sign in sign up
<<
Home , Biblical studies

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 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. BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

LOGO: Annette Hanrahan rscj PHOTOGRAPHY: Carol Devine; Corbus Images; Digital Stock Corporation Biblical Studies I 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: LEARNING STRAND: SCRIPTURE AND TRADITION

Anna Heffernan (Auckland) Lorraine Campbell sm (Auckland) Steve Jorgensen (Hamilton) Mary Lynch (Palmerston North) Gary Finlay (Wellington) Mervyn Duffy sm (Wellington) Sharon Alexander (Wellington) Karaitiana Kingi sm (Christchurch) Richard Walsh cfc (Dunedin)

SYLLABUS CO-ORDINATOR: Gary Finlay (NCRS, Wellington) EDITORS: Gary Finlay (NCRS, Wellington) Elizabeth M Russell sjc (NCRS, Auckland) THEOLOGICAL CONSULTORS: + John Mackey DD Paul Williamson sm, S.T.D., M.A. (Hons) ARTWORK: Norah Tobin, Shane Clapson

SECOND EDITION (2005)

CO-ORDINATOR/EDITOR: Charles Shaw

THEOLOGICAL CONSULTOR: Mons. Vincent Hunt

LITURGICAL CONSULTOR: Rev. Anthony Harrison

CONTACT FOR - MAORI CONSULTATION: Rev. Bernard Dennehy

NCRS: Gary Finlay, Director Joan Parker rndm, Editing Nuala Dunne, Secretary Biblical Studies 1

ARTWORK: Hayley Roker, Carol Devine 12E

38 - 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 © Copyright 2005 by National Centre for students. If in doubt please seek assistance from someone practised in correct pronunciation of Te Reo Ma- ori. ´ indicates stressed syllable No part of this document may be reproduced in any way, stored in a retrieval system, or Aroha – In general, means love and/or compassion. Note that the word is used in two senses: transmitted by any means, without the prior permission of the publishers. u´ h-raw-huh 1. a joyful relationship involving the expression of goodwill and the doing of good,empathy. 2. sympathy, compassion towards those who are unhappy or suffering. Imprimatur + Colin Campbell DD Atua – The Ma-ori word Atua has been used to describe God in the Christian sense since Bishop of Dunedin u´ h-too-uh missionary times. Before the coming of Christianity, Ma- ori used the word atua to Conference Deputy for National Centre for Religious Studies describe many kinds of spiritual beings (in the way we now use the word "spirit") and February 2005 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. Authorised by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference. - Hakarameta – . háh-kuh-ruh-meh-tuh

Hehu Karaiti – Jesus Christ. héh-hoo kuh-rúh-ee-tee Design & Layout: Devine Graphics P O Box 5954 Dunedin Karakia – Prayer, ritual. New Zealand kúh-ruh-kee-uh

Mana – Spiritual power and authority. Its sources are both divine and human, namely, God, múh-nuh one’s ancestors and one’s achievements in life. Mana comes to people in three ways: Published By: National Centre for Religious Studies mana tangata from people, mana whenua, from the land, and mana atua, from Catholic Centre the spiritual powers. Please note: when mana refers to Mana of God it is written as Mana. P O Box 1937 Wellington Rongopai – or Good News. Nga Rongopai (plural). Te Rongopai (singular). New Zealand ráw-ngaw-puh-ee

Tapu – This word is used in three senses: túh-poo 1. restrictions or prohibitions which safeguard the dignity and survival of people and Printed By: Printlink things. 33–43 Jackson Street 2. the value, dignity, or worth of someone or something, eg the holiness of God, human dignity, the value of the environment. Petone 3. the intrinsic being or essence of someone or something, eg Tapu i Te Atua is the Private Bag 39996 intrinsic being of God, the divine nature. Wellington Mail Centre Please note: when tapu refers to the Tapu of God it is written as Tapu. Lower Hutt 5045 Te Aranga – The Resurrection. teh úh-ruh-nguh

Te Kupu a Te Ariki – The Word of God. teh kóo-poo uh teh úh-ree-kee 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 Maori glossary at the back of the Te Rangatiratanga – The Kingdom or Reign of God. book gives a more detailed explanation of these terms and provides a guide for their teh ruh-nguh-tée-ruh-tuh-nguh

pronunciation. Biblical Studies 1 Te Wairua Tapu – The Holy Spirit. teh wúh-ee-roo-uh túh-poo

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

Whakapono – Faith. fúh-kuh-paw-naw

37 CONTENTS Summary Part One: God’s Revelation 2 • We learn about Te Atua in many ways, most completely through Hehu Karaiti Task One ………………………...... …………………………… page 3 who we come to know through Scripture -- the Word of God expressed in human Part Two: language – and the Church. What is the ? 4 Task Two ………………………...... …………………………… page 5 • The Old and New Testaments of the Bible together record three thousand years Task Three ………………………...... …………………………… page 6 of God’s revelation and contain many different literary forms, each with its own particular characteristics and features. Part Three: What is in the Bible? 7 • The Christian canon of Scripture includes those writings that the Church has Task Four ………………………...... …………………………… page 8 recognised as expressing God’s true revelation. Task Five ………………………...... …………………………… page 11 Task Six ………………………...... …………………………… page 12 • The Bible is concerned with religious truth but is not always accurate when it Part Four: comes to historical, scientific or similar matters. Interpreting the Bible 13 Task Seven ………………………...... …………………………… page 14 • Scripture can only be properly understood when it is interpreted according to its Part Five: context – its message is easily abused when people fail to interpret it correctly. Introduction to the Gospel According to Luke 15 Task Eight ………………………...... …………………………… page 15 • The Church guides Catholics in their interpretation of Scripture, the meaning of Task Nine ………………………...... …………………………… page 17 which often goes beyond the literal. Part Six: • The Gospel According to Luke and the together tell the Infancy Narratives in the Gospel According to Luke 17 story of Hehu Karaiti and the beginnings of Christianity. Task Ten ………………………...... …………………………… page 18 Task Eleven ………………………...... …………………………… page 18 • Luke’s infancy narratives establish that Jesus is fully God and fully human and Part Seven: show him to be the fulfilment of the Hebrew Scriptures. Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (I) 19 Task Twelve ………………………...... …………………………… page 19 • Journeys are important features of Luke’s Gospel and provide a framework for Task Thirteen ………………………...... …………………………… page 20 many of Jesus’ words and actions. Part Eight: • Luke’s Gospel teaches that the Good News of Jesus Christ and the aroha of Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (II) 20 Task Fourteen ………………………...... …………………………… page 20 God are intended for all people, especially sinners and those without power in Task Fifteen ………………………...... …………………………… page 21 society. Themes emphasised in Luke’s Gospel include joy and praise of God, the Task Sixteen ………………………...... …………………………… page 22 work of Te Wairua Tapu, and the importance of prayer. Part Nine: • – including parts of the and the whole Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (III) 22 of the – uses coded language and symbolic visions to Task Seventeen ………………………...... …………………………… page 24 encourage God’s people to resist evil during times of trial and to look forward Task Eighteen ………………………...... …………………………… page 25 with hope to the wonderful future that Te Atua promises. Part Ten: An Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature • The Book of Revelation was written by John of Patmos to encourage Christians 25 Task Nineteen ………………………...... …………………………… page 26 at the end of the first century to stay true to their faith during a period of crisis. Part Eleven: An Introduction to the Book of Revelation 27 • The often strange and complex imagery and symbolism of the Book of Task Twenty ………………………...... …………………………… page 28 Revelation identifies Rome as the enemy of the first-century Christians but links Task Twenty-One ………………………...... …………………………… page 29 Christ and his faithful followers with heavenly realities. Part Twelve: Biblical Studies 1 Symbols in the Book of Revelation Biblical Studies 1 • Although it deals with themes of destruction and death, the Book of Revelation 30 Task Twenty-Two ………………………...... …………………………… page 31 is essentially positive. Its enduring message of hope in Jesus Christ remains Task Twenty-Three ………………………...... …………………………… page 32 valid and meaningful for Christians today. Part Thirteen: The Meaning of the Book of Revelation Today 34 Task Twenty-Four ………………………...... …………………………… page 34 Summary 36 Glossary of Ma-ori Terms ………………………...... ……………………….. page 37 36 Acknowledgements ………………………...... …………………………… page 38 1 Something to Discuss Part One: Read the passages from the Book of Revelation which are used during on: God's Revelation a) The Feast of the Assumption – Revelation 11:19, 12:1-6,10 Focus: b) The Feast of All – Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 • We learn about Te Atua (God) in many ways, most completely through Hehu Karaiti (Jesus Christ). Why do you think the Church chooses these readings • People come to know Christ through Scripture and the Church. for these feast days? • Scripture is Te Kupu a Te Ariki (the Word of God) expressed in human language. Something to Find Out Ways of Knowing God Statues and pictures of the Blessed Virgin Mary often We can come to a knowledge and awareness of God in many ways: use imagery taken from Chapter 12 of the Book of Revelation. • Through personal karakia (prayer) • Are you familiar with any artistic • Through spiritual writings, especially those with a Christian outlook representations of Mary that use such imagery? • Through the teachings and ha- karameta () of the Church • What particular details from Revelation 12 do they show? • Through the communal prayer of the Church, especially the Eucharist

• Through the beauty of the natural environment

• Through the goodness and aroha (love) of other people

• Through the various customs and ways of life of the different cultures of the world

• Through all that is true in the world’s religions

• Through human reason and emotions Scripture and Church Tradition Revelation is the word used to describe how Te Atua is shown or made known to us. The clearest and most certain way of coming to know God is through the Scriptures and the Church. There we learn about God’s involvement in human and about Jesus Christ who, as the Son of God, is the most complete revelation of what God is like.

Christians accept that God is the author of the Scriptures which they refer to as the Word of God.

The Scriptures are also the work of human authors who were inspired by Te Wairua Tapu (the Holy Spirit) to communicate God’s Word in human language.

The Church is the guardian of the Scriptures and of the truths that they reveal. From the beginning the Church has acknowledged the very close relationship between Scripture and Church Tradition which preserves and builds on the truths first revealed in Scripture. Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1

The Book of Revelation 12:1-6

2 35 SomethingTask One to Discuss Part Thirteen:One: ReadUse ideas the passages in the following from the statements Book of Revelation from the whichCatechism are usedof the during Catholic Mass Church on: and the TheGod's Meaning Revelation of the Book of Revelation Today 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 Focus: Focus: b) The Feast of All Saints – Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 • The Book of Revelation remains valid and meaningful for Christians Jesus Christ – God’s greatest revelation • We learn about Te Atua (God) in many ways, most completely through Hehu today. Scripture – the Word of God in human language Karaiti (Jesus Christ). Why do you think the Church chooses these readings • The Church emphasises the enduring message of hope and Church Tradition – the guardian of God’s truth • People come to know Christ through Scripture and the Church. for these feast days? consolation contained in the Book of Revelation. • Scripture is Te Kupu a Te Ariki (the Word of God) expressed in human language. Something to Find Out There are many evil things in the world today Statues and pictures of the Blessed Virgin Mary often WaysValid Todayof Knowing God Jesus Christ – war, violence, famine, sickness and poverty. The use imagery taken from Chapter 12 of the Book of WeThe canBook come of Revelation to a knowledge had its andorigin awareness in a time ofof Godcrisis, in many ways: God has revealed himself Book of Revelation reminds me to put my hope and Revelation. Revelation but it remains valid and meaningful for Christians fully by sending his own Son, trust in God who promises to reward those who God has revealed himself today.• Through personal karakia (prayer) in whom he has established remain faithful to Jesus’ teachings in troubled times. • Are youto humankind familiar bywith gradually any artistic his for ever. (Victoria) representationscommunicating hisof ownMary mystery that use such • Through spiritual writings, especially those with a Christian outlook (Catechism of the Task Twenty-Four in deeds and in words. imagery? Catholic Church 73) Here are some readers’ comments about how (Catechism of the Catholic • Through the teachings and ha- karameta (sacraments) of the Church they understand the Book of Revelation. The Book of Revelation tells us that Jesus will return, • What particularChurch 69) details from Revelation 12 do they show? Reflect on what they say and then but it is impossible to know when this will be. We From the Apostles • write Through your theown communal response prayer to the of the Book Church, of especiallymust the beEucharist ready at all times for his coming. “But Scripture What Christ entrusted to the Sacred Scripture is the Revelation. about that day and hour no one knows, neither the The Word of God • Through the beauty of the natural environment apostles, they in turn handed on speech of God as it is put angels of , nor the Son, but only the Father” The Sacred Scriptures by their preaching and writing, down in writing under the (Matthew 24:36). (Renee) contain the Word of God • People Through who the take goodness the Book andof Revelation aroha (love) literally of other people under the inspiration of the Holy breath of the Holy Spirit. and, because they are miss the point. It’s stupid to read it expecting to find Spirit, to all generations... (Catechism of the inspired, they are truly the • out Through when and the howvarious the customsworld is andgoing ways to end. of life The of the differentThe Book cultures of Revelation of the world says that no matter what (Catechism of the Catholic Catholic Church 81) hardship or sacrifice Christians experience, in the Word of God. Church 96) message I get from it is that Te Atua is the ultimate (Constitution on Divine • Through all that is true in the world’s religions end, they will triumph over and his forces by power. God’s goodness is greater than any evil. Revelation 24) (George) staying close to Christ. (Rita) • Through human reason and emotions Church Tradition Human Authors The Church, in her When reading the Book of Revelation I’m reminded When the Book of Revelation speaks of people To compose the sacred books, The Single Word doctrine, life and worship, that over the centuries hundreds of thousands of worshipping and praising the Lamb around God’s God chose certain people who … Scripture and Church Tradition of God perpetuates and transmits people have suffered martyrdom for what they throne in heaven I recall what we do when we made full use of their own faculties Sacred Tradition and Sacred to every generation all that believe. It is not meaninglessRevelation to give up is theyour word life for used to describegather to how celebrate Te Atua the isEucharist. shown or (Ryan) made known and powers so that, though God Scripture make up a single she herself is, all that she something you really believeto in.us. It The is better clearest to dieand most certain way of coming to know God is through the acted in them and by them, it sacred deposit of the Word believes. (Catechism of the than to compromise your faithScriptures by committing and the Church.real There we learn about God’s involvement in human was as true authors that they put Catholic Church 98) of God. history and about Jesus Christ who,I like theas thefact Son that ofthe God, Book is ofthe Revelation most complete gets its in writing whatever God wanted evil. (Eddie) (Constitution on Divine revelation of what God is like. message across through visions and images. It’s a written, and no more. (Constitution Revelation 10) good way of showing that there are underlying on Divine Revelation

I got into a conversation onceChristians with an accept elderly that God is thespiritual author forces, of the both good and evil, at work in 11) couple about the space stations orbiting Earth. The The Truth of Scriptures which they refer to asspace the Wordand time. of God. (Carmel) Honouring the old guy said I was talking rubbish: “The world is not Scripture Scriptures round. The Book of Revelation says, ‘The angels will God is the author of Sacred The Scriptures are also the work of human authors who were inspired by Te Wairua The Church has always stand on the four corners of the earth.’ If the world In Matthew’s gospel Jesus said: “And remember, Scripture because he inspired its Tapu (the Holy Spirit) to communicate God’s Word in human language. venerated the divine Scriptures has four corners, it can’t be round, can it?” The I am with you always, to the end of the age” human authors; he acts in them as she venerated the Body of Book of Revelation shouldn’t be used to oppose the (Matthew 28:20). The Book of Revelation reminds and by means of them. He thus The Church is the guardian of the Scriptures and of the truths that they reveal. : both nourish and findings of science. (Doug) me of this. (Alex) gives that their writings From the beginning the Church has acknowledged the very close relationship teach without error his saving govern the whole Christian between Scripture and Church Tradition which preserves and builds on the truths truth. life. Thefirst revealed Feasts in Scripture. of the Assumption and All Saints (Catechism of the Catholic (Catechism of the Catholic Church 141) Church 136) There are very few times during the Church’s year when the Book of Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 Revelation is read at the Liturgy of the Word during Mass. Perhaps, this is Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 because people easily misinterpret its meaning.

Two important occasions when readings from the Book of Revelation are Your presentation could be in the form of: given are on the feasts of the Assumption and All Saints. • A collage or poster On both these occasions, the Church, by celebrating the presence of Mary • A prayer or poem and the saints in glory with Christ in heaven, gives us hope that one day we • A list of beliefs or statements The Book of Revelation too will experience the fullness of God’s life and love. • A mime or piece of scripted drama 12:1-6 • A quiz

342 353 Part Two: 17) What is the Bible? Focus: • The Bible records three thousand years of God’s revelation. Chapter • The contains the original Hebrew Scriptures, the witnesses to the first Christians’ faith in Hehu Karaiti. • The Christian canon of Scripture includes those writings that the Church has decided belong in the Bible because they express God’s true revelation. The Bible – Treasure-House of God’s Revelation (Revelation

“The Bible presents to us the inexhaustible treasures of God’s revelation and Beast of his love for humanity.” (Pope John Paul II – Address to the Members of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, 2004) Headed People read the Bible for many reasons – some out of curiosity, some as part of a spiritual search, others because of its literary value, or its great cultural and

historical significance. However, for Jews, the Hebrew Scriptures, and for Christians, Seven

the whole Bible is the Word of God set down in human words. The sacred texts a contained in it are fundamental to their faith. on

Something to Find Out Interview someone you know who values the Bible and takes time Seated to read it. What are their reasons for doing so?

Something to Think About What is your own attitude to the Bible?

The Bible – A Collection of Books The word Bible literally means “collection of books.” The Bible itself is not one big book, but a small library of books. Between its covers, the Bible gathers many different kinds of writings – , stories, genealogies, laws, poems, prayers, love songs, letters, visions, prophecies, and so on. These were produced by 14:1-5) Woman many different authors, writing mainly in Hebrew and Greek, over a period of more than one thousand years. A few brief passages are also written in , an ancient language closely related to Hebrew that was spoken in the area of Galilee where Jesus was from. (Revelation

The Bible contains the

records of three thousand Lamb years of Jewish and

Christian culture. the

People of faith among the Jewish and Christian communities recognised of God’s presence and action in their midst – both in the important events of history and in everyday situations – and expressed this experience in words. Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1

Even before writing materials were invented, much of the material that came to be included in the Bible was handed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. After years of passing on stories, songs, prayers etc. by , someone within the community wrote them down. Later, others contributed to the written texts – copying them, adding material, changing details, shifting the emphasis. Adoration

4 33 The ancient Israelites' earliest written stories told about HowPart theTwo: Symbols Work the deeds of the kings. While the songs they used in Images and symbols in the Book of Revelation function in various ways. worship () were recorded as far back as the tenth 17) What is the Bible? century BC, most stories were written down between • Focus: Sometimes their meaning is explained by the narrator or an angel. the fifth and the third century BC. • The Bible records three thousand years of God’s revelation. • Sometimes they come from other biblical and apocalyptic literature. Chapter • Sometimes • The they Old are Testament included to contains add to the the drama original and excitement, Hebrew butScriptures, have no deeperthe New significance. Testament witnesses to the first Christians’ faith in Hehu Karaiti. • The Christian canon of Scripture includes those writings that the Church Two Testaments Contrasting has Groupsdecided belong in the Bible because they express God’s true revelation. The writings in the Bible are arranged in two main groups, known by Christians as the Old and the New of Symbols (Revelation The Bible – Treasure-House of God’s Revelation Testaments. The word “testament” comes from the The Book of Revelation is very critical Latin testamentum – a translation of the Hebrew word

meaning “covenant”. Beast of Rome’s“The Bible oppression presents of to Christianity. us the inexhaustible treasures of God’s revelation and Imageryof his andlove symbolismfor humanity.” are used(Pope in John a Paul II – Address to the Members of the The Old Testament contains the original Hebrew codedPontifical way to Biblical present Commission, Rome in a very2004) negative light. Scriptures and some Greek writings sacred to the Jewish people. These tell of the covenant or agreement that Headed People read the Bible for many reasons – some out of curiosity, some as part God made with Israel through Abraham and Moses. The ofIn acontrast, spiritual Christsearch, and others his faithful because of its literary value, or its great cultural and followers are presented through images single most important story in the history of the Jewish historical significance. However, for Jews, the Hebrew Scriptures, and for Christians, Seven people was the account of their escape from slavery theand whole symbols Bible that is emphasisethe Word of their God glory set down in human words. The sacred texts a in Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan – an event containedby linking inthem it are with fundamental God and heavenly to their faith. realities. The struggle between good which revealed the guiding hand of God. on and evil which is at the heart of the SomethingBook of Revelation to Find is shown Out through Interviewthe interplay someone between theseyou knowtwo sets who of values the Bible and takes time Seated tocontrasting read it. images.What are their reasons for doing so?

Something to Think About What is your own attitude to the Bible?

The Bible – A Collection of Books John’s vision of the Son of man amid The word Bible literally means “collection of books.” The Bible seven gold lampstands holding seven itself is not one big book, but a small library of books. Between The books of the New Testament, written by Christians stars in his hand (Revelation 1:13-16) its covers, the Bible gathers many different kinds of writings – in the first century AD, present Jesus as the fulfilment is explained to him by an angel: “The histories, stories, genealogies, laws, poems, prayers, love songs, of the covenant that God made with Israel through seven stars are the angels of the seven letters, visions, prophecies, and so on. These were produced by Moses and trace the story and faith of the early Christian 14:1-5) Woman Churches, and the seven lampstands are many different authors, writing mainly in Hebrew and Greek, Church. Because of this, the Old Testament is sometimes the seven Churches.” (Revelation 1:20) over a period of more than one thousand years. A few brief said to be the story of the old or first covenant and the passages are also written in Aramaic, an ancient language New Testament that of the new or second covenant. closely related to Hebrew that was spoken in the area of Galilee where Jesus was from. Christians place great value on the Old Testament because it tells of the unique relationship between God (Revelation Task Twenty-Three and the Jewish people. The events of the Old Testament Read Revelation 14:1-5 and 17:1-18 andThe contains the prints the by the artist Dürer, which appear prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, who on the following pages, that were inspiredrecords by of thesethree thousand two passages of Scripture. Lamb years of Jewish and makes God fully known. a) What are some of the images Christianand symbols culture. used in Revelation 14:1-5 to represent the Task Two People of faithChrist among and the his Jewish faithful and Christianfollowers? communities recognised of God’s presence and action in their midst – both in the important events of a) From what you have just read, list three history and in everyday situations – and expressed this experience in words. or four pieces of information that you Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 b) How are the evils of the Roman Empire represented by images and symbols in didn’t already know about how the Bible Revelation 17:1-8? Even before writing materials were invented, much of the material that was formed or produced. came to be included in the Bible was handed down from generation to Extension Activity generation by word of mouth. After years of passing on stories, songs, b) Which piece of information do you think is What other groups of contrasting images or symbols can you find in the Book of prayers etc. by oral tradition, someone within the community wrote them the most important? Why? Revelation? What do they represent? down. Later, others contributed to the written texts – copying them, adding material, changing details, shifting the emphasis. Adoration

324 335 to satisfy the increasing number of Greek-speaking Determining the Canon Jews living outside Palestine who wanted to read the sacred writings in their own language. Originally, a canon (from the Greek kanon) was a rod The translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek or stick that was used as a is known as the (meaning “seventy”) in standard of measurement. honour of the experts who carried out this task. Later, the term “canon” came According to legend, seventy scholars travelled Symbolic Numbers Colour Symbols to refer to those writings that from Jerusalem to Alexandria – the major centre 1/ White represents righteousness or purity. the Church recognised as for Greek-speaking Jews – where they worked for 3 2 – This number, being half of seven, Gold signifies great value. having a rightful place in the seventy months. Also included in the Septuagint are represents imperfection. It indicates suffering Bible. seven books that originally appeared in Greek or and a time of trial. Red indicates blood, destruction and death. that survive only in Greek translations: Tobit, Judith, Purple is the colour of royalty. The Church used the following criteria to determine , , Baruch, and 1 and . 4 – The number four refers to the corners of whether or not a particular piece of Christian writing the world, the points of the compass. Catholics include these seven books in the Old belonged in the : Testament and refer to them as deutero-canonical, 6 – Six (being one less than seven) is a that is, as belonging to the second or Greek canon. Animal Symbols • The writing had to be apostolic – written by an number that symbolises imperfection. Protestants, however, accept only the thirty-nine apostle or someone closely associated with him The lamb symbolises Christ. books that were originally written in Hebrew into • The writing had to be catholic – relevant to the 7 – The number seven is associated with their Old Testaments and refer to the seven disputed The dragon represents Satan in particular whole Church perfection and fullness, and therefore with books as the (meaning “hidden” or “not and evil in general. • The writing had to belong to the tradition – heavenly or divine realities. There are many genuine”). Thus, Catholics hold that there are forty-six there was evidence that the book had always patterns of seven in the Book of Revelation. The beasts from the earth stand for books in the Old Testament canon while Protestants been used in the Church tyrannical empires, such as Rome, or for acknowledge only thirty-nine. • The writing had to be orthodox – the book was 12 – This number is a symbol for Israel in that Nero. it refers to Israel’s twelve tribes. It also stands faithful to the Church’s teaching and contained The practice of including the seven Greek books in The beasts from the sea are the for the twelve apostles. no errors or heresy the Catholic canon can be traced back to the early ideologies at the service of a tyrannical centuries of the Church when most Christians were empire, or Domitian. Something to Discuss Greek speakers and tended to rely on the Septuagint 666 – The number six repeated three times What might have happened if any one of in order to read the sacred Scriptures from their stands for total failure. It is the number of the The four living creatures represent the the four criteria had not been used for Jewish heritage. Because of this, the Catholic Church beast. In the Book of Revelation it stands for created world with four horizons (north, determining the canon of Scripture? came to accept the Septuagint as authoritative. In Rome and its empire, especially the emperor south, east and west) forming God’s throne. Nero. response to the Protestant , this tradition The white horse symbolises the Parthians was affirmed at the Council of Trent in 1546. who fought against Rome. Why are Catholic and 1,000 – This does not refer to an exact number but to a great quantity that cannot be The four horsemen of the Protestant Different? Something to Do calculated. are the evils of war, death, plague and Some people in your class may have famine that rage through the world. Protestants consider seventy-three books in their Bibles, others 144,000 – This number (12 x 12 x 1000) The goats are the wicked. that the Old and only sixty-six. refers to the elect or chosen ones. It represents New Testaments the countless multitude of believers. The sheep are the people. together contain a) How many books are in your Bible? sixty-six books while b) Which books does your Bible have / not Catholics hold that have that makes it different from some there are seventy- other Bibles? Task Twenty-Two three books in all. Find as many different examples as you c) In a pair or small group plan and can of symbolic colours, numbers and Catholics and perform a role play that explains how animals in the Book of Revelation. Focus Protestants accept this difference came about. on five or six symbols that you think are the same twenty- especially interesting or important. seven books within Task Three the New Testament, Using the photocopy a) Copy out the verse(s), along with but disagree over master which your the Scripture references, where each the place of seven teacher will give of the symbols appear(s). Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 books in the Old you complete the b) Explain the meaning of each of Testament. Catholics admit them, but Protestants do crossword Bible the symbols in the context of the not. Background. The verse(s) where it appears. answers to all the c) Draw the symbols or present them The earliest versions of the Old Testament were clues can be found in another visual form. written in Hebrew. However, two hundred years in this section of the before Christ they were translated into Greek in order student text.

6 31 Part Twelve: Part Three: Symbols in the Book of Revelation Focus: What is in the Bible? Focus: • The imagery and symbolism of the Book of • The Books of the Old Testament are usually arranged in four groups – the Revelation is often strange and complex, Pentateuch, the histories, the wisdom books, and the prophets. only intended to be understood by those • The New Testament is made up of the four , the Acts of the with an inside knowledge. Apostles, the letters attributed to Paul, the general letters, and the Book of • Much of the imagery and symbolism Revelation. identifies Rome as the enemy of the first- • The books of the Bible contain many different literary forms, each with its century Christians but links Christ and his own particular characteristics and features. faithful followers with God and heavenly realities. THE BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT Reading with “Ancient Eyes” These are usually arranged in the following four groups: The Book of Revelation is typical of ancient apocalyptic writings in that it is full of strange images and complex symbols – colours, numbers, all sorts of The Pentateuch animals, objects, buildings, plants and trees. Genesis Numbers Because apocalyptic literature was written for “insiders” who already knew something of the situation and of Exodus Deuteronomy the symbols that were used to present it, the original audience of the Book of Revelation would have made sense of the strange language and weird scenes described there. However, people today find it more difficult Leviticus to understand the text’s meaning. Modern readers benefit from reading the Book of Revelation with “ancient eyes”. The Deuteronomic History Books

Something to Discuss The The What images and symbols in the The The Book of Revelation are you already The Tobit * aware of? Which of them do you find straightforward / difficult to The Judith * understand? The The First Book of Maccabees * The The Second Book of Maccabees * Something to Think About How might modern readers read the The Wisdom Books Book of Revelation through “ancient eyes”? Job The The Psalms The * The Proverbs Ecclesiasticus / Ben Sira * / Qoheleth

The Prophets

Isaiah Obadiah Jeremiah Jonah Lamentations Micah Baruch * Nahum Ezekiel Habakkuk Daniel Zephaniah Biblical Studies 1 Hosea Haggai Biblical Studies 1 Joel Zechariah Amos

The title page to the second Latin edition (1511) of Dürer’s Revelation to * Catholic Bibles include seven deutero-canonical books (Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, John 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.

30 7 Task Four Use the words from the box below to complete the following summary about the An Outline of the Structure of the Book of Revelation organisation of the books in the Old Testament. A. The Prologue and John’s Address and Greeting (1:1-20) seven success Pentateuch warnings deutero-canonical B. The First Group of Seven (1:9-3:22) C. Second Group of Seven (4:1-8:1) Law five Israel Psalms faithfulness D. Third Group of Seven (8:2-11:19) E. Fourth Group of Seven (11:19-15:4) The Organisation of the Old Testament F. Fifth Group of Seven (15:5-16:21) G. Sixth Group of Seven (17:1-20:15) The first ______books of the Old Testament, called the Pentateuch (meaning “five scrolls”), form the basic H. The Final Vision – The (21:1-22:20) or Law of Israel. They are acknowledged as the foundation document of ______because they tell I. Epilogue and Concluding Blessing (22:21) the story of the beginnings of God’s special relationship with the Jewish people through the promises made to Seven angels with seven trumpets Abraham and Sarah and the giving of the ______to Moses on Mount Sinai. Task Twenty-One The books that form the Deuteronomic History (the “second” stage of Israel’s history following that described in Study the diagram outlining the structure the ______) tell the story of Israel from the settlement in Palestine until the exile in Babylon – a period of of the Book of Revelation. Make use of the six hundred years. The message is that ______to God brings well-being and riches, 5. John introduces himself as a servant of Christ Scripture references provided and read each while desertion of him brings punishment and suffering. who is on the island of Patmos because of his section of the Book of Revelation in your witness to Jesus. The Son of Man appears to him Bible. From the summaries below find one The Wisdom books – including the ______, the prayer book of Israel – span nearly among seven golden lampstands. that goes with each of the sections of the one-thousand years. They emphasise that true wisdom and ______come from God. Book of Revelation. The books of the Prophets gather together the promises and ______that God gave 6. The author asks that the grace of the Lord Jesus Seven angels sound seven trumpets in the to those special messengers who tried to keep Israel faithful in the centuries before Christ. 1. be with all. presence of God. These warn of destruction and death in every part of the cosmos and announce the Catholic Bibles include ______books that are not usually included in Protestant day of God’s judgement. Bibles. These are referred to by Catholics as the ______books. 7. Babylon the Great, the mother of all prostitutes, is seen riding a scarlet beast with seven heads and 2. The sanctuary opens in heaven and the seven ten horns – she is drunk with the blood of saints THE NEW TESTAMENT angels with the seven plagues empty seven golden and martyrs. There then appear seven sights. bowls of God’s anger over the earth The Gospels and Acts 8. John sees Jesus in glory and receives messages The Gospel According to Matthew 3. A new heaven and a new earth appear and the for the seven Churches in the province of Asia. The Gospel According to Mark holy city, Jerusalem, comes down out of heaven from The Gospel According to Luke God in readiness for the wedding of the Lamb. The Gospel According to John 9. Heaven opens and seven signs, including a Acts of the Apostles 4. John sees into heaven and watches as Jesus the woman and a dragon, great beasts defying God, Lamb unseals a scroll which presents the history of the Lamb and the day of judgement are seen. The Letters of Paul (and those attributed to him) the world in the last days. Each of its seven seals reveals an aspect of God’s judgement and victory. Romans 2 Thessalonians 1 Corinthians 1 Timothy 2 Corinthians Titus Galatians Philemon Ephesians Hebrews* Philippians Colossians *Although the Letter to the Hebrews is grouped 1 Thessalonians with Paul’s letters in some Bibles, modern scholarship suggests it was not written by Paul.

The Letters to All Christians Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1

James 2 John 1 Peter 3 John 2 Peter Jude 1 John

The Revelation to John The Son of Man appears to John among The seven Churches of Asia Minor seven golden lampstands The Book of Revelation / the Book of the Apocalypse 8 29 TaskTask FourTwenty The Books of the New Testament UseUse theyour words knowledge from the of boxapocalyptic below to literature complete and the following summary about the An Outline of the Structure of the Book of Revelation organisationthe material ofyou the have books just in read the aboutOld Testament. the Book of The first four books of the New Testament are all called Gospels. They are A. The Prologue and John’s Address and Greeting (1:1-20) Revelation to match the first part of each statement four complementary accounts of the life of Jesus, each by a different writer. (inseven column A) withsuccess its ending (inPentateuch column B). warnings deutero-canonical B. The First Group of SevenThe Gospels(1:9-3:22) of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John each have their own particular C. Second Group of Seven (4:1-8:1) Law five Israel Psalms faithfulness purpose or angle, related to the needs of the different communities for which D. Third Group of Seven they(8:2-11:19) were written. E. Fourth Group of Seven (11:19-15:4) F. Fifth Group of Seven The(15:5-16:21) Acts of the Apostles is the second part of Luke’s account, telling The Organisation of the Old Testament how Jesus’ first followers spread the Good News of what he had done from G. Sixth Group of Seven (17:1-20:15) Jerusalem and the province of Judea to the wider world of the Greek and The Columnfirst ______A books of the Old Testament, called the PentateuchColumn (meaningB “five scrolls”), form the basic H. The Final Vision – TheRoman New JerusalemEmpire. A key(21:1-22:20) figure in this expansion is Saint Paul. Torah or Law of Israel. They are acknowledged as the foundation document of ______because they tell 1. The Revelation to John is difficult A. in both Jewish and Christian circles I. Epilogue and Concluding Blessing (22:21) the story of the beginnings of God’s special relationship with the Jewish people through the promises made to Seven angels with seven trumpets After the Acts of the Apostles come the letters or . Thirteen of these Abraham to understand and Sarah and because the giving of the ______to Moses fromon Mount around Sinai. 200 BC to 200 AD. have Paul’s name attached to them. The rest are by other close followers Task Twenty-One of Jesus. Most are written to new groups of Christians in different places, The books2. Like that otherform the apocalyptic Deuteronomic literature, History (the “second”B. stage in orderof Israel’s to history hide itsfollowing meaning that described in answeringStudy the questions, diagram explaining outlining more the about structure what Jesus did, and showing new Christians how to live out the ______the Book of) tell Revelation the story of wasIsrael from the settlement in Palestinefrom theuntil enemiesthe exile in of Babylon first century – a period of theirof the faith Book in practical of Revelation. ways. The lettersMake begin use ofand the end with formal greetings and prayers. six hundred composed years. The message is that ______to God bringsChristians. well-being and riches, 5. John introduces himself as a servant of Christ Scripture references provided and read each while desertion of him brings punishment and suffering. who is on the island of Patmos because of his 3. Apocalyptic literature enjoyed C. first century Christians to stand firm Thesection last book of the in the Book New of Testament Revelation is the in Book your of Revelationwitness, toalso Jesus. known The asSon the of BookMan appears of the to him ApocalypseBible. From. theIt belongs summaries to a special below kind find of writing one called apocalyptic literature. It looks forward to the final The Wisdom wide popularity books – including the ______, the prayer bookin of the Israel faith – span and nearly avoid compromise among seven golden lampstands. triumphthat goes of God with and each serves of as the an sectionsencouragement of the to believers when times are hard. one-thousand years. They emphasise that true wisdom and ______with the come Roman from God.Empire. Book of Revelation. The books4. A of proper the Prophets understanding gather together of the the promises andD. ______its message that Godis essentially gave about Something to Do 6. The author asks that the grace of the Lord Jesus Seven angels sound seven trumpets in the to those Book special of Revelation messengers requireswho tried to keep Israel faithful in thehope centuries and trustbefore inChrist. Christ. In1. your copy of the New Testament find: be with all. presence of God. These warn of destruction and death in every part of the cosmos and announce the Catholic5. BiblesThe Revelationinclude ______to John books both that are not usuallyE. included it contains in Protestant complex symbolism that a) Each of the four Gospels day of God’s judgement. Bibles. encourages These are referred and warns to by Catholics as the ______books.seems strange to modern readers. b) The Acts of the Apostles 7. Babylon the Great, the mother of all prostitutes, c) The Letters of Paul is seen riding a scarlet beast with seven heads and 6. The Book of Revelation shows the F. the oppression and persecution that d)2. TheThe sanctuaryLetters toopens all inChristians heaven and – thesometimes seven calledten horns – she is drunk with the blood of saints struggle and victory of Christ and it refers to most likely took place THE NEW TESTAMENT angelsthe with General the seven Letters plagues empty seven golden and martyrs. There then appear seven sights. his followers under Domitian. e)bowls The of BookGod’s angerof Revelation over the earth The Gospels and Acts 7. Although the Book of Revelation G. a knowledge of the historical 8. John sees Jesus in glory and receives messages deals with death and destructionThe Gospel According tocontext Matthew in which it was written. Something3. A new heaven to Research and a new earth appear and the for the seven Churches in the province of Asia. The Gospel According to Mark Mostholy city,Bibles Jerusalem, provide comes introductions down out of heavento each from of the 8. The Book of Revelation usesThe coded Gospel AccordingH. over to Luke Satan and the forces of evil. individualGod in readiness books for or the to wedding the various of the Lamb.groupings of language The Gospel According to John books. 9. Heaven opens and seven signs, including a Acts of the Apostles 4. John sees into heaven and watches as Jesus the woman and a dragon, great beasts defying God, 9. Although there are coded I. to those who endure suffering in a)Lamb Does unseals your a scroll Bible? which presents the history of the Lamb and the day of judgement are seen. references to Nero inThe the Letters Book of of Paul (and thosethe attributed present. to him) b)the Readworld inan the introduction last days. Each to of oneits seven of the seals books or Revelation revealsgroups an aspect of books of God’s in judgement the New and Testament. victory. Romans 2 Thessalonians c) What sort of information is provided in it? 10.1 Corinthians The Book of Revelation promises a 1 J.Timothy to address a crisis – in this case the future2 Corinthians reward Titus persecution of the early Church by Galatians Philemonthe Roman authorities. Ephesians Hebrews* Literary Form Philippians Literary forms or genre are the categories or types of writing that an author TheColossians Number Seven and the Structure*Although theof Letterthe to the Hebrews is grouped uses to express their ideas: for example, novel, poetry, short story, history, 1 Thessalonians with Paul’s letters in some Bibles, modern biography, essay, letter, song, and so on. While a dictionary will establish scholarship suggests it was not written by Paul. Book of Revelation the meaning of particular words, the true meaning of any text cannot be In the ancient world the number seven was associated with perfection, and discovered unless the category of writing or speaking to which it belongs Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1

The Letters to All Christians Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 therefore with heavenly or divine realities. In contrast, the number six symbolised – its ‘literary form’ – is identified. imperfection.James 2 John 1 Peter 3 John Every literary form has its own rules or conventions, special vocabulary, type Although2 Peter there are many ways of looking at the structure ofJude the Book of Revelation, of punctuation and style of expression etc. This is as true of the books in the the following1 John diagram shows that much of the material in the Book of Revelation is Bible as it is of any other texts. organised around patterns of seven. The climax of the Book of Revelation is the final The Revelation to John vision of the New Jerusalem. The six groups of seven that come before it lead up to The Son of Man appears to John among and point to the importance of this seventh and final vision. The seven Churches of Asia Minor seven golden lampstands The Book of Revelation / the Book of the Apocalypse 288 299 Literary Forms in the Old Testament Part Eleven: An Introduction to the Book of Revelation Here are some of the more common literary forms found in the Old Testament: Focus: • The Book of Revelation was written by John of Patmos to encourage Christians at the end of the first century to stay true to their faith Common Literary Forms in the Old Testament during a period of crisis. • Although the Book of Revelation deals with themes of destruction Eloquence This involves speaking out in a skilful, fluent or expressive way. and death, it is essentially about hope in Jesus Christ. • The material in the Book of Revelation is organised around patterns of seven. Genealogy Whakapapa (family trees) are recited to show the origins and ancestry of a particular person, thereby establishing that person’s identity and status. A Misunderstood Text History The re-telling of important events from Israel’s past, especially those in which God The Book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible, is the one most misunderstood by readers. To many it brings acted directly or through the nation’s leaders to save his chosen people. fear and anxiety because they see it as a blueprint for Armageddon, the great battle between good and evil that some Christians believe will take place at the end of time.

Legal Codes These provide details about the workings of the Jewish law, including the rules Many people are not aware that the Book of Revelation is a work of apocalyptic literature. Unfamiliar with its literary style, they twist its meaning by taking it literally. A book that is about hope in Hehu Karaiti is seen as a and regulations that the Jewish people must follow and the punishments that they book about fear and death. face if they break them.

Medicine These passages outline various treatments and cures for both physical and mental Response to a Crisis disorders and diseases. In the mid 90s AD the Roman emperor, Domitian, persecuted Christians who did not offer incense to him in shrines established for Moral Codes Moral codes, such as the Ten Commandments, indicate what God requires for this purpose. John of Patmos did not want good or ethical living. Christians to compromise their commitment to Christ by honouring the emperor as a god. Poetry Imagery (simile, metaphor, personification etc) and sound (rhyme, rhythm, He wrote the Book of Revelation to encourage Christians in Asia Minor to stay firm in their faith alliteration etc) are used to convey strong feeling and insight. at this time of crisis. Domitian – Roman emperor 81–96AD Prophecy Through warnings, challenges and threats the people are called back to a right relationship with God. Written in Secret Code Past or Present Crisis? The Book of Revelation was written in secret Although most experts believe that the Book Proverbs These observations in the form of short sayings express wise advice that comes code so that the Romans couldn’t understand of Revelation was written during Domitian’s from ordinary human experience. it. The images and descriptions used by John reign, coded references in the text link it to a of Patmos were familiar to Christian readers of persecution that the emperor Nero (54–68 AD) the time but their meaning remained hidden to ordered and to Nero’s own death. Maybe the Sanitary These writings show how good health can be maintained through measures such outsiders. The symbols in the book needed to author of Revelation is attempting to protect Sciences as the correct disposal of sewage and waste and by maintaining proper drainage. be secret because it undermined the popular Christians of his own time from even greater idea that the empire and the emperor were the persecution by making out that the events he is ultimate powers. writing about happened decades earlier.

The Author Messages for Our Times The author of the Book of Revelation identifies Many people’s understanding of the Book of himself as John, an exile on the island of Revelation is dictated by the media and popular culture’s emphasis on its doomsday scenarios.

Patmos, a Roman penal colony in the Aegean Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 Sea, because of his Christian faith. His letters But its lessons for today’s Christians are really very to the seven Churches in Asia Minor suggest positive: that he had great authority over the Christian • Allegiance to Christ comes before allegiance communities in that region. Although it to the state is unlikely that the author of the Book of • Christians are called to be agents of hope Revelation is the apostle John, perhaps he was • Christians should remain faithful in times of his disciple. trouble

10 27 Task Five Using the explanations on the previous page to help you, decide Apocalyptic Visions and • A person receives important secret knowledge from a heavenly being – an which literary form best matches each of the following passages. Dreams angel or the risen Christ. Apocalyptic literature reveals its message • An angel interprets the meaning of the through symbolic visions, dreams or journeys to vision or dream for the person. A. Then the daughters of Zelophehad came forward. Zelophehad was son of • Heaven and earth are contrasted – the heaven. Hepher son of Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh son of Joseph, a member heavenly world is presented as the “real” world, the earthly world as a place that will of the Manassite clans. The names of his daughters were: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, not last. Milcah, and Tirzah. (Numbers 27:1) • Life beyond death is shown to be very different from the life of our experience. • The “” and the coming of a “new age” which God brings about are revealed. B. A single witness shall not suffice to convict a C. Return, faithless Israel, says the Lord. I will not • A great clash between the forces of good and evil takes place. person of any crime or wrongdoing in connection look on you in anger, for I am merciful, says the • God has total victory over evil. with any offence that may be committed. Only on Lord; I will not be angry forever. the evidence of two or three witnesses shall a charge (Jeremiah 3:12b) be sustained. Task Nineteen (Deuteronomy 19:15) After studying the material on coded writing in this section of the student text, read through the following notes about apocalyptic literature. E. When a man or a woman has spots on the skin of the body, white spots, the priest shall make a) Think carefully about the point that each note is making. D. How lonely sits the city an examination, and if the spots on the skin of b) Identify the points that you think are the most important. that once was full of people! c) Add any points of your own. the body are of a dull white, it is a rash that has d) Organise these important points into an order that makes sense. How like a widow she has become, broken out on the skin; he is clean. e) Develop the most important points into two or three paragraphs about apocalyptic she that was great among the nations! (Leviticus 13:28-39) literature. She that was a princess among the provinces has become a vassal. Apocalyptic literature…. (Lamentations 1:1) G. By wisdom a house is built, * examples are Daniel / Revelation * meaning is non-literal and by understanding it is established; * Greek for “uncovering” or “revealing” * maintains hope by knowledge the rooms are filled * uses coded language / vivid imagery * end of 1st century AD F. Now the days drew near for Matthias to die, and with all precious and pleasant riches. * struggle between good and evil * angels interpret he said to his sons: “Arrogance and scorn have now (Proverbs 24:3-4) * comes out of suffering and persecution * God has the final victory become strong; it is a time of ruin and furious anger. * deals with end time / new age * symbolic visions Now, my children, show zeal for the law, and give * God’s final goal for humanity * secret knowledge your lives for the covenant of our ancestors.” * contrasts heaven with earth * 167 – 164 BC ( 2:49-50) I. Honour your father and your mother, so that * uses past to write about present * faith is rewarded your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You The King’s Dream shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. The second chapter of the Book of Daniel is typical of much apocalyptic writing. King Nebuchadnezzar of H. You shall have a designated area outside the You shall not covet your neighbour’s house; you Babylon has a puzzling and worrying dream about a great statue formed out of different metals. The dream camp to which you shall go. With your utensils is finally interpreted for him by Daniel, a Jewish captive, who shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or male or you shall have a trowel; when you relieve yourself explains that it is a message from God. The dream shows that female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that outside, you shall dig a hole with it and then cover God is in control of history, raising up and overthrowing the belongs to your neighbour. rulers of this world. Eventually, God will set up a kingdom that up your excrement. (Deuteronomy 23:12-13) (Exodus 20:12-17) will never be destroyed. Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 The different metal parts of the statue represent different rulers and empires (as shown on the diagram).

Something to Think About J. In the third year of King Hoshea son of Elah of Israel, Hezekiah son of King Ahaz of Judah began to reign. Read the second chapter of the Book of Daniel. He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign; he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. What do you think the stone that destroys the (2 Kings 18:1-2) statue in the dream represents? See Daniel 2:35, 44-45

26 11 Usually the household was linked to the public world by the male adults of the family, especially its head. A Literary Genre in the New Testament widow without a son was allowed to assume male roles to enable the survival of her family. In such a case the The New Testament contains many examples of various literary forms, especially woman was considered to be more male than female. parables, miracle stories, riddles, prayers, blessings, accounts of Jesus’ preaching For their first seven or eight years of life boys were raised by the women of the family. After this time their and sermons, and apocalyptic writing. education was taken over by men who instilled in them the “male” virtues that were seen as necessary for adult life in the community – self-mastery, courage, eloquence, and justice. Something to Do Use your copy of the Bible to find examples of the following in the New Testament: Task Eighteen Take any aspect of Jesus’ ministry and relationship with In Matthew or Luke’s Gospel: women and explain how by his words or actions Hehu challenged the culture of his time. a) A miracle story b) A parable c) An account of Jesus preaching to the people Women in the d) A situation where Jesus is instructing his disciples There are more stories about women e) Jesus teaching the apostles how to pray in the Gospel of Luke than in the other gospels. Perhaps this is because it was In one of Paul’s letters: written for an educated, intelligent, enquiring community of Greek-speaking converts who lived in the towns and f) A greeting at the beginning cities. In such an environment women were more likely to have some role in g) A blessing at the end public life than in more traditional Jewish communities. In Luke’s Gospel and in his Acts of the Apostles women receive God’s word, are baptised, follow Jesus, and offer him hospitality in their homes. However, their role is presented as being different from that of men who are given responsibility Avoid Misunderstandings for the public ministries of praying, prophesying, teaching, healing and leading the community. Luke’s women are shown mainly in the private world of the By determining the kind of writing that an author has chosen to use it is much easier to household. work out his or her intention or message.

To understand what we are reading, we need to make allowances for the form and change our expectations accordingly. Part Ten: An Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature If we misunderstand an author’s literary form, we will also misunderstand what the author intends to say. Focus: • Apocalyptic literature uses a coded type of language to encourage God’s people to resist evil during a time of trial and to look forward to a Task Six wonderful future that Te Atua promises. Using what you have learned in this section of the topic: • Apocalyptic literature presents its message in symbolic visions or journeys which should not be interpreted literally. a) Define in your own words what a literary form or genre is. • Parts of the Book of Daniel and the whole of the Book of Revelation are b) Explain why it is important to identify and understand the literary forms found apocalyptic in form. in Scripture. Coded Writing In times of suffering and persecution at the hands of those who oppose them, it can become risky for members of oppressed groups or societies to communicate with each other. In such situations they may try to avoid danger by speaking and writing in ways that only they as “insiders” will understand. They adopt a type of coded language that will not make sense to their enemies. The message behind the coded communication is one of hope.

The best known examples from the Bible of this coded form of communication called apocalyptic – from the Greek word for “uncovering” or “revealing” – are parts of the Book of Daniel (167–164 BC) and the whole of Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 the Book of Revelation (end of 1st century AD). Both works build up the hope of faithful Jewish or Christian people experiencing oppression or persecution at the hands of evil governments. Both hide the fact that they are dealing with present crises by suggesting that the events they write of happened in the past. Both look forward to a time when God will reward faithful endurance with a glorious future.

Apocalyptic literature uses vivid imagery and exaggerated language to communicate the message that God has a final goal or destiny for humanity and for all of creation. The visions and images which it presents should not be interpreted literally.

12 25 Task Seventeen Using your knowledge of Luke’s Gospel, prepare a presentation on aspects of the following Part Four: theme: Interpreting The Bible Focus: • The message of the Bible is easily abused when people fail to interpret it Your presentation could be in the form of: correctly or use its words to push their own agenda. • The Bible is concerned with religious truth but is not always accurate when • A powerpoint it comes to historical, scientific or similar matters. • A speech • Scripture can only be properly understood when it is interpreted according • A poster to its context. • A short essay • The Church guides Catholics in their interpretation of Scripture, the meaning of which often goes beyond the literal. In it you should suggest how particular Jesus’ Relationships with teachings and actions of Jesus bring out the Women The Use and Abuse of the The Bible Speaks with theme or message. Make use of quotes from Scripture. Where appropriate include visual Jesus had a very open and accepting Bible Authority design and / or layout. attitude towards women that went far Christians believe that the Bible is God’s Word, Although Christians accept beyond the conditions of his time and inspired by Te Wairua Tapu, and accept that it speaks culture. Women had a special place in Jesus’ that the Bible is God’s Women in Jesus’ Culture with great authority. They recognise that the purpose inspired Word and treat it life and ministry. of the Scriptures is to lead people to Te Atua and In Jesus’ culture men and with a special reverence, they acknowledge that the Bible is central to the life of the women lived largely separate • The faith of Mary, the mother differ in their understanding Church and remains relevant to the lives of individual lives. of Jesus, played a central role in of what it means to say Christians. Jesus conception, birth and that the Bible speaks with The household was the territory upbringing. authority. However, some people see the Bible as a convenient of women. Within the home • Mary Magdalene, Joanna, text for all sorts of purposes, and in many instances, they carried responsibility for Some Christians claim that the Bible is free of all error and others (Luke 8:2-3), do not use it properly. Across the centuries, some raising children, making clothing – scientific, historical, or spiritual. They read the Bible travelled with Jesus, and were Christians have used the Bible to push their own and preparing food. Women at face value and interpret it in a way that fails to present at his crucifixion and ideas and justify their own actions. had little or no contact with burial. At the tomb on Easter take into account the limitations of its human authors males outside their family group. and the circumstances in which it was written. These morning they were the first to Here are Before marriage, a woman’s Christians are often described as fundamentalists come to Easter faith and to three The End of the honour was determined by her because of their literal approach to the text. announce it. (Luke 24:9) examples: virginity; after marriage by her loyalty to her husband. World is Near! Any breach of honour would publicly shame all Luke also describes Jesus’ encounters with: This comes from a large advertisement Catholics and most Protestants, however, recognise members of a woman’s family, especially the males • The widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17) for a new book, which suggests that that the Bible is concerned primarily with religious who represented the family in public. a code has been found in the original truth. While accepting what the Bible reveals about • The woman who washed Jesus’ foretelling events that are God and matters of faith as true, they admit that the A bride who could not produce proof of her virginity feet with her tears (Luke 7:36-50) happening in our own day. Bible is not always accurate in regard to historical on the wedding night could be returned to her • Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) and scientific matters. For example, readers can find parents’ family. A woman could also shame a family significant errors within the Bible’s pages in regard to by her failure to give birth to a son. A woman did • The crippled woman (Luke 13:10-17) dates, geographical details, and information relating not attain adult status until she was married and was He tells parables based on women’s Bible System to to physics or chemistry etc. Such inaccuracies do not fully accepted into her husband’s family until she experience: not undermine the Bible’s religious truth but serve had produced an heir. Chastity, silence (in the public Win Lottery! as a reminder that it is the work of human authors, world) and obedience were the prime virtues of an • The parable of the lost coin (Luke This appeared as the headline for an article that expressing Te Kupu a Te Ariki according to their honourable woman. 15:8-10) proposed a way to use the Bible in order to win own personal understandings and in ways that money – in any lottery. • The judge and the insistent were shaped by the circumstances and limitations of Women relied greatly on the companionship of other widow (Luke 18:1-8) their own particular times and cultures. The Church women. In many ways the ties between women were understands that stronger than those between husband and wife. The prominent Something to the literal sense Women often closed ranks against males in order to role that Think About of a passage from Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 God Hates Fags protect each other. Depending on the living situation, women play in Can you think of Scripture does not a woman might see the males in her family only at Luke’s Gospel other situations always apply in every suggests that – Romans 9:13 meals and, in the case of a husband, at bedtime. Anti-homosexual protesters where people age or situation, and they were were seen with this sign have misused recognises the impact an important of time and human Women could have a great deal of influence on following the torture and killing the Bible for public life, indirectly, through their sons. A man was presence of a gay college student in culture on the way their own under the authority of his mother throughout his life, in Luke’s Wyoming in October 1998. the Bible was written purposes? and any male who disobeyed his mother, even in community. and put together. adulthood, was considered dishonourable. 24 13 In the centuries since the Bible was written, the Holy Task Seven Spirit has deepened the Church’s understanding of Which of the God’s revelation in Scripture. The Church, guided by following the college of bishops in union with the pope, assists statements reflect ordinary Catholics to come to a true understanding the Catholic of what Scripture is saying. The contribution of understanding about the authority biblical scholars and theologians has also been very Outsiders and Sinners The Poor and the Rich important to this process. At the heart of the Catholic of the Bible? Church’s approach to Scripture is the conviction that In Luke’s Gospel Jesus offers the Good News In Luke’s gospel Jesus is especially 1. The Bible is Christians grow in their knowledge and appreciation of God’s salvation to people of low status, welcoming of the poor. He also warns of the Word of of God’s Word not as individuals but as members of a especially those whom society labelled as the danger of material possessions and the God and is sinners and “outsiders” – tax-collectors, misuse of wealth. community of faith, the people of God. inspired by the prostitutes, and Samaritans. Holy Spirit. • The rich fool (Luke 12:13-21) Context A biblical passage 2. God dictated • Jesus’ meeting with Zacchaeus • Anxiety and attitudes towards Context means is only biblical the Bible (Luke 19:1-10) possessions (Luke 12:22-34) three different when it is in the to human • Jesus' encounter with the woman • The use of money (Luke 16:9-13) things in regard to Bible. authors. at Simon’s house (Luke 7:36-50) • The rich man and Lazarus (Luke Scripture: (Raymond Brown • The cure of the Samaritan leper 16:19-31) – a famous Scripture 3. The Bible is concerned with religious (Luke 17:11-19) • The rich man (Luke 18:18-30) • How a particular scholar) truth. • The healing of the Roman scriptural centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1-10) passage relates 4. The Bible is free from all errors. to the text immediately before and after it. Mercy and 5. The Bible reflects the personalities of its • How the passage relates to the book of the Bible Luke’s Gospel has been called the Gospel of authors and the cultures in which they in which it is found. Mercy. Many of Jesus’ parables emphasise lived. • How the passage relates to what is said in other healing, compassion and forgiveness. books in the Bible. 6. It is possible to understand a passage • The parable of the good Samaritan It is always dangerous to ignore the context of from the Bible without knowing about (Luke 10:29-37) a Scripture passage. Taking a passage literally or its context. • The parable of the lost sheep removing it from its natural “home” almost always (Luke 15:1-7) leads to abuse of the Scriptures. Paying attention to 7. Scripture must always be interpreted • The parable of the lost coin (Luke the larger context prevents people from misreading literally. 15:8-10) the Bible. • The parable of the prodigal or lost 8. God’s revelation comes through son (Luke 15:11-32) Christians are challenged to apply the Bible faithfully Scripture and Tradition. to their own lives and to reflect on it in their prayer Jesus tells his disciples to be compassionate – but this always requires careful attention to context, 9. Christians can deepen their (6:36) and even forgives his own killers history and literary form. Te Wairua Tapu always understanding of God’s Word without (23:34). guides those who genuinely seek to uncover the reference to the teachings of the Luke 18:18-30 message that the Bible proclaims, and are willing Church. to develop their knowledge and understanding of Some Things to Discuss Scripture through their attention to what the Church 10. Biblical scholars and theologians assist Read the passages from Luke’s Gospel which are referred to on the previous page before teaches and to the expertise of Scripture scholars. the Church in its interpretation of Scripture. discussing the following questions: • Which groups of people were labelled as outcasts and sinners in Jesus’ society? 11. It is important to • Which groups of people does our society label as outcasts and sinners? understand the • In what ways did Jesus bring mercy and forgiveness to people in his time? literary form of a • In what ways might Jesus bring mercy and forgiveness to these people today? particular passage of Scripture. • What did Jesus teach about the use of riches? • How might Jesus’ teaching on riches apply in Aotearoa New Zealand today? 12. The Holy Spirit Jot down ideas that come up in the discussion. Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 automatically leads people to a correct Something to Research understanding of What can you find out about the attitudes of Jesus’ Scripture. society towards the following groups of people?

Samaritans gentiles tax-collectors lepers

14 23 In the centuries since the Bible was written, the Holy Task Seven PrayerSpirit has deepened the Church’s understanding of Which of the Part Five: following WhileGod’s revelationall four gospel in Scripture. writers recordThe Church, that Jesus guided prayed, by it is Luke who provides the most insight into Jesus’ own Introduction to the Gospel According to Luke the college of bishops in union with the pope, assists statements reflect prayer-life. In Luke’s Gospel we see Jesus praying often, especially in preparation before each new stage of his Focus: ordinary Catholics to come to a true understanding the Catholic ministry. • The Gospel According to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles together tell the of what Scripture is saying. The contribution of understanding story of Hehu Karaiti and the beginnings of Christianity. Jesusbiblical is scholarsclear that and his theologiansdisciples need has to also be beenpeople very of prayerabout also. Theythe authorityshould pray for those who treat them Outsiders • Luke’s andGospel Sinners was written in Greek, probablyThe Poorforty or and fifty theyears Rich after Jesus’ badlyimportant (Luke to 6:28) this process. and ask Atfor the more heart labourers of the Catholicto help withof the the harvest Bible? – that is, more people to work for the resurrection, for Gentile Christians living in Asia Minor (Turkey). reignChurch’s of Godapproach (Luke to10:2). Scripture It is in is responsethe conviction to the thatdisciples' request about how to pray that Jesus teaches them In Luke’s Gospel Jesus offers the Good News In Luke’s gospel Jesus is especially 1. The Bible is • Luke teaches that the Te Rongopai (the Good News) of Jesus Christ and the theChristians Lord’s Prayer:grow in their knowledge and appreciation of God’s salvation to people of low status, welcoming of the poor. He also warns of the Word of aroha of God are intended for all people. of God’s Word not as individuals but as members of a especially those whom society labelled as the danger of material possessions and the He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished,God and is Special Times of Karakia in sinners and • “outsiders” Luke’s Gospel – tax-collectors, was formed over manymisuse years of by wealth. a process similar to that communityone of of his faith, disciples the people said to of him, God. ‘Lord, teach us to pray, asinspired by the Jesus’ Life prostitutes, andwhich Samaritans. produced the other gospels. John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray,Holy Spirit. • At Jesus’ (Luke 3:21) • The rich fool (Luke 12:13-21) say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Jesus had worked were wiped out. Not only was the Context A biblical passage Luke’s • Gospel Jesus’ meeting and with Zacchaeus the Acts • Anxiety and attitudes towards Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our2. sins, God for dictated• While Jesus takes time out in a generation of believers who had known Jesus dying is only biblical deserted place (Luke 5:16) (Luke 19:1-10) possessions (Luke 12:22-34) Contextwe means ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do notthe Bible of the Apostles off, but communities that had witnessed his ministry when it is in the • Jesus' encounter with the woman • The use of money (Luke 16:9-13) three differentbring us to the time of trial.’(Luke 11:1-4) to human• Before Jesus chooses the Twelve (Luke were destroyed or forced to establish themselves Bible. things in regard to authors. 6:12) The Gospel of at Luke Simon’s is the house first half(Luke of 7:36-50)a two-part work elsewhere. • Stories The richabout man Jesus and which Lazarus had (Luke been (Raymond Brown JesusScripture: urges his followers to keep asking for the gift of Spirit (Luke • Before Peter’s confession of faith in that tells • the story The cure of Jesus of the and Samaritan the beginnings leper of passed on by 16:19-31)word of mouth and depended for their – a famous Scripture 11:13) and to pray at all times (Luke 21:36). The parables3. about The the Bible is Jesusconcerned (Luke 9:18-21) with religious Christianity. The(Luke Acts 17:11-19) of the Apostles continues the survival on • a peaceful, The rich man stable (Luke society 18:18-30) were in danger scholar) friend• How who a particular comes asking for bread at midnight (Luke 11:5-10)truth. and • At the story. • The healing of the Roman of disappearing. Jesus’ followers recognised that steps of thescriptural widow before an unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8) both stress the Transfiguration centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1-10) • Luke’s Gospel starts with the infancy of Jesus had to be taken to write the Gospel message down, importancepassage relatesof prayer. 4. The Bible is (Lukefree 9:28)from all errors. and, following the resurrection, ends with Jesus so that it would survive and be passed on to future to the text immediately before and after it. • Before Jesus Mercy and Forgiveness Task Sixteen returning to his Father in heaven. generations. • How the passage relates to the book of the Bible 5. The Bible reflectsteaches the personalities of its Look up the various Scripture references provided. Make disciples the • TheLuke’s Acts Gospel of the has Apostles been startscalled with the GospelJesus’ ascension of in which it is found. authors and the cultures in which they It was against this up a list of Dos and Don’ts of prayer based on what “Our Father” andMercy. the Many coming of Jesus’of the parablespromised emphasise Holy Spirit at • How the passage relates to what is said in other lived. background that Luke Jesus says and does. (Luke 11:1-4) Pentecost.healing, compassion It deals with and the forgiveness. growth of Christianity books in the Bible. presented his Gospel as 6. It is possible• In to the understand a passage up until • the The arrival parable of Paulof the in goodRome Samaritanaround 60 AD. a solid basis for lasting Garden of It is always dangerous to ignore the context of from the Bible without knowing about (Luke 10:29-37) faith. He wished to show Gethsemane It is uncertain when Luke’s Gospel was written, but a Scripture passage. Taking a passage literally or its context. • The parable of the lost sheep that the Greek-speaking (Luke 22:41) most experts agree it was put together in its final form removing it from its natural “home” almost always (Luke 15:1-7) Church of Asia Minor somewhere between thirty and fifty years after Jesus’ leads to abuse of the Scriptures. Paying attention to 7. Scripture must always be interpreted • The parable of the lost coin (Luke to which he belonged literally. death and resurrection – most likely in the eighties. Gethsemanethe larger context prevents people from misreading 15:8-10) had its origins, not only the Bible. • The parable of the prodigal or lost in Jesus Christ, but also Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane not long before8. his God’s death revelation gets to the heartcomes of truethrough Christian Luke was a Greek-speaking Christian, possibly a son (Luke 15:11-32) in the community of prayer:Christians are challenged to apply the Bible faithfully Scripture and Tradition. convert of Paul. Tradition claims he was a doctor. His Gospel was probably composed in Antioch (Syria) or Jesus’ first followers who to their‘Father, own lives if you and are to willing, reflect onremove it in theirthis cupprayer from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’ Jesus tells his disciples to be compassionate Asia Minor (modern Turkey) for communities in that all were Jews. Luke’s – but this(Luke always 22:42) requires careful attention to context, 9. Christians can deepen their (6:36) and even forgives his own killers region. message was that the Tradition claims that Saint Luke history and literary form. Te Wairua Tapu always understanding of God’s Word without (23:34). was a doctor as well as the Good News of JesusLuke 18:18-30 Somethingguides those whoto Think genuinely About seek to uncover the reference to the teachings of the author of the third gospel. In Church. Christ was meant for Luke’s right hand is the caduceus messageWhat does that theJesus’ Bible prayer proclaims, at Gethsemaneand are willing tell us about his relationship with God? Luke’s Audience and to develop their knowledge and understanding of everyone. – a staff associated with healing. Some Things to Discuss Scripture through their attention to what the Church 10. Biblical scholars and theologians assist Message Read the passages from Luke’s Gospel which are referred to on the previous page before Partteaches and Nine: to the expertise of Scripture scholars. the Church in its interpretation of Something to Think About Scripture. Bydiscussing the time Luke’s the Gospelfollowing came questions: to be, the message The focus at the beginning of this section of Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (lll) about Jesus had spread well beyond Palestine and the topic lists three key points about Luke’s the• original Which communities groups of that people Jesus werehimself labelled had as outcasts and sinners in Jesus’ society? 11. It is important to • Which groups of people does our society labelGospel. as outcastsIf you had and the sinners? opportunity to make understand the visited. Peter, Paul and other missionaries had carried Focus: • In what ways did Jesus bring mercy and forgivenessthree more to important people in points his time? about Luke’s literary form of a the Good News in all directions. The Church was • Luke’s Gospel emphasises that God’s saving aroha • In what ways might Jesus bring mercy andGospel forgiveness what wouldto these they people be? today? is for all people.particular passage quickly becoming more Gentile. of Scripture. • What did Jesus teach about the use of riches?Task Eight It• is likely How that might Luke intendedJesus’ teaching his Gospel on for richesrecent applyWrite in Aotearoa a profile New of the Zealand Gospel today? According to converts, Greek-speakers, who were eager to learn Qualities of12. Luke’s The Holy Gospel Spirit Jot downLuke ideas that that groups come the up information in the discussion. under the

more about Jesus. He had a wide audience in mind Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 automatically leads following headings: Luke’s gospel is very warm and human, concentrating on Jesus’ mercy people to a correct – an educated, intelligent, enquiring public who Somethinglived to Research and forgiveness. Luke’s Jesus calls all people to Te Atua – gentiles as well in the towns and cities. understanding of What can• youThe findevents out it aboutcovers the attitudes of Jesus’ as Jews, women as well asScripture. men, the poor as well as the rich, outsiders society towards the following groups In the years before Luke’s Gospel was written, a • The place and time of its composition and sinners. Luke brings out the importance of individual spiritual of people? qualities, including joy and praise of God. terrible war raged in Palestine between the Jews and • Its likely author the Roman occupying forces. Following a Jewish • Its intended audience rebellion in 66 AD, the Romans besieged Jerusalem Samaritans gentiles• Its historical tax-collectors background lepers before totally flattening the city and Temple in 70 AD. • Its purpose As a result, many of the towns and villages where 1422 2315 Something to Discuss The Formation of the Gospels How do the opening verses of Luke’s Gospel The Holy Spirit The Gospel According to Luke, like the other gospels, show an awareness of the different stages Luke’s Gospel emphasises the essential role of Te Wairua Tapu in the Christian life and developed in three broad stages over a period of at of gospel formation? also the importance of prayer. least forty or fifty years: Since many have undertaken to set down an Throughout his Gospel, Luke shows that the promises which God makes to Israel in orderly account of the events that have been Stage One: the Old Testament are fulfilled in Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on Jesus public ministry (circa 30 to 33 AD) himself speaks of the Holy Spirit working through him when in the synagogue at to us by those who from the beginning were Jesus commands his followers – the witnesses to his Nazareth he reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah: eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too life and teaching, to his saving death and resurrection decided, after investigating everything carefully ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. – to preach the Good News. from the very first, to write an orderly account He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the for you, most excellent Theophilus1, so that you oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it Stage Two: may know the truth concerning the things about back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then The preaching and teaching of the apostles which you have been instructed. (Luke 1:1-4) he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ (Luke 4:18-21) (circa 33 to 70 AD) Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour spreads Something to Do There are many situations recorded in Luke’s Gospel where the Holy Spirit works in Jesus’ life and in the lives of beyond Palestine. Jesus’ words and deeds are kept alive Present a poster or diagram that clearly people of faith. It is the same Spirit who in the Acts of the Apostles empowers Jesus’ followers, after Pentecost, in stories that are circulated firstly by word of mouth. It shows the process that formed the gospels. to take Te Rongopai beyond Jerusalem into the wider world. is likely that written collections of these materials begin Something to Discuss to take shape before the first gospel is composed. Paul’s Task Fifteen In the years before nga rongopai (the letters are also written during this time. Link the Scripture passage referred to in the left hand column with the action of the Holy gospels) were written, stories about Jesus Spirit that it describes in the right hand column. were handed down by word of mouth. Stage Three: The Gospels are recorded in written form a) Use the following images to help you list (circa 70 to 100 AD) some of the most important things about Scripture Passage Action of the Holy Spirit The gospel writers, although they were the next Jesus that these stories kept alive and generation to the original eyewitnesses, inherited passed on. 1. Luke 1:11-16,67 A. The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus at his baptism by John. the tradition about Jesus that came from them. They b) What other important aspects of Jesus' faithfully record the Good News of Jesus Christ, life and ministry are not shown here but B. The Holy Spirit empowers Jesus to begin his ministry shaping and editing material that has been kept alive 2. Luke 1:26-38 would have been preserved by the oral in Galilee. within their particular communities. tradition? 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. The Holy Spirit fills Jesus with joy.

G. The Holy Spirit teaches the believer what to say in 7. Luke 10:21-22 times of trial and difficulty.

H. The Holy Spirit acts in the life of John the Baptist and 8. Luke 11:9-13 his parents.

I. The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the desert to be … so that you may know the 9. Luke 12:11-12 tested. truth… (Luke 1:4) 10. Luke 24:49 J. The Holy Spirit enables Simeon to recognise Jesus as the Messiah. Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1

Something to Think About • Can you name any people through whom the Holy Spirit works today? • What are the signs that the Spirit is active in their lives? Refer to Galatians 5:22-23 for help.

1Theophilus, whose name means “lover of God”, is the person to whom Luke dedicates his Gospel. 16 21 towards Emmaus. The Lord, however, goes out after The Jesus’ Death in the pair, explaining to them all that the Scriptures had The Two-Document Theory When the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are Jerusalem said about him, starting with Moses and the prophets. Mark Q But the two disciples are so self-absorbed that they placed together side-by-side it becomes clear that: Jesus’ preaching in the Temple fail to recognise Jesus. It is only when he blesses and his prophesising of its and breaks the bread that the two disciples’ eyes are • Matthew, Mark and Luke are very similar in destruction soon bring him opened to Jesus’ presence. “That same hour they got content and style. For this reason, they are often Matthew Luke into conflict with the Jewish up and returned to Jerusalem”, once again re-joining labelled synoptic (from the Greek word meaning authorities (Luke 20:1-21:4). the company of faithful witnessing to the Lord’s “overview”). While these are the immediate cause of Jesus’ arrest, Another theory has been put forward to explain the resurrection (Luke 24:33–34). • Matthew and Luke share significant material Luke makes it clear that this happens in order for – mostly sayings and teachings of Jesus, such as existence of material in Matthew that is not in Luke God’s plan of salvation to be accomplished. the Lord’s Prayer – which is not found in Mark. (or Mark) and material in Luke that is not in Matthew The Journey of (or Mark). For example, the parable of the Labourers Events move rapidly towards Jesus’ crucifixion – the To explain this, most in the Vineyard is found only in Matthew (20:1-15), plot to kill him (22:1-6), the Last Supper (22:7-38), the Church Luke’s Gospel ends with Jesus’ experts suggest that and the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector and his prayer and betrayal by Judas at the Mount of appearance to all the disciples Matthew and Luke only in Luke (18: 9-14). Material that is unique Olives (22:39-53). Luke presents Jesus as the innocent whom he instructs to proclaim based their gospels to Matthew or Luke is said to come from sources one whose loss of life is gloriously overcome by repentance and forgiveness of on the Gospel of labelled ‘M’ or ‘L’. the faithfulness of a loving and saving God. During sins “in his name to all nations, Mark, which was his trials Jesus is identified as the Messiah or Christ beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke written first, but also (22:67), the Son of Man (22:69), and the Son of God The Four-Document Theory 24:47). The disciples will not be alone in their mission, drew on another (22:70). At his crucifixion, the “good thief” recognises as Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit – the life- (M) Mark Q (L) that Jesus, unlike himself, is without guilt (23:39-41), written source not giving power from on high – to help them (24:49). and the centurion standing by the cross also declares known to Mark. This his innocence (Luke 23:47). As Jesus’ own journey on earth comes to an end in source, a collection Jerusalem with his ascension into heaven (Luke 24:50- of the sayings of Matthew Luke Jesus, is no longer The structure and much of The Emmaus Journey 51), his disciples, full of joy and praising, await the the content of John’s Gospel is birth of the Church – which will begin in the same in existence. It is The journey theme is also present in the Emmaus referred to as ‘Q’ significantly different from the Task Nine story (Luke 24:13-32). city at Pentecost. synoptic gospels which leads Explain in your own words the relationship for short, after experts to suggest it was formed between Luke’s Gospel and the Gospels of Unaware that Jesus had risen from the dead, two of Task Thirteen the German word independently. his disciples, disappointed that their hopes that Jesus List as many reasons as you can why Luke’s ‘quelle’ (source). Mark and Matthew. might be the saviour of Israel seem not to have been Gospel could be called “The story of a fulfilled, set out on a journey away from Jerusalem journey”. Part Six: Part Eight: Infancy Narratives in the Gospel According to Luke Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (ll) Focus: Focus: • The events surrounding Jesus’ birth are described in both the Gospels of • Joy and praise of Te Atua are important Joy and Praise Matthew and Luke where each treats them quite differently. spiritual qualities in Luke’s Gospel. A sense of joy fills Luke’s Gospel – joy in response to the mana (power) and • The infancy narratives establish that Hehu is fully God and fully human • Luke’s Gospel emphasises the work of Te love of God! and show him to be the fulfilment of the Hebrew Scriptures. Wairua Tapu and the importance of prayer in Jesus’ life and in the lives of his followers. • Gabriel’s announcement to Mary (Luke 1:26-38) Two Infancy Narratives Joy-Full • Mary’s Canticle – the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) The events surrounding the birth of Jesus are described in only two New Jesus uses the word joy as many times in Luke as in the other three • Zechariah’s Canticle (Luke 1:68-79) Testament books – the Gospels of Matthew (1:1-2:23) and of Luke (1:1- Gospels combined: • The Beatitudes (Luke 6:20-23) 2:52). These infancy narratives are closely related to a type of writing • The apostles rejoice (Luke 10:17-20) • “I am bringing you good news of great joy.” (Luke 2:10) • Jesus is filled with joy found in the Hebrew Scriptures where women conceive and give birth in • “Rejoice on that day and leap for joy!” (Luke 6:23) (Luke 10:21-22) unusual circumstances. • “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:7). Although the two infancy narratives are very different in their details, they present a common religious message: Task Fourteen Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 Read the various passages from Luke’s Gospel that • Both establish that Jesus Christ is truly God and truly human Luke’s Gospel is symbolised by the emphasise joy or praise of God. winged ox because it begins with • Both show Jesus to be the fulfilment of the Hebrew Scriptures the story of Zechariah, a priest • Which passage do you think conveys the greatest whose ministry at the Temple in sense of joy? In both of the infancy narratives the Good News of Jesus’ birth is shared Jerusalem required him to take part with others, who either accept or reject it. in the sacrifice of animals. Luke • Copy out the words or phrases from the passage that presents Jesus’ death as a sacrifice are especially joyful in their praise. that he made for the world.

Something to Think About 20 In the light of Luke’s Gospel, why should Christians be joyful people? 17 Task Ten Read the infancy narratives in Luke (1:1-2:52) and Matthew (1:1–2:23). Which of the Part Seven: following features belong to Luke’s infancy narrative and which to Matthew’s? Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (l) Focus: Mary’s faith is emphasised Joseph plays an important part • Journeys are important features of Luke’s Gospel and provide a framework Mary visits Elizabeth Joseph and Mary live in Bethlehem for many of Jesus’ words and actions. Joseph and Mary take part in a census Joseph and Mary live in Nazareth • Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem is central to Luke’s Gospel and to his fulfilment Magi / wise men visit the baby Jesus Shepherds visit the baby Jesus of God’s plan of salvation there through his saving death and Te Aranga The Holy Family escapes to Egypt The Holy Family visits Jerusalem (resurrection).

Near the end of his journey, Jesus weeps over Jesus’ Journey Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44). He then enters the Temple to Jerusalem and drives out those who are trading there (19:45-48) in order to make it a fitting place for his teaching, as The theme of journey is someone who comes from God. central to Luke’s Gospel and provides a framework for many of Jesus’ words Being a Disciple and actions. It is during the course of his travels On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus that many of the important events of Jesus’ ministry teaches his followers many things. take place. He emphasises that being his Jesus and John the Baptist disciple involves walking in his The first two chapters of Luke’s Gospel closely parallel the birth of Jesus of People in Jesus’ time didn’t travel much. The one footsteps – setting out in response Nazareth with that of John the Baptist. journey that Jews such as Jesus’ family in Galilee to God’s call and facing hardships would make was to the Temple in Jerusalem for and suffering along the journey. Luke prepares his readers for the story of Mary’s extraordinary pregnancy and important religious feasts and celebrations – three or Announcing Te Rangatiratanga Jesus’ extraordinary birth by beginning with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth four days’ walk. (the reign of God) must be a – a couple, well-past child-bearing age, who through the work of God, are at last priority for anyone who claims to be his disciple. able to have a child. Their son, who is to be called John, will play a key role in But from the time he leaves Galilee until he enters the fulfilment of God’s promises. His conception and birth are signs of the coming Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), Jesus is constantly on the Task Twelve of Jesus Christ, Israel’s long-awaited Messiah. move through Samaria and Judea. Earlier in his Choose one of the following events on public life, Jesus makes it clear that Jerusalem is his Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem. Explain what As an adult, John prepares the way for Jesus’ ministry by calling people to goal (Luke 9:51) and signals that it is there that he point is made in the relevant Scripture baptism for the forgiveness of sins. John’s baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River is a would fulfil the will of God through his death and passage about being a follower of Hehu. sign that Jesus is the chosen one of God. resurrection. • Jesus describes what it means to be a Luke 1:5-25 The annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist. The city of Jerusalem disciple (Luke 9:46-62) had a long history • Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples Luke 1:26-38 The annunciation of the birth of Jesus. of rebelling against ahead of him (Luke 10:1-16) God and refusing • Jesus tells a story using the theme Luke 1:39-56 The visit of Mary to Elizabeth. the path of peace. of journey – the parable of the good Luke 1:57-80 The birth and circumcision of John the Baptist. Prophets such as Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) Ezekiel understood that • Jesus rests in the home of Martha Luke 2:1-21 The birth and circumcision of Jesus. whenever the people and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) of Israel were unfaithful • Jesus teaches his disciples the Lord’s Luke 2:22-40 The presentation of Jesus in the Temple. to the Covenant, God abandoned the Temple, Prayer (Luke 11:1-13) Luke 2:41-52 The finding of the boy Jesus in the Temple. opening the way to a devastating enemy attack on • Jesus eats with a Pharisee (Luke the city. By going to Jerusalem (whose name means 11:37-54) and warns his disciples “peace”) and calling upon its people to repent – that about the Pharisees’ hypocrisy (Luke Task Eleven is, to turn back to God – Jesus was showing them the 12:1-12) Whakapono (faith), joy and wonder are important aspects of Luke’s infancy narratives. way to true peace. Choose one of the above incidents from the infancy narratives. Explain how it shows some

Extension Activity Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 of the following: When Jesus enters Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-40) he does Choose another event or incident from so on the back of a colt, a sign that Jesus has come Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem (see Luke 9:51- • People faithfully carrying out their religious and / or family duties on a peace mission and not for violent purposes. 19:41). Present a role-play in which you • God challenging people to show faith However, Jerusalem misunderstands Jesus’ purpose interview Jesus and one of the other people • People placing their faith in Te Atua and continues on a course of resistance against involved about what has happened. Try to • God achieving great things in people of faith the Romans that eventually leads to the city's total explore the deeper impact of the event or incident on people’s lives and faith. • People responding with joy and wonder to what God has done destruction at the hands of the Roman army in 70 AD.

18 19 Task Ten Read the infancy narratives in Luke (1:1-2:52) and Matthew (1:1–2:23). Which of the Part Seven: following features belong to Luke’s infancy narrative and which to Matthew’s? Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (l) Focus: Mary’s faith is emphasised Joseph plays an important part • Journeys are important features of Luke’s Gospel and provide a framework Mary visits Elizabeth Joseph and Mary live in Bethlehem for many of Jesus’ words and actions. Joseph and Mary take part in a census Joseph and Mary live in Nazareth • Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem is central to Luke’s Gospel and to his fulfilment Magi / wise men visit the baby Jesus Shepherds visit the baby Jesus of God’s plan of salvation there through his saving death and Te Aranga The Holy Family escapes to Egypt The Holy Family visits Jerusalem (resurrection).

Near the end of his journey, Jesus weeps over Jesus’ Journey Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44). He then enters the Temple to Jerusalem and drives out those who are trading there (19:45-48) in order to make it a fitting place for his teaching, as The theme of journey is someone who comes from God. central to Luke’s Gospel and provides a framework for many of Jesus’ words Being a Disciple and actions. It is during the course of his travels On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus that many of the important events of Jesus’ ministry teaches his followers many things. take place. He emphasises that being his Jesus and John the Baptist disciple involves walking in his The first two chapters of Luke’s Gospel closely parallel the birth of Jesus of People in Jesus’ time didn’t travel much. The one footsteps – setting out in response Nazareth with that of John the Baptist. journey that Jews such as Jesus’ family in Galilee to God’s call and facing hardships would make was to the Temple in Jerusalem for and suffering along the journey. Luke prepares his readers for the story of Mary’s extraordinary pregnancy and important religious feasts and celebrations – three or Announcing Te Rangatiratanga Jesus’ extraordinary birth by beginning with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth four days’ walk. (the reign of God) must be a – a couple, well-past child-bearing age, who through the work of God, are at last priority for anyone who claims to be his disciple. able to have a child. Their son, who is to be called John, will play a key role in But from the time he leaves Galilee until he enters the fulfilment of God’s promises. His conception and birth are signs of the coming Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), Jesus is constantly on the Task Twelve of Jesus Christ, Israel’s long-awaited Messiah. move through Samaria and Judea. Earlier in his Choose one of the following events on public life, Jesus makes it clear that Jerusalem is his Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem. Explain what As an adult, John prepares the way for Jesus’ ministry by calling people to goal (Luke 9:51) and signals that it is there that he point is made in the relevant Scripture baptism for the forgiveness of sins. John’s baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River is a would fulfil the will of God through his death and passage about being a follower of Hehu. sign that Jesus is the chosen one of God. resurrection. • Jesus describes what it means to be a Luke 1:5-25 The annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist. The city of Jerusalem disciple (Luke 9:46-62) had a long history • Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples Luke 1:26-38 The annunciation of the birth of Jesus. of rebelling against ahead of him (Luke 10:1-16) God and refusing • Jesus tells a story using the theme Luke 1:39-56 The visit of Mary to Elizabeth. the path of peace. of journey – the parable of the good Luke 1:57-80 The birth and circumcision of John the Baptist. Prophets such as Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) Ezekiel understood that • Jesus rests in the home of Martha Luke 2:1-21 The birth and circumcision of Jesus. whenever the people and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) of Israel were unfaithful • Jesus teaches his disciples the Lord’s Luke 2:22-40 The presentation of Jesus in the Temple. to the Covenant, God abandoned the Temple, Prayer (Luke 11:1-13) Luke 2:41-52 The finding of the boy Jesus in the Temple. opening the way to a devastating enemy attack on • Jesus eats with a Pharisee (Luke the city. By going to Jerusalem (whose name means 11:37-54) and warns his disciples “peace”) and calling upon its people to repent – that about the Pharisees’ hypocrisy (Luke Task Eleven is, to turn back to God – Jesus was showing them the 12:1-12) Whakapono (faith), joy and wonder are important aspects of Luke’s infancy narratives. way to true peace. Choose one of the above incidents from the infancy narratives. Explain how it shows some

Extension Activity Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 of the following: When Jesus enters Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-40) he does Choose another event or incident from so on the back of a colt, a sign that Jesus has come Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem (see Luke 9:51- • People faithfully carrying out their religious and / or family duties on a peace mission and not for violent purposes. 19:41). Present a role-play in which you • God challenging people to show faith However, Jerusalem misunderstands Jesus’ purpose interview Jesus and one of the other people • People placing their faith in Te Atua and continues on a course of resistance against involved about what has happened. Try to • God achieving great things in people of faith the Romans that eventually leads to the city's total explore the deeper impact of the event or incident on people’s lives and faith. • People responding with joy and wonder to what God has done destruction at the hands of the Roman army in 70 AD.

18 19 towards Emmaus. The Lord, however, goes out after The Synoptic Gospels Jesus’ Death in the pair, explaining to them all that the Scriptures had The Two-Document Theory When the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are Jerusalem said about him, starting with Moses and the prophets. Mark Q But the two disciples are so self-absorbed that they placed together side-by-side it becomes clear that: Jesus’ preaching in the Temple fail to recognise Jesus. It is only when he blesses and his prophesising of its and breaks the bread that the two disciples’ eyes are • Matthew, Mark and Luke are very similar in destruction soon bring him opened to Jesus’ presence. “That same hour they got content and style. For this reason, they are often Matthew Luke into conflict with the Jewish up and returned to Jerusalem”, once again re-joining labelled synoptic (from the Greek word meaning authorities (Luke 20:1-21:4). the company of faithful witnessing to the Lord’s “overview”). While these are the immediate cause of Jesus’ arrest, Another theory has been put forward to explain the resurrection (Luke 24:33–34). • Matthew and Luke share significant material Luke makes it clear that this happens in order for – mostly sayings and teachings of Jesus, such as existence of material in Matthew that is not in Luke God’s plan of salvation to be accomplished. the Lord’s Prayer – which is not found in Mark. (or Mark) and material in Luke that is not in Matthew The Journey of (or Mark). For example, the parable of the Labourers Events move rapidly towards Jesus’ crucifixion – the To explain this, most in the Vineyard is found only in Matthew (20:1-15), plot to kill him (22:1-6), the Last Supper (22:7-38), the Church Luke’s Gospel ends with Jesus’ experts suggest that and the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector and his prayer and betrayal by Judas at the Mount of appearance to all the disciples Matthew and Luke only in Luke (18: 9-14). Material that is unique Olives (22:39-53). Luke presents Jesus as the innocent whom he instructs to proclaim based their gospels to Matthew or Luke is said to come from sources one whose loss of life is gloriously overcome by repentance and forgiveness of on the Gospel of labelled ‘M’ or ‘L’. the faithfulness of a loving and saving God. During sins “in his name to all nations, Mark, which was his trials Jesus is identified as the Messiah or Christ beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke written first, but also (22:67), the Son of Man (22:69), and the Son of God The Four-Document Theory 24:47). The disciples will not be alone in their mission, drew on another (22:70). At his crucifixion, the “good thief” recognises as Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit – the life- (M) Mark Q (L) that Jesus, unlike himself, is without guilt (23:39-41), written source not giving power from on high – to help them (24:49). and the centurion standing by the cross also declares known to Mark. This his innocence (Luke 23:47). As Jesus’ own journey on earth comes to an end in source, a collection Jerusalem with his ascension into heaven (Luke 24:50- of the sayings of Matthew Luke Jesus, is no longer The structure and much of The Emmaus Journey 51), his disciples, full of joy and praising, await the the content of John’s Gospel is birth of the Church – which will begin in the same in existence. It is The journey theme is also present in the Emmaus referred to as ‘Q’ significantly different from the Task Nine story (Luke 24:13-32). city at Pentecost. synoptic gospels which leads Explain in your own words the relationship for short, after experts to suggest it was formed between Luke’s Gospel and the Gospels of Unaware that Jesus had risen from the dead, two of Task Thirteen the German word independently. his disciples, disappointed that their hopes that Jesus List as many reasons as you can why Luke’s ‘quelle’ (source). Mark and Matthew. might be the saviour of Israel seem not to have been Gospel could be called “The story of a fulfilled, set out on a journey away from Jerusalem journey”. Part Six: Part Eight: Infancy Narratives in the Gospel According to Luke Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (ll) Focus: Focus: • The events surrounding Jesus’ birth are described in both the Gospels of • Joy and praise of Te Atua are important Joy and Praise Matthew and Luke where each treats them quite differently. spiritual qualities in Luke’s Gospel. A sense of joy fills Luke’s Gospel – joy in response to the mana (power) and • The infancy narratives establish that Hehu is fully God and fully human • Luke’s Gospel emphasises the work of Te love of God! and show him to be the fulfilment of the Hebrew Scriptures. Wairua Tapu and the importance of prayer in Jesus’ life and in the lives of his followers. • Gabriel’s announcement to Mary (Luke 1:26-38) Two Infancy Narratives Joy-Full • Mary’s Canticle – the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) The events surrounding the birth of Jesus are described in only two New Jesus uses the word joy as many times in Luke as in the other three • Zechariah’s Canticle (Luke 1:68-79) Testament books – the Gospels of Matthew (1:1-2:23) and of Luke (1:1- Gospels combined: • The Beatitudes (Luke 6:20-23) 2:52). These infancy narratives are closely related to a type of writing • The apostles rejoice (Luke 10:17-20) • “I am bringing you good news of great joy.” (Luke 2:10) • Jesus is filled with joy found in the Hebrew Scriptures where women conceive and give birth in • “Rejoice on that day and leap for joy!” (Luke 6:23) (Luke 10:21-22) unusual circumstances. • “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:7). Although the two infancy narratives are very different in their details, they present a common religious message: Task Fourteen Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 Read the various passages from Luke’s Gospel that • Both establish that Jesus Christ is truly God and truly human Luke’s Gospel is symbolised by the emphasise joy or praise of God. winged ox because it begins with • Both show Jesus to be the fulfilment of the Hebrew Scriptures the story of Zechariah, a priest • Which passage do you think conveys the greatest whose ministry at the Temple in sense of joy? In both of the infancy narratives the Good News of Jesus’ birth is shared Jerusalem required him to take part with others, who either accept or reject it. in the sacrifice of animals. Luke • Copy out the words or phrases from the passage that presents Jesus’ death as a sacrifice are especially joyful in their praise. that he made for the world.

Something to Think About 20 In the light of Luke’s Gospel, why should Christians be joyful people? 17 Something to Discuss The Formation of the Gospels How do the opening verses of Luke’s Gospel The Holy Spirit The Gospel According to Luke, like the other gospels, show an awareness of the different stages Luke’s Gospel emphasises the essential role of Te Wairua Tapu in the Christian life and developed in three broad stages over a period of at of gospel formation? also the importance of prayer. least forty or fifty years: Since many have undertaken to set down an Throughout his Gospel, Luke shows that the promises which God makes to Israel in orderly account of the events that have been Stage One: the Old Testament are fulfilled in Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on Jesus public ministry (circa 30 to 33 AD) himself speaks of the Holy Spirit working through him when in the synagogue at to us by those who from the beginning were Jesus commands his followers – the witnesses to his Nazareth he reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah: eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too life and teaching, to his saving death and resurrection decided, after investigating everything carefully ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. – to preach the Good News. from the very first, to write an orderly account He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the for you, most excellent Theophilus1, so that you oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it Stage Two: may know the truth concerning the things about back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then The preaching and teaching of the apostles which you have been instructed. (Luke 1:1-4) he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ (Luke 4:18-21) (circa 33 to 70 AD) Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour spreads Something to Do There are many situations recorded in Luke’s Gospel where the Holy Spirit works in Jesus’ life and in the lives of beyond Palestine. Jesus’ words and deeds are kept alive Present a poster or diagram that clearly people of faith. It is the same Spirit who in the Acts of the Apostles empowers Jesus’ followers, after Pentecost, in stories that are circulated firstly by word of mouth. It shows the process that formed the gospels. to take Te Rongopai beyond Jerusalem into the wider world. is likely that written collections of these materials begin Something to Discuss to take shape before the first gospel is composed. Paul’s Task Fifteen In the years before nga rongopai (the letters are also written during this time. Link the Scripture passage referred to in the left hand column with the action of the Holy gospels) were written, stories about Jesus Spirit that it describes in the right hand column. were handed down by word of mouth. Stage Three: The Gospels are recorded in written form a) Use the following images to help you list (circa 70 to 100 AD) some of the most important things about Scripture Passage Action of the Holy Spirit The gospel writers, although they were the next Jesus that these stories kept alive and generation to the original eyewitnesses, inherited passed on. 1. Luke 1:11-16,67 A. The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus at his baptism by John. the tradition about Jesus that came from them. They b) What other important aspects of Jesus' faithfully record the Good News of Jesus Christ, life and ministry are not shown here but B. The Holy Spirit empowers Jesus to begin his ministry shaping and editing material that has been kept alive 2. Luke 1:26-38 would have been preserved by the oral in Galilee. within their particular communities. tradition? 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. The Holy Spirit fills Jesus with joy.

G. The Holy Spirit teaches the believer what to say in 7. Luke 10:21-22 times of trial and difficulty.

H. The Holy Spirit acts in the life of John the Baptist and 8. Luke 11:9-13 his parents.

I. The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the desert to be … so that you may know the 9. Luke 12:11-12 tested. truth… (Luke 1:4) 10. Luke 24:49 J. The Holy Spirit enables Simeon to recognise Jesus as the Messiah. Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1

Something to Think About • Can you name any people through whom the Holy Spirit works today? • What are the signs that the Spirit is active in their lives? Refer to Galatians 5:22-23 for help.

1Theophilus, whose name means “lover of God”, is the person to whom Luke dedicates his Gospel. 16 21 Prayer Part Five: While all four gospel writers record that Jesus prayed, it is Luke who provides the most insight into Jesus’ own Introduction to the Gospel According to Luke prayer-life. In Luke’s Gospel we see Jesus praying often, especially in preparation before each new stage of his Focus: ministry. • The Gospel According to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles together tell the Jesus is clear that his disciples need to be people of prayer also. They should pray for those who treat them story of Hehu Karaiti and the beginnings of Christianity. badly (Luke 6:28) and ask for more labourers to help with the harvest – that is, more people to work for the • Luke’s Gospel was written in Greek, probably forty or fifty years after Jesus’ reign of God (Luke 10:2). It is in response to the disciples' request about how to pray that Jesus teaches them resurrection, for Gentile Christians living in Asia Minor (Turkey). the Lord’s Prayer: • Luke teaches that the Te Rongopai (the Good News) of Jesus Christ and the aroha of God are intended for all people. He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, Special Times of Karakia in • Luke’s Gospel was formed over many years by a process similar to that one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as Jesus’ Life which produced the other gospels. John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, • At Jesus’ baptism (Luke 3:21) say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Luke’s Gospel and the Acts Jesus had worked were wiped out. Not only was the Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for • While Jesus takes time out in a generation of believers who had known Jesus dying deserted place (Luke 5:16) we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not of the Apostles off, but communities that had witnessed his ministry bring us to the time of trial.’(Luke 11:1-4) • Before Jesus chooses the Twelve (Luke were destroyed or forced to establish themselves 6:12) The Gospel of Luke is the first half of a two-part work elsewhere. Stories about Jesus which had been Jesus urges his followers to keep asking for the gift of Spirit (Luke • Before Peter’s confession of faith in that tells the story of Jesus and the beginnings of passed on by word of mouth and depended for their 11:13) and to pray at all times (Luke 21:36). The parables about the Jesus (Luke 9:18-21) Christianity. The Acts of the Apostles continues the survival on a peaceful, stable society were in danger friend who comes asking for bread at midnight (Luke 11:5-10) and • At the story. of disappearing. Jesus’ followers recognised that steps of the widow before an unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8) both stress the Transfiguration had to be taken to write the Gospel message down, importance of prayer. (Luke 9:28) • Luke’s Gospel starts with the infancy of Jesus and, following the resurrection, ends with Jesus so that it would survive and be passed on to future • Before Jesus generations. Task Sixteen teaches the returning to his Father in heaven. Look up the various Scripture references provided. Make disciples the • The Acts of the Apostles starts with Jesus’ ascension It was against this up a list of Dos and Don’ts of prayer based on what “Our Father” and the coming of the promised Holy Spirit at background that Luke (Luke 11:1-4) Jesus says and does. Pentecost. It deals with the growth of Christianity presented his Gospel as • In the up until the arrival of Paul in Rome around 60 AD. a solid basis for lasting Garden of faith. He wished to show Gethsemane It is uncertain when Luke’s Gospel was written, but that the Greek-speaking (Luke 22:41) most experts agree it was put together in its final form Church of Asia Minor somewhere between thirty and fifty years after Jesus’ to which he belonged death and resurrection – most likely in the eighties. Gethsemane had its origins, not only Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane not long before his death gets to the heart of true Christian Luke was a Greek-speaking Christian, possibly a in Jesus Christ, but also prayer: convert of Paul. Tradition claims he was a doctor. His in the community of Gospel was probably composed in Antioch (Syria) or Jesus’ first followers who ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’ Asia Minor (modern Turkey) for communities in that all were Jews. Luke’s (Luke 22:42) region. message was that the Tradition claims that Saint Luke Good News of Jesus was a doctor as well as the Something to Think About author of the third gospel. In Christ was meant for Luke’s right hand is the caduceus What does Jesus’ prayer at Gethsemane tell us about his relationship with God? Luke’s Audience and everyone. – a staff associated with healing. Message Part Nine: Something to Think About By the time Luke’s Gospel came to be, the message The focus at the beginning of this section of Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (lll) about Jesus had spread well beyond Palestine and the topic lists three key points about Luke’s the original communities that Jesus himself had Gospel. If you had the opportunity to make Focus: visited. Peter, Paul and other missionaries had carried three more important points about Luke’s • Luke’s Gospel emphasises that God’s saving aroha the Good News in all directions. The Church was Gospel what would they be? is for all people. quickly becoming more Gentile. Task Eight It is likely that Luke intended his Gospel for recent Write a profile of the Gospel According to Qualities of Luke’s Gospel converts, Greek-speakers, who were eager to learn Luke that groups the information under the

more about Jesus. He had a wide audience in mind Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 following headings: Luke’s gospel is very warm and human, concentrating on Jesus’ mercy – an educated, intelligent, enquiring public who lived and forgiveness. Luke’s Jesus calls all people to Te Atua – gentiles as well in the towns and cities. as Jews, women as well as men, the poor as well as the rich, outsiders • The events it covers and sinners. Luke brings out the importance of individual spiritual In the years before Luke’s Gospel was written, a • The place and time of its composition qualities, including joy and praise of God. terrible war raged in Palestine between the Jews and • Its likely author the Roman occupying forces. Following a Jewish • Its intended audience rebellion in 66 AD, the Romans besieged Jerusalem • Its historical background before totally flattening the city and Temple in 70 AD. • Its purpose As a result, many of the towns and villages where 22 15 In the centuries since the Bible was written, the Holy Task Seven Spirit has deepened the Church’s understanding of Which of the God’s revelation in Scripture. The Church, guided by following the college of bishops in union with the pope, assists statements reflect ordinary Catholics to come to a true understanding the Catholic of what Scripture is saying. The contribution of understanding about the authority biblical scholars and theologians has also been very Outsiders and Sinners The Poor and the Rich important to this process. At the heart of the Catholic of the Bible? Church’s approach to Scripture is the conviction that In Luke’s Gospel Jesus offers the Good News In Luke’s gospel Jesus is especially 1. The Bible is Christians grow in their knowledge and appreciation of God’s salvation to people of low status, welcoming of the poor. He also warns of the Word of of God’s Word not as individuals but as members of a especially those whom society labelled as the danger of material possessions and the God and is sinners and “outsiders” – tax-collectors, misuse of wealth. community of faith, the people of God. inspired by the prostitutes, and Samaritans. Holy Spirit. • The rich fool (Luke 12:13-21) Context A biblical passage 2. God dictated • Jesus’ meeting with Zacchaeus • Anxiety and attitudes towards Context means is only biblical the Bible (Luke 19:1-10) possessions (Luke 12:22-34) three different when it is in the to human • Jesus' encounter with the woman • The use of money (Luke 16:9-13) things in regard to Bible. authors. at Simon’s house (Luke 7:36-50) • The rich man and Lazarus (Luke Scripture: (Raymond Brown • The cure of the Samaritan leper 16:19-31) – a famous Scripture 3. The Bible is concerned with religious (Luke 17:11-19) • The rich man (Luke 18:18-30) • How a particular scholar) truth. • The healing of the Roman scriptural centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1-10) passage relates 4. The Bible is free from all errors. to the text immediately before and after it. Mercy and Forgiveness 5. The Bible reflects the personalities of its • How the passage relates to the book of the Bible Luke’s Gospel has been called the Gospel of authors and the cultures in which they in which it is found. Mercy. Many of Jesus’ parables emphasise lived. • How the passage relates to what is said in other healing, compassion and forgiveness. books in the Bible. 6. It is possible to understand a passage • The parable of the good Samaritan It is always dangerous to ignore the context of from the Bible without knowing about (Luke 10:29-37) a Scripture passage. Taking a passage literally or its context. • The parable of the lost sheep removing it from its natural “home” almost always (Luke 15:1-7) leads to abuse of the Scriptures. Paying attention to 7. Scripture must always be interpreted • The parable of the lost coin (Luke the larger context prevents people from misreading literally. 15:8-10) the Bible. • The parable of the prodigal or lost 8. God’s revelation comes through son (Luke 15:11-32) Christians are challenged to apply the Bible faithfully Scripture and Tradition. to their own lives and to reflect on it in their prayer Jesus tells his disciples to be compassionate – but this always requires careful attention to context, 9. Christians can deepen their (6:36) and even forgives his own killers history and literary form. Te Wairua Tapu always understanding of God’s Word without (23:34). guides those who genuinely seek to uncover the reference to the teachings of the Luke 18:18-30 message that the Bible proclaims, and are willing Church. to develop their knowledge and understanding of Some Things to Discuss Scripture through their attention to what the Church 10. Biblical scholars and theologians assist Read the passages from Luke’s Gospel which are referred to on the previous page before teaches and to the expertise of Scripture scholars. the Church in its interpretation of Scripture. discussing the following questions: • Which groups of people were labelled as outcasts and sinners in Jesus’ society? 11. It is important to • Which groups of people does our society label as outcasts and sinners? understand the • In what ways did Jesus bring mercy and forgiveness to people in his time? literary form of a • In what ways might Jesus bring mercy and forgiveness to these people today? particular passage of Scripture. • What did Jesus teach about the use of riches? • How might Jesus’ teaching on riches apply in Aotearoa New Zealand today? 12. The Holy Spirit Jot down ideas that come up in the discussion. Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 automatically leads people to a correct Something to Research understanding of What can you find out about the attitudes of Jesus’ Scripture. society towards the following groups of people?

Samaritans gentiles tax-collectors lepers

14 23 Task Seventeen Using your knowledge of Luke’s Gospel, prepare a presentation on aspects of the following Part Four: theme: Interpreting The Bible Focus: • The message of the Bible is easily abused when people fail to interpret it Your presentation could be in the form of: correctly or use its words to push their own agenda. • The Bible is concerned with religious truth but is not always accurate when • A powerpoint it comes to historical, scientific or similar matters. • A speech • Scripture can only be properly understood when it is interpreted according • A poster to its context. • A short essay • The Church guides Catholics in their interpretation of Scripture, the meaning of which often goes beyond the literal. In it you should suggest how particular Jesus’ Relationships with teachings and actions of Jesus bring out the Women The Use and Abuse of the The Bible Speaks with theme or message. Make use of quotes from Scripture. Where appropriate include visual Jesus had a very open and accepting Bible Authority design and / or layout. attitude towards women that went far Christians believe that the Bible is God’s Word, Although Christians accept beyond the conditions of his time and inspired by Te Wairua Tapu, and accept that it speaks culture. Women had a special place in Jesus’ that the Bible is God’s Women in Jesus’ Culture with great authority. They recognise that the purpose inspired Word and treat it life and ministry. of the Scriptures is to lead people to Te Atua and In Jesus’ culture men and with a special reverence, they acknowledge that the Bible is central to the life of the women lived largely separate • The faith of Mary, the mother differ in their understanding Church and remains relevant to the lives of individual lives. of Jesus, played a central role in of what it means to say Christians. Jesus conception, birth and that the Bible speaks with The household was the territory upbringing. authority. However, some people see the Bible as a convenient of women. Within the home • Mary Magdalene, Joanna, text for all sorts of purposes, and in many instances, they carried responsibility for Some Christians claim that the Bible is free of all error Susanna and others (Luke 8:2-3), do not use it properly. Across the centuries, some raising children, making clothing – scientific, historical, or spiritual. They read the Bible travelled with Jesus, and were Christians have used the Bible to push their own and preparing food. Women at face value and interpret it in a way that fails to present at his crucifixion and ideas and justify their own actions. had little or no contact with burial. At the tomb on Easter take into account the limitations of its human authors males outside their family group. and the circumstances in which it was written. These morning they were the first to Here are Before marriage, a woman’s Christians are often described as fundamentalists come to Easter faith and to three The End of the honour was determined by her because of their literal approach to the text. announce it. (Luke 24:9) examples: virginity; after marriage by her loyalty to her husband. World is Near! Any breach of honour would publicly shame all Luke also describes Jesus’ encounters with: This comes from a large advertisement Catholics and most Protestants, however, recognise members of a woman’s family, especially the males • The widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17) for a new book, which suggests that that the Bible is concerned primarily with religious who represented the family in public. a code has been found in the original truth. While accepting what the Bible reveals about • The woman who washed Jesus’ Hebrew Bible foretelling events that are God and matters of faith as true, they admit that the A bride who could not produce proof of her virginity feet with her tears (Luke 7:36-50) happening in our own day. Bible is not always accurate in regard to historical on the wedding night could be returned to her • Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42) and scientific matters. For example, readers can find parents’ family. A woman could also shame a family significant errors within the Bible’s pages in regard to by her failure to give birth to a son. A woman did • The crippled woman (Luke 13:10-17) dates, geographical details, and information relating not attain adult status until she was married and was He tells parables based on women’s Bible System to to physics or chemistry etc. Such inaccuracies do not fully accepted into her husband’s family until she experience: not undermine the Bible’s religious truth but serve had produced an heir. Chastity, silence (in the public Win Lottery! as a reminder that it is the work of human authors, world) and obedience were the prime virtues of an • The parable of the lost coin (Luke This appeared as the headline for an article that expressing Te Kupu a Te Ariki according to their honourable woman. 15:8-10) proposed a way to use the Bible in order to win own personal understandings and in ways that money – in any lottery. • The judge and the insistent were shaped by the circumstances and limitations of Women relied greatly on the companionship of other widow (Luke 18:1-8) their own particular times and cultures. The Church women. In many ways the ties between women were understands that stronger than those between husband and wife. The prominent Something to the literal sense Women often closed ranks against males in order to role that Think About of a passage from Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 God Hates Fags protect each other. Depending on the living situation, women play in Can you think of Scripture does not a woman might see the males in her family only at Luke’s Gospel other situations always apply in every suggests that – Romans 9:13 meals and, in the case of a husband, at bedtime. Anti-homosexual protesters where people age or situation, and they were were seen with this sign have misused recognises the impact an important of time and human Women could have a great deal of influence on following the torture and killing the Bible for public life, indirectly, through their sons. A man was presence of a gay college student in culture on the way their own under the authority of his mother throughout his life, in Luke’s Wyoming in October 1998. the Bible was written purposes? and any male who disobeyed his mother, even in community. and put together. adulthood, was considered dishonourable. 24 13 Usually the household was linked to the public world by the male adults of the family, especially its head. A Literary Genre in the New Testament widow without a son was allowed to assume male roles to enable the survival of her family. In such a case the The New Testament contains many examples of various literary forms, especially woman was considered to be more male than female. parables, miracle stories, riddles, prayers, blessings, accounts of Jesus’ preaching For their first seven or eight years of life boys were raised by the women of the family. After this time their and sermons, and apocalyptic writing. education was taken over by men who instilled in them the “male” virtues that were seen as necessary for adult life in the community – self-mastery, courage, eloquence, and justice. Something to Do Use your copy of the Bible to find examples of the following in the New Testament: Task Eighteen Take any aspect of Jesus’ ministry and relationship with In Matthew or Luke’s Gospel: women and explain how by his words or actions Hehu challenged the culture of his time. a) A miracle story b) A parable c) An account of Jesus preaching to the people Women in the Gospel of Luke d) A situation where Jesus is instructing his disciples There are more stories about women e) Jesus teaching the apostles how to pray in the Gospel of Luke than in the other gospels. Perhaps this is because it was In one of Paul’s letters: written for an educated, intelligent, enquiring community of Greek-speaking converts who lived in the towns and f) A greeting at the beginning cities. In such an environment women were more likely to have some role in g) A blessing at the end public life than in more traditional Jewish communities. In Luke’s Gospel and in his Acts of the Apostles women receive God’s word, are baptised, follow Jesus, and offer him hospitality in their homes. However, their role is presented as being different from that of men who are given responsibility Avoid Misunderstandings for the public ministries of praying, prophesying, teaching, healing and leading the community. Luke’s women are shown mainly in the private world of the By determining the kind of writing that an author has chosen to use it is much easier to household. work out his or her intention or message.

To understand what we are reading, we need to make allowances for the form and change our expectations accordingly. Part Ten: An Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature If we misunderstand an author’s literary form, we will also misunderstand what the author intends to say. Focus: • Apocalyptic literature uses a coded type of language to encourage God’s people to resist evil during a time of trial and to look forward to a Task Six wonderful future that Te Atua promises. Using what you have learned in this section of the topic: • Apocalyptic literature presents its message in symbolic visions or journeys which should not be interpreted literally. a) Define in your own words what a literary form or genre is. • Parts of the Book of Daniel and the whole of the Book of Revelation are b) Explain why it is important to identify and understand the literary forms found apocalyptic in form. in Scripture. Coded Writing In times of suffering and persecution at the hands of those who oppose them, it can become risky for members of oppressed groups or societies to communicate with each other. In such situations they may try to avoid danger by speaking and writing in ways that only they as “insiders” will understand. They adopt a type of coded language that will not make sense to their enemies. The message behind the coded communication is one of hope.

The best known examples from the Bible of this coded form of communication called apocalyptic – from the Greek word for “uncovering” or “revealing” – are parts of the Book of Daniel (167–164 BC) and the whole of Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 the Book of Revelation (end of 1st century AD). Both works build up the hope of faithful Jewish or Christian people experiencing oppression or persecution at the hands of evil governments. Both hide the fact that they are dealing with present crises by suggesting that the events they write of happened in the past. Both look forward to a time when God will reward faithful endurance with a glorious future.

Apocalyptic literature uses vivid imagery and exaggerated language to communicate the message that God has a final goal or destiny for humanity and for all of creation. The visions and images which it presents should not be interpreted literally.

12 25 Task Five Using the explanations on the previous page to help you, decide Apocalyptic Visions and • A person receives important secret knowledge from a heavenly being – an which literary form best matches each of the following passages. Dreams angel or the risen Christ. Apocalyptic literature reveals its message • An angel interprets the meaning of the through symbolic visions, dreams or journeys to vision or dream for the person. A. Then the daughters of Zelophehad came forward. Zelophehad was son of • Heaven and earth are contrasted – the heaven. Hepher son of Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh son of Joseph, a member heavenly world is presented as the “real” world, the earthly world as a place that will of the Manassite clans. The names of his daughters were: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, not last. Milcah, and Tirzah. (Numbers 27:1) • Life beyond death is shown to be very different from the life of our experience. • The “end time” and the coming of a “new age” which God brings about are revealed. B. A single witness shall not suffice to convict a C. Return, faithless Israel, says the Lord. I will not • A great clash between the forces of good and evil takes place. person of any crime or wrongdoing in connection look on you in anger, for I am merciful, says the • God has total victory over evil. with any offence that may be committed. Only on Lord; I will not be angry forever. the evidence of two or three witnesses shall a charge (Jeremiah 3:12b) be sustained. Task Nineteen (Deuteronomy 19:15) After studying the material on coded writing in this section of the student text, read through the following notes about apocalyptic literature. E. When a man or a woman has spots on the skin of the body, white spots, the priest shall make a) Think carefully about the point that each note is making. D. How lonely sits the city an examination, and if the spots on the skin of b) Identify the points that you think are the most important. that once was full of people! c) Add any points of your own. the body are of a dull white, it is a rash that has d) Organise these important points into an order that makes sense. How like a widow she has become, broken out on the skin; he is clean. e) Develop the most important points into two or three paragraphs about apocalyptic she that was great among the nations! (Leviticus 13:28-39) literature. She that was a princess among the provinces has become a vassal. Apocalyptic literature…. (Lamentations 1:1) G. By wisdom a house is built, * examples are Daniel / Revelation * meaning is non-literal and by understanding it is established; * Greek for “uncovering” or “revealing” * maintains hope by knowledge the rooms are filled * uses coded language / vivid imagery * end of 1st century AD F. Now the days drew near for Matthias to die, and with all precious and pleasant riches. * struggle between good and evil * angels interpret he said to his sons: “Arrogance and scorn have now (Proverbs 24:3-4) * comes out of suffering and persecution * God has the final victory become strong; it is a time of ruin and furious anger. * deals with end time / new age * symbolic visions Now, my children, show zeal for the law, and give * God’s final goal for humanity * secret knowledge your lives for the covenant of our ancestors.” * contrasts heaven with earth * 167 – 164 BC (1 Maccabees 2:49-50) I. Honour your father and your mother, so that * uses past to write about present * faith is rewarded your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You The King’s Dream shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. The second chapter of the Book of Daniel is typical of much apocalyptic writing. King Nebuchadnezzar of H. You shall have a designated area outside the You shall not covet your neighbour’s house; you Babylon has a puzzling and worrying dream about a great statue formed out of different metals. The dream camp to which you shall go. With your utensils is finally interpreted for him by Daniel, a Jewish captive, who shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or male or you shall have a trowel; when you relieve yourself explains that it is a message from God. The dream shows that female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that outside, you shall dig a hole with it and then cover God is in control of history, raising up and overthrowing the belongs to your neighbour. rulers of this world. Eventually, God will set up a kingdom that up your excrement. (Deuteronomy 23:12-13) (Exodus 20:12-17) will never be destroyed. Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 The different metal parts of the statue represent different rulers and empires (as shown on the diagram).

Something to Think About J. In the third year of King Hoshea son of Elah of Israel, Hezekiah son of King Ahaz of Judah began to reign. Read the second chapter of the Book of Daniel. He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign; he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. What do you think the stone that destroys the (2 Kings 18:1-2) statue in the dream represents? See Daniel 2:35, 44-45

26 11 Literary Forms in the Old Testament Part Eleven: An Introduction to the Book of Revelation Here are some of the more common literary forms found in the Old Testament: Focus: • The Book of Revelation was written by John of Patmos to encourage Christians at the end of the first century to stay true to their faith Common Literary Forms in the Old Testament during a period of crisis. • Although the Book of Revelation deals with themes of destruction Eloquence This involves speaking out in a skilful, fluent or expressive way. and death, it is essentially about hope in Jesus Christ. • The material in the Book of Revelation is organised around patterns of seven. Genealogy Whakapapa (family trees) are recited to show the origins and ancestry of a particular person, thereby establishing that person’s identity and status. A Misunderstood Text History The re-telling of important events from Israel’s past, especially those in which God The Book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible, is the one most misunderstood by readers. To many it brings acted directly or through the nation’s leaders to save his chosen people. fear and anxiety because they see it as a blueprint for Armageddon, the great battle between good and evil that some Christians believe will take place at the end of time.

Legal Codes These provide details about the workings of the Jewish law, including the rules Many people are not aware that the Book of Revelation is a work of apocalyptic literature. Unfamiliar with its literary style, they twist its meaning by taking it literally. A book that is about hope in Hehu Karaiti is seen as a and regulations that the Jewish people must follow and the punishments that they book about fear and death. face if they break them.

Medicine These passages outline various treatments and cures for both physical and mental Response to a Crisis disorders and diseases. In the mid 90s AD the Roman emperor, Domitian, persecuted Christians who did not offer incense to him in shrines established for Moral Codes Moral codes, such as the Ten Commandments, indicate what God requires for this purpose. John of Patmos did not want good or ethical living. Christians to compromise their commitment to Christ by honouring the emperor as a god. Poetry Imagery (simile, metaphor, personification etc) and sound (rhyme, rhythm, He wrote the Book of Revelation to encourage Christians in Asia Minor to stay firm in their faith alliteration etc) are used to convey strong feeling and insight. at this time of crisis. Domitian – Roman emperor 81–96AD Prophecy Through warnings, challenges and threats the people are called back to a right relationship with God. Written in Secret Code Past or Present Crisis? The Book of Revelation was written in secret Although most experts believe that the Book Proverbs These observations in the form of short sayings express wise advice that comes code so that the Romans couldn’t understand of Revelation was written during Domitian’s from ordinary human experience. it. The images and descriptions used by John reign, coded references in the text link it to a of Patmos were familiar to Christian readers of persecution that the emperor Nero (54–68 AD) the time but their meaning remained hidden to ordered and to Nero’s own death. Maybe the Sanitary These writings show how good health can be maintained through measures such outsiders. The symbols in the book needed to author of Revelation is attempting to protect Sciences as the correct disposal of sewage and waste and by maintaining proper drainage. be secret because it undermined the popular Christians of his own time from even greater idea that the empire and the emperor were the persecution by making out that the events he is ultimate powers. writing about happened decades earlier.

The Author Messages for Our Times The author of the Book of Revelation identifies Many people’s understanding of the Book of himself as John, an exile on the island of Revelation is dictated by the media and popular culture’s emphasis on its doomsday scenarios.

Patmos, a Roman penal colony in the Aegean Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 Sea, because of his Christian faith. His letters But its lessons for today’s Christians are really very to the seven Churches in Asia Minor suggest positive: that he had great authority over the Christian • Allegiance to Christ comes before allegiance communities in that region. Although it to the state is unlikely that the author of the Book of • Christians are called to be agents of hope Revelation is the apostle John, perhaps he was • Christians should remain faithful in times of his disciple. trouble

10 27 Task Twenty The Books of the New Testament Use your knowledge of apocalyptic literature and the material you have just read about the Book of The first four books of the New Testament are all called Gospels. They are Revelation to match the first part of each statement four complementary accounts of the life of Jesus, each by a different writer. (in column A) with its ending (in column B). The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John each have their own particular purpose or angle, related to the needs of the different communities for which they were written.

The Acts of the Apostles is the second part of Luke’s account, telling how Jesus’ first followers spread the Good News of what he had done from Column A Column B Jerusalem and the province of Judea to the wider world of the Greek and Roman Empire. A key figure in this expansion is Saint Paul. 1. The Revelation to John is difficult A. in both Jewish and Christian circles to understand because from around 200 BC to 200 AD. After the Acts of the Apostles come the letters or epistles. Thirteen of these have Paul’s name attached to them. The rest are by other close followers 2. Like other apocalyptic literature, B. in order to hide its meaning of Jesus. Most are written to new groups of Christians in different places, the Book of Revelation was from the enemies of first century answering questions, explaining more about what Jesus did, and showing new Christians how to live out composed Christians. their faith in practical ways. The letters begin and end with formal greetings and prayers.

3. Apocalyptic literature enjoyed C. first century Christians to stand firm The last book in the New Testament is the Book of Revelation, also known as the Book of the wide popularity in the faith and avoid compromise Apocalypse. It belongs to a special kind of writing called apocalyptic literature. It looks forward to the final with the Roman Empire. triumph of God and serves as an encouragement to believers when times are hard.

4. A proper understanding of the D. its message is essentially about Something to Do Book of Revelation requires hope and trust in Christ. In your copy of the New Testament find:

5. The Revelation to John both E. it contains complex symbolism that a) Each of the four Gospels encourages and warns seems strange to modern readers. b) The Acts of the Apostles c) The Letters of Paul 6. The Book of Revelation shows the F. the oppression and persecution that d) The Letters to all Christians – sometimes called struggle and victory of Christ and it refers to most likely took place the General Letters his followers under Domitian. e) The Book of Revelation 7. Although the Book of Revelation G. a knowledge of the historical deals with death and destruction context in which it was written. Something to Research Most Bibles provide introductions to each of the 8. The Book of Revelation uses coded H. over Satan and the forces of evil. individual books or to the various groupings of language books.

9. Although there are coded I. to those who endure suffering in a) Does your Bible? references to Nero in the Book of the present. b) Read an introduction to one of the books or Revelation groups of books in the New Testament. c) What sort of information is provided in it? 10. The Book of Revelation promises a J. to address a crisis – in this case the future reward persecution of the early Church by the Roman authorities. Literary Form Literary forms or genre are the categories or types of writing that an author The Number Seven and the Structure of the uses to express their ideas: for example, novel, poetry, short story, history, biography, essay, letter, song, and so on. While a dictionary will establish Book of Revelation the meaning of particular words, the true meaning of any text cannot be In the ancient world the number seven was associated with perfection, and discovered unless the category of writing or speaking to which it belongs Biblical Studies 1 therefore with heavenly or divine realities. In contrast, the number six symbolised – its ‘literary form’ – is identified. Biblical Studies 1 imperfection. Every literary form has its own rules or conventions, special vocabulary, type Although there are many ways of looking at the structure of the Book of Revelation, of punctuation and style of expression etc. This is as true of the books in the the following diagram shows that much of the material in the Book of Revelation is Bible as it is of any other texts. organised around patterns of seven. The climax of the Book of Revelation is the final vision of the New Jerusalem. The six groups of seven that come before it lead up to and point to the importance of this seventh and final vision.

28 9 Task Four Use the words from the box below to complete the following summary about the An Outline of the Structure of the Book of Revelation organisation of the books in the Old Testament. A. The Prologue and John’s Address and Greeting (1:1-20) seven success Pentateuch warnings deutero-canonical B. The First Group of Seven (1:9-3:22) C. Second Group of Seven (4:1-8:1) Law five Israel Psalms faithfulness D. Third Group of Seven (8:2-11:19) E. Fourth Group of Seven (11:19-15:4) The Organisation of the Old Testament F. Fifth Group of Seven (15:5-16:21) G. Sixth Group of Seven (17:1-20:15) The first ______books of the Old Testament, called the Pentateuch (meaning “five scrolls”), form the basic H. The Final Vision – The New Jerusalem (21:1-22:20) Torah or Law of Israel. They are acknowledged as the foundation document of ______because they tell I. Epilogue and Concluding Blessing (22:21) the story of the beginnings of God’s special relationship with the Jewish people through the promises made to Seven angels with seven trumpets Abraham and Sarah and the giving of the ______to Moses on Mount Sinai. Task Twenty-One The books that form the Deuteronomic History (the “second” stage of Israel’s history following that described in Study the diagram outlining the structure the ______) tell the story of Israel from the settlement in Palestine until the exile in Babylon – a period of of the Book of Revelation. Make use of the six hundred years. The message is that ______to God brings well-being and riches, 5. John introduces himself as a servant of Christ Scripture references provided and read each while desertion of him brings punishment and suffering. who is on the island of Patmos because of his section of the Book of Revelation in your witness to Jesus. The Son of Man appears to him Bible. From the summaries below find one The Wisdom books – including the ______, the prayer book of Israel – span nearly among seven golden lampstands. that goes with each of the sections of the one-thousand years. They emphasise that true wisdom and ______come from God. Book of Revelation. The books of the Prophets gather together the promises and ______that God gave 6. The author asks that the grace of the Lord Jesus Seven angels sound seven trumpets in the to those special messengers who tried to keep Israel faithful in the centuries before Christ. 1. be with all. presence of God. These warn of destruction and death in every part of the cosmos and announce the Catholic Bibles include ______books that are not usually included in Protestant day of God’s judgement. Bibles. These are referred to by Catholics as the ______books. 7. Babylon the Great, the mother of all prostitutes, is seen riding a scarlet beast with seven heads and 2. The sanctuary opens in heaven and the seven ten horns – she is drunk with the blood of saints THE NEW TESTAMENT angels with the seven plagues empty seven golden and martyrs. There then appear seven sights. bowls of God’s anger over the earth The Gospels and Acts 8. John sees Jesus in glory and receives messages The Gospel According to Matthew 3. A new heaven and a new earth appear and the for the seven Churches in the province of Asia. The Gospel According to Mark holy city, Jerusalem, comes down out of heaven from The Gospel According to Luke God in readiness for the wedding of the Lamb. The Gospel According to John 9. Heaven opens and seven signs, including a Acts of the Apostles 4. John sees into heaven and watches as Jesus the woman and a dragon, great beasts defying God, Lamb unseals a scroll which presents the history of the Lamb and the day of judgement are seen. The Letters of Paul (and those attributed to him) the world in the last days. Each of its seven seals reveals an aspect of God’s judgement and victory. Romans 2 Thessalonians 1 Corinthians 1 Timothy 2 Corinthians Titus Galatians Philemon Ephesians Hebrews* Philippians Colossians *Although the Letter to the Hebrews is grouped 1 Thessalonians with Paul’s letters in some Bibles, modern scholarship suggests it was not written by Paul.

The Letters to All Christians Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1

James 2 John 1 Peter 3 John 2 Peter Jude 1 John

The Revelation to John The Son of Man appears to John among The seven Churches of Asia Minor seven golden lampstands The Book of Revelation / the Book of the Apocalypse 8 29 Part Twelve: Part Three: Symbols in the Book of Revelation Focus: What is in the Bible? Focus: • The imagery and symbolism of the Book of • The Books of the Old Testament are usually arranged in four groups – the Revelation is often strange and complex, Pentateuch, the histories, the wisdom books, and the prophets. only intended to be understood by those • The New Testament is made up of the four Gospels, the Acts of the with an inside knowledge. Apostles, the letters attributed to Paul, the general letters, and the Book of • Much of the imagery and symbolism Revelation. identifies Rome as the enemy of the first- • The books of the Bible contain many different literary forms, each with its century Christians but links Christ and his own particular characteristics and features. faithful followers with God and heavenly realities. THE BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT Reading with “Ancient Eyes” These are usually arranged in the following four groups: The Book of Revelation is typical of ancient apocalyptic writings in that it is full of strange images and complex symbols – colours, numbers, all sorts of The Pentateuch animals, objects, buildings, plants and trees. Genesis Numbers Because apocalyptic literature was written for “insiders” who already knew something of the situation and of Exodus Deuteronomy the symbols that were used to present it, the original audience of the Book of Revelation would have made sense of the strange language and weird scenes described there. However, people today find it more difficult Leviticus to understand the text’s meaning. Modern readers benefit from reading the Book of Revelation with “ancient eyes”. The Deuteronomic History Books

Something to Discuss The Book of Joshua The Book of Ezra What images and symbols in the The Book of Judges The Book of Nehemiah Book of Revelation are you already The Book of Ruth Tobit * aware of? Which of them do you find straightforward / difficult to The Books of Samuel Judith * understand? The Books of Kings The First Book of Maccabees * The Books of Chronicles The Second Book of Maccabees * Something to Think About How might modern readers read the The Wisdom Books Book of Revelation through “ancient eyes”? Job The Song of Songs The Psalms The Book of Wisdom * The Proverbs Ecclesiasticus / Ben Sira * Ecclesiastes / Qoheleth

The Prophets

Isaiah Obadiah Jeremiah Jonah Lamentations Micah Baruch * Nahum Ezekiel Habakkuk Daniel Zephaniah Biblical Studies 1 Hosea Haggai Biblical Studies 1 Joel Zechariah Amos Malachi

The title page to the second Latin edition (1511) of Dürer’s Revelation to * Catholic Bibles include seven deutero-canonical books (Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Saint John 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.

30 7 to satisfy the increasing number of Greek-speaking Determining the Canon Jews living outside Palestine who wanted to read the sacred writings in their own language. Originally, a canon (from the Greek kanon) was a rod The translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek or stick that was used as a is known as the Septuagint (meaning “seventy”) in standard of measurement. honour of the experts who carried out this task. Later, the term “canon” came According to legend, seventy scholars travelled Symbolic Numbers Colour Symbols to refer to those writings that from Jerusalem to Alexandria – the major centre 1/ White represents righteousness or purity. the Church recognised as for Greek-speaking Jews – where they worked for 3 2 – This number, being half of seven, Gold signifies great value. having a rightful place in the seventy months. Also included in the Septuagint are represents imperfection. It indicates suffering Bible. seven books that originally appeared in Greek or and a time of trial. Red indicates blood, destruction and death. that survive only in Greek translations: Tobit, Judith, Purple is the colour of royalty. The Church used the following criteria to determine Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees. 4 – The number four refers to the corners of whether or not a particular piece of Christian writing the world, the points of the compass. Catholics include these seven books in the Old belonged in the biblical canon: Testament and refer to them as deutero-canonical, 6 – Six (being one less than seven) is a that is, as belonging to the second or Greek canon. Animal Symbols • The writing had to be apostolic – written by an number that symbolises imperfection. Protestants, however, accept only the thirty-nine apostle or someone closely associated with him The lamb symbolises Christ. books that were originally written in Hebrew into • The writing had to be catholic – relevant to the 7 – The number seven is associated with their Old Testaments and refer to the seven disputed The dragon represents Satan in particular whole Church perfection and fullness, and therefore with books as the apocrypha (meaning “hidden” or “not and evil in general. • The writing had to belong to the tradition – heavenly or divine realities. There are many genuine”). Thus, Catholics hold that there are forty-six there was evidence that the book had always patterns of seven in the Book of Revelation. The beasts from the earth stand for books in the Old Testament canon while Protestants been used in the Church tyrannical empires, such as Rome, or for acknowledge only thirty-nine. • The writing had to be orthodox – the book was 12 – This number is a symbol for Israel in that Nero. it refers to Israel’s twelve tribes. It also stands faithful to the Church’s teaching and contained The practice of including the seven Greek books in The beasts from the sea are the for the twelve apostles. no errors or heresy the Catholic canon can be traced back to the early ideologies at the service of a tyrannical centuries of the Church when most Christians were empire, or Domitian. Something to Discuss Greek speakers and tended to rely on the Septuagint 666 – The number six repeated three times What might have happened if any one of in order to read the sacred Scriptures from their stands for total failure. It is the number of the The four living creatures represent the the four criteria had not been used for Jewish heritage. Because of this, the Catholic Church beast. In the Book of Revelation it stands for created world with four horizons (north, determining the canon of Scripture? came to accept the Septuagint as authoritative. In Rome and its empire, especially the emperor south, east and west) forming God’s throne. Nero. response to the Protestant Reformation, this tradition The white horse symbolises the Parthians was affirmed at the Council of Trent in 1546. who fought against Rome. Why are Catholic and 1,000 – This does not refer to an exact number but to a great quantity that cannot be The four horsemen of the apocalypse Protestant Bibles Different? Something to Do calculated. are the evils of war, death, plague and Some people in your class may have famine that rage through the world. Protestants consider seventy-three books in their Bibles, others 144,000 – This number (12 x 12 x 1000) The goats are the wicked. that the Old and only sixty-six. refers to the elect or chosen ones. It represents New Testaments the countless multitude of believers. The sheep are the people. together contain a) How many books are in your Bible? sixty-six books while b) Which books does your Bible have / not Catholics hold that have that makes it different from some there are seventy- other Bibles? Task Twenty-Two three books in all. Find as many different examples as you c) In a pair or small group plan and can of symbolic colours, numbers and Catholics and perform a role play that explains how animals in the Book of Revelation. Focus Protestants accept this difference came about. on five or six symbols that you think are the same twenty- especially interesting or important. seven books within Task Three the New Testament, Using the photocopy a) Copy out the verse(s), along with but disagree over master which your the Scripture references, where each the place of seven teacher will give of the symbols appear(s). Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1 books in the Old you complete the b) Explain the meaning of each of Testament. Catholics admit them, but Protestants do crossword Bible the symbols in the context of the not. Background. The verse(s) where it appears. answers to all the c) Draw the symbols or present them The earliest versions of the Old Testament were clues can be found in another visual form. written in Hebrew. However, two hundred years in this section of the before Christ they were translated into Greek in order student text.

6 31 The ancient Israelites' earliest written stories told about How the Symbols Work the deeds of the kings. While the songs they used in Images and symbols in the Book of Revelation function in various ways. worship (psalms) were recorded as far back as the tenth century BC, most stories were written down between • Sometimes their meaning is explained by the narrator or an angel. the fifth and the third century BC. • Sometimes they come from other biblical and apocalyptic literature. • Sometimes they are included to add to the drama and excitement, but have no deeper significance. Two Testaments Contrasting Groups The writings in the Bible are arranged in two main groups, known by Christians as the Old and the New of Symbols Testaments. The word “testament” comes from the The Book of Revelation is very critical Latin testamentum – a translation of the Hebrew word of Rome’s oppression of Christianity. meaning “covenant”. Imagery and symbolism are used in a coded way to present Rome in a very The Old Testament contains the original Hebrew negative light. Scriptures and some Greek writings sacred to the Jewish people. These tell of the covenant or agreement that In contrast, Christ and his faithful God made with Israel through Abraham and Moses. The followers are presented through images single most important story in the history of the Jewish and symbols that emphasise their glory people was the account of their escape from slavery by linking them with God and heavenly in Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan – an event realities. The struggle between good which revealed the guiding hand of God. and evil which is at the heart of the Book of Revelation is shown through the interplay between these two sets of contrasting images.

John’s vision of the Son of man amid seven gold lampstands holding seven The books of the New Testament, written by Christians stars in his hand (Revelation 1:13-16) in the first century AD, present Jesus as the fulfilment is explained to him by an angel: “The of the covenant that God made with Israel through seven stars are the angels of the seven Moses and trace the story and faith of the early Christian Churches, and the seven lampstands are Church. Because of this, the Old Testament is sometimes the seven Churches.” (Revelation 1:20) said to be the story of the old or first covenant and the New Testament that of the new or second covenant.

Christians place great value on the Old Testament because it tells of the unique relationship between God Task Twenty-Three and the Jewish people. The events of the Old Testament Read Revelation 14:1-5 and 17:1-18 and study the prints by the artist Dürer, which appear prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, who on the following pages, that were inspired by these two passages of Scripture. makes God fully known. a) What are some of the images and symbols used in Revelation 14:1-5 to represent Task Two Christ and his faithful followers? a) From what you have just read, list three or four pieces of information that you Biblical Studies 1 b) How are the evils of the Roman Empire represented by images and symbols in Biblical Studies 1 didn’t already know about how the Bible Revelation 17:1-8? was formed or produced.

Extension Activity b) Which piece of information do you think is What other groups of contrasting images or symbols can you find in the Book of the most important? Why? Revelation? What do they represent?

32 5 Part Two: 17) What is the Bible? Focus: • The Bible records three thousand years of God’s revelation. Chapter • The Old Testament contains the original Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament witnesses to the first Christians’ faith in Hehu Karaiti. • The Christian canon of Scripture includes those writings that the Church has decided belong in the Bible because they express God’s true revelation. The Bible – Treasure-House of God’s Revelation (Revelation

“The Bible presents to us the inexhaustible treasures of God’s revelation and Beast of his love for humanity.” (Pope John Paul II – Address to the Members of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, 2004) Headed People read the Bible for many reasons – some out of curiosity, some as part of a spiritual search, others because of its literary value, or its great cultural and

historical significance. However, for Jews, the Hebrew Scriptures, and for Christians, Seven the whole Bible is the Word of God set down in human words. The sacred texts a contained in it are fundamental to their faith. on

Something to Find Out Interview someone you know who values the Bible and takes time Seated to read it. What are their reasons for doing so?

Something to Think About What is your own attitude to the Bible?

The Bible – A Collection of Books The word Bible literally means “collection of books.” The Bible itself is not one big book, but a small library of books. Between its covers, the Bible gathers many different kinds of writings – histories, stories, genealogies, laws, poems, prayers, love songs, letters, visions, prophecies, and so on. These were produced by 14:1-5) Woman many different authors, writing mainly in Hebrew and Greek, over a period of more than one thousand years. A few brief passages are also written in Aramaic, an ancient language closely related to Hebrew that was spoken in the area of Galilee where Jesus was from. (Revelation

The Bible contains the

records of three thousand Lamb years of Jewish and

Christian culture. the

People of faith among the Jewish and Christian communities recognised of God’s presence and action in their midst – both in the important events of history and in everyday situations – and expressed this experience in words. Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1

Even before writing materials were invented, much of the material that came to be included in the Bible was handed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. After years of passing on stories, songs, prayers etc. by oral tradition, someone within the community wrote them down. Later, others contributed to the written texts – copying them, adding material, changing details, shifting the emphasis. Adoration

4 33 Task One Part Thirteen: Use ideas in the following statements from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the The Meaning of the Book of Revelation Today Constitution on Divine Revelation to make a presentation on one of these themes: Focus: • The Book of Revelation remains valid and meaningful for Christians Jesus Christ – God’s greatest revelation today. Scripture – the Word of God in human language • The Church emphasises the enduring message of hope and Church Tradition – the guardian of God’s truth consolation contained in the Book of Revelation.

There are many evil things in the world today Valid Today Jesus Christ – war, violence, famine, sickness and poverty. The The Book of Revelation had its origin in a time of crisis, God has revealed himself Book of Revelation reminds me to put my hope and Revelation but it remains valid and meaningful for Christians fully by sending his own Son, trust in God who promises to reward those who God has revealed himself today. in whom he has established remain faithful to Jesus’ teachings in troubled times. to humankind by gradually his covenant for ever. (Victoria) communicating his own mystery (Catechism of the Task Twenty-Four in deeds and in words. Catholic Church 73) Here are some readers’ comments about how (Catechism of the Catholic they understand the Book of Revelation. The Book of Revelation tells us that Jesus will return, Church 69) Reflect on what they say and then but it is impossible to know when this will be. We From the Apostles write your own response to the Book of must be ready at all times for his coming. “But Scripture What Christ entrusted to the Sacred Scripture is the Revelation. about that day and hour no one knows, neither the The Word of God apostles, they in turn handed on speech of God as it is put angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” The Sacred Scriptures by their preaching and writing, down in writing under the (Matthew 24:36). (Renee) contain the Word of God People who take the Book of Revelation literally under the inspiration of the Holy breath of the Holy Spirit. and, because they are miss the point. It’s stupid to read it expecting to find Spirit, to all generations... (Catechism of the inspired, they are truly the out when and how the world is going to end. The The Book of Revelation says that no matter what (Catechism of the Catholic Catholic Church 81) Word of God. Church 96) message I get from it is that Te Atua is the ultimate hardship or sacrifice Christians experience, in the end, they will triumph over Satan and his forces by (Constitution on Divine power. God’s goodness is greater than any evil. Revelation 24) (George) staying close to Christ. (Rita) Church Tradition Human Authors The Church, in her When reading the Book of Revelation I’m reminded When the Book of Revelation speaks of people To compose the sacred books, The Single Word doctrine, life and worship, that over the centuries hundreds of thousands of worshipping and praising the Lamb around God’s God chose certain people who … of God perpetuates and transmits people have suffered martyrdom for what they throne in heaven I recall what we do when we made full use of their own faculties Sacred Tradition and Sacred to every generation all that believe. It is not meaningless to give up your life for gather to celebrate the Eucharist. (Ryan) and powers so that, though God Scripture make up a single she herself is, all that she something you really believe in. It is better to die acted in them and by them, it sacred deposit of the Word believes. (Catechism of the than to compromise your faith by committing real was as true authors that they put Catholic Church 98) of God. I like the fact that the Book of Revelation gets its in writing whatever God wanted evil. (Eddie) (Constitution on Divine message across through visions and images. It’s a written, and no more. (Constitution Revelation 10) good way of showing that there are underlying on Divine Revelation

I got into a conversation once with an elderly spiritual forces, both good and evil, at work in 11) couple about the space stations orbiting Earth. The The Truth of space and time. (Carmel) Honouring the old guy said I was talking rubbish: “The world is not Scripture Scriptures round. The Book of Revelation says, ‘The angels will God is the author of Sacred The Church has always stand on the four corners of the earth.’ If the world In Matthew’s gospel Jesus said: “And remember, Scripture because he inspired its venerated the divine Scriptures has four corners, it can’t be round, can it?” The I am with you always, to the end of the age” human authors; he acts in them as she venerated the Body of Book of Revelation shouldn’t be used to oppose the (Matthew 28:20). The Book of Revelation reminds and by means of them. He thus the Lord: both nourish and findings of science. (Doug) me of this. (Alex) gives assurance that their writings teach without error his saving govern the whole Christian truth. life. The Feasts of the Assumption and All Saints (Catechism of the Catholic (Catechism of the Catholic Church 141) Church 136) There are very few times during the Church’s year when the Book of

Biblical Studies 1 Revelation is read at the Liturgy of the Word during Mass. Perhaps, this is Biblical Studies 1 because people easily misinterpret its meaning.

Two important occasions when readings from the Book of Revelation are Your presentation could be in the form of: given are on the feasts of the Assumption and All Saints. • A collage or poster On both these occasions, the Church, by celebrating the presence of Mary • A prayer or poem and the saints in glory with Christ in heaven, gives us hope that one day we • A list of beliefs or statements too will experience the fullness of God’s life and love. • A mime or piece of scripted drama • A quiz

34 3 Something to Discuss Part One: Read the passages from the Book of Revelation which are used during Mass on: God's Revelation a) The Feast of the Assumption – Revelation 11:19, 12:1-6,10 Focus: b) The Feast of All Saints – Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 • We learn about Te Atua (God) in many ways, most completely through Hehu Karaiti (Jesus Christ). Why do you think the Church chooses these readings • People come to know Christ through Scripture and the Church. for these feast days? • Scripture is Te Kupu a Te Ariki (the Word of God) expressed in human language. Something to Find Out Ways of Knowing God Statues and pictures of the Blessed Virgin Mary often We can come to a knowledge and awareness of God in many ways: use imagery taken from Chapter 12 of the Book of Revelation. • Through personal karakia (prayer) • Are you familiar with any artistic • Through spiritual writings, especially those with a Christian outlook representations of Mary that use such imagery? • Through the teachings and ha- karameta (sacraments) of the Church • What particular details from Revelation 12 do they show? • Through the communal prayer of the Church, especially the Eucharist

• Through the beauty of the natural environment

• Through the goodness and aroha (love) of other people

• Through the various customs and ways of life of the different cultures of the world

• Through all that is true in the world’s religions

• Through human reason and emotions Scripture and Church Tradition Revelation is the word used to describe how Te Atua is shown or made known to us. The clearest and most certain way of coming to know God is through the Scriptures and the Church. There we learn about God’s involvement in human history and about Jesus Christ who, as the Son of God, is the most complete revelation of what God is like.

Christians accept that God is the author of the Scriptures which they refer to as the Word of God.

The Scriptures are also the work of human authors who were inspired by Te Wairua Tapu (the Holy Spirit) to communicate God’s Word in human language.

The Church is the guardian of the Scriptures and of the truths that they reveal. From the beginning the Church has acknowledged the very close relationship between Scripture and Church Tradition which preserves and builds on the truths first revealed in Scripture. Biblical Studies 1 Biblical Studies 1

The Book of Revelation 12:1-6

2 35 CONTENTS Summary Part One: God’s Revelation 2 • We learn about Te Atua in many ways, most completely through Hehu Karaiti Task One ………………………...... …………………………… page 3 who we come to know through Scripture -- the Word of God expressed in human Part Two: language – and the Church. What is the Bible? 4 Task Two ………………………...... …………………………… page 5 • The Old and New Testaments of the Bible together record three thousand years Task Three ………………………...... …………………………… page 6 of God’s revelation and contain many different literary forms, each with its own particular characteristics and features. Part Three: What is in the Bible? 7 • The Christian canon of Scripture includes those writings that the Church has Task Four ………………………...... …………………………… page 8 recognised as expressing God’s true revelation. Task Five ………………………...... …………………………… page 11 Task Six ………………………...... …………………………… page 12 • The Bible is concerned with religious truth but is not always accurate when it Part Four: comes to historical, scientific or similar matters. Interpreting the Bible 13 Task Seven ………………………...... …………………………… page 14 • Scripture can only be properly understood when it is interpreted according to its Part Five: context – its message is easily abused when people fail to interpret it correctly. Introduction to the Gospel According to Luke 15 Task Eight ………………………...... …………………………… page 15 • The Church guides Catholics in their interpretation of Scripture, the meaning of Task Nine ………………………...... …………………………… page 17 which often goes beyond the literal. Part Six: • The Gospel According to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles together tell the Infancy Narratives in the Gospel According to Luke 17 story of Hehu Karaiti and the beginnings of Christianity. Task Ten ………………………...... …………………………… page 18 Task Eleven ………………………...... …………………………… page 18 • Luke’s infancy narratives establish that Jesus is fully God and fully human and Part Seven: show him to be the fulfilment of the Hebrew Scriptures. Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (I) 19 Task Twelve ………………………...... …………………………… page 19 • Journeys are important features of Luke’s Gospel and provide a framework for Task Thirteen ………………………...... …………………………… page 20 many of Jesus’ words and actions. Part Eight: • Luke’s Gospel teaches that the Good News of Jesus Christ and the aroha of Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (II) 20 Task Fourteen ………………………...... …………………………… page 20 God are intended for all people, especially sinners and those without power in Task Fifteen ………………………...... …………………………… page 21 society. Themes emphasised in Luke’s Gospel include joy and praise of God, the Task Sixteen ………………………...... …………………………… page 22 work of Te Wairua Tapu, and the importance of prayer. Part Nine: • Apocalyptic literature – including parts of the Book of Daniel and the whole Some Important Themes in the Gospel According to Luke (III) 22 of the Book of Revelation – uses coded language and symbolic visions to Task Seventeen ………………………...... …………………………… page 24 encourage God’s people to resist evil during times of trial and to look forward Task Eighteen ………………………...... …………………………… page 25 with hope to the wonderful future that Te Atua promises. Part Ten: An Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature • The Book of Revelation was written by John of Patmos to encourage Christians 25 Task Nineteen ………………………...... …………………………… page 26 at the end of the first century to stay true to their faith during a period of crisis. Part Eleven: An Introduction to the Book of Revelation 27 • The often strange and complex imagery and symbolism of the Book of Task Twenty ………………………...... …………………………… page 28 Revelation identifies Rome as the enemy of the first-century Christians but links Task Twenty-One ………………………...... …………………………… page 29 Christ and his faithful followers with heavenly realities. Part Twelve: Biblical Studies 1 Symbols in the Book of Revelation Biblical Studies 1 • Although it deals with themes of destruction and death, the Book of Revelation 30 Task Twenty-Two ………………………...... …………………………… page 31 is essentially positive. Its enduring message of hope in Jesus Christ remains Task Twenty-Three ………………………...... …………………………… page 32 valid and meaningful for Christians today. Part Thirteen: The Meaning of the Book of Revelation Today 34 Task Twenty-Four ………………………...... …………………………… page 34 Summary 36 Glossary of Ma-ori Terms ………………………...... ……………………….. page 37 36 Acknowledgements ………………………...... …………………………… page 38 1 - 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 © Copyright 2005 by National Centre for Religious Studies students. If in doubt please seek assistance from someone practised in correct pronunciation of Te Reo Ma- ori. ´ indicates stressed syllable No part of this document may be reproduced in any way, stored in a retrieval system, or Aroha – In general, means love and/or compassion. Note that the word is used in two senses: transmitted by any means, without the prior permission of the publishers. u´ h-raw-huh 1. a joyful relationship involving the expression of goodwill and the doing of good,empathy. 2. sympathy, compassion towards those who are unhappy or suffering. Imprimatur + Colin Campbell DD Atua – The Ma-ori word Atua has been used to describe God in the Christian sense since Bishop of Dunedin u´ h-too-uh missionary times. Before the coming of Christianity, Ma- ori used the word atua to Conference Deputy for National Centre for Religious Studies describe many kinds of spiritual beings (in the way we now use the word "spirit") and February 2005 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. Authorised by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference. - Hakarameta – Sacrament. háh-kuh-ruh-meh-tuh

Hehu Karaiti – Jesus Christ. héh-hoo kuh-rúh-ee-tee Design & Layout: Devine Graphics P O Box 5954 Dunedin Karakia – Prayer, ritual. New Zealand kúh-ruh-kee-uh

Mana – Spiritual power and authority. Its sources are both divine and human, namely, God, múh-nuh one’s ancestors and one’s achievements in life. Mana comes to people in three ways: Published By: National Centre for Religious Studies mana tangata from people, mana whenua, from the land, and mana atua, from Catholic Centre the spiritual powers. Please note: when mana refers to Mana of God it is written as Mana. P O Box 1937 Wellington Rongopai – Gospel or Good News. Nga Rongopai (plural). Te Rongopai (singular). New Zealand ráw-ngaw-puh-ee

Tapu – This word is used in three senses: túh-poo 1. restrictions or prohibitions which safeguard the dignity and survival of people and Printed By: Printlink things. 33–43 Jackson Street 2. the value, dignity, or worth of someone or something, eg the holiness of God, human dignity, the value of the environment. Petone 3. the intrinsic being or essence of someone or something, eg Tapu i Te Atua is the Private Bag 39996 intrinsic being of God, the divine nature. Wellington Mail Centre Please note: when tapu refers to the Tapu of God it is written as Tapu. Lower Hutt 5045 Te Aranga – The Resurrection. teh úh-ruh-nguh

Te Kupu a Te Ariki – The Word of God. teh kóo-poo uh teh úh-ree-kee 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 Maori glossary at the back of the Te Rangatiratanga – The Kingdom or Reign of God. book gives a more detailed explanation of these terms and provides a guide for their teh ruh-nguh-tée-ruh-tuh-nguh

pronunciation. Biblical Studies 1 Te Wairua Tapu – The Holy Spirit. teh wúh-ee-roo-uh túh-poo

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

Whakapono – Faith. fúh-kuh-paw-naw

37 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

LOGO: Annette Hanrahan rscj PHOTOGRAPHY: Carol Devine; Corbus Images; Digital Stock Corporation Biblical Studies I 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: LEARNING STRAND: SCRIPTURE AND TRADITION

Anna Heffernan (Auckland) Lorraine Campbell sm (Auckland) Steve Jorgensen (Hamilton) Mary Lynch (Palmerston North) Gary Finlay (Wellington) Mervyn Duffy sm (Wellington) Sharon Alexander (Wellington) Karaitiana Kingi sm (Christchurch) Richard Walsh cfc (Dunedin)

SYLLABUS CO-ORDINATOR: Gary Finlay (NCRS, Wellington) EDITORS: Gary Finlay (NCRS, Wellington) Elizabeth M Russell sjc (NCRS, Auckland) THEOLOGICAL CONSULTORS: + John Mackey DD Paul Williamson sm, S.T.D., M.A. (Hons) ARTWORK: Norah Tobin, Shane Clapson

SECOND EDITION (2005)

CO-ORDINATOR/EDITOR: Charles Shaw

THEOLOGICAL CONSULTOR: Mons. Vincent Hunt

LITURGICAL CONSULTOR: Rev. Anthony Harrison

CONTACT FOR - MAORI CONSULTATION: Rev. Bernard Dennehy

NCRS: Gary Finlay, Director Joan Parker rndm, Editing Nuala Dunne, Secretary Biblical Studies 1

ARTWORK: Hayley Roker, Carol Devine 12E

38 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 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

Biblical Studies 1 BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM

12E

CEP1213