Sometimestheycomefromotherbiblicalandapocalypticliterature.• Sometimestheyareincludedtoaddtothedramaandexcitement,buthavenodeepersignificance.

Contrasting Groups of SymbolsThe Book of Revelation is very critical ofRome’soppressionofChristianity.Imageryandsymbolismareusedinacoded way to present Rome in a very negative light.

Incontrast,Christandhisfaithfulfollowers are presented through images andsymbolsthatemphasisetheirglorybylinkingthemwithGodandheavenlyrealities.Thestrugglebetweengoodand evil which is at the heart of the Book of Revelation is shown through theinterplaybetweenthesetwosetsofcontrasting images.

John’svisionoftheSonofmanamidseven gold lampstands holding seven stars in his hand (Revelation 1:13-16) isexplainedtohimbyanangel:“The

seven stars are the angels of the seven Churches,andthesevenlampstandsare

thesevenChurches.”(Revelation1:20)

Task Twenty-ThreeRead Revelation 14:1-5 and 17:1-18 and study the prints by the artist Dürer, which appear on the following pages, that were inspired by these two passages of Scripture.

a)WhataresomeoftheimagesandsymbolsusedinRevelation14:1-5torepresentChristandhisfaithfulfollowers?

b) How are the evils of the Roman Empire represented by images and symbols in Revelation17:1-8?

Extension ActivityWhatothergroupsofcontrastingimagesorsymbolscanyoufindintheBookofRevelation?Whatdotheyrepresent?

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TheancientIsraelites'earliestwrittenstoriestoldaboutthe deeds of the kings. While the songs they used in worship(psalms)wererecordedasfarbackasthetenthcenturyBC,moststorieswerewrittendownbetweenthefifthandthethirdcenturyBC.

Two TestamentsThewritingsintheBiblearearrangedintwomaingroups,knownbyChristiansastheOldandtheNewTestaments. The word “testament” comes from the Latin testamentum–atranslationoftheHebrewwordmeaning “covenant”.

TheOldTestamentcontainstheoriginalHebrewScripturesandsomeGreekwritingssacredtotheJewishpeople. These tell of the covenant or agreement that GodmadewithIsraelthroughAbrahamandMoses.ThesinglemostimportantstoryinthehistoryoftheJewishpeople was the account of their escape from slavery inEgypttothePromisedLandofCanaan–aneventwhich revealed the guiding hand of God.

ThebooksoftheNewTestament,writtenbyChristiansinthefirstcenturyAD,presentJesusasthefulfilmentofthecovenantthatGodmadewithIsraelthroughMosesandtracethestoryandfaithoftheearlyChristianChurch.Becauseofthis,theOldTestamentissometimessaidtobethestoryoftheoldorfirstcovenantandtheNew Testament that of the new or second covenant.

ChristiansplacegreatvalueontheOldTestamentbecauseittellsoftheuniquerelationshipbetweenGodandtheJewishpeople.TheeventsoftheOldTestamentpreparethewayforthecomingofJesusChrist,whomakes God fully known.

Task Twoa) From what you have just read, list three

or four pieces of information that you didn’t already know about how the Bible was formed or produced.

b)Whichpieceofinformationdoyouthinkisthemostimportant?Why?









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Part Thirteen: The Meaning of the Book of Revelation Today Focus:

• TheBookofRevelationremainsvalidandmeaningfulforChristianstoday.

• TheChurchemphasisestheenduringmessageofhopeandconsolation contained in the Book of Revelation.

Valid TodayTheBookofRevelationhaditsorigininatimeofcrisis,butitremainsvalidandmeaningfulforChristianstoday.

Task Twenty-FourHere are some readers’ comments about how they understand the Book of Revelation. Reflect on what they say and then write your own response to the Book of Revelation.

People who take the Book of Revelation literally missthepoint.It’sstupidtoreaditexpectingtofindout when and how the world is going to end. The messageIgetfromitisthatTe Atua is the ultimate power.God’sgoodnessisgreaterthananyevil.(George)

WhenreadingtheBookofRevelationI’mremindedthat over the centuries hundreds of thousands of people have suffered martyrdom for what they believe.Itisnotmeaninglesstogiveupyourlifeforsomethingyoureallybelievein.Itisbettertodiethantocompromiseyourfaithbycommittingrealevil. (Eddie)

IgotintoaconversationoncewithanelderlycoupleaboutthespacestationsorbitingEarth.TheoldguysaidIwastalkingrubbish:“Theworldisnotround.TheBookofRevelationsays,‘Theangelswillstandonthefourcornersoftheearth.’Iftheworldhasfourcorners,itcan’tberound,canit?”TheBookofRevelationshouldn’tbeusedtoopposethefindingsofscience.(Doug)

There are many evil things in the world today –war,violence,famine,sicknessandpoverty.TheBook of Revelation reminds me to put my hope and trust in God who promises to reward those who remainfaithfultoJesus’teachingsintroubledtimes.(Victoria)

TheBookofRevelationtellsusthatJesuswillreturn,butitisimpossibletoknowwhenthiswillbe.Wemustbereadyatalltimesforhiscoming.“Butaboutthatdayandhournooneknows,neithertheangelsofheaven,northeSon,butonlytheFather”(Matthew24:36).(Renee)

InMatthew’sgospelJesussaid:“Andremember,Iamwithyoualways,totheendoftheage”(Matthew28:20).TheBookofRevelationremindsme of this. (Alex)

The Book of Revelation says that no matter what hardshiporsacrificeChristiansexperience,intheend,theywilltriumphoverSatanandhisforcesbystayingclosetoChrist.(Rita)

When the Book of Revelation speaks of people worshippingandpraisingtheLambaroundGod’sthroneinheavenIrecallwhatwedowhenwegathertocelebratetheEucharist.(Ryan)

IlikethefactthattheBookofRevelationgetsitsmessageacrossthroughvisionsandimages.It’sagood way of showing that there are underlying spiritualforces,bothgoodandevil,atworkinspaceandtime.(Carmel)

The Feasts of the Assumption and All SaintsThereareveryfewtimesduringtheChurch’syearwhentheBookofRevelationisreadattheLiturgyoftheWordduringMass.Perhaps,thisisbecausepeopleeasilymisinterpretitsmeaning.

Two important occasions when readings from the Book of Revelation are given are on the feasts of the Assumption and All Saints.

Onboththeseoccasions,theChurch,bycelebratingthepresenceofMaryandthesaintsinglorywithChristinheaven,givesushopethatonedaywetoowillexperiencethefullnessofGod’slifeandlove.

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Task OneUse ideas in the following statements from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Constitution on Divine Revelation to make a presentation on one of these themes:

Jesus Christ – God’s greatest revelationScripture–theWordofGodinhumanlanguageChurch Tradition – the guardian of God’s truth

Jesus ChristGod has revealed himself

fullybysendinghisownSon,inwhomhehasestablished

his covenant for ever. (CatechismoftheCatholicChurch73)

RevelationGod has revealed himself

tohumankindbygraduallycommunicating his own mystery

in deeds and in words. (CatechismoftheCatholic

Church69)

TheWordofGodThe Sacred Scriptures

contain the Word of God and,becausetheyare

inspired,theyaretrulytheWord of God.

(ConstitutiononDivineRevelation 24)

From the ApostlesWhatChristentrustedtothe

apostles,theyinturnhandedonbytheirpreachingandwriting,

under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,toallgenerations...(CatechismoftheCatholic

Church96)

Human AuthorsTocomposethesacredbooks,

God chose certain people who … made full use of their own faculties andpowerssothat,thoughGod

actedinthemandbythem,itwas as true authors that they put in writing whatever God wanted written,andnomore.(Constitution

onDivineRevelation11)

ScriptureSacred Scripture is the

speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breathoftheHolySpirit.

(CatechismoftheCatholicChurch81)

Church TraditionTheChurch,inher

doctrine,lifeandworship,perpetuates and transmits to every generation all that sheherselfis,allthatshebelieves.(Catechismofthe

CatholicChurch98)

TheSingleWordof God

Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture make up a single sacred deposit of the Word

of God. (ConstitutiononDivine

Revelation 10)

The Truth ofScripture

God is the author of Sacred Scripturebecauseheinspireditshuman authors; he acts in them andbymeansofthem.Hethus

gives assurance that their writings teach without error his saving

truth. (CatechismoftheCatholic

Church136)

Honouring theScriptures

TheChurchhasalwaysvenerated the divine Scriptures as she venerated the Body of theLord:bothnourishandgovernthewholeChristian

life. (CatechismoftheCatholic

Church141)


•Acollageorposter•Aprayerorpoem•Alistofbeliefsorstatements•Amimeorpieceofscripteddrama•Aquiz

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Summary

• WelearnaboutTe Atua in many ways, most completely through Hehu Karaiti whowecometoknowthroughScripture--theWordofGodexpressedinhumanlanguage – and the Church.

• TheOldandNewTestamentsoftheBibletogetherrecordthreethousandyearsof God’s revelation and contain many different literary forms, each with its own particular characteristics and features.

• TheChristiancanonofScriptureincludesthosewritingsthattheChurchhas

recognised as expressing God’s true revelation.

• TheBibleisconcernedwithreligioustruthbutisnotalwaysaccuratewhenitcomes to historical, scientific or similar matters.

• Scripturecanonlybeproperlyunderstoodwhenitisinterpretedaccordingtoitscontext – its message is easily abused when people fail to interpret it correctly.

• TheChurchguidesCatholicsintheirinterpretationofScripture,themeaningofwhich often goes beyond the literal.

• TheGospelAccordingtoLukeandtheActsoftheApostlestogethertellthestory of Hehu Karaiti and the beginnings of Christianity.

• Luke’sinfancynarrativesestablishthatJesusisfullyGodandfullyhumanandshow him to be the fulfilment of the Hebrew Scriptures.

• JourneysareimportantfeaturesofLuke’sGospelandprovideaframeworkformany of Jesus’ words and actions.

• Luke’sGospelteachesthattheGoodNewsofJesusChristandthearoha of God are intended for all people, especially sinners and those without power in society. Themes emphasised in Luke’s Gospel include joy and praise of God, the work of TeWairuaTapu, and the importance of prayer.

• Apocalypticliterature–includingpartsoftheBookofDanielandthewhole

of the Book of Revelation – uses coded language and symbolic visions to encourage God’s people to resist evil during times of trial and to look forward with hope to the wonderful future that Te Atua promises.

• TheBookofRevelationwaswrittenbyJohnofPatmostoencourageChristiansat the end of the first century to stay true to their faith during a period of crisis.

• TheoftenstrangeandcompleximageryandsymbolismoftheBookofRevelation identifies Rome as the enemy of the first-century Christians but links Christ and his faithful followers with heavenly realities.

• Althoughitdealswiththemesofdestructionanddeath,theBookofRevelationis essentially positive. Its enduring message of hope in Jesus Christ remains valid and meaningful for Christians today.

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CONTENTS Part One: God’s Revelation 2 Task One ………………………........................................…………………………… page 3

Part Two: What is the Bible? 4 Task Two ………………………........................................…………………………… page 5 Task Three ………………………........................................…………………………… page 6

Part Three: What is in the Bible? 7 Task Four ………………………........................................…………………………… page 8 Task Five ………………………........................................…………………………… page 11

Task Six ………………………........................................…………………………… page 12

Part Four: Interpreting the Bible 13 Task Seven ………………………........................................…………………………… page 14

Part Five: Introduction to the Gospel According to Luke 15 Task Eight ………………………........................................…………………………… page 15 Task Nine ………………………........................................…………………………… page 17

Part Six: Infancy Narratives in the Gospel According to Luke 17 Task Ten ………………………........................................…………………………… page 18 Task Eleven ………………………........................................…………………………… page 18

Part Seven: Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (I) 19 Task Twelve ………………………........................................…………………………… page 19

Task Thirteen ………………………........................................…………………………… page 20

Part Eight: Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (II) 20 Task Fourteen ………………………........................................…………………………… page 20 Task Fifteen ………………………........................................…………………………… page 21

Task Sixteen ………………………........................................…………………………… page 22

Part Nine: Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (III) 22 Task Seventeen ………………………........................................…………………………… page 24

Task Eighteen ………………………........................................…………………………… page 25

Part Ten: An Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature 25 Task Nineteen ………………………........................................…………………………… page 26

Part Eleven: An Introduction to the Book of Revelation 27 Task Twenty ………………………........................................…………………………… page 28

Task Twenty-One ………………………........................................…………………………… page 29

Part Twelve: Symbols in the Book of Revelation 30 Task Twenty-Two ………………………........................................…………………………… page 31

Task Twenty-Three ………………………........................................…………………………… page 32

Part Thirteen: The Meaning of the Book of Revelation Today 34 Task Twenty-Four ………………………........................................…………………………… page 34 Summary 36 Glossary of Ma-ori Terms ………………………........................................……………………….. page 37 Acknowledgements ………………………........................................…………………………… page 38

© Copyright 2005 by National Centre for Religious Studies

No part of this document may be reproduced in any way, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Imprimatur + Colin Campbell DD Bishop of Dunedin Conference Deputy for National Centre for Religious Studies February 2005

Authorised by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Design & Layout: Devine Graphics P O Box 5954 Dunedin New Zealand

Published By: National Centre for Religious Studies Catholic Centre

P O Box 1937 Wellington New Zealand

Printed By: Printlink 33–43 Jackson Street Petone Private Bag 39996 Wellington Mail Centre Lower Hutt 5045

Ma-ori terms are italicised in the text. The first time a Ma-ori term appears in the text, its English meaning appears in brackets after it. A Ma-ori glossary at the back of the book gives a more detailed explanation of these terms and provides a guide for their

pronunciation.

GLOSSARY OF MA-ORI TERMS This glossary gives explanation of Ma- ori terms which are italicised in the text. The first time a Ma- ori term appears in the text, its English meaning appears in brackets after it.

Pronunciation – correct pronunciation of Ma- ori comes only with practice in listening to and speaking the language. The English phonetic equivalents provided under each Ma- ori word are intended to provide a reasonably accurate guide for students. If in doubt please seek assistance from someone practised in correct pronunciation of Te Reo Ma- ori.

indicates stressed syllable

Aroha – In general, means love and/or compassion. Note that the word is used in two senses: u h-raw-huh 1. a joyful relationship involving the expression of goodwill and the doing of

good,empathy. 2. sympathy, compassion towards those who are unhappy or suffering.

Atua – The Ma-ori word Atua has been used to describe God in the Christian sense sinceu h-too-uh missionary times. Before the coming of Christianity, Ma- ori used the word atua to

describe many kinds of spiritual beings (in the way we now use the word "spirit") and also unusual events. Io was the name given to the Supreme Being before missionary times. Many, but not all, tribes had this belief in Io.

Ha-karameta – Sacrament.háh-kuh-ruh-meh-tuh

Hehu Karaiti – Jesus Christ. héh-hoo kuh-rúh-ee-tee

Karakia – Prayer, ritual.kúh-ruh-kee-uh

Mana – Spiritual power and authority. Its sources are both divine and human, namely, God, múh-nuh one’s ancestors and one’s achievements in life. Mana comes to people in three ways:

mana tangata from people, mana whenua, from the land, and mana atua, from the spiritual powers.

Please note: when mana refers to Mana of God it is written as Mana.

Rongopai – Gospel or Good News. Nga Rongopai (plural). Te Rongopai (singular).ráw-ngaw-puh-ee

Tapu – This word is used in three senses:túh-poo 1. restrictions or prohibitions which safeguard the dignity and survival of people and

things. 2. the value, dignity, or worth of someone or something, eg the holiness of God,

human dignity, the value of the environment. 3. the intrinsic being or essence of someone or something, eg Tapu i Te Atua is the

intrinsic being of God, the divine nature. Please note: when tapu refers to the Tapu of God it is written as Tapu.

Te Aranga – The Resurrection.teh úh-ruh-nguh

Te Kupu a Te Ariki – The Word of God.teh kóo-poo uh teh úh-ree-kee

Te Rangatiratanga – The Kingdom or Reign of God.teh ruh-nguh-tée-ruh-tuh-nguh

TeWairuaTapu – The Holy Spirit.teh wúh-ee-roo-uh túh-poo

Whakapapa – Genealogy or family tree.fúh-kuh-puh-puh

Whakapono – Faith.fúh-kuh-paw-naw

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

LOGO: Annette Hanrahan rscjPHOTOGRAPHY: Carol Devine; Corbus Images; Digital Stock CorporationMODELS: Special thanks to the Year 12 students: Sian Doidge, Jamal Fortes, May Jarvis, Andrew McKenzie, Fatima Tanielu, Nimo Vili and Hannah Robinson of Catholic Cathedral College, Christchurch.

FIRST EDITION (1991)This booklet was part of a series prepared by the members of a Writing Party:

Anna Heffernan (Auckland)

Lorraine Campbell sm (Auckland)

Steve Jorgensen (Hamilton)

Mary Lynch (Palmerston North)

Gary Finlay (Wellington)

Mervyn Duffy sm (Wellington)

Sharon Alexander (Wellington)

Karaitiana Kingi sm (Christchurch)

Richard Walsh cfc (Dunedin)

SYLLABUS CO-ORDINATOR: Gary Finlay (NCRS, Wellington)

EDITORS: Gary Finlay (NCRS, Wellington)

Elizabeth M Russell sjc (NCRS, Auckland)

THEOLOGICAL CONSULTORS: + John Mackey DD

Paul Williamson sm, S.T.D., M.A. (Hons)ARTWORK: Norah Tobin, Shane Clapson

SECOND EDITION (2005)

CO-ORDINATOR/EDITOR: Charles Shaw

THEOLOGICAL CONSULTOR: Mons. Vincent Hunt

LITURGICAL CONSULTOR: Rev. Anthony Harrison

CONTACT FOR

MA-ORI CONSULTATION: Rev. Bernard Dennehy

NCRS: Gary Finlay, Director

Joan Parker rndm, Editing

Nuala Dunne, Secretary

ARTWORK: Hayley Roker, Carol Devine


Biblical Studies I

12E

Religions of the World12A

Titles of the Topics in Year 12

12C

Justice and Peace12B

Loss, Death, Grief and Dying

12D

Christian Morality andMoral Development

12F

Christian Art, Architecture and Music

12G

Commitment and Ministry

12H

Biblical Studies 1

12E

STRANDS

Human Experience 12A, 12G

Scripture and Tradition 12E

Church History 12C

Theology 12F

Sacrament and Worship 12D, 12H

Social Justice 12B

The Church's Story-- The Modern Age

Back cover: Horsemen of Apocalypse, bas-relief on Jean de Langeac tomb in Limoges cathedral. By unidentified artist, published in Magasin Pittoresque, Paris, 1842.

RELIGIOUSEDUCATIONP R O G R A M M E

FOR CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN AOTEAROA

NEW ZEALAND

BIG

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CKP

HO

TO.C

OM

CEP1213

12E

Biblical Studies 1

programme for catholic secondary schools in · scripture and church tradition revelation is the...

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