a (brief!) history of and a look at the gospels!
TRANSCRIPT
A (A (Brief!)Brief!) History ofHistory of
And a look at the Gospels!And a look at the Gospels!
ChristianityChristianity
The PrequelThe Prequel
So What Happened to So What Happened to Moses?Moses?
Moses never entered the Land of Moses never entered the Land of Canaan.Canaan.
At 120 years old, Moses climbs Mount At 120 years old, Moses climbs Mount Nebo just outside Canaan, views the Nebo just outside Canaan, views the land, then dies.land, then dies.
It is commonly thought that the It is commonly thought that the Hebrews would have arrived in Hebrews would have arrived in Canaan around 1200 B.C.E.Canaan around 1200 B.C.E.
Moses Passes the TorchMoses Passes the Torch Joshua is Moses’ successor Joshua is Moses’ successor
and proves to be an and proves to be an effective military leader. effective military leader. Under Joshua’s leadership Under Joshua’s leadership the Israelites conquer two the Israelites conquer two major cities of Canaan, major cities of Canaan, Jericho and Ai. This Jericho and Ai. This period in the Hebrew Bible period in the Hebrew Bible is characterized by is characterized by warfare and violence as warfare and violence as the Israelites establish the Israelites establish themselves in the themselves in the promised land.promised land.
Next comes a period in which the Next comes a period in which the Israelites are ruled by a succession Israelites are ruled by a succession of “judges” until Saul becomes the of “judges” until Saul becomes the first king.first king.
Saul proves to be an inconsistent Saul proves to be an inconsistent ruler, setting the stage for the great ruler, setting the stage for the great king, David.king, David.
David and GoliathDavid and Goliath When David kills When David kills
Goliath, he becomes a Goliath, he becomes a hero of the Israelite hero of the Israelite army. When King army. When King Saul dies, David takes Saul dies, David takes his place.his place.
Solomon’s ReignSolomon’s Reign David’s son Solomon David’s son Solomon
took the kingship took the kingship after David’s death.after David’s death.
The most famous The most famous incident involving incident involving Solomon is depicted Solomon is depicted at right; it led to the at right; it led to the belief that Solomon belief that Solomon was wise.was wise.
What does “Bible” mean?What does “Bible” mean?
Taken from “Biblia” (Greek word for “Books”)Taken from “Biblia” (Greek word for “Books”) The term was first used in 2The term was first used in 2ndnd Century, A.D. Century, A.D. Collection of many writings by many authors.Collection of many writings by many authors. Written over the course of more than 1000 Written over the course of more than 1000
years.years. Different religious groups have different Different religious groups have different
collections of writings (books) that they call collections of writings (books) that they call “The Bible.”“The Bible.”
They don’t agree on which books are They don’t agree on which books are authentic.authentic.
3 Main Types of Bibles3 Main Types of Bibles
Hebrew Hebrew BibleBible
Protestant Protestant BibleBible
Catholic Catholic BibleBible
3 Main Types of Bibles3 Main Types of Bibles
Hebrew BibleHebrew Bible Protestant Protestant BibleBible
Catholic BibleCatholic Bible
24 Books24 Books 66 Books66 Books 73 Books73 Books
3 Main Types of Bibles3 Main Types of Bibles
Hebrew BibleHebrew Bible Protestant Protestant BibleBible
Catholic BibleCatholic Bible
24 Books24 Books 66 Books66 Books 73 Books73 Books
Christians Christians call this the call this the “Old “Old Testament”Testament”
The “classic” The “classic” is the King is the King James James VersionVersion
Contains some Contains some books that the books that the other groups other groups don’tdon’t
Whose Bible are we talking Whose Bible are we talking about?...about?...
Also called “Torah”.Also called “Torah”. Broken down into 3 Broken down into 3
main parts.main parts. 11stst Part—”The Law” In Part—”The Law” In
Hebrew—Pentateuch.Hebrew—Pentateuch. They are the most They are the most
important and first 5 important and first 5 books--Genesis, Exodus, books--Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.Deuteronomy.
The 2The 2ndnd part is called part is called “The Prophets”.“The Prophets”.
The 3The 3rdrd is “Writings”. is “Writings”.
Includes the entire Includes the entire Hebrew Scriptures, Hebrew Scriptures, called “The Old called “The Old Testament” by Christians.Testament” by Christians.
Also includes a “New” Also includes a “New” Testament.Testament.
The first part is the The first part is the Gospels (narratives of Gospels (narratives of Jesus’ life).Jesus’ life).
Letters from early Letters from early Christians make up about Christians make up about ½ of the rest of the New ½ of the rest of the New Testament.Testament.
There is also one There is also one historical and one historical and one Apocalyptic book.Apocalyptic book.
Hebrew Scriptures
Christian Scriptures
So where did all of it So where did all of it come from?come from?
Why so many books, so many versions?Why so many books, so many versions? It is much more complicated than you might think.It is much more complicated than you might think. However, it can be summarized to make some basic However, it can be summarized to make some basic
sense.sense. People spend months, years, and lifetimes learning People spend months, years, and lifetimes learning
about the Bible, its origins and history.about the Bible, its origins and history. There is A LOT of disagreement among very There is A LOT of disagreement among very
intelligent, committed people about the issues.intelligent, committed people about the issues. To understand the history of the Bible, you have to To understand the history of the Bible, you have to
understand some of the history of Judaism and understand some of the history of Judaism and Christianity.Christianity.
The dates used here are The dates used here are approximateapproximate. Understand . Understand the sequence of events; don’t memorize the days and the sequence of events; don’t memorize the days and years. years.
The Golden Age of IsraelThe Golden Age of Israel
Israel was a united kingdom with a common faith.Israel was a united kingdom with a common faith. Ancient Israelites were called “Hebrews”Ancient Israelites were called “Hebrews” They were monotheistic; they believed in one GodThey were monotheistic; they believed in one God There were many other kingdoms around them.There were many other kingdoms around them. The peoples around them worshipped hundreds of The peoples around them worshipped hundreds of
various gods, as did some in Israel.various gods, as did some in Israel.
1000 B.C.
A Nation in TurmoilA Nation in Turmoil
Israel was invaded Israel was invaded by a series of by a series of larger, more larger, more powerful Empires.powerful Empires.
Assyria 722Assyria 722 Babylon 586Babylon 586 PersiaPersia 539 539 GreeceGreece 332 332
Various sacred Various sacred writings were lost writings were lost and recovered and recovered during this during this tumultuous time.tumultuous time.
Jewish historians Jewish historians continued to write continued to write about the history about the history of their nation.of their nation.
1000 B.C.
Historical Events
Development of Bible
600 B.C.
Looking for deliveranceLooking for deliverance
Israel fell under Greek and Israel fell under Greek and then Roman occupation.then Roman occupation.
For hundreds of years, For hundreds of years, various Jewish leaders various Jewish leaders tried and failed to tried and failed to organize uprisings against organize uprisings against their oppressors.their oppressors.
For example, The For example, The Maccabean Revolt in is a Maccabean Revolt in is a famously unsuccessful famously unsuccessful attempt at Jewish people attempt at Jewish people to rise up against the to rise up against the Romans.Romans.
Many Jewish prophets wrote of Many Jewish prophets wrote of a leader, an “Anointed One”, a leader, an “Anointed One”, who would rise up and return who would rise up and return Israel to its previous glory.Israel to its previous glory.
At this point, the books now At this point, the books now contained in the Hebrew contained in the Hebrew Scriptures had all been written.Scriptures had all been written.
Jewish leaders generally agreed Jewish leaders generally agreed as to which Jewish writings are as to which Jewish writings are sacred—to be considered holy sacred—to be considered holy and from God.and from God.
The Jewish Scriptures were The Jewish Scriptures were translated from Hebrew into translated from Hebrew into Greek, the common language of Greek, the common language of the day. This version is called the day. This version is called the “Septuagint.”the “Septuagint.”
1000 B.C.
Historical Events
Development of Bible
600 B.C. 300 B.C.
A New Path EmergesA New Path Emerges
Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish man born in Israel, began to man born in Israel, began to amass a following within amass a following within Israel.Israel.
He claimed the title of “The He claimed the title of “The Christ,” which is Greek for Christ,” which is Greek for “Anointed One,” or Messiah.“Anointed One,” or Messiah.
He used the Hebrew He used the Hebrew Scriptures as his authority for Scriptures as his authority for who he is and his teachings.who he is and his teachings.
His message threatened both His message threatened both Jewish and Roman authorities.Jewish and Roman authorities.
The Hebrew Bible was in The Hebrew Bible was in the form of collections of the form of collections of scrolls. Books had not scrolls. Books had not been invented yet.been invented yet.
At Jewish services, a At Jewish services, a worship leader would take worship leader would take the scroll he wanted to the scroll he wanted to read from and then have read from and then have to, by memory, turn to to, by memory, turn to where he wanted. There where he wanted. There were no chapters and were no chapters and verses.verses.
1000 B.C.
Historical Events
Development of Bible
600 B.C. 300 B.C.
0
A New Path EmergesA New Path Emerges
Jesus Christ continued his Jesus Christ continued his ministry and preaching in ministry and preaching in Israel. All of his followers were Israel. All of his followers were Jewish. His teachings were Jewish. His teachings were Jewish and from the Hebrew Jewish and from the Hebrew scriptures.scriptures.
Jesus was tried and executed Jesus was tried and executed by the Romans for claiming to by the Romans for claiming to be king.be king.
Jesus’ following grew even Jesus’ following grew even stronger after his death. Still, stronger after his death. Still, all of his followers were Jewish all of his followers were Jewish by race and consider by race and consider themselves Jews by faith.themselves Jews by faith.
At this point, the “Bible” At this point, the “Bible” for Jesus and his followers for Jesus and his followers still meant only one thing—still meant only one thing—the Hebrew Scriptures, or the Hebrew Scriptures, or “Torah”.“Torah”.
Jesus’ teachings were Jesus’ teachings were passed on from person to passed on from person to person, generation to person, generation to generation, by oral generation, by oral tradition.tradition.
Oral tradition means by Oral tradition means by word of mouth, not written.word of mouth, not written.
1000 B.C.
Historical Events
Development of Bible
600 B.C. 300 B.C.
0
The new faith breaks The new faith breaks from the oldfrom the old
Within decades after his Within decades after his death, Jesus’ followers saw death, Jesus’ followers saw themselves as part of a new themselves as part of a new religion and began to call religion and began to call themselves “Christians.”themselves “Christians.”
Slowly, the early Christian Slowly, the early Christian church expanded. It was church expanded. It was heavily persecuted by the heavily persecuted by the Romans off and on for 2 Romans off and on for 2 centuries.centuries.
Slowly, the Christian faith Slowly, the Christian faith spread to non-Jewish people, spread to non-Jewish people, called “Gentiles” by the Jews.called “Gentiles” by the Jews.
Eventually, the faith became Eventually, the faith became almost exclusively non-Jewish.almost exclusively non-Jewish.
Leaders within Judaism (non-Leaders within Judaism (non-Christians) officially agreed upon Christians) officially agreed upon the books of the Hebrew the books of the Hebrew ScripturesScriptures
Christians began writing accounts Christians began writing accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings of Jesus’ life and teachings decades after his death. decades after his death.
Christian leaders wrote many Christian leaders wrote many letters, in Greek called “epistles”, letters, in Greek called “epistles”, to other Christian leaders and to to other Christian leaders and to cities where they had begun cities where they had begun churches.churches.
All of these writings were copied, All of these writings were copied, collected, and distributed over collected, and distributed over many years.many years.
1000 B.C.
Historical Events
Development of Bible
600 B.C. 300 B.C.
0 100 A.D.
The Faith becomes The Faith becomes EstablishedEstablished
Eventually, Christianity Eventually, Christianity moved from being a moved from being a persecuted faith to being persecuted faith to being the official faith of the the official faith of the Roman Empire. Roman Empire.
The church was now the The church was now the Roman Catholic Church. Roman Catholic Church. It was the only form of It was the only form of Christianity.Christianity.
Church leaders met and Church leaders met and decided on official church decided on official church doctrine (beliefs).doctrine (beliefs).
Christians began to believe that in Christians began to believe that in addition to the original Hebrew addition to the original Hebrew Scriptures, new Christian writings Scriptures, new Christian writings are also sacred.are also sacred.
Church leaders decided upon which Church leaders decided upon which Christian writings were truly sacred. Christian writings were truly sacred.
They “Canonized” certain writings They “Canonized” certain writings and created a “New” Testament to and created a “New” Testament to add to the “Old” Testament of add to the “Old” Testament of Hebrew Scripture.Hebrew Scripture.
In other words, they chose to include In other words, they chose to include some texts among many. For some texts among many. For example, there are numerous other example, there are numerous other accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings not included in the New Testament.not included in the New Testament.
The Christian Bible was now The Christian Bible was now complete.complete.
1000 B.C.
Historical Events
Development of Bible
600 B.C. 300 B.C.
0 100 A.D. 300 A.D.
The English Bible takes The English Bible takes shapeshape
Martin Luther, a Catholic priest, Martin Luther, a Catholic priest, chose to break away from the chose to break away from the Church.Church.
He and his followers, because He and his followers, because they protested the Churches’ they protested the Churches’ teachings, were called teachings, were called “Protestants”.“Protestants”.
The Protestant Reformation The Protestant Reformation began.began.
From it, 10s and eventually 100s From it, 10s and eventually 100s of new denominations sprang up of new denominations sprang up within Christianity.within Christianity.
Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists, Presbytarians are all examples. Presbytarians are all examples.
Because of new technology Because of new technology (movable print, or the “printing (movable print, or the “printing press”), distribution of common-press”), distribution of common-language Bibles exploded.language Bibles exploded.
William Tyndale (1525) was the first William Tyndale (1525) was the first to to printprint a New Testament into a New Testament into English.English.
The Geneva Bible (1557) was the The Geneva Bible (1557) was the first to use paragraphed and first to use paragraphed and numbered verses.numbered verses.
The King James Version (1611), a The King James Version (1611), a revision of existing versions, revision of existing versions, became the standard for Protestant became the standard for Protestant churches.churches.
The Catholic Church added 11 more The Catholic Church added 11 more disputed “Apocryphal” books to its disputed “Apocryphal” books to its version of the Old Testament. version of the Old Testament.
1000 B.C.
Historical Events
Development of Bible
600 300 0 100 A.D.300 500 1300 1500 A.D.
Intermission!Intermission!
You can stand, stretch, and You can stand, stretch, and take a deep breath…take a deep breath…
The GospelsThe Gospels
Four books of the New Testament Four books of the New Testament Life and ministry of Jesus ChristLife and ministry of Jesus Christ
They appear in the New Testament in They appear in the New Testament in this order. this order. MatthewMatthew MarkMark Luke Luke JohnJohn
The authors of the New Testament The authors of the New Testament are referred to as the evangelistsare referred to as the evangelists
The word gospel comes from an The word gospel comes from an Anglo Saxon word meaning…Anglo Saxon word meaning…
Good News!Good News!
Or…in Anglo Saxon Or…in Anglo Saxon godspelgodspel
The good news of what?The good news of what? Fra Angelico Fra Angelico Christ and Mary Christ and Mary
Magdalene Outside the TombMagdalene Outside the Tomb The good news that the The good news that the Messiah has come!Messiah has come! ““The day is coming when The day is coming when
I will make a new I will make a new covenant with the people covenant with the people of Israel and Judah” of Israel and Judah” (Jeremiah 31:31)(Jeremiah 31:31)
Old covenant = MosesOld covenant = Moses New agreement = New New agreement = New
Testament (from the Testament (from the Messiah)Messiah)
Messiah=Hebrew for Messiah=Hebrew for “Anointed One”“Anointed One”
Christ is the Greek word Christ is the Greek word meaning the same thingmeaning the same thing
Writing down the stories of Jesus’ Writing down the stories of Jesus’ life allowed Christianity’s message life allowed Christianity’s message to spread much faster than by word to spread much faster than by word of mouthof mouth
What else contributed to What else contributed to Christianity’s rapid growth?Christianity’s rapid growth?
Synoptic GospelsSynoptic Gospels
Three gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Three gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are related to each otherLuke) are related to each other Called “the Synoptic Gospels”Called “the Synoptic Gospels”
Comes from the Greek Comes from the Greek synopsissynopsis, meaning , meaning “things can be seen together”“things can be seen together”
Share materialShare material 90% of their content is nearly the same90% of their content is nearly the same
The Gospel according to John is also The Gospel according to John is also called the Fourth, or Last, Gospelcalled the Fourth, or Last, Gospel Focuses on Jesus’ relationship to GodFocuses on Jesus’ relationship to God
The Gospel according to The Gospel according to MatthewMatthew
The Gospel of Matthew is The Gospel of Matthew is the longestthe longest 28 chapters28 chapters
Matthew = one of the Matthew = one of the twelve apostles of Jesustwelve apostles of Jesus a first hand witness to Jesus’ a first hand witness to Jesus’
lifelife
Some scholars say there is Some scholars say there is a Matthew the Apostle, a Matthew the Apostle, and another Matthew, and another Matthew, known as Matthew the known as Matthew the Evangelist who wrote this Evangelist who wrote this GospelGospel
Main point:Main point: The promised Messiah arrives as a newborn The promised Messiah arrives as a newborn
baby boybaby boy Most Jews don’t recognize himMost Jews don’t recognize him
Expected a king like David to restore the Expected a king like David to restore the independence and glory of Israelindependence and glory of Israel
Salvation Jesus brings isn’t political; it’s spiritualSalvation Jesus brings isn’t political; it’s spiritual
Writer:Writer: Unidentified, but believed to be MatthewUnidentified, but believed to be Matthew
A tax collector in Capernaum where Jesus recruited A tax collector in Capernaum where Jesus recruited him as a disciplehim as a disciple
The Jewish GospelThe Jewish Gospel
Matthew seems to target Jewish Matthew seems to target Jewish readersreaders Traces Jesus’ family tree to AbrahamTraces Jesus’ family tree to Abraham Points out 57 prophecies that Jesus fulfilsPoints out 57 prophecies that Jesus fulfils Uses common Jewish phrasesUses common Jewish phrases Compares Jesus to IsraelCompares Jesus to Israel
Returned from EgyptReturned from Egypt Suffered in the desert (where he was tempted)Suffered in the desert (where he was tempted) Passed through the waters of the Jordan RiverPassed through the waters of the Jordan River Presented laws on a mountainPresented laws on a mountain
A symbol for Matthew is the A symbol for Matthew is the angel, since his gospel depicts angel, since his gospel depicts
an angel visiting Josephan angel visiting Joseph
St. Matthew St. Matthew and the Angeland the Angel RembrandtRembrandt
The Gospel according to The Gospel according to MarkMark This is the shortest of the This is the shortest of the
GospelsGospels 16 chapters16 chapters Probably written firstProbably written first
Mark was not an apostleMark was not an apostle Wrote from the first hand Wrote from the first hand
experiences of his close friend experiences of his close friend Peter, who was an apostlePeter, who was an apostle
The action-packed story of The action-packed story of JesusJesus 1/3 of the book focuses on the last 1/3 of the book focuses on the last
week of Jesus’ life (Passion Week)week of Jesus’ life (Passion Week) Passion = sufferingPassion = suffering
Main point:Main point: Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth to take Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth to take
the punishment for humanity’s sin by the punishment for humanity’s sin by suffering and dyingsuffering and dying
The authority of Jesus in healing and The authority of Jesus in healing and teaching that comes from Godteaching that comes from God
Suffering and discipleshipSuffering and discipleship Writer:Writer:
John Mark – one of Peter’s associatesJohn Mark – one of Peter’s associates John was his Hebrew nameJohn was his Hebrew name Mark was the Latin name he used among Romans Mark was the Latin name he used among Romans
and other non-Jewsand other non-Jews
A winged lion is an symbol for A winged lion is an symbol for Mark. Mark’s gospel begins Mark. Mark’s gospel begins
with John the Baptist with John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness preaching in the wilderness
with a voice like a lionwith a voice like a lion
The Gospel according to The Gospel according to LukeLuke
24 chapters24 chapters characterized by its almost characterized by its almost
scientific presentation of Jesus’ scientific presentation of Jesus’ life.life.
Luke was a scientific man; Luke was a scientific man; he was a doctorhe was a doctor Patron Saint of doctors and Patron Saint of doctors and
painterspainters Luke’s gospel is likely Luke’s gospel is likely
written to inform a Greek written to inform a Greek magistrate, referred to as magistrate, referred to as Theophilus, about Jesus’ life Theophilus, about Jesus’ life and worksand works The books of Luke and Acts The books of Luke and Acts
were actually letters to this manwere actually letters to this man Teaching him about the widely Teaching him about the widely
misunderstood Christian misunderstood Christian religionreligion
Possibly the Roman official in Possibly the Roman official in charge of Paul’s trial with the charge of Paul’s trial with the letters written in Paul’s defenseletters written in Paul’s defense
Without Luke…Without Luke…
No story of:No story of: Jesus lying in a mangerJesus lying in a manger The parable of the good SamaritanThe parable of the good Samaritan The parable of the prodigal sonThe parable of the prodigal son
No “Savior”No “Savior” Matthew and Mark skip the wordMatthew and Mark skip the word John uses it only onceJohn uses it only once
Main point:Main point: Jesus has come to save everyone, not just the JewsJesus has come to save everyone, not just the Jews
Aimed at Gentile (non-Hebrew) audienceAimed at Gentile (non-Hebrew) audience Jesus as a compassionate manJesus as a compassionate man The activity of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ workThe activity of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ work The good news for those not highly regarded The good news for those not highly regarded
Tax collectors, Samaritans, Gentiles, womenTax collectors, Samaritans, Gentiles, women Writer:Writer:
Clearly educated manClearly educated man Likely a traveling companion and colleague of the Likely a traveling companion and colleague of the
apostle Paul apostle Paul Probably the only non-Jewish author whose work Probably the only non-Jewish author whose work
appears in the New Testamentappears in the New Testament
Luke’s symbol is the oxLuke’s symbol is the ox
The Gospel according to The Gospel according to JohnJohn
According to tradition, John is the According to tradition, John is the youngest apostle and a beloved youngest apostle and a beloved friend of Jesusfriend of Jesus
John is careful to explain that Jesus is God John is careful to explain that Jesus is God in flesh.in flesh.
In John, Jesus is referred to as “God the In John, Jesus is referred to as “God the Son”Son”
Faith is an important theme in John and Faith is an important theme in John and the word the word believe believe occurs 100 timesoccurs 100 times
Other symbolic words:Other symbolic words: WordWord TruthTruth WayWay Life Life LightLight
The Gospel of John begins with the The Gospel of John begins with the following:following:
““In the beginning was the Word, and In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)Word was God.” (John 1:1)
Christ is the Christ is the logoslogos “the Word” “the Word” This idea could show influence of This idea could show influence of
Platonic thinking.Platonic thinking.
Main point:Main point: Jesus Christ as the eternal Word of GodJesus Christ as the eternal Word of God He is the true source of eternal lifeHe is the true source of eternal life Seven signs (miracles) of Jesus to prove he is Seven signs (miracles) of Jesus to prove he is
the Messiahthe Messiah ““I am”I am”
Writer:Writer: The apostle John was one of Jesus’ closest The apostle John was one of Jesus’ closest
discipledisciple John is the only disciple not mentioned by name in John is the only disciple not mentioned by name in
the bookthe book Perhaps an act of humilityPerhaps an act of humility
Remember Plato?Remember Plato?
He believed there is an ideal world He believed there is an ideal world and a physical worldand a physical world
If Jesus is “the Word,” then Jesus is If Jesus is “the Word,” then Jesus is the representative of God (world of the representative of God (world of ideals) in the physical world. Get it?ideals) in the physical world. Get it?
The eagle represents John because of his lofty and "soaring" gospel - The eagle represents John because of his lofty and "soaring" gospel - it is much more theological in nature than the other three. it is much more theological in nature than the other three.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will
walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
John the Baptist’s StoryJohn the Baptist’s StoryAt right: At right: St. John the BaptistSt. John the Baptist by El Greco 1600 by El Greco 1600
John the Baptist is not John the Baptist is not to be confused with to be confused with John the Apostle and John the Apostle and EvangelistEvangelist Jesus’ cousinJesus’ cousin
Below: Some dude who is playing Below: Some dude who is playing
John the Baptist, or thinks he’s John John the Baptist, or thinks he’s John the Baptist…the Baptist…
John the Baptist preached in the John the Baptist preached in the wildernesswilderness Depicted wearing skins.Depicted wearing skins.
He spoke of the coming of a MessiahHe spoke of the coming of a Messiah John baptized as a ceremony of John baptized as a ceremony of
purification of sinspurification of sins He baptized Jesus, though each He baptized Jesus, though each
Gospel’s account of the event varies Gospel’s account of the event varies slightlyslightly
John’s DeathJohn’s Death Executed by Executed by
Herod AntipasHerod Antipas Publically Publically
criticized Herod’s criticized Herod’s marriage to his marriage to his sister-in-lawsister-in-law (or Herod feared a (or Herod feared a
riot by John’s mass riot by John’s mass following)following)
Predates the Predates the crucifixion of crucifixion of JesusJesus
Saul of Tarsus (Paul)Saul of Tarsus (Paul)
Non-Jewish Non-Jewish converts would converts would not have to not have to adhere to Jewish adhere to Jewish traditionstraditions Circumcision!Circumcision!
Embraced the Embraced the non-Jewish non-Jewish worldworld
ScapegoatsScapegoats Resistance by the Resistance by the
Jewish establishmentJewish establishment Expelled from Rome Expelled from Rome
by Claudiusby Claudius 64 CE – Nero blames 64 CE – Nero blames
Christians for the fire Christians for the fire that destroyed Romethat destroyed Rome Sewn in animal skins Sewn in animal skins
and worried to death and worried to death by dogsby dogs
Crucified or burned Crucified or burned so that they could so that they could serve as torches in serve as torches in the eveningthe evening
250 CE – empire-250 CE – empire-wide persecution wide persecution by Deciusby Decius
257 CE – 257 CE – persecution by persecution by ValerianValerian
303 CE – 303 CE – persecution by persecution by DiocletianDiocletian
Edict of MilanEdict of Milan
312 CE 312 CE (IMPORTANT (IMPORTANT DATE!!!)DATE!!!) Emperor Emperor
ConstantineConstantine Issued a decree in Issued a decree in
Milan allowing Milan allowing Christianity as a Christianity as a religionreligion
Christian ArtChristian Art
FrescosFrescos
The Good Shepherdc. early 4th century CECatacomb of Saints Pietro and MarcellinoRome, Italy
SymbolsSymbols
Origins of the Fish as Symbol Origins of the Fish as Symbol for Jesusfor Jesus
Ichthys is the Greek Ichthys is the Greek word for fishword for fish
Acronym:Acronym: Iota (i) is the first letter of Iota (i) is the first letter of
IēsousIēsous (Ἰησοῦς), Greek for (Ἰησοῦς), Greek for Jesus. Jesus.
Chi (ch) is the first letter of Chi (ch) is the first letter of ChristosChristos (Χριστóς), Greek for (Χριστóς), Greek for "Christ" or "anointed". "Christ" or "anointed".
Theta (th) is the first letter of Theta (th) is the first letter of TheouTheou (Θεοῦ), that means (Θεοῦ), that means "God's", genitive case of Θεóς, "God's", genitive case of Θεóς, TheosTheos, "God". , "God".
Upsilon (u) is the first letter of Upsilon (u) is the first letter of huioshuios ( Υἱός), Greek for Son. ͑ ( Υἱός), Greek for Son. ͑
Sigma (s) is the first letter of Sigma (s) is the first letter of sōtērsōtēr (Σωτήρ), Greek for Savior. (Σωτήρ), Greek for Savior.
Chi-RhoChi-Rho
ΧΡΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ = ΙΣΤΟΣ = ChristChrist
X P are the first X P are the first two letterstwo letters Superimposed, Superimposed,
they form the they form the Chi-Rho symbol Chi-Rho symbol for Christ for Christ
SculpturesSculptures
RareRare
The Good The Good ShepherdShepherd C. 300CEC. 300CE Museo Pio Museo Pio
Cristiano, Cristiano, Vatican Vatican MuseumsMuseums
Old St. Peter’s BasilicaOld St. Peter’s Basilica Built on the site Built on the site
where St. Peter was where St. Peter was buriedburied
326 CE - Dedicated 326 CE - Dedicated by Constantineby Constantine
Vatican City in RomeVatican City in Rome Site of current Saint Site of current Saint
Peter’s BasilicaPeter’s Basilica Lavish decorations, Lavish decorations,
which did not survivewhich did not survive
Floor PlanFloor Plan
Church of the Holy Church of the Holy SepulcherSepulcher
345 CE - Construction 345 CE - Construction ordered by Constantineordered by Constantine
Jerusalem; on the site Jerusalem; on the site of a demolished temple of a demolished temple to Venusto Venus
Two connected Two connected churcheschurches Calvary (Golgotha) – Calvary (Golgotha) –
where Jesus was where Jesus was crucifiedcrucified
Rock-cut tomb – where Rock-cut tomb – where Jesus was buriedJesus was buried
Floor PlanFloor Plan
MusicMusic
361 CE – only one paid performer for 361 CE – only one paid performer for each congregationeach congregation CantorCantor
Responsorial singing – Cantor intones Responsorial singing – Cantor intones lines from the Psalms, congregation lines from the Psalms, congregation responds with a repeated refrainresponds with a repeated refrain
Antiphonal singing – Parts of the Antiphonal singing – Parts of the congregation and the cantor alternate congregation and the cantor alternate verses of a psalm in a chant toneverses of a psalm in a chant tone