New Testament

Definition

The New Testament is a collection of 27 texts that form the second part of the Christian Bible, detailing the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church. This collection includes the Gospels, letters (epistles), and the Book of Revelation, which collectively shape the beliefs and practices of Christianity and contribute to its spread throughout the Roman Empire.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Testament was written in Greek during the first century AD, primarily between 50 and 100 AD.
2. It played a crucial role in codifying Christian beliefs and doctrines, distinguishing Christianity from Judaism.
3. The spread of the New Testament texts was facilitated by early Christian missionaries who traveled throughout the Roman Empire to share the message of Jesus.
4. Early church councils were held to determine which texts would be included in the New Testament canon, leading to its current structure.
5. The New Testament has had a profound influence on Western culture, ethics, literature, and art since its inception.

Review Questions

• How did the New Testament contribute to the establishment of Christian beliefs during the early spread of Christianity?
  • The New Testament served as a foundational text that articulated core Christian beliefs about Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. By documenting these events and teachings, it provided early Christians with a source of authority and guidance. As missionaries traveled across the Roman Empire sharing these texts, they helped shape communities' understanding of faith and morality, reinforcing a collective identity among believers.
• In what ways did early church councils influence the formation of the New Testament canon?
  • Early church councils played a significant role in determining which writings were considered authoritative and should be included in the New Testament. These councils assessed various texts for their apostolic origin, theological consistency, and widespread usage among Christian communities. The decisions made during these councils helped standardize Christian doctrine and ensured that the texts aligned with core beliefs about Jesus and his teachings.
• Evaluate the impact of the New Testament on cultural and societal norms in the Roman Empire as Christianity spread.
  • The New Testament profoundly influenced cultural and societal norms within the Roman Empire as it introduced new ethical teachings centered on love, compassion, and forgiveness. These principles challenged existing social hierarchies and moral codes, promoting ideas such as equality among believers and care for the marginalized. As Christianity gained followers, its values began to permeate various aspects of daily life, influencing laws, art, literature, and family structures throughout the empire.

Related terms

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

Epistles: Letters written by apostles, primarily Paul, to various early Christian communities, addressing theological issues and providing guidance on Christian living.

Apostolic Age: The period in early Christianity following Jesus' death and resurrection during which the apostles spread his teachings and established churches.