Why Study New Testament?Why Study New Testament?Why Study New Testament?Why Study New Testament?

1.1. Continuation of GodContinuation of God’’s Word to His s Word to His PeoplePeople

Old Testament New Testament Prophecy Fulfillment

2. Climax of GodClimax of God’’s Word in His Sons Word in His Son

Hebrews 1:1-4

John 1:1-18

3. Ultimate Personal Significance3. Ultimate Personal Significance

If a New Testament, If a New Testament, What Was Old?What Was Old?

If a New Testament, If a New Testament, What Was Old?What Was Old?

The Old TestamentThe Old Testament

The Hebrew Bible The Three sections

– Torah/Law– Prophets (Former Prophets & Latter Prophets)– Writings

Other Options: “First Testament, Hebrew Bible” etc.

The Hebrew BibleThe Hebrew BibleThe Hebrew BibleThe Hebrew Bible

English Old TestamentEnglish Old TestamentEnglish Old TestamentEnglish Old Testament

New Testament CanonNew Testament CanonNew Testament CanonNew Testament Canon

Why These 27 BooksWhy These 27 BooksWhy These 27 BooksWhy These 27 Books

1. Old Testament Precedent for a Canon1. Old Testament Precedent for a Canon

2. Inspiration2. Inspiration•2 Timothy 3:16 (God-breathed)•Compare language of Gen 2:4-7

How does this compare to our contemporary discussion of

•inerrant-Without error in matters of science or history•infallible-Without error in matters of faith or doctrine

Why These 27 BooksWhy These 27 BooksWhy These 27 BooksWhy These 27 Books

3. Recognition of the Canon in the Church3. Recognition of the Canon in the Church

•Marks of Apostolic authorship•Evidence of 1st Century origin•Apostolic Message (orthodoxy)

JewishJewish ChristianChristianFoundationsFoundations DevelopmentDevelopment

LAWLAW

PROPHETSPROPHETS

WRITINGSWRITINGS

Gospel

Acts

JJEESSUUSS

Letters

Apocalypse

GENERAL OVERVIEW30 AD 170 300 400

WritingCirculation

Collections

Sifting&

Separation

Ratification

140MARCION

303EUSEBIUS

393/397COUNCILSOF HIPPO/

CARTHAGE170-200

IRENAEUSCLEMENT

TERTULLIANMURATORIAN

367ATHANASIUS’

Letter