New Testament Revelation The Key Kerygma of Jesus

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New Testament Revelation The Key Kerygma of Jesus Christ

New Testament Revelation The Key Kerygma of Jesus Christ

Divine Revelation – Let’s Review DIVINE means it comes from God and is about

Divine Revelation – Let’s Review DIVINE means it comes from God and is about God REVELATION (Latin)“to unveil” A divine gift from God that came to us gradually over time. Two forms of revelation: • immediate (for now) • mediate (for future )

Divine Revelation Based on • SCRIPTURE - the written word that is divinely inspired

Divine Revelation Based on • SCRIPTURE - the written word that is divinely inspired (AKA the “Bible”) AND • TRADITION - spoken and other written sources NOT included in the Bible, rituals and actions, experiences of the divine

Tradition came FIRST • Stories about God experiences were TOLD, not WRITTEN, for MANY

Tradition came FIRST • Stories about God experiences were TOLD, not WRITTEN, for MANY YEARS before human beings learned to read and write • LATER. . writers felt inspired by God to document what their experiences were and WROTE them down • EVENTUALLY, the writings got sorted out, prayed over, scrutinized, and patterns emerged. . • Compiled and Shared – “The Canon”

Old Testament – A History of God • Faith of Israel: God has intervened

Old Testament – A History of God • Faith of Israel: God has intervened in history to reveal a divine plan • God takes a personal interest in the fortunes of Israel and ultimately of all humankind.

Old Testament Communication Took many written forms and subjects: • Created Order • Theophany

Old Testament Communication Took many written forms and subjects: • Created Order • Theophany • Oracles • Dreams • Prophecies & Prophets • Laws • Wise Sayings • Events • Poetry • Stories

Main Themes of Old Testament 1. The Problem of Good and Evil • The

Main Themes of Old Testament 1. The Problem of Good and Evil • The Fall of Adam and Eve • Cain and Abel • Joseph and His Brothers • Sodom and Gomorrah • Noah and the Flood • Israelites and the Promised Land

2. Redemption/Liberation • Abraham and Isaac • Descendants of Abraham • The Chosen People

2. Redemption/Liberation • Abraham and Isaac • Descendants of Abraham • The Chosen People • Exodus from Egypt • Covenant on Mount Sinai

3. Faith Will Be Rewarded • Prophets: Isaiah, Elijah, Baruch, etc. • Kings: David,

3. Faith Will Be Rewarded • Prophets: Isaiah, Elijah, Baruch, etc. • Kings: David, Solomon • Good Men and Women: Abraham, Moses, Deborah, Miriam, Noah, etc.

4. The Promise of Land

4. The Promise of Land

5. The Ark of the Covenant

5. The Ark of the Covenant

Summary of the Old Testament • Covenant with Moses and the Exodus from Egyptian

Summary of the Old Testament • Covenant with Moses and the Exodus from Egyptian bondage • CHOSEN PEOPLE • FREEDOM FROM SLAVERY • PROMISED LAND • UNBROKEN BOND OR COVENANT • It is the covenant/Exodus theme which runs throughout the entire Old Testament • It shapes Israel's fundamental understanding of God and of the "word" of God: Jesus

The New Testament Life of Jesus & Early Christian Church • OT prophesies fulfilled

The New Testament Life of Jesus & Early Christian Church • OT prophesies fulfilled in promised Messiah, Jesus • Jesus is the New Covenant through whom God has spoken the final word. • Jesus reveals the Kingdom of God and is himself the "Word made flesh” (John 1: 1 -18).

New Testament also contains: • Witnesses of the Apostles and the early Church disciples/followers

New Testament also contains: • Witnesses of the Apostles and the early Church disciples/followers and heralds of Christ; • Looking forward to"unveiling of God” that will be completed with the Second Coming of Jesus

NT CONTENT 27 Books, written in 4 styles: • Gospels • Acts of the

NT CONTENT 27 Books, written in 4 styles: • Gospels • Acts of the Apostles • Epistles, Pastorals (Letters) • Revelation: Apochalyptic Vision NT MAJOR THEMES “Emmanuel” - God With Us • Jesus is Lord, Messiah, King of Kings • Jesus is the New Covenant for ALL people • Kingdom of God at Hand full of love, peace, healing, forgiveness, justice for the oppressed (see in Jesus) 15

About The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) • Gospel (Greek) “Good News” • The

About The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) • Gospel (Greek) “Good News” • The Jesus Story – Unique! • Viewed as 1 unit: first 4 books of NT • To be taken together… • Like watching 4 nightly news shows, each saying essentially the same things, with some differences in John 16

Gospel Perspective • The Church teaches: • The Gospels are the heart of all

Gospel Perspective • The Church teaches: • The Gospels are the heart of all the Scriptures…"because they are our principal source for the life and teaching of the Incarnate Word, our Savior. ” (CCC 125) “Treat each Gospel as if it were the four chambers of a heart… each beating in unison with the other chambers to move the source of Life through us” 17

 • “Synoptic” Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) • Similar in content, structure, wording, timing

• “Synoptic” Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) • Similar in content, structure, wording, timing • Gospel of John • Divine origins of Jesus + early Church

Gospels Are. . . • Proclamation of the Messiah and Teachings (The Key Kerygma)

Gospels Are. . . • Proclamation of the Messiah and Teachings (The Key Kerygma) • Written for believers & converts • Revelation about God, how to live, more important than details (like the Old Testament) • Authorship - not one person • Written for “communities” 19

Most of all, Gospels were written about “The Experience Of Jesus Christ” Stories meant

Most of all, Gospels were written about “The Experience Of Jesus Christ” Stories meant to relate, awaken, reach out, and strengthen faith to those who never met Jesus NOTE: Not intended to be accurate by modern journalism standards

Three Stages of Gospel Development Stage 1: The Ministry of Jesus Traditions dating from

Three Stages of Gospel Development Stage 1: The Ministry of Jesus Traditions dating from Jesus’ words and deeds during his ministry in the late 20 s [example from John 9: Jesus was known as a healer] Stage 2: Post-Resurrectional Preaching of the Apostles Convictions about Jesus that arose after the Resurrection, especially that he was the divine “Lord” and “Son of God” [example: the blind man worships Jesus, John 9: 38]. Stage 3: The Writing of the Gospels by the Evangelists Texts about Jesus that are shaped by the situations, concerns, and insights of the Gospel writers themselves [example: the blind man’s parents fear “the Jews, ” as if Jews are a separate group, John 9: 22].

History of Gospels • Gospels were written over a period from 65 A. D.

History of Gospels • Gospels were written over a period from 65 A. D. – 100 A. D • Mark is oldest (65 A. D. – 70 A. D. ) • John is youngest (90 A. D. – 100 A. D. ) • “Triple Tradition”: Mark is the basis for Matthew & Luke • “Two Source Theory”: Matthew & Luke used Mark AND • “Q” Document: “Quelle” in German means “Shared content • Didache: sayings of Jesus Markan Priority (Triple Tradition) Mark Matthew Luke “Q” Hypothesis (Two Source) Mark “Q” Matthew Luke 22

Gospel of Matthew – 80 -90 A. D. • “Tax Collector Levi” ? •

Gospel of Matthew – 80 -90 A. D. • “Tax Collector Levi” ? • Themes • Jesus: Teacher of Israel; embodiment of the Torah, wisdom of God • Reign of God is now • God loves us the way we are & His power is within us • All we have to do is repent • The Kingdom begins with us, making it real in this world • Matthew’s Jesus • • The New Moses – Liberator/Law The Messiah, fulfillment of OT scripture Lists family tree - 14 generations of Abraham through David Reflective and thoughtful Man; Compassionate and Strong 23

Gospel of Mark Oldest record: 65 A. D. – 70 A. D. ; shortest

Gospel of Mark Oldest record: 65 A. D. – 70 A. D. ; shortest text John Mark, disciple from Jerusalem; not an apostle; companion of Peter and Paul Wrote for Roman followers of Jesus; recorded Peter’s preaching in Rome • Themes: Emphasis on the CROSS; Jesus is Lord: brings life, salvation, redemption through belief in Him • Mark’s Jesus: “Harried”: A man in a hurry! Human, emotional No infancy recorded; Jesus just appears, surrounded by many

Gospel of Luke: 70 -90 A. D. NOT an apostle, a companion of Paul

Gospel of Luke: 70 -90 A. D. NOT an apostle, a companion of Paul Greek Convert – Medical Man? Masterful writer – detailed, different stories Author of Acts of the Apostles Wrote for Gentiles and Jews • Themes • Healing, wholeness, reconciliation through Christ • Justice for those oppressed and marginalized • Gospel of women – we know about Mary from Luke • Luke’s Jesus • Compassionate, forgiving, healing, among the people • Challenges us to care for the marginalized • Brings reconciliation and peace to all 25

Gospel of John 90 A. D – 100 A. D Author unknown: “beloved disciple”?

Gospel of John 90 A. D – 100 A. D Author unknown: “beloved disciple”? Highly literary and symbolic book written for a community of theologically aware believers • Themes • Book of Signs of the wondrous deeds of Jesus (changing of water into wine; healing of official’s son, woman at the well, curing man born blind, raising of Lazarua, etc. ) • Reflections and discourses on signs • “Book of Glories” - Jesus will return in glory • Many titles for Jesus: Bread of Life, Good Shepherd • John’s Jesus • Pre-existent, Incarnate Word of God • Heals, works miracles, is majestic • Washes feet of apostles, instructs & sends them • Promises to send the Holy Spirit , be with them always • Teaches that He and the Father are One 26

Acts Of The Apostles – 95 A. D. • Second half of Luke’s Gospel;

Acts Of The Apostles – 95 A. D. • Second half of Luke’s Gospel; what happened after Jesus • Begins with Pentecost – the Descent of the Holy Spirit • Apostles Peter and Paul, main leaders, bring forth the Church • Establishes a reference point for evangelization - future generations • Taught churches to be responsible for teaching and leading others • Story of Peter and other apostles is dropped when narrative shifts to Paul’s journeys – martyrdoms not a part of the story 27

Epistles (Letters- oldest writings of NT about 20 -30 years after Jesus’ Death) Author:

Epistles (Letters- oldest writings of NT about 20 -30 years after Jesus’ Death) Author: St. Paul – 13 Letters to • • • Romans 1 & 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 & 2 Thessalonians Philemon 1 & 2 Timothy* Titus* * Also called “The Pastorals” • Letters were written to the communities afterward as reminders for the issues facing each of them 28

“Catholic” Epistles (Authors not known; not attributed to St. Paul) 8 Letters • Hebrews

“Catholic” Epistles (Authors not known; not attributed to St. Paul) 8 Letters • Hebrews • James • 1 & 2 Peter • 1, 2, 3 John • Jude • Not addressed to a specific church or community • Viewed as “catholic” (lower-case “c”), meaning “universal” • 1, 2, 3 John written by same Johannine Community, and considered sequel/clarification to Gospel of John 29

Book of Revelation – 95 A. D. • Prophetic, apocalyptic form; rich in symbolism

Book of Revelation – 95 A. D. • Prophetic, apocalyptic form; rich in symbolism • Written by “John” (not the Evangelist); exiled to island of Patmos, Roman penal colony KNOW YOUR HISTORY! • Written during time of Christian persecution • Emperors Nero, Domitian, & Caligula • Apostles perished during that time when temple was destroyed (70 A. D. ) • A letter to the faithful NOT to lose heart – Jesus was triumphant and would save them 30

Themes of Revelation • THE END IS NEAR! (Second Coming Immanent) • NUMBERS important

Themes of Revelation • THE END IS NEAR! (Second Coming Immanent) • NUMBERS important • 7 letters to the angels, 7 visions, 7 seals, 7 diadems, 7 trumpets, 7 bowls of wrath, 7 plagues • VISIONS describe political powers • Roman empire and its rulers • Written in code, for believers • SYMBOLS only the faithful could understand • “Beast” = Devil? • 666 = Semitic spelling of “Nero Caesar” • Good / Evil AT WAR UNTIL THE END • DO NOT to lose heart – Jesus IS triumphant over evil 31

Beware of Modern Interpretations of Book of Revelation! • Study; stick to Scripture Scholarship

Beware of Modern Interpretations of Book of Revelation! • Study; stick to Scripture Scholarship & Tradition • Don’t believe Hollywood movies, modern evangelists who use it against the Catholic Church • We ARE still awaiting the Second Coming of Jesus • BUT WE BELIEVE JESUS IS TRIUMPHANT OVER EVIL The main message of the Testament!

“ St. Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts Agnus Dei Stained Glass 33

“ St. Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts Agnus Dei Stained Glass 33

Early Christian Beliefs about Jesus called the “Key Kerygma” or Proclamation from the New

Early Christian Beliefs about Jesus called the “Key Kerygma” or Proclamation from the New Testament • Initial teachings of Jesus in the New Testament • The center of our faith • The heart and soul, core message of Gospels • Teachings are proclaimed at every mass, every day of the year

The Basic Proclamation (Kerygma) of the New Testament 1. The promises of God made

The Basic Proclamation (Kerygma) of the New Testament 1. The promises of God made in the Old Testament have now been fulfilled with the coming of Jesus the Messiah. 2. Jesus was anointed by God at his baptism as Messiah 3. Jesus began his ministry in Galilee after his baptism 4. Jesus conducted a beneficent ministry, doing good and performing mighty works by the power of God. 5. Jesus was crucified according to the purpose of God

Key Kerygma, continued. . . 6. Jesus was raised from the dead and appeared

Key Kerygma, continued. . . 6. Jesus was raised from the dead and appeared to his disciples 7. Jesus was exalted by God and given the name "Lord" 8. Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to form the new community of God 9. Jesus will come again for judgment and the restoration of all things 10. All who hear the message should repent and be baptized

Kerygma Challenge • How well do you know and live the key kerygma? •

Kerygma Challenge • How well do you know and live the key kerygma? • Is Jesus “knowable, ” like a friend, intimate? Do you know him? • How well can you evangelize someone, that is teach someone, about Jesus?

“Visio Divina” – Images of Jesus • Gazing on Icons as Prayer • Which

“Visio Divina” – Images of Jesus • Gazing on Icons as Prayer • Which image speaks to you of who Jesus is?

Ways in which we can go deeper: Prayer – public and private Study –

Ways in which we can go deeper: Prayer – public and private Study – Scripture, Tradition, Spiritualilty Sabbath – lively abundantly and leisurely Experiences – Retreats, Reflections, Journaling

Questions about the New Testament & Divine Revelation • Where do we derive our

Questions about the New Testament & Divine Revelation • Where do we derive our "information about God? • How does God communicate with us? • Under what conditions and circumstances does such communication occur? • How can we be sure that we have, in fact, been "in touch with" God rather than with our own wish-projections and imaginings? • Or is God hidden, almost as a matter of principle, from great segments of the human family?

 • Is the FORM of communication verbal, pictorial, dramatic, mystical, historical, social, political,

• Is the FORM of communication verbal, pictorial, dramatic, mystical, historical, social, political, natural or what? • WHAT is communicated or disclosed? • Is it facts about God and the "other world" • Is it God's own self communication? • Would we have "known" that which is revealed even if it were not revealed? • If God does indeed reveal, why is it that so many creatures of God seem either indifferent to or ignorant of God's revelation? • Or is it perhaps very difficult to pick up God's signals?

St. Paul’s Legacy • Themes • Christianity was for all • Didn’t have to

St. Paul’s Legacy • Themes • Christianity was for all • Didn’t have to become a Jew first; argued with Peter on this • Evangelization • Always asked to leave or run out of town • Often taken literally, but always connects to OT • Faith, Mystical Body of Christ • Sacraments & works 43

St. Paul (aka Saul of Tarsus) • Roman citizen; “Hebrew of Hebrews”; Educated Pharisee

St. Paul (aka Saul of Tarsus) • Roman citizen; “Hebrew of Hebrews”; Educated Pharisee • Persecuted early Christians; • Road to Damascus conversion story • “Saul, why do you persecute me? ” • Called himself “Apostle to the Gentiles” • Skilled orator, writer, and organizer • Actuated his gifts 44