Biblical Studies 1
LEARNING STRAND: SCRIPTURE AND TRADITION
RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION
PROGRAMME
FOR CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN
AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND
12E
THE LOGO
The 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 inwards
except for the cross,
which stretches outwards.
Our lives are embedded in and
dependent upon our environment
(green and blue) and our cultures
(patterns and textures).
Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, is
represented by the blue
and white pattern.
The blue also represents the Pacific…
Annette Hanrahan RSCJ
Cover: St. Luke the Evangelist. Fresco detail.
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Biblical Studies I
LEARNING STRAND: SCRIPTURE AND TRADITION
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.
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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.
CONTENTS
God’s Revelation
Task One
………………………........................................……………………………
Part Two:
What is the Bible?
Task Two
Task Three
………………………........................................……………………………
………………………........................................……………………………
Part Three:
What is in the Bible?
2
page 3
4
page 5
page 6
7
Task Four
Task Five
………………………........................................……………………………
………………………........................................……………………………
page 8
page 11
Task Six
………………………........................................……………………………
page 12
Part Four:
Interpreting the Bible
Task Seven
………………………........................................……………………………
Part Five:
Introduction to the Gospel According to Luke
Task Eight
Task Nine
………………………........................................……………………………
………………………........................................……………………………
Part Six:
Infancy Narratives in the Gospel According to Luke
Task Ten
Task Eleven
………………………........................................……………………………
………………………........................................……………………………
Part Seven:
Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (I)
13
page 14
15
page 15
page 17
17
page 18
page 18
19
Task Twelve
………………………........................................……………………………
page 19
Task Thirteen
………………………........................................……………………………
page 20
Part Eight:
Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (II)
Task Fourteen
Task Fifteen
………………………........................................……………………………
………………………........................................……………………………
Task Sixteen
………………………........................................……………………………
Part Nine:
Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (III)
20
page 20
page 21
page 22
22
Task Seventeen
………………………........................................……………………………
page 24
Task Eighteen
………………………........................................……………………………
page 25
Part Ten:
An Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature
Task Nineteen
………………………........................................……………………………
Part Eleven:
An Introduction to the Book of Revelation
25
page 26
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
Task Twenty-Four
34
………………………........................................……………………………
page 34
Glossary of Ma-ori Terms ………………………........................................………………………..
Acknowledgements ………………………........................................……………………………
page 37
page 38
Summary
Biblical Studies 1
Part One:
36
1
Part One:
God's Revelation
Focus:
• Welearnabout Te Atua (God) in many ways, most completely through Hehu
Karaiti (Jesus Christ).
• PeoplecometoknowChristthroughScriptureandtheChurch.
• Scriptureis Te Kupu a Te Ariki(theWordofGod)expressedinhumanlanguage.
Ways of Knowing God
We 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 Tradition
RevelationisthewordusedtodescribehowTe Atua is shown or made known
to us. The clearest and most certain way of coming to know God is through the
ScripturesandtheChurch.TherewelearnaboutGod’sinvolvementinhuman
historyandaboutJesusChristwho,astheSonofGod,isthemostcomplete
revelation of what God is like.
ChristiansacceptthatGodistheauthorofthe
Scriptures which they refer to as the Word of God.
Biblical Studies 1
TheScripturesarealsotheworkofhumanauthorswhowereinspiredby Te Wairua
Tapu(theHolySpirit)tocommunicateGod’sWordinhumanlanguage.
2
TheChurchistheguardianoftheScripturesandofthetruthsthattheyreveal.
FromthebeginningtheChurchhasacknowledgedtheverycloserelationship
betweenScriptureandChurchTraditionwhichpreservesandbuildsonthetruths
first revealed in Scripture.
Something
Task One to Discuss
Read
the passages
from thestatements
Book of Revelation
are used
during
Mass
on: and the
Use ideas
in the following
from the which
Catechism
of the
Catholic
Church
Constitution on Divine Revelation to make a presentation on one of these themes:
a)
The Feast of the Assumption – Revelation 11:19, 12:1-6,10
b)
The Feast of AllJesus
Saints
– Revelation
7:2-4, 9-14
Christ
– God’s greatest
revelation
Scripture–theWordofGodinhumanlanguage
WhydoyouthinktheChurchchoosesthesereadings
Church Tradition – the guardian of God’s truth
forthesefeastdays?
Something to Find Out
Statues and pictures of the Blessed Virgin Mary often
Jesus Christ
use imagery taken from Chapter 12 of the Book of
God
has
revealed himself
Revelation
Revelation.
fullybysendinghisownSon,
God has revealed himself
inwhomhehasestablished
tohumankindbygradually
•
Areyoufamiliarwithanyartistic
his covenant for ever.
communicating his
representations
of own
Marymystery
that use such
(Catechismofthe
in deeds and in words.
imagery?
TheWordofGod
The Sacred Scriptures
contain the Word of God
and,becausetheyare
inspired,theyaretrulythe
Word of God.
(ConstitutiononDivine
Revelation 24)
TheSingleWord
of God
Sacred Tradition and Sacred
Scripture make up a single
sacred deposit of the Word
of God.
(ConstitutiononDivine
Revelation 10)
From the Apostles
WhatChristentrustedtothe
apostles,theyinturnhandedon
bytheirpreachingandwriting,
under the inspiration of the Holy
Spirit,toallgenerations...
(CatechismoftheCatholic
Church96)
Human Authors
Tocomposethesacredbooks,
God chose certain people who …
made full use of their own faculties
andpowerssothat,thoughGod
actedinthemandbythem,it
was as true authors that they put
in writing whatever God wanted
written,andnomore.(Constitution
Scripture
Sacred Scripture is the
speech of God as it is put
down in writing under the
breathoftheHolySpirit.
(Catechismofthe
CatholicChurch81)
Church Tradition
TheChurch,inher
doctrine,lifeandworship,
perpetuates and transmits
to every generation all that
sheherselfis,allthatshe
believes.(Catechismofthe
CatholicChurch98)
onDivineRevelation
11)
The Truth of
Scripture
God is the author of Sacred
Scripturebecauseheinspiredits
human authors; he acts in them
andbymeansofthem.Hethus
gives assurance that their writings
teach without error his saving
truth.
(CatechismoftheCatholic
Church136)
Honouring the
Scriptures
TheChurchhasalways
venerated the divine Scriptures
as she venerated the Body of
theLord:bothnourishand
governthewholeChristian
life.
(CatechismoftheCatholic
Church141)
Biblical Studies
Studies 11
Biblical
•
CatholicChurch73)
(CatechismoftheCatholic
Church69)
WhatparticulardetailsfromRevelation12dotheyshow?
Your presentation could be in the form of:
•Acollageorposter
•Aprayerorpoem
•Alistofbeliefsorstatements
•Amimeorpieceofscripteddrama
•Aquiz
The Book of Revelation
12:1-6
35
3
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.
The Bible – Treasure-House of God’s Revelation
“TheBiblepresentstoustheinexhaustibletreasuresofGod’srevelationand
ofhisloveforhumanity.”(PopeJohnPaulII–AddresstotheMembersofthe
PontificalBiblicalCommission,2004)
PeoplereadtheBibleformanyreasons–someoutofcuriosity,someaspart
ofaspiritualsearch,othersbecauseofitsliteraryvalue,oritsgreatculturaland
historicalsignificance.However,forJews,theHebrewScriptures,andforChristians,
thewholeBibleistheWordofGodsetdowninhumanwords.Thesacredtexts
contained in it are fundamental to their faith.
Something to Find Out
Interview someone you know who values the Bible and takes time
toreadit.Whataretheirreasonsfordoingso?
Something to Think About
WhatisyourownattitudetotheBible?
The Bible – A Collection of Books
Biblical Studies 1
ThewordBibleliterallymeans“collectionofbooks.”TheBible
itselfisnotonebigbook,butasmalllibraryofbooks.Between
itscovers,theBiblegathersmanydifferentkindsofwritings–
histories,stories,genealogies,laws,poems,prayers,lovesongs,
letters,visions,prophecies,andsoon.Thesewereproducedby
manydifferentauthors,writingmainlyinHebrewandGreek,
overaperiodofmorethanonethousandyears.Afewbrief
passagesarealsowritteninAramaic,anancientlanguage
closelyrelatedtoHebrewthatwasspokenintheareaofGalilee
whereJesuswasfrom.
TheBiblecontainsthe
records of three thousand
yearsofJewishand
Christianculture.
PeopleoffaithamongtheJewishandChristiancommunitiesrecognised
God’spresenceandactionintheirmidst–bothintheimportanteventsof
historyandineverydaysituations–andexpressedthisexperienceinwords.
Evenbeforewritingmaterialswereinvented,muchofthematerialthat
cametobeincludedintheBiblewashandeddownfromgenerationto
generationbywordofmouth.Afteryearsofpassingonstories,songs,
prayersetc.byoraltradition,someonewithinthecommunitywrotethem
down.Later,otherscontributedtothewrittentexts–copyingthem,adding
material,changingdetails,shiftingtheemphasis.
4
ThewritingsintheBiblearearrangedintwomain
groups,knownbyChristiansastheOldandtheNew
Testaments. The word “testament” comes from the
Latin testamentum–atranslationoftheHebrewword
meaning “covenant”.
TheOldTestamentcontainstheoriginalHebrew
ScripturesandsomeGreekwritingssacredtotheJewish
people. These tell of the covenant or agreement that
GodmadewithIsraelthroughAbrahamandMoses.The
singlemostimportantstoryinthehistoryoftheJewish
people was the account of their escape from slavery
inEgypttothePromisedLandofCanaan–anevent
which revealed the guiding hand of God.
ThebooksoftheNewTestament,writtenbyChristians
inthefirstcenturyAD,presentJesusasthefulfilment
ofthecovenantthatGodmadewithIsraelthrough
MosesandtracethestoryandfaithoftheearlyChristian
Church.Becauseofthis,theOldTestamentissometimes
saidtobethestoryoftheoldorfirstcovenantandthe
New Testament that of the new or second covenant.
ChristiansplacegreatvalueontheOldTestament
becauseittellsoftheuniquerelationshipbetweenGod
andtheJewishpeople.TheeventsoftheOldTestament
preparethewayforthecomingofJesusChrist,who
makes God fully known.
Task Two
a) 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)Whichpieceofinformationdoyouthinkis
themostimportant?Why?
Biblical Studies
Studies 1
1
Biblical
Two Testaments
AdorationoftheLamb(Revelation14:1-5)WomanSeatedonaSevenHeadedBeast(RevelationChapter17)
TheancientIsraelites'earliestwrittenstoriestoldabout
the deeds of the kings. While the songs they used in
worship(psalms)wererecordedasfarbackasthetenth
centuryBC,moststorieswerewrittendownbetween
thefifthandthethirdcenturyBC.
33
5
Determining the Canon
Originally,acanon(from
the Greek kanon) was a rod
or stick that was used as a
standard of measurement.
Later,theterm“canon”came
to refer to those writings that
theChurchrecognisedas
having a rightful place in the
Bible.
TheChurchusedthefollowingcriteriatodetermine
whetherornotaparticularpieceofChristianwriting
belongedinthebiblicalcanon:
• 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 Discuss
Whatmighthavehappenedifanyoneof
the four criteria had not been used for
determiningthecanonofScripture?
Why are Catholic and
Protestant Bibles Different?
Biblical Studies 1
Protestants consider
that the Old and
New Testaments
together contain
sixty-sixbookswhile
Catholicsholdthat
there are seventythreebooksinall.
Catholicsand
Protestants accept
the same twentysevenbookswithin
theNewTestament,
butdisagreeover
the place of seven
booksintheOld
Testament.Catholicsadmitthem,butProtestantsdo
not.
The earliest versions of the Old Testament were
writteninHebrew.However,twohundredyears
beforeChristtheyweretranslatedintoGreekinorder
6
tosatisfytheincreasingnumberofGreek-speaking
JewslivingoutsidePalestinewhowantedtoreadthe
sacred writings in their own language.
ThetranslationoftheHebrewScripturesintoGreek
is known as the Septuagint (meaning “seventy”) in
honour of the experts who carried out this task.
Accordingtolegend,seventyscholarstravelled
fromJerusalemtoAlexandria–themajorcentre
forGreek-speakingJews–wheretheyworkedfor
seventy months. Also included in the Septuagint are
sevenbooksthatoriginallyappearedinGreekor
thatsurviveonlyinGreektranslations:Tobit,Judith,
Wisdom,Sirach,Baruch,and1and2Maccabees.
CatholicsincludethesesevenbooksintheOld
Testamentandrefertothemasdeutero-canonical,
thatis,asbelongingtothesecondorGreekcanon.
Protestants,however,acceptonlythethirty-nine
booksthatwereoriginallywritteninHebrewinto
their Old Testaments and refer to the seven disputed
booksastheapocrypha(meaning“hidden”or“not
genuine”).Thus,Catholicsholdthatthereareforty-six
booksintheOldTestamentcanonwhileProtestants
acknowledge only thirty-nine.
ThepracticeofincludingthesevenGreekbooksin
theCatholiccanoncanbetracedbacktotheearly
centuriesoftheChurchwhenmostChristianswere
Greek speakers and tended to rely on the Septuagint
in order to read the sacred Scriptures from their
Jewishheritage.Becauseofthis,theCatholicChurch
cametoaccepttheSeptuagintasauthoritative.In
responsetotheProtestantReformation,thistradition
wasaffirmedattheCouncilofTrentin1546.
Something to Do
Some people in your class may have
seventy-three books in their Bibles, others
only sixty-six.
a)HowmanybooksareinyourBible?
b)WhichbooksdoesyourBiblehave/not
have 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 Three
Using 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.
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 TESTAMENT
These are usually arranged in the following four groups:
The Pentateuch
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
The Deuteronomic History Books
The
The
The
The
The
The
Book of Joshua
Book of Judges
Book of Ruth
Books of Samuel
Books of Kings
Books of Chronicles
The Book of Ezra
The Book of Nehemiah
Tobit *
Judith *
The First Book of Maccabees *
The Second Book of Maccabees *
TheWisdomBooks
Job
The Psalms
The Proverbs
Ecclesiastes / Qoheleth
The Song of Songs
The Book of Wisdom *
Ecclesiasticus / Ben Sira *
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Baruch *
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Biblical Studies 1
The Prophets
* 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.
7
Task Four
Use the words from the box below to complete the following summary about the
organisation of the books in the Old Testament.
seven
success
Pentateuch
warnings
deutero-canonical
Law
five
Israel
Psalms
faithfulness
The Organisation of the Old Testament
Thefirst__________booksoftheOldTestament,calledthePentateuch(meaning“fivescrolls”),formthebasic
TorahorLawofIsrael.Theyareacknowledgedasthefoundationdocumentof__________becausetheytell
thestoryofthebeginningsofGod’sspecialrelationshipwiththeJewishpeoplethroughthepromisesmadeto
AbrahamandSarahandthegivingofthe__________toMosesonMountSinai.
ThebooksthatformtheDeuteronomicHistory(the“second”stageofIsrael’shistoryfollowingthatdescribedin
the__________)tellthestoryofIsraelfromthesettlementinPalestineuntiltheexileinBabylon–aperiodof
sixhundredyears.Themessageisthat__________toGodbringswell-beingandriches,
whiledesertionofhimbringspunishmentandsuffering.
TheWisdombooks–includingthe__________,theprayerbookofIsrael–spannearly
one-thousand years. They emphasise that true wisdom and __________ come from God.
ThebooksoftheProphetsgathertogetherthepromisesand__________thatGodgave
tothosespecialmessengerswhotriedtokeepIsraelfaithfulinthecenturiesbeforeChrist.
CatholicBiblesinclude__________booksthatarenotusuallyincludedinProtestant
Bibles.ThesearereferredtobyCatholicsasthe__________books.
THE NEW TESTAMENT
The Gospels and Acts
The Gospel According to Matthew
The Gospel According to Mark
The Gospel According to Luke
The Gospel According to John
Acts of the Apostles
Biblical Studies 1
The Letters of Paul (and those attributed to him)
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews*
*Although the Letter to the Hebrews is grouped
with Paul’s letters in some Bibles, modern
scholarship suggests it was not written by Paul.
The Letters to All Christians
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
The Revelation to John
The Book of Revelation / the Book of the Apocalypse
8
The Books of the New Testament
An Outline of the Structure of the Book of Revelation
ThefirstfourbooksoftheNewTestamentareallcalledGospels. They are
The Prologue and John’s Address and Greeting (1:1-20)
fourcomplementaryaccountsofthelifeofJesus,eachbyadifferentwriter.
The First Group of Seven
(1:9-3:22)
TheGospelsofMatthew,Mark,LukeandJohneachhavetheirownparticular
Second Group of Seven
(4:1-8:1)
purposeorangle,relatedtotheneedsofthedifferentcommunitiesforwhich
were written.
Third Group of Seventhey
(8:2-11:19)
Fourth Group of Seven (11:19-15:4)
Acts of the ApostlesisthesecondpartofLuke’saccount,telling
Fifth Group of Seven The
(15:5-16:21)
howJesus’firstfollowersspreadtheGoodNewsofwhathehaddonefrom
Sixth Group of Seven (17:1-20:15)
JerusalemandtheprovinceofJudeatothewiderworldoftheGreekand
The Final Vision – TheRoman
New Jerusalem
(21:1-22:20)
Empire. A key
figure in this expansion is Saint Paul.
Epilogue and Concluding Blessing (22:21)
Seven angels with seven trumpets
After the Acts of the Apostles come the letters or epistles. Thirteen of these
havePaul’snameattachedtothem.Therestarebyotherclosefollowers
Task Twenty-One
ofJesus.MostarewrittentonewgroupsofChristiansindifferentplaces,
Study the diagram outlining the structure
answeringquestions,explainingmoreaboutwhatJesusdid,andshowingnewChristianshowtoliveout
of the Book of Revelation. Make use of the
theirfaithinpracticalways.Thelettersbeginandendwithformalgreetingsandprayers.
5. JohnintroduceshimselfasaservantofChrist
Scripture references provided and read each
whoisontheislandofPatmosbecauseofhis
section of the Book of Revelation in yourof Revelation,alsoknownastheBook
ThelastbookintheNewTestamentistheBook
of the
witnesstoJesus.TheSonofManappearstohim
Bible. From the summaries below find one
Apocalypse.Itbelongstoaspecialkindofwritingcalledapocalypticliterature.Itlooksforwardtothefinal
among seven golden lampstands.
that goes with each of the sections of the
triumphofGodandservesasanencouragementtobelieverswhentimesarehard.
Book of Revelation.
Something to Do
6. TheauthorasksthatthegraceoftheLordJesus
Seven
angels
sound
seven
trumpets in
the
In1.your
copy
of the
New
Testament
find:
bewithall.
presence of God. These warn of destruction and
in every
partfour
of theGospels
cosmos and announce the
a)death
Each
of the
dayofGod’
s
judgement.
7. BabylontheGreat,themotherofallprostitutes,
b) The Acts of the Apostles
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
isseenridingascarletbeastwithseven heads and
c) The Letters of Paul
tenhorns–sheisdrunkwiththebloodofsaints
The sanctuary
opens
heaven and– the
seven called
d)2. The
Letters to
all in
Christians
sometimes
and martyrs. There then appear seven sights.
angels
the seven
plagues empty seven golden
thewith
General
Letters
bowlsofGod’
s
angerovertheearth
e) The Book of Revelation
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.Whileadictionarywillestablish
themeaningofparticularwords,thetruemeaningofanytextcannotbe
discoveredunlessthecategoryofwritingorspeakingtowhichitbelongs
–its‘literaryform’–isidentified.
Biblical Studies
Studies 11
Biblical
8. JohnseesJesusingloryandreceivesmessages
Something
to Research
3. A new heaven
and a new earth appear and the
for
the sevenChurchesintheprovinceofAsia.
Most
Bibles provide introductions to each of the
holycity,Jerusalem,comesdownoutofheavenfrom
GodinreadinessfortheweddingoftheLamb.
individual
books or to the various groupings of
books.
9. Heaven opens and sevensigns,includinga
4. JohnseesintoheavenandwatchesasJesusthe
womanandadragon,greatbeastsdefyingGod,
a)
DoesyourBible?
Lambunsealsascrollwhichpresentsthehistoryof
theLambandthedayofjudgementareseen.
b)
anthe
introduction
of the
books or
the Read
world in
last days. Eachto
of one
its seven
seals
revealsanaspectofGod’
sjudgementandvictory.
groups of books in
the New Testament.
c) Whatsortofinformationisprovidedinit?
Everyliteraryformhasitsownrulesorconventions,specialvocabulary,type
ofpunctuationandstyleofexpressionetc.Thisisastrueofthebooksinthe
Bibleasitisofanyothertexts.
The seven Churches of Asia Minor
The Son of Man appears to John among
seven golden lampstands
29
9
Literary Forms in the Old Testament
Here are some of the more common literary forms found in the Old Testament:
Biblical Studies 1
Common Literary Forms in the Old Testament
10
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
Sciences
Thesewritingsshowhowgoodhealthcanbemaintainedthroughmeasuressuch
asthecorrectdisposalofsewageandwasteandbymaintainingproperdrainage.
Task Five
Using 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,amember
oftheManassiteclans.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.Onlyon
the evidence of two or three witnesses shall a charge
besustained.
(Deuteronomy19:15)
C. Return,faithlessIsrael,saystheLord.Iwillnot
lookonyouinanger,forIammerciful,saysthe
Lord;Iwillnotbeangryforever.
(Jeremiah3:12b)
E. When a man or a woman has spots on the
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)
F. NowthedaysdrewnearforMatthiastodie,and
he said to his sons: “Arrogance and scorn have now
becomestrong;itisatimeofruinandfuriousanger.
Now,mychildren,showzealforthelaw,andgive
your lives for the covenant of our ancestors.”
(1Maccabees2:49-50)
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,youshalldigaholewithitandthencover
upyourexcrement.(Deuteronomy23:12-13)
skinofthebody,whitespots,thepriestshallmake
anexamination,andifthespotsontheskinof
thebodyareofadullwhite,itisarashthathas
brokenoutontheskin;heisclean.
(Leviticus 13:28-39)
G. Bywisdomahouseisbuilt,
andbyunderstandingitisestablished;
byknowledgetheroomsarefilled
with all precious and pleasant riches.
(Proverbs24:3-4)
I. Honouryourfatherandyourmother,sothat
yourdaysmaybelonginthelandthattheLord
your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You
shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You
shallnotbearfalsewitnessagainstyourneighbour.
Youshallnotcovetyourneighbour’shouse;you
shallnotcovetyourneighbour’swife,ormaleor
femaleslave,orox,ordonkey,oranythingthat
belongstoyourneighbour.
(Exodus 20:12-17)
Biblical Studies 1
D.
J. InthethirdyearofKingHosheasonofElahofIsrael,HezekiahsonofKingAhazofJudahbegantoreign.
Hewastwenty-fiveyearsoldwhenhebegantoreign;hereignedtwenty-nineyearsinJerusalem.
(2Kings18:1-2)
11
Literary Genre in the New Testament
TheNewTestamentcontainsmanyexamplesofvariousliteraryforms,especially
parables,miraclestories,riddles,prayers,blessings,accountsofJesus’preaching
andsermons,andapocalypticwriting.
Something to Do
Use your copy of the Bible to find examples of the following in
the New Testament:
In Matthew or Luke’s Gospel:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
A miracle story
A parable
An account of Jesus preaching to the people
A situation where Jesus is instructing his disciples
Jesus teaching the apostles how to pray
In one of Paul’s letters:
f)
g)
A greeting at the beginning
A blessing at the end
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,weneedtomakeallowancesfortheformandchange
our expectations accordingly.
Ifwemisunderstandanauthor’sliteraryform,wewillalsomisunderstandwhattheauthor
intends to say.
Task Six
Using what you have learned in this section of the topic:
Biblical Studies 1
a)
b)
12
Define in your own words what a literary form or genre is.
Explain why it is important to identify and understand the literary forms found
in Scripture.
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.
The Use and Abuse of the
Bible
The Bible Speaks with
Authority
ChristiansbelievethattheBibleisGod’sWord,
inspiredbyTe Wairua Tapu,andacceptthatitspeaks
with great authority. They recognise that the purpose
of the Scriptures is to lead people to Te Atua and
acknowledgethattheBibleiscentraltothelifeofthe
Churchandremainsrelevanttothelivesofindividual
Christians.
AlthoughChristiansaccept
thattheBibleisGod’s
inspired Word and treat it
withaspecialreverence,they
differ in their understanding
of what it means to say
thattheBiblespeakswith
authority.
However,somepeopleseetheBibleasaconvenient
textforallsortsofpurposes,andinmanyinstances,
donotuseitproperly.Acrossthecenturies,some
ChristianshaveusedtheBibletopushtheirown
ideasandjustifytheirownactions.
Here are
three
examples:
The End of the
WorldisNear!
This comes from a large advertisement
foranewbook,whichsuggeststhat
acodehasbeenfoundintheoriginal
HebrewBibleforetellingeventsthatare
happening in our own day.
Bible System to
Win Lottery!
This appeared as the headline for an article that
proposedawaytousetheBibleinordertowin
money–inany lottery.
God Hates Fags
– Romans 9:13
Anti-homosexual protesters
were seen with this sign
following the torture and killing
of a gay college student in
WyominginOctober1998.
Something to
Think About
Can you think of
other situations
where people
have misused
the Bible for
their own
purposes?
SomeChristiansclaimthattheBibleisfreeofallerror
–scientific,historical,orspiritual.TheyreadtheBible
at 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
Christiansareoftendescribedasfundamentalists
becauseoftheirliteralapproachtothetext.
CatholicsandmostProtestants,however,recognise
thattheBibleisconcernedprimarilywithreligious
truth.WhileacceptingwhattheBiblerevealsabout
Godandmattersoffaithastrue,theyadmitthatthe
Bibleisnotalwaysaccurateinregardtohistorical
andscientificmatters.Forexample,readerscanfind
significanterrorswithintheBible’spagesinregardto
dates,geographicaldetails,andinformationrelating
to physics or chemistry etc. Such inaccuracies do
notunderminetheBible’sreligioustruthbutserve
asareminderthatitistheworkofhumanauthors,
expressing TeKupuaTeArikiaccording to their
own personal understandings and in ways that
wereshapedbythecircumstancesandlimitationsof
theirownparticulartimesandcultures.TheChurch
understands that
the literal sense
of a passage from
Scripture does not
always apply in every
ageorsituation,and
recognises the impact
of time and human
culture on the way
theBiblewaswritten
and put together.
Biblical Studies 1
13
InthecenturiessincetheBiblewaswritten,theHoly
SpirithasdeepenedtheChurch’sunderstandingof
God’srevelationinScripture.TheChurch,guidedby
thecollegeofbishopsinunionwiththepope,assists
ordinaryCatholicstocometoatrueunderstanding
ofwhatScriptureissaying.Thecontributionof
biblicalscholarsandtheologianshasalsobeenvery
importanttothisprocess.AttheheartoftheCatholic
Church’sapproachtoScriptureistheconvictionthat
Christiansgrowintheirknowledgeandappreciation
ofGod’sWordnotasindividualsbutasmembersofa
communityoffaith,thepeopleofGod.
Context
Contextmeans
three different
things in regard to
Scripture:
A biblical passage
is only biblical
when it is in the
Bible.
(Raymond Brown
– a famous Scripture
scholar)
• Howaparticular
scriptural
passage relates
tothetextimmediatelybeforeandafterit.
• HowthepassagerelatestothebookoftheBible
in which it is found.
• Howthepassagerelatestowhatissaidinother
booksintheBible.
Itisalwaysdangeroustoignorethecontextof
a Scripture passage. Taking a passage literally or
removing it from its natural “home” almost always
leadstoabuseoftheScriptures.Payingattentionto
the larger context prevents people from misreading
theBible.
Biblical Studies 1
ChristiansarechallengedtoapplytheBiblefaithfully
to 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,andarewilling
to develop their knowledge and understanding of
ScripturethroughtheirattentiontowhattheChurch
teaches and to the expertise of Scripture scholars.
14
Task Seven
Whichofthe
following
statements reflect
the Catholic
understanding
about the authority
oftheBible?
1.
The Bible is
theWordof
God 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’sWordwithout
reference 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.
Part Five:
Introduction to the Gospel According to Luke
Focus:
• TheGospelAccordingtoLukeandtheActsoftheApostlestogethertellthe
story of Hehu Karaiti and the beginnings of Christianity.
and Sinners
The Poor and the Rich
Outsiders
• Luke’sGospelwaswritteninGreek,probablyfortyorfiftyyearsafterJesus’
resurrection,
for
Gentile
Christians
living
Asia Minor (Turkey).
InLuke’sGospelJesusofferstheGoodNews
InLuke’in
sgospelJesusisespecially
ofGod’
ssalvationtopeopleoflowstatus,
• Luketeachesthatthe Te Rongopai (the
Good
News)
of Jesus
welcoming of
the poor.
He alsoChrist
warns and
of the
aroha
of
God
are
intended
for
all
people.
especiallythosewhomsocietylabelledas
the danger of material possessions and the
sinnersand“outsiders”–tax-collectors,
• Luke’sGospelwasformedovermanyyearsbyaprocesssimilartothat
misuse of wealth.
which
produced
the
other
gospels.
prostitutes,andSamaritans.
Luke’
and the Acts
•s Gospel
Jesus’meetingwithZacchaeus
(Luke
19:1-10)
of the
Apostles
• Jesus'encounterwiththewoman
The Gospel
Luke is sthe
first half of a two-part work
ofatSimon’
house(Luke7:36-50)
thattellsthestoryofJesusandthebeginningsof
• ThecureoftheSamaritanleper
Christianity.TheActsoftheApostlescontinuesthe
(Luke 17:11-19)
story.
• ThehealingoftheRoman centurion’sservant(Luke7:1-10)
• Luke’sGospelstartswiththeinfancyofJesus
and,followingtheresurrection,endswithJesus
Mercy and Forgiveness
returning to his Father in heaven.
Luke’sGospelhasbeencalledtheGospelof
• TheActsoftheApostlesstartswithJesus’ascension
Mercy.ManyofJesus’parablesemphasise
and the coming of the promised Holy Spirit at
healing,compassionandforgiveness.
Pentecost.ItdealswiththegrowthofChristianity
upuntilthearrivalofPaulinRomearound60AD.
• TheparableofthegoodSamaritan
(Luke 10:29-37)
ItisuncertainwhenLuke’sGospelwaswritten,but
• Theparableofthelostsheep
most experts agree it was put together in its final form
(Luke 15:1-7)
somewherebetweenthirtyandfiftyyearsafterJesus’
• Theparableofthelostcoin(Luke
deathandresurrection–mostlikelyintheeighties.
15:8-10)
• Theparableoftheprodigalorlost
LukewasaGreek-speakingChristian,possiblya
sonTradition
(Luke 15:11-32)
convert of Paul.
claims he was a doctor. His
GospelwasprobablycomposedinAntioch(Syria)or
Jesustellshisdisciplestobecompassionate
AsiaMinor(modernTurkey)forcommunitiesinthat
(6:36) and even forgives his own killers
region.
(23:34).
• Therichfool(Luke12:13-21)
Jesushadworkedwerewipedout.Notonlywasthe
• Anxietyandattitudestowards
generationofbelieverswhohadknownJesusdying
possessions (Luke 12:22-34)
off,butcommunitiesthathadwitnessedhisministry
•
Theuseofmoney(Luke16:9-13)
weredestroyedorforcedtoestablishthemselves
•
TherichmanandLazarus(Luke
elsewhere.StoriesaboutJesuswhichhadbeen
16:19-31)
passedonbywordofmouthanddependedfortheir
•
Therichman(Luke18:18-30)
survivalonapeaceful,stablesocietywereindanger
ofdisappearing.Jesus’followersrecognisedthatsteps
hadtobetakentowritetheGospelmessagedown,
sothatitwouldsurviveandbepassedontofuture
generations.
Itwasagainstthis
backgroundthatLuke
presented his Gospel as
asolidbasisforlasting
faith. He wished to show
that the Greek-speaking
ChurchofAsiaMinor
towhichhebelonged
haditsorigins,notonly
inJesusChrist,butalso
in the community of
Jesus’firstfollowerswho
allwereJews.Luke’s
Tradition claims that Saint Luke
message was that the
was a doctor as well as the
GoodNewsofJesus
Luke 18:18-30
authorofthethirdgospel.In
Christwasmeantfor
Luke’srighthandisthecaduceus
–astaffassociatedwithhealing.
everyone.
Something to Think About
BythetimeLuke’
sGospelcametobe,themessage
discussingthefollowingquestions:
The focus at the beginning of this section of
aboutJesushadspreadwellbeyondPalestineand
the topic lists three keyJesus’
points
about Luke’s
• Whichgroupsofpeoplewerelabelledasoutcastsandsinnersin
society?
theoriginalcommunitiesthatJesushimselfhad
Gospel.
If
you
had
the
opportunity
to make
• Whichgroupsofpeopledoes oursocietylabelasoutcastsandsinners?
visited.Peter,Paulandothermissionarieshadcarried
three
more
important
points
about
Luke’
s
• InwhatwaysdidJesusbringmercyandforgivenesstopeopleinhistime?
theGoodNewsinalldirections.TheChurchwas
Gospelwhatwouldtheybe?
• InwhatwaysmightJesusbringmercyandforgivenesstothesepeopletoday?
quicklybecomingmoreGentile.
• WhatdidJesusteachabouttheuseofriches?
Task Eight
• HowmightJesus’teachingonrichesapplyinAotearoaNewZealandtoday?
ItislikelythatLukeintendedhisGospelforrecent
WriteaprofileoftheGospelAccordingto
converts,Greek-speakers,whowereeagertolearn
Luke
thatthat
groups
the
under the
Jot down ideas
come
upinformation
in the discussion.
moreaboutJesus.Hehadawideaudienceinmind
following headings:
–aneducated,intelligent,enquiringpublicwholived
Something to Research
in the towns and cities.
WhatcanyoufindoutabouttheattitudesofJesus’
•Theeventsitcovers
society towards
the
following
groups
•Theplaceandtimeofitscomposition
IntheyearsbeforeLuke’sGospelwaswritten,a
ofpeople?
•Itslikelyauthor
terriblewarragedinPalestinebetweentheJewsand
theRomanoccupyingforces.FollowingaJewish
•Itsintendedaudience
rebellionin66AD,theRomansbesiegedJerusalem
•Itshistoricalbackground
Samaritans
gentiles
tax-collectors
lepers
beforetotallyflatteningthecityandTemplein70AD.
•Itspurpose
Asaresult,manyofthetownsandvillageswhere
Biblical Studies 1
Luke’s Audience and
Some Things to Discuss
Message
Read the passages from Luke’s Gospel which are referred to on the previous page before
23
15
The Formation of the Gospels
TheGospelAccordingtoLuke,liketheothergospels,
developedinthreebroadstagesoveraperiodofat
least forty or fifty years:
Stage One:
Jesus public ministry (circa 30 to 33 AD)
Jesuscommandshisfollowers–thewitnessestohis
lifeandteaching,tohissavingdeathandresurrection
–topreachtheGoodNews.
Stage Two:
The preaching and teaching of the apostles
(circa 33 to 70 AD)
FaithinJesusChristasLordandSaviourspreads
beyondPalestine.Jesus’wordsanddeedsarekeptalive
instoriesthatarecirculatedfirstlybywordofmouth.It
islikelythatwrittencollectionsofthesematerialsbegin
totakeshapebeforethefirstgospeliscomposed.Paul’s
letters are also written during this time.
Biblical Studies 1
Stage Three:
The Gospels are recorded in written form
(circa 70 to 100 AD)
Thegospelwriters,althoughtheywerethenext
generationtotheoriginaleyewitnesses,inherited
thetraditionaboutJesusthatcamefromthem.They
faithfullyrecordtheGoodNewsofJesusChrist,
shapingandeditingmaterialthathasbeenkeptalive
within their particular communities.
16
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
orderlyaccountoftheeventsthathavebeen
fulfilledamongus,justastheywerehandedon
tousbythosewhofromthebeginningwere
eyewitnessesandservantsoftheword,Itoo
decided,afterinvestigatingeverythingcarefully
fromtheveryfirst,towriteanorderlyaccount
foryou,mostexcellentTheophilus 1,sothatyou
mayknowthetruthconcerningthethingsabout
whichyouhavebeeninstructed. (Luke 1:1-4)
Something to Do
Present a poster or diagram that clearly
shows the process that formed the gospels.
Something to Discuss
In 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?
… so that you may know the
truth… (Luke 1:4)
1
Theophilus,whosenamemeans“loverofGod”,isthepersontowhomLukededicateshisGospel.
The Synoptic Gospels
WhenthegospelsofMatthew,MarkandLukeare
placedtogetherside-by-sideitbecomesclearthat:
• Matthew,MarkandLukeareverysimilarin
contentandstyle.Forthisreason,theyareoften
labelledsynoptic (from the Greek word meaning
“overview”).
• MatthewandLukesharesignificantmaterial
–mostlysayingsandteachingsofJesus,suchas
theLord’sPrayer–whichisnotfoundinMark.
Toexplainthis,most
experts suggest that
MatthewandLuke
basedtheirgospels
on the Gospel of
Mark,whichwas
writtenfirst,butalso
drew on another
written source not
knowntoMark.This
source,acollection
of the sayings of
Jesus,isnolonger
inexistence.Itis
referredtoas‘Q’
forshort,after
the German word
‘quelle’(source).
The Two-Document Theory
Mark
Q
Matthew
Luke
Anothertheoryhasbeenputforwardtoexplainthe
existenceofmaterialinMatthewthatisnotinLuke
(orMark)andmaterialinLukethatisnotinMatthew
(orMark).Forexample,theparableoftheLabourers
intheVineyardisfoundonlyinMatthew(20:1-15),
andtheparableofthePhariseeandtheTaxCollector
onlyinLuke(18:9-14).Materialthatisunique
toMattheworLukeissaidtocomefromsources
labelled‘M’or‘L’.
The Four-Document Theory
(M)
The structure and much of
thecontentofJohn’sGospelis
significantly different from the
synoptic gospels which leads
experts to suggest it was formed
independently.
Mark
Q
Matthew
Luke
(L)
Task Nine
Explain 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.
• Theinfancynarrativesestablishthat Hehu is fully God and fully human
and show him to be the fulfilment of the Hebrew Scriptures.
TheeventssurroundingthebirthofJesusaredescribedinonlytwoNew
Testamentbooks–theGospelsofMatthew(1:1-2:23)andofLuke(1:12:52). These infancy narratives are closely related to a type of writing
foundintheHebrewScriptureswherewomenconceiveandgivebirthin
unusual circumstances.
Althoughthetwoinfancynarrativesareverydifferentintheirdetails,they
present a common religious message:
• BothestablishthatJesusChrististrulyGodandtrulyhuman
• BothshowJesustobethefulfilmentoftheHebrewScriptures
InbothoftheinfancynarrativestheGoodNewsofJesus’birthisshared
withothers,whoeitheracceptorrejectit.
Luke’sGospelissymbolisedbythe
wingedoxbecauseitbeginswith
thestoryofZechariah,apriest
whose ministry at the Temple in
Jerusalemrequiredhimtotakepart
in the sacrifice of animals. Luke
presentsJesus’deathasasacrifice
that he made for the world.
Biblical Studies 1
Two Infancy Narratives
17
Task Ten
ReadtheinfancynarrativesinLuke(1:1-2:52)andMatthew(1:1–2:23).Whichofthe
followingfeaturesbelongtoLuke’sinfancynarrativeandwhichtoMatthew’s?
Mary’s faith is emphasised
MaryvisitsElizabeth
Joseph and Mary take part in a census
Magi/wisemenvisitthebabyJesus
The Holy Family escapes to Egypt
Joseph plays an important part
Joseph and Mary live in Bethlehem
JosephandMaryliveinNazareth
Shepherds visit the baby Jesus
The Holy Family visits Jerusalem
Jesus and John the Baptist
ThefirsttwochaptersofLuke’sGospelcloselyparallelthebirthofJesusof
NazarethwiththatofJohntheBaptist.
LukeprepareshisreadersforthestoryofMary’sextraordinarypregnancyand
Jesus’extraordinarybirthbybeginningwiththestoryofZechariahandElizabeth
–acouple,well-pastchild-bearingage,whothroughtheworkofGod,areatlast
abletohaveachild.Theirson,whoistobecalledJohn,willplayakeyrolein
thefulfilmentofGod’spromises.Hisconceptionandbirtharesignsofthecoming
ofJesusChrist,Israel’slong-awaitedMessiah.
Biblical Studies 1
Asanadult,JohnpreparesthewayforJesus’ministrybycallingpeopleto
baptismfortheforgivenessofsins.John’sbaptismofJesusintheJordanRiverisa
signthatJesusisthechosenoneofGod.
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.
Task Eleven
Whakapono (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:
18
Luke 1:5-25
•
•
•
•
•
Peoplefaithfullycarryingouttheirreligiousand/orfamilyduties
Godchallengingpeopletoshowfaith
Peopleplacingtheirfaithin Te Atua
Godachievinggreatthingsinpeopleoffaith
PeoplerespondingwithjoyandwondertowhatGodhasdone
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).
Jesus’ Journey
to Jerusalem
Thethemeofjourneyis
centraltoLuke’sGospel
and provides a framework
formanyofJesus’words
andactions.Itisduring
the course of his travels
thatmanyoftheimportanteventsofJesus’ministry
take place.
PeopleinJesus’timedidn’ttravelmuch.Theone
journeythatJewssuchasJesus’familyinGalilee
wouldmakewastotheTempleinJerusalemfor
importantreligiousfeastsandcelebrations–threeor
fourdays’walk.
But from the time he leaves Galilee until he enters
Jerusalem(Luke19:41),Jesusisconstantlyonthe
movethroughSamariaandJudea.Earlierinhis
publiclife,JesusmakesitclearthatJerusalemishis
goal (Luke 9:51) and signals that it is there that he
would fulfil the will of God through his death and
resurrection.
ThecityofJerusalem
had a long history
ofrebellingagainst
God and refusing
the path of peace.
Prophets such as
Ezekielunderstoodthat
whenever the people
ofIsraelwereunfaithful
totheCovenant,GodabandonedtheTemple,
opening the way to a devastating enemy attack on
thecity.BygoingtoJerusalem(whosenamemeans
“peace”)andcallinguponitspeopletorepent–that
is,toturnbacktoGod–Jesuswasshowingthemthe
way to true peace.
WhenJesusentersJerusalem(Luke19:28-40)hedoes
soonthebackofacolt,asignthatJesushascome
on a peace mission and not for violent purposes.
However,JerusalemmisunderstandsJesus’purpose
and continues on a course of resistance against
theRomansthateventuallyleadstothecity'stotal
destructionatthehandsoftheRomanarmyin70AD.
Neartheendofhisjourney,Jesusweepsover
Jerusalem(Luke19:41-44).HethenenterstheTemple
and drives out those who are trading there (19:45-48)
inordertomakeitafittingplaceforhisteaching,as
someone who comes from God.
Being a Disciple
OnthewaytoJerusalem,Jesus
teaches his followers many things.
Heemphasisesthatbeinghis
disciple involves walking in his
footsteps–settingoutinresponse
toGod’scallandfacinghardships
andsufferingalongthejourney.
Announcing Te Rangatiratanga
(thereignofGod)mustbea
priorityforanyonewhoclaimstobehisdisciple.
Task Twelve
Choose 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 Activity
Choose another event or incident from
Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem (see Luke 9:5119:41). 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.
Biblical Studies 1
19
Jesus’ Death in
Jerusalem
Jesus’preachingintheTemple
and his prophesising of its
destructionsoonbringhim
intoconflictwiththeJewish
authorities (Luke 20:1-21:4).
WhilethesearetheimmediatecauseofJesus’arrest,
Luke makes it clear that this happens in order for
God’splanofsalvationtobeaccomplished.
EventsmoverapidlytowardsJesus’crucifixion–the
plottokillhim(22:1-6),theLastSupper(22:7-38),
andhisprayerandbetrayalbyJudasattheMountof
Olives(22:39-53).LukepresentsJesusastheinnocent
onewhoselossoflifeisgloriouslyovercomeby
thefaithfulnessofalovingandsavingGod.During
histrialsJesusisidentifiedastheMessiahorChrist
(22:67),theSonofMan(22:69),andtheSonofGod
(22:70).Athiscrucifixion,the“goodthief”recognises
thatJesus,unlikehimself,iswithoutguilt(23:39-41),
andthecenturionstandingbythecrossalsodeclares
his innocence (Luke 23:47).
towardsEmmaus.TheLord,however,goesoutafter
thepair,explainingtothemallthattheScriptureshad
saidabouthim,startingwithMosesandtheprophets.
Butthetwodisciplesaresoself-absorbedthatthey
failtorecogniseJesus.Itisonlywhenheblesses
andbreaksthebreadthatthetwodisciples’eyesare
openedtoJesus’presence.“Thatsamehourtheygot
upandreturnedtoJerusalem”,onceagainre-joining
thecompanyoffaithfulwitnessingtotheLord’s
resurrection(Luke24:33–34).
The Journey of
the Church
Luke’sGospelendswithJesus’
appearance to all the disciples
whom he instructs to proclaim
repentance and forgiveness of
sins“inhisnametoallnations,
beginningfromJerusalem”(Luke
24:47).Thediscipleswillnotbealoneintheirmission,
asJesuspromisestosendtheHolySpirit–thelifegivingpowerfromonhigh–tohelpthem(24:49).
ThejourneythemeisalsopresentintheEmmaus
story (Luke 24:13-32).
AsJesus’ownjourneyonearthcomestoanendin
Jerusalemwithhisascensionintoheaven(Luke24:5051),hisdisciples,fullofjoyandpraising,awaitthe
birthoftheChurch–whichwillbegininthesame
city at Pentecost.
UnawarethatJesushadrisenfromthedead,twoof
hisdisciples,disappointedthattheirhopesthatJesus
mightbethesaviourofIsraelseemnottohavebeen
fulfilled,setoutonajourneyawayfromJerusalem
Task Thirteen
List as many reasons as you can why Luke’s
Gospel could be called “The story of a
journey”.
The Emmaus Journey
Part Eight:
Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (ll)
Focus:
• Joyandpraiseof Te Atua are important
spiritualqualitiesinLuke’sGospel.
• Luke’sGospelemphasisestheworkof Te
WairuaTapu and the importance of prayer in
Jesus’ life and in the lives of his followers.
Biblical Studies 1
Joy-Full
20
JesususesthewordjoyasmanytimesinLukeasintheotherthree
Gospelscombined:
• “Iambringingyougoodnewsofgreatjoy.”(Luke2:10)
• “Rejoiceonthatdayandleapforjoy!”(Luke6:23)
• “Therewillbemorejoyinheavenoveronesinnerwho
repents.” (Luke 15:7).
Joy and Praise
A sense of joy fills Luke’s Gospel – joy
in 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)
Task Fourteen
Read the various passages from Luke’s Gospel that
emphasise joy or praise of God.
•
Whichpassagedoyouthinkconveysthegreatest
senseofjoy?
•
Copyoutthewordsorphrasesfromthepassagethat
are especially joyful in their praise.
Something to Think About
InthelightofLuke’sGospel,whyshouldChristiansbejoyfulpeople?
The Holy Spirit
Luke’sGospelemphasisestheessentialroleofTe Wairua TapuintheChristianlifeand
also the importance of prayer.
ThroughouthisGospel,LukeshowsthatthepromiseswhichGodmakestoIsraelin
theOldTestamentarefulfilledinJesus,throughthepoweroftheHolySpirit.Jesus
himself speaks of the Holy Spirit working through him when in the synagogue at
NazarethhereadsfromthescrolloftheprophetIsaiah:
‘TheSpiritoftheLordisuponme,becausehehasanointedmetobringgoodnewstothepoor.
Hehassentmetoproclaimreleasetothecaptivesandrecoveryofsighttotheblind,toletthe
oppressedgofree,toproclaimtheyearoftheLord’sfavour.’Andherolledupthescroll,gaveit
backtotheattendant,andsatdown.Theeyesofallinthesynagoguewerefixedonhim.Then
hebegantosaytothem,‘Todaythisscripturehasbeenfulfilledinyourhearing.’ (Luke 4:18-21)
TherearemanysituationsrecordedinLuke’sGospelwheretheHolySpiritworksinJesus’lifeandinthelivesof
peopleoffaith.ItisthesameSpiritwhointheActsoftheApostlesempowersJesus’followers,afterPentecost,
to take Te RongopaibeyondJerusalemintothewiderworld.
Task Fifteen
Link the Scripture passage referred to in the left hand column with the action of the Holy
Spirit that it describes in the right hand column.
Scripture Passage
Action of the Holy Spirit
1.
Luke 1:11-16,67
A. The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus at his baptism by John.
2.
Luke 1:26-38
B. The Holy Spirit empowers Jesus to begin his ministry
in Galilee.
3.
Luke 2:25-32
C. The Holy Spirit who is promised by the Father will be
sent by Jesus.
4.
Luke 3:21-22
D. The Holy Spirit is promised to those who ask the
Father for this gift.
5.
Luke 4:1-2
E. The Holy Spirit causes Mary to conceive Jesus.
6.
Luke 4:14-15
F.
7.
Luke 10:21-22
G. The Holy Spirit teaches the believer what to say in
times of trial and difficulty.
8.
Luke 11:9-13
H. The Holy Spirit acts in the life of John the Baptist and
his parents.
9.
Luke 12:11-12
I.
The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the desert to be
tested.
J.
The Holy Spirit enables Simeon to recognise Jesus as
the Messiah.
Biblical Studies 1
10. Luke 24:49
The Holy Spirit fills Jesus with joy.
Something to Think About
• CanyounameanypeoplethroughwhomtheHolySpiritworks
today?
• WhatarethesignsthattheSpiritisactiveintheirlives?Referto
Galatians 5:22-23 for help.
21
Prayer
WhileallfourgospelwritersrecordthatJesusprayed,itisLukewhoprovidesthemostinsightintoJesus’own
prayer-life.InLuke’sGospelweseeJesusprayingoften,especiallyinpreparationbeforeeachnewstageofhis
ministry.
Jesusisclearthathisdisciplesneedtobepeopleofprayeralso.Theyshouldprayforthosewhotreatthem
badly(Luke6:28)andaskformorelabourerstohelpwiththeharvest–thatis,morepeopletoworkforthe
reignofGod(Luke10:2).Itisinresponsetothedisciples'requestabouthowtopraythatJesusteachesthem
theLord’sPrayer:
Hewasprayinginacertainplace,andafterhehadfinished,
oneofhisdisciplessaidtohim,‘Lord,teachustopray,as
Johntaughthisdisciples.’Hesaidtothem,‘Whenyoupray,
say:Father,hallowedbeyourname.Yourkingdomcome.
Giveuseachdayourdailybread.Andforgiveusoursins,for
weourselvesforgiveeveryoneindebtedtous.Anddonot
bringustothetimeoftrial.’(Luke 11:1-4)
JesusurgeshisfollowerstokeepaskingforthegiftofSpirit(Luke
11:13)andtoprayatalltimes(Luke21:36).Theparablesaboutthe
friendwhocomesaskingforbreadatmidnight(Luke11:5-10)and
ofthewidowbeforeanunjustjudge(Luke18:1-8)bothstressthe
importance of prayer.
Task Sixteen
Look up the various Scripture references provided. Make
up a list of Dos and Don’ts of prayer based on what
Jesus says and does.
Special Times of Karakia in
Jesus’ Life
• AtJesus’baptism(Luke3:21)
• WhileJesustakestimeoutina
deserted place (Luke 5:16)
• BeforeJesuschoosestheTwelve(Luke
6:12)
• BeforePeter’sconfessionoffaithin
Jesus(Luke9:18-21)
• Atthe
Transfiguration
(Luke 9:28)
• BeforeJesus
teaches the
disciples the
“Our Father”
(Luke 11:1-4)
• Inthe
Garden of
Gethsemane
(Luke 22:41)
Gethsemane
Jesus’prayerintheGardenofGethsemanenotlongbeforehisdeathgetstotheheartoftrueChristian
prayer:
‘Father,ifyouarewilling,removethiscupfromme;yet,notmywillbutyoursbedone.’
(Luke 22:42)
Something to Think About
WhatdoesJesus’prayeratGethsemanetellusabouthisrelationshipwithGod?
Part Nine:
Biblical Studies 1
Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (lll)
22
Focus:
• Luke’sGospelemphasisesthatGod’ssaving aroha
is for all people.
Qualities of Luke’s Gospel
Luke’sgospelisverywarmandhuman,concentratingonJesus’mercy
andforgiveness.Luke’sJesuscallsallpeopletoTe Atua–gentilesaswell
asJews,womenaswellasmen,thepooraswellastherich,outsiders
andsinners.Lukebringsouttheimportanceofindividualspiritual
qualities,includingjoyandpraiseofGod.
Outsiders and Sinners
The Poor and the Rich
InLuke’sGospelJesusofferstheGoodNews
ofGod’ssalvationtopeopleoflowstatus,
especiallythosewhomsocietylabelledas
sinnersand“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)
InLuke’sgospelJesusisespecially
welcoming 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)
Mercy and Forgiveness
Luke’sGospelhasbeencalledtheGospelof
Mercy.ManyofJesus’parablesemphasise
healing,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).
Luke 18:18-30
•
•
•
•
•
•
Whichgroupsofpeoplewerelabelledasoutcastsandsinnersin Jesus’society?
Whichgroupsofpeopledoes oursocietylabelasoutcastsandsinners?
InwhatwaysdidJesusbringmercyandforgivenesstopeopleinhistime?
InwhatwaysmightJesusbringmercyandforgivenesstothesepeopletoday?
WhatdidJesusteachabouttheuseofriches?
HowmightJesus’teachingonrichesapplyinAotearoaNewZealandtoday?
Jot down ideas that come up in the discussion.
Biblical Studies 1
Some Things to Discuss
Read the passages from Luke’s Gospel which are referred to on the previous page before
discussingthefollowingquestions:
Something to Research
WhatcanyoufindoutabouttheattitudesofJesus’
society towards the following groups
ofpeople?
Samaritans
gentiles
tax-collectors
lepers
23
Task Seventeen
Using your knowledge of Luke’s Gospel, prepare a presentation on aspects of the following
theme:
Your presentation could be in the form of:
•
•
•
•
Apowerpoint
Aspeech
Aposter
Ashortessay
In it you should suggest how particular
teachings and actions of Jesus bring out the
themeormessage.Makeuseofquotesfrom
Scripture.Whereappropriateincludevisual
designand/orlayout.
Women in Jesus’ Culture
InJesus’culturemenand
women lived largely separate
lives.
Biblical Studies 1
The household was the territory
of women. Within the home
theycarriedresponsibilityfor
raisingchildren,makingclothing
and preparing food. Women
had little or no contact with
males outside their family group.
Beforemarriage,awoman’s
honourwasdeterminedbyher
virginity;aftermarriagebyherloyaltytoherhusband.
Anybreachofhonourwouldpubliclyshameall
membersofawoman’sfamily,especiallythemales
whorepresentedthefamilyinpublic.
Abridewhocouldnotproduceproofofhervirginity
ontheweddingnightcouldbereturnedtoher
parents’family.Awomancouldalsoshameafamily
byherfailuretogivebirthtoason.Awomandid
not attain adult status until she was married and was
notfullyacceptedintoherhusband’sfamilyuntilshe
hadproducedanheir.Chastity,silence(inthepublic
world)andobedienceweretheprimevirtuesofan
honourablewoman.
Women relied greatly on the companionship of other
women.Inmanywaysthetiesbetweenwomenwere
strongerthanthosebetweenhusbandandwife.
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.Amanwas
undertheauthorityofhismotherthroughouthislife,
andanymalewhodisobeyedhismother,evenin
adulthood,wasconsidereddishonourable.
24
Jesus’ Relationships with
Women
Jesushadaveryopenandaccepting
attitude towards women that went far
beyondtheconditionsofhistimeand
culture.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’s
experience:
• Theparableofthelostcoin(Luke
15:8-10)
• Thejudgeandtheinsistent
widow (Luke 18:1-8)
The prominent
role that
women play in
Luke’sGospel
suggests that
they were
an important
presence
inLuke’s
community.
Usuallythehouseholdwaslinkedtothepublicworldbythemaleadultsofthefamily,especiallyitshead.A
widowwithoutasonwasallowedtoassumemalerolestoenablethesurvivalofherfamily.Insuchacasethe
womanwasconsideredtobemoremalethanfemale.
Fortheirfirstsevenoreightyearsoflifeboyswereraisedbythewomenofthefamily.Afterthistimetheir
educationwastakenoverbymenwhoinstilledinthemthe“male”virtuesthatwereseenasnecessaryfor
adultlifeinthecommunity–self-mastery,courage,eloquence,andjustice.
Task Eighteen
Take 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 Luke
Therearemorestoriesaboutwomen
in the Gospel of Luke than in the other
gospels.Perhapsthisisbecauseitwas
writtenforaneducated,intelligent,
enquiringcommunityofGreek-speakingconvertswholivedinthetownsand
cities.Insuchanenvironmentwomenweremorelikelytohavesomerolein
publiclifethaninmoretraditionalJewishcommunities.
InLuke’sGospelandinhisActsoftheApostleswomenreceiveGod’sword,are
baptised,followJesus,andofferhimhospitalityintheirhomes.However,their
roleispresentedasbeingdifferentfromthatofmenwhoaregivenresponsibility
forthepublicministriesofpraying,prophesying,teaching,healingandleading
thecommunity.Luke’swomenareshownmainlyintheprivateworldofthe
household.
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.
Intimesofsufferingandpersecutionatthehandsofthosewhoopposethem,itcanbecomeriskyfor
membersofoppressedgroupsorsocietiestocommunicatewitheachother.Insuchsituationstheymaytryto
avoiddangerbyspeakingandwritinginwaysthatonlytheyas“insiders”willunderstand.Theyadoptatype
ofcodedlanguagethatwillnotmakesensetotheirenemies.Themessagebehindthecodedcommunication
is one of hope.
ThebestknownexamplesfromtheBibleofthiscodedformofcommunicationcalledapocalyptic–fromthe
Greekwordfor“uncovering”or“revealing”–arepartsoftheBookofDaniel(167–164BC)andthewholeof
theBookofRevelation(endof1stcenturyAD).BothworksbuildupthehopeoffaithfulJewishorChristian
people experiencing oppression or persecution at the hands of evil governments. Both hide the fact that they
aredealingwithpresentcrisesbysuggestingthattheeventstheywriteofhappenedinthepast.Bothlook
forward to a time when God will reward faithful endurance with a glorious future.
Biblical Studies 1
Coded Writing
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.
25
Apocalyptic Visions and
Dreams
Apocalyptic literature reveals its message
throughsymbolicvisions,dreamsorjourneysto
heaven.
• Apersonreceivesimportantsecret
knowledgefromaheavenlybeing–an
angelortherisenChrist.
• Anangelinterpretsthemeaningofthe
vision or dream for the person.
• Heavenandeartharecontrasted–the
heavenly world is presented as the “real”
world,theearthlyworldasaplacethatwill
not last.
• Lifebeyonddeathisshowntobevery
different from the life of our experience.
• The“endtime”andthecomingofa“new
age”whichGodbringsaboutarerevealed.
• Agreatclashbetweentheforcesofgood
and evil takes place.
• Godhastotalvictoryoverevil.
Task Nineteen
After studying the material on coded writing in this section of the student text, read
through the following notes about apocalyptic literature.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Think carefully about the point that each note is making.
Identify the points that you think are the most important.
Add any points of your own.
Organise these important points into an order that makes sense.
Develop the most important points into two or three paragraphs about apocalyptic
literature.
Apocalyptic literature….
*examplesareDaniel/Revelation
* Greek for “uncovering” or “revealing”
*usescodedlanguage/vividimagery
* struggle between good and evil
* comes out of suffering and persecution
*dealswithendtime/newage
* God’s final goal for humanity
* contrasts heaven with earth
* uses past to write about present
*meaningisnon-literal
* maintains hope
*endof1stcenturyAD
* angels interpret
* God has the final victory
*symbolicvisions * secret knowledge
* 167 – 164 BC
* faith is rewarded
Biblical Studies 1
The King’s Dream
ThesecondchapteroftheBookofDanielistypicalofmuchapocalypticwriting.KingNebuchadnezzarof
Babylonhasapuzzlingandworryingdreamaboutagreatstatueformedoutofdifferentmetals.Thedream
isfinallyinterpretedforhimbyDaniel,aJewishcaptive,who
explains that it is a message from God. The dream shows that
Godisincontrolofhistory,raisingupandoverthrowingthe
rulersofthisworld.Eventually,Godwillsetupakingdomthat
willneverbedestroyed.
The different metal parts of the statue represent different rulers
and empires (as shown on the diagram).
Something to Think About
Read the second chapter of the Book of Daniel.
Whatdoyouthinkthestonethatdestroysthe
statueinthedreamrepresents?
See Daniel 2:35, 44-45
26
Part Eleven:
An Introduction to the Book of Revelation
Focus:
•
•
•
TheBookofRevelationwaswrittenbyJohnofPatmostoencourage
Christians at the end of the first century to stay true to their faith
during a period of crisis.
AlthoughtheBookofRevelationdealswiththemesofdestruction
and death, it is essentially about hope in Jesus Christ.
ThematerialintheBookofRevelationisorganisedaroundpatterns
of seven.
A Misunderstood Text
TheBookofRevelation,thelastbookintheBible,istheonemostmisunderstoodbyreaders.Tomanyitbrings
fearandanxietybecausetheyseeitasablueprintforArmageddon,thegreatbattlebetweengoodandevil
thatsomeChristiansbelievewilltakeplaceattheendoftime.
ManypeoplearenotawarethattheBookofRevelationisaworkofapocalypticliterature.Unfamiliarwithits
literarystyle,theytwistitsmeaningbytakingitliterally.Abookthatisabouthopein HehuKaraiti is seen as a
bookaboutfearanddeath.
WritteninSecretCode
The Book of Revelation was written in secret
codesothattheRomanscouldn’tunderstand
it.TheimagesanddescriptionsusedbyJohn
ofPatmoswerefamiliartoChristianreadersof
thetimebuttheirmeaningremainedhiddento
outsiders.Thesymbolsinthebookneededto
besecretbecauseitunderminedthepopular
idea that the empire and the emperor were the
ultimate powers.
The Author
The author of the Book of Revelation identifies
himselfasJohn,anexileontheislandof
Patmos,aRomanpenalcolonyintheAegean
Sea,becauseofhisChristianfaith.Hisletters
tothesevenChurchesinAsiaMinorsuggest
thathehadgreatauthorityovertheChristian
communities in that region. Although it
is unlikely that the author of the Book of
RevelationistheapostleJohn,perhapshewas
his disciple.
Domitian – Roman emperor 81–96AD
PastorPresentCrisis?
AlthoughmostexpertsbelievethattheBook
ofRevelationwaswrittenduringDomitian’s
reign,codedreferencesinthetextlinkittoa
persecutionthattheemperorNero(54–68AD)
orderedandtoNero’sowndeath.Maybethe
author of Revelation is attempting to protect
Christiansofhisowntimefromevengreater
persecutionbymakingoutthattheeventsheis
writingabouthappeneddecadesearlier.
Messages for Our Times
Manypeople’sunderstandingoftheBookof
Revelationisdictatedbythemediaandpopular
culture’semphasisonitsdoomsdayscenarios.
Butitslessonsfortoday’sChristiansarereallyvery
positive:
Biblical Studies 1
Response to a Crisis
Inthemid90sADtheRomanemperor,
Domitian,persecutedChristianswhodidnot
offerincensetohiminshrinesestablishedfor
thispurpose.JohnofPatmosdidnotwant
Christianstocompromisetheircommitment
toChristbyhonouringtheemperorasagod.
He wrote the Book of Revelation to encourage
ChristiansinAsiaMinortostayfirmintheirfaith
at this time of crisis.
• AllegiancetoChristcomesbeforeallegiance
to the state
• Christiansarecalledtobeagentsofhope
• Christiansshouldremainfaithfulintimesof
trouble
27
Biblical Studies 1
Task Twenty
Use 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 A
Column B
1. The Revelation to John is difficult
to understand because
A. in both Jewish and Christian circles
from around 200 BC to 200 AD.
2. Like other apocalyptic literature,
the Book of Revelation was
composed
B. in order to hide its meaning
from the enemies of first century
Christians.
3. Apocalyptic literature enjoyed
wide popularity
C. first century Christians to stand firm
in the faith and avoid compromise
with the Roman Empire.
4. A proper understanding of the
BookofRevelationrequires
D. its message is essentially about
hope and trust in Christ.
5. The Revelation to John both
encourages and warns
E. it contains complex symbolism that
seems strange to modern readers.
6. The Book of Revelation shows the
struggle and victory of Christ and
his followers
F. the oppression and persecution that
it refers to most likely took place
under Domitian.
7. Although the Book of Revelation
deals with death and destruction
G. a knowledge of the historical
context in which it was written.
8. The Book of Revelation uses coded
language
H. over Satan and the forces of evil.
9. Although there are coded
references to Nero in the Book of
Revelation
I. to those who endure suffering in
the present.
10. The Book of Revelation promises a
future reward
J. to address a crisis – in this case the
persecution of the early Church by
the Roman authorities.
The Number Seven and the Structure of the
Book of Revelation
Intheancientworldthenumbersevenwasassociatedwithperfection,and
thereforewithheavenlyordivinerealities.Incontrast,thenumbersixsymbolised
imperfection.
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.Thesixgroupsofseventhatcomebeforeitleadupto
and point to the importance of this seventh and final vision.
28
An Outline of the Structure of the Book of Revelation
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
The Prologue and John’s Address and Greeting (1:1-20)
The First Group of Seven (1:9-3:22)
Second Group of Seven (4:1-8:1)
Third Group of Seven (8:2-11:19)
Fourth Group of Seven (11:19-15:4)
Fifth Group of Seven (15:5-16:21)
Sixth Group of Seven (17:1-20:15)
The Final Vision – The New Jerusalem (21:1-22:20)
Epilogue and Concluding Blessing (22:21)
Task Twenty-One
Study 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.
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,comesdownoutofheavenfrom
GodinreadinessfortheweddingoftheLamb.
4. JohnseesintoheavenandwatchesasJesusthe
5. JohnintroduceshimselfasaservantofChrist
whoisontheislandofPatmosbecauseofhis
witnesstoJesus.TheSonofManappearstohim
among seven golden lampstands.
6. TheauthorasksthatthegraceoftheLordJesus
bewithall.
7. BabylontheGreat,themotherofallprostitutes,
isseenridingascarletbeastwithseven heads and
tenhorns–sheisdrunkwiththebloodofsaints
and martyrs. There then appear seven sights.
8. JohnseesJesusingloryandreceivesmessages
for the sevenChurchesintheprovinceofAsia.
9. Heaven opens and sevensigns,includinga
womanandadragon,greatbeastsdefyingGod,
theLambandthedayofjudgementareseen.
Biblical Studies 1
Lambunsealsascrollwhichpresentsthehistoryof
the world in the last days. Each of its seven seals
revealsanaspectofGod’sjudgementandvictory.
Seven angels with seven trumpets
The seven Churches of Asia Minor
The Son of Man appears to John among
seven golden lampstands
29
Part Twelve:
Symbols in the Book of Revelation
Focus:
•
•
TheimageryandsymbolismoftheBookof
Revelation is often strange and complex,
only intended to be understood by those
with an inside knowledge.
Muchoftheimageryandsymbolism
identifies Rome as the enemy of the firstcentury 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,allsortsof
animals,objects,buildings,plantsandtrees.
Because apocalyptic literature was written for “insiders” who already knew something of the situation and of
thesymbolsthatwereusedtopresentit,theoriginalaudienceoftheBookofRevelationwouldhavemade
senseofthestrangelanguageandweirdscenesdescribedthere.However,peopletodayfinditmoredifficult
tounderstandthetext’smeaning.ModernreadersbenefitfromreadingtheBookofRevelationwith“ancient
eyes”.
Something to Discuss
Whatimagesandsymbolsinthe
Book of Revelation are you already
awareof?Whichofthemdoyou
findstraightforward/difficultto
understand?
Biblical Studies 1
Something to Think About
How 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
30
Symbolic Numbers
31/2–Thisnumber,beinghalfofseven,
representsimperfection.Itindicatessuffering
and a time of trial.
4–Thenumberfourreferstothecornersof
theworld,thepointsofthecompass.
6–Six(beingonelessthanseven)isa
numberthatsymbolisesimperfection.
Colour Symbols
White represents righteousness or purity.
Gold signifies great value.
Redindicatesblood,destructionanddeath.
Purple is the colour of royalty.
Animal Symbols
The lambsymbolisesChrist.
12–ThisnumberisasymbolforIsraelinthat
itreferstoIsrael’stwelvetribes.Italsostands
for the twelve apostles.
666–Thenumbersixrepeatedthreetimes
standsfortotalfailure.Itisthenumberofthe
beast.IntheBookofRevelationitstandsfor
Romeanditsempire,especiallytheemperor
Nero.
1,000–Thisdoesnotrefertoanexact
numberbuttoagreatquantitythatcannotbe
calculated.
144,000–Thisnumber(12x12x1000)
referstotheelectorchosenones.Itrepresents
thecountlessmultitudeofbelievers.
Task Twenty-Two
Find 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.
The dragon represents Satan in particular
and evil in general.
The beasts from the earth stand for
tyrannicalempires,suchasRome,orfor
Nero.
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 horsesymbolisestheParthians
who fought against Rome.
The four horsemen of the apocalypse
aretheevilsofwar,death,plagueand
famine that rage through the world.
The goats are the wicked.
The sheep are the people.
Biblical Studies 1
7–Thenumbersevenisassociatedwith
perfectionandfullness,andthereforewith
heavenly or divine realities. There are many
patterns of seven in the Book of Revelation.
31
How the Symbols Work
ImagesandsymbolsintheBookofRevelationfunctioninvariousways.
•
•
•
Sometimestheirmeaningisexplainedbythenarratororanangel.
Sometimestheycomefromotherbiblicalandapocalypticliterature.
Sometimestheyareincludedtoaddtothedramaandexcitement,buthavenodeepersignificance.
Contrasting Groups
of Symbols
The Book of Revelation is very critical
ofRome’soppressionofChristianity.
Imageryandsymbolismareusedina
coded way to present Rome in a very
negative light.
Incontrast,Christandhisfaithful
followers are presented through images
andsymbolsthatemphasisetheirglory
bylinkingthemwithGodandheavenly
realities.Thestrugglebetweengood
and evil which is at the heart of the
Book of Revelation is shown through
theinterplaybetweenthesetwosetsof
contrasting images.
Biblical Studies 1
John’svisionoftheSonofmanamid
seven 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-Three
Read 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)WhataresomeoftheimagesandsymbolsusedinRevelation14:1-5torepresent
Christandhisfaithfulfollowers?
b) How are the evils of the Roman Empire represented by images and symbols in
Revelation17:1-8?
Extension Activity
WhatothergroupsofcontrastingimagesorsymbolscanyoufindintheBookof
Revelation?Whatdotheyrepresent?
32
33
Biblical Studies 1
AdorationoftheLamb(Revelation14:1-5)WomanSeatedonaSevenHeadedBeast(RevelationChapter17)
Part Thirteen:
The Meaning of the Book of Revelation Today
Focus:
•
•
TheBookofRevelationremainsvalidandmeaningfulforChristians
today.
TheChurchemphasisestheenduringmessageofhopeand
consolation contained in the Book of Revelation.
Valid Today
TheBookofRevelationhaditsorigininatimeofcrisis,
butitremainsvalidandmeaningfulforChristians
today.
Task Twenty-Four
Here 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’sstupidtoreaditexpectingtofind
out when and how the world is going to end. The
messageIgetfromitisthatTe Atua is the ultimate
power.God’sgoodnessisgreaterthananyevil.
(George)
Biblical Studies 1
WhenreadingtheBookofRevelationI’mreminded
that over the centuries hundreds of thousands of
people have suffered martyrdom for what they
believe.Itisnotmeaninglesstogiveupyourlifefor
somethingyoureallybelievein.Itisbettertodie
thantocompromiseyourfaithbycommittingreal
evil. (Eddie)
Igotintoaconversationoncewithanelderly
coupleaboutthespacestationsorbitingEarth.The
oldguysaidIwastalkingrubbish:“Theworldisnot
round.TheBookofRevelationsays,‘Theangelswill
standonthefourcornersoftheearth.’Iftheworld
hasfourcorners,itcan’tberound,canit?”The
BookofRevelationshouldn’tbeusedtoopposethe
findingsofscience.(Doug)
There are many evil things in the world today
–war,violence,famine,sicknessandpoverty.The
Book of Revelation reminds me to put my hope and
trust in God who promises to reward those who
remainfaithfultoJesus’teachingsintroubledtimes.
(Victoria)
TheBookofRevelationtellsusthatJesuswillreturn,
butitisimpossibletoknowwhenthiswillbe.We
mustbereadyatalltimesforhiscoming.“But
aboutthatdayandhournooneknows,neitherthe
angelsofheaven,northeSon,butonlytheFather”
(Matthew24:36).(Renee)
The Book of Revelation says that no matter what
hardshiporsacrificeChristiansexperience,inthe
end,theywilltriumphoverSatanandhisforcesby
stayingclosetoChrist.(Rita)
When the Book of Revelation speaks of people
worshippingandpraisingtheLambaroundGod’s
throneinheavenIrecallwhatwedowhenwe
gathertocelebratetheEucharist.(Ryan)
IlikethefactthattheBookofRevelationgetsits
messageacrossthroughvisionsandimages.It’sa
good way of showing that there are underlying
spiritualforces,bothgoodandevil,atworkin
spaceandtime.(Carmel)
InMatthew’sgospelJesussaid:“Andremember,
Iamwithyoualways,totheendoftheage”
(Matthew28:20).TheBookofRevelationreminds
me of this. (Alex)
The Feasts of the Assumption and All Saints
ThereareveryfewtimesduringtheChurch’syearwhentheBookof
RevelationisreadattheLiturgyoftheWordduringMass.Perhaps,thisis
becausepeopleeasilymisinterpretitsmeaning.
Two important occasions when readings from the Book of Revelation are
given are on the feasts of the Assumption and All Saints.
Onboththeseoccasions,theChurch,bycelebratingthepresenceofMary
andthesaintsinglorywithChristinheaven,givesushopethatonedaywe
toowillexperiencethefullnessofGod’slifeandlove.
34
Something to Discuss
Read the passages from the Book of Revelation which are used during Mass on:
a)
b)
The Feast of the Assumption – Revelation 11:19, 12:1-6,10
The Feast of All Saints – Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
WhydoyouthinktheChurchchoosesthesereadings
forthesefeastdays?
Something to Find Out
Statues 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?
Biblical Studies 1
•
The Book of Revelation
12:1-6
35
Summary
• Welearnabout Te Atua in many ways, most completely through Hehu Karaiti
whowecometoknowthroughScripture--theWordofGodexpressedinhuman
language – and the Church.
• TheOldandNewTestamentsoftheBibletogetherrecordthreethousandyears
of 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.
• TheBibleisconcernedwithreligioustruthbutisnotalwaysaccuratewhenit
comes to historical, scientific or similar matters.
• Scripturecanonlybeproperlyunderstoodwhenitisinterpretedaccordingtoits
context – its message is easily abused when people fail to interpret it correctly.
• TheChurchguidesCatholicsintheirinterpretationofScripture,themeaningof
which often goes beyond the literal.
• TheGospelAccordingtoLukeandtheActsoftheApostlestogethertellthe
story of Hehu Karaiti and the beginnings of Christianity.
• Luke’sinfancynarrativesestablishthatJesusisfullyGodandfullyhumanand
show him to be the fulfilment of the Hebrew Scriptures.
• JourneysareimportantfeaturesofLuke’sGospelandprovideaframeworkfor
many of Jesus’ words and actions.
• Luke’sGospelteachesthattheGoodNewsofJesusChristandthe aroha 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.
Biblical Studies 1
• 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.
36
• TheBookofRevelationwaswrittenbyJohnofPatmostoencourageChristians
at the end of the first century to stay true to their faith during a period of
crisis.
• TheoftenstrangeandcompleximageryandsymbolismoftheBookof
Revelation identifies Rome as the enemy of the first-century Christians but links
Christ and his faithful followers with heavenly realities.
• Althoughitdealswiththemesofdestructionanddeath,theBookofRevelation
is essentially positive. Its enduring message of hope in Jesus Christ remains
valid and meaningful for Christians today.
GLOSSARY OF MAORI 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 –
úh-raw-huh
In general, means love and/or compassion. Note that the word is used in two senses:
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 –
úh-too-uh
The Ma-ori word Atua has been used to describe God in the Christian sense since
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.
Sacrament.
Hehu Karaiti –
héh-hoo kuh-rúh-ee-tee
Jesus Christ.
Karakia –
kúh-ruh-kee-uh
Prayer, ritual.
Mana –
múh-nuh
Spiritual power and authority. Its sources are both divine and human, namely, God,
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 –
ráw-ngaw-puh-ee
Gospel or Good News. Nga Rongopai (plural). Te Rongopai (singular).
Tapu –
túh-poo
This word is used in three senses:
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 –
teh úh-ruh-nguh
The Resurrection.
Te Kupu a Te Ariki –
teh kóo-poo uh teh úh-ree-kee
The Word of God.
Te Rangatiratanga –
teh ruh-nguh-tée-ruh-tuh-nguh
The Kingdom or Reign of God.
TeWairuaTapu –
teh wúh-ee-roo-uh túh-poo
The Holy Spirit.
Whakapapa –
fúh-kuh-puh-puh
Genealogy or family tree.
Whakapono –
fúh-kuh-paw-naw
Faith.
Biblical Studies 1
Hakarameta –
háh-kuh-ruh-meh-tuh
37
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
LOGO:
Annette Hanrahan rscj
PHOTOGRAPHY: Carol Devine; Corbus Images; Digital Stock Corporation
MODELS:
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:
EDITORS:
THEOLOGICAL CONSULTORS:
ARTWORK:
Gary Finlay (NCRS, Wellington)
Gary Finlay (NCRS, Wellington)
Elizabeth M Russell sjc (NCRS, Auckland)
+ John Mackey DD
Paul Williamson sm, S.T.D., M.A. (Hons)
Norah Tobin, Shane Clapson
Biblical Studies 1
SECOND EDITION (2005)
38
CO-ORDINATOR/EDITOR:
Charles Shaw
THEOLOGICAL CONSULTOR:
Mons. Vincent Hunt
LITURGICAL CONSULTOR:
Rev. Anthony Harrison
CONTACT FOR
MAORI CONSULTATION:
Rev. Bernard Dennehy
NCRS:
Gary Finlay, Director
Joan Parker rndm, Editing
Nuala Dunne, Secretary
ARTWORK:
Hayley Roker, Carol Devine
Titles of the Topics in Year 12
12A
Religions of the World
12B
Justice and Peace
12C
The Church's Story
-- The Modern Age
12D
Loss, Death, Grief
and Dying
12E
Biblical Studies 1
12F
Christian Morality and
Moral Development
12G
Christian Art, Architecture
and Music
12H
Commitment and
Ministry
STRANDS
Human Experience 12A, 12G
Scripture and Tradition 12E
Church History 12C
Theology 12F
Sacrament and Worship 12D, 12H
Social Justice 12B
Back cover: Horsemen of Apocalypse, bas-relief on Jean de Langeac tomb in Limoges
cathedral. By unidentified artist, published in Magasin Pittoresque, Paris, 1842.
RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION
PROGRAMME
FOR CATHOLIC SECONDARY
SCHOOLS IN AOTEAROA
NEW ZEALAND
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Biblical Studies 1
12E
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