New Testament

Definition

The New Testament is a collection of 27 books and letters that form the second part of the Christian Bible, focusing on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It serves as a foundation for Christian beliefs and practices, emphasizing themes of faith, salvation, and the establishment of the early Church. The New Testament provides crucial insights into the spread of Christianity within the Roman Empire, particularly during and after the reign of Constantine.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Testament was written in Greek and is estimated to have been composed between approximately 50 AD and 100 AD.
2. It includes various literary forms such as Gospels, historical accounts (Acts), epistles (letters), and apocalyptic literature (Revelation).
3. The acceptance of the New Testament canon was a gradual process that took several centuries, with key criteria including apostolic authorship and theological consistency.
4. The spread of Christianity was significantly influenced by the New Testament writings, as they were circulated among early Christian communities and helped establish core beliefs.
5. Constantine's Edict of Milan in 313 AD led to greater acceptance of Christianity in the Roman Empire, making the New Testament texts more widely available and influential.

Review Questions

• How did the New Testament contribute to the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire during its early years?
  • The New Testament played a vital role in the spread of Christianity by providing foundational teachings about Jesus Christ and guidelines for Christian living. Its writings were circulated among early believers, fostering community cohesion and shared beliefs. As these texts were disseminated across various regions of the Roman Empire, they helped unify diverse groups under a common faith, which facilitated the growth of Christianity despite initial persecution.
• Discuss how Constantine's conversion to Christianity influenced the status and perception of the New Testament within the Roman Empire.
  • Constantine's conversion to Christianity dramatically transformed its status within the Roman Empire. By legalizing Christianity through the Edict of Milan, he not only ended persecution but also encouraged its adoption among all social classes. This newfound acceptance led to greater access to New Testament texts, allowing them to be studied more openly and influencing church doctrine. Constantine’s patronage also helped establish Christianity as a major component of Roman culture.
• Evaluate the impact that the New Testament's development had on early Christian theology and practice within the context of Roman society.
  • The development of the New Testament was crucial for shaping early Christian theology and practice amidst a diverse Roman society. It provided doctrinal foundations that addressed both spiritual matters and practical ethics in a multicultural environment. As Christians began to define their beliefs in contrast to surrounding pagan practices, the New Testament texts served as authoritative sources for theological disputes and communal worship. This influence not only solidified a distinct Christian identity but also paved the way for further theological developments in response to challenges from both within and outside the faith.

Related terms

Gospels: The first four books of the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—that recount the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Apostolic Fathers: Early Christian writers who are believed to have known the apostles or their immediate successors, contributing to the development of early Christian theology.

Epistles: Letters written by early Christian leaders, such as Paul, to various communities addressing theological issues and practical guidance for living a Christian life.