PART III

SACRED
SCRIPTURE
S
A. Introduction to the Bible
“Bible”
• is an English word derived from the Greek
word biblia, which means “books.”

• Also referred to as Scriptures, which is

derived from the Latin scriptura, meaning
“writing”.

• the Holy Bible is called in Latin “sacra

scriptura”, or in Spanish “La Sagrada
Escritura,” meaning The Sacred Scripture.
Sacred Scripture or Bible
– Sacred tradition and sacred Scripture form
one sacred deposit of the Word of God,
committed to the Church. It is a library of
books Thus, the bible as we had it now,
actually is a collection of different books
written by different human authors under the
inspiration or guidance of the Holy Spirit,
about God, his involvement in human history
(history of the people of Israel) and man’s
response to God’s love.
Who is the
author of the
Bible?
• God is the author of the Bible.
“For the Holy Mother Church, relying on the
faith of the apostolic age, accepts as sacred
and canonical the books of the Old and the
New Testaments, whole and entire, with all
their parts, on the grounds that, written under
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they have
God as their author, and have been handed
on as such to the Church herself.”
What is inspiration?
 “By ‘inspiration’ is meant that God, or the
Spirit of God, was at work in the
community of Israel and in the early
Christian community to produce, through
a number of human authors, a series of
books that witness to God’s revelation of
himself through history. That divine self-
revelation reached its climax in Jesus
Christ.” (Heb. 7.1-2) (E.H. Maly, NAB, CBA,
1969, p. IX)
What is inspiration?
 “Godinspired the human authors of the
sacred books. ‘To compose the sacred
books, God chose certain men who, all
the while he employed them in this task,
made full use of their own faculties and
powers so that, though he acted in them
and by them, it was as true authors that
they consigned to writing whatever he
wanted written, and no more.’”
How did inspiration
work?
The Church has not adopted any
explanation as officially her own.

 “We can, however, point to two elements that must

be guarded in any explanation that must be given.
The first is that God is actively present in a unique
manner in the composition of the biblical books. The
gift of presence to the communities of Israel and to
the early Church is demanded both by those persons
which do speak of inspiration in the Bible (e.g., 2 Tim
3, 15-17; 2 Pt 1, 20-21) and by the constant
Tradition of the Church. The Bible is in a real sense,
the true Word of God.
How did inspiration
work?
The Church has not adopted any
explanation as officially her own.
 “The second element is the freedom of the human
authors in making use of their own talents and
resources, in cooperation with the Spirit of God, in
composing the sacred books. This is demanded both by
the many references to the human efforts expected in
writing the books (e.g., Jer 36, 17-18; Lk 1, 1-4; Gal 6,
11) and by the statements of the Church. Thus, Pope
Benedict XV, in the encyclical Spiritus Paraclitus, wrote
that “the individual authors of these Books worked in full
freedom under the divine inspiration, each of them in
accordance with his individual nature and character” (II,
1).
How did inspiration
work?
The Church has not adopted any
explanation as officially her own.

 Because of this human element we can rightly say

that we can only appreciate the fullness of the
Biblical Word when we approach it in faith. It is of
the second element, the human contribution, that
we must make use of all possible sciences to
understand the meaning intended by the authors.”
(E. H. Maly)
 When was the Bible
written?
The different books of the Bible were
written at different times, over 1,000 years
(from 900 BC to 100 AD). They were written
in different places: Palestine, Babylon,
Egypt, Rome, Corinth, etc.
Division of the Bible
Stephen Langton (died 1228), a
professor in the University in Paris, and later
became the Archbishop of Canterbury, and
finally a Cardinal, divided the Bible into
chapters. This division first appeared in the
Parisian Bible in 1206. The division into
verses was done by a French printer Robert
Estienne in 1551. This division is used today
despite the obvious inconsistencies.
Distinct Characteristic of
a Catholic Bible
1. A Catholic Bible includes in the Old
Testament the seven (7) Deutero-
canonical books which the Protestant
versions omit because their versions
followed the Palestinian-Jewish tradition or
canon. The Catholic versions adopted the
Alexandrian Jewish tradition or canon. These
books omitted by the Protestant versions are
the historical books Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2
Maccabees, the Wisdom literatures Wisdom
and Sirach, and the Prophetic book Baruch.
Distinct Characteristic of
a Catholic Bible
2. A Catholic Bible bears the Imprimatur
(“Let it be printed”) and the Nihil obstat
(“Nothing hinders”) which are the
assurance given by the Bishop that the
book is without error in faith and morals,
and is approved by the Catholic Church. (Ut
Unum Sint, Association of Pauline
Cooperators, 1997, Pasay City, Metro
Manila, Philippines, p. 38)
Distinct Characteristic of
a Catholic Bible
3. A Catholic Bible has doctrinal notes.
The Bible is the, “Greatest Love Story”
ever written. It speaks of the
tremendous love of God for
humankind, i.e. God’s enduring,
unconditional love for every human being.
The Bible tells us of God who creates,
calls and invites man to a life of
friendship, intimacy and union with Him.
(The Promise, p. 2) Augustine says that
the purpose of the Bible is to build up
love. (On Christian Doctrine, I, 36. 40)
Timeline
Brief explanation of the
Timeline
 In
the beginning men’s relationship with God
was harmonious. But men sinned and
continued to sin. This resulted to their
estrangement from God, from one another
and from their own selves.

 To save men from this destructive

estrangement, God initiated a long range
plan of salvation by promising a Savior for
mankind.
Brief explanation of the
Timeline
 Goddid not immediately send this Savior. He
prepared his coming by choosing a man to
become the father of a nation, where this
Savior would be born. This man was Abraham
and this nation was Israel. Abraham believed
in God and transmitted this belief to his
descendants.
Brief explanation of the
Timeline
God cared so much for Abraham’s
descendants. He liberated them from the
slavery of Egypt. He made a covenant with
them and adopted them as his chosen people.
In return He asked them to be faithful to Him
by obeying his commands to which they
agreed. And He gave them a land they could
call their own.
Brief explanation of the
Timeline
 Astime passed by His chosen people became
unfaithful. God had to warn and even to
punish them at times by allowing other
people to oppress them. But when they
realized and repented for their infidelities, He
delivered them. Through such events and
many others, God formed them into a
community of faith.
Brief explanation of the
Timeline
 In the fullness of time God sent them the
Savior who was His son to fulfill his promise.
This was the great Good News: the Word of
God, in the person of Jesus of Nazareth,
becoming man to save mankind. The high
point of Jesus’ saving ministry was his public
life spent in creating a new society, based on
the truth that we are all God’s children and
therefore of equal worth in his eyes. The
platform then of his new society was extra-
ordinary:
Brief explanation of the
Timeline
 Equality - not ambition
 Sharing - not hoarding
 Service - not domination

With that platform, supported with his good

works like healing the sick and feeding the
people, he became popular especially with the
poor. But with the religious elite he was
unpopular, because he publicly denounced its
misconduct as a group. Consequently, those in
authority considered him dangerous.
Brief explanation of the
Timeline
Just after three years of public ministry, he
was put to death. On the third day, however, he
resurrected. He appeared to his apostles; he
commanded them to continue his work of
preaching the Good News to all men. He also
promised them his abiding presence through the
Holy Spirit who would come after him. Finally,
he returned to his Father. We call Jesus’ death,
resurrection and ascension the Paschal Mystery
or the mystery of our redemption; our passing
over from death to life or from darkness to light
Brief explanation of the
Timeline
 Today,the command of Jesus to preach the
Good News to the whole world is continued
by the Church. The Church is composed of
people who believe in Jesus as their Savior
and Leader. She shares her faith with people
in many ways: by evangelizing through the
Word, by celebrating the sacraments, by
working for social justice and human rights
and by other means.
Brief explanation of the
Timeline
Focusing on our subject matter, the
written Word of God or the Bible has Jesus
Christ as the its central figure, just as he is the
center in God’s plan of salvation. The bible is
divided into the Old and New Testaments.
The Old Testament, the preparation for Christ’s
coming, includes all the experiences of the
chosen people before the birth of Christ. The
New Testament, the fulfillment of God’s
promise of a Savior, extends from the birth of
Christ to the experiences of the early Church.
Brief explanation of the
Timeline
 Since the bible’s contents concern the
religious experiences of an ancient people,
we can ask the question: How relevant is the
Bible to us today? Faith tells us that God
inspired the writing of the bible, not only for
the benefit of his chosen people, but also for
all peoples of all times. We believe that
whatever God communicated to them, He
also communicates to us today. His words of
love and mercy to them are also words of
Love and mercy to us today.
Brief explanation of the
Timeline
Knowing the bible is knowing about God,
His wise, patient and compassionate ways with
us, as individuals and as a nation. Knowing the
bible is knowing more about ourselves: our
calling, dignity and weaknesses. Knowledge
about these truths is relevant in living our own
part in God’s plan. To live according to it, we
certainly need the light, guidance and support
provided by his written words. (Baybay,
Discovering Together God’s Word, pp. 16-17.)
Brief explanation of the
Timeline
 The bible further tells us that God’s plan will
reach fulfillment in the second coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ. We do not know of the
exact time of His second coming. Only God
knows. What the Bible tells us is that His
second coming will be marked by the
transformation of the present world into the
“new heavens and new earth” where
righteousness dwells (Isa 65, 17-18; 66, 22; 2
Pt 3, 10-13; Rev 21, 1).
Brief explanation of the
Timeline
In his book, The City of God (20, 14),
Augustine sees the future change of this
material world not as an annihilation but as a
transformation into “a new heaven and a new
world:”
Brief explanation of the
Timeline
“After judgment has been made, then, this
heaven and this earth will cease to exist, when a
new heaven and a new earth begins to appear. For
it is by transformation of things and not by
complete destruction that this world will pass
away. For this reason the apostle says: ‘For the
form of this world will pass away. I want you to
have no dealings with it.’ (1Cor 7, 31) Therefore it
is not the nature (or substance) but the form that
will perish.” (M. Alfeche, O.S.A., “The Coming of
the New Cosmos,” Ch. VII of Augustine on the
Hope of Groaning Creation, pp. 261-294.)
 Ex. 10:5 1 Cor. 5;8
Mt. 5: 7-15 Ps. 100: 8f
a. The first figure indicates the Chapter
b. The 2nd figure separated by a Colon
indicates the Verse
c. The 3rd figure separated by a Hyphen
indicates Several Verses
d. The other figure separated by a Semi-
colon indicates another reference
e. The other figure separated by an F
indicates following Verses or Chapters
B. History of the Bible
The Basic Sources: The Ancient
Manuscripts

 Todetermine the quality of the sources

of our translations, we shall have to
understand what those copies of the
text in the original languages, namely,
Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.
1. Old Testament
The problem with the first type of
manuscripts is that they are named with a very
uncommon name – Masoretic. Its origin is the
Hebrew root verb maser which means ‘to hand
down.’ Masoretic refers to what is ‘handed
down’ or to what is ‘traditional.’ Hence, the
Masoretic Text is simply the traditional Hebrew
text of the Bible. The manuscripts of the text
are dated between 930-1009 A.D. It consists of
only 39 books and can therefore be traced to the
Jewish rabbis of Palestine, who were the
successors of the Pharisees during the time of
Jesus.
1. Old Testament
The Dead Sea Scrolls, on the other hand,
are the oldest manuscripts which we have of the
Bible that have been found just very recently
since 1947, mainly at a deserted place called
Qumran. They can be dated from 100 B.C. to
100 A.D. The only complete scroll, however, is
that of Isaiah while all the other scrolls are in
fragments. They can be traced to the
community of Essenes during the time of Jesus.
1. Old Testament
In the midst of these two, we have the
Septuagint – the Greek version of a Hebrew
text earlier than that of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
The word Septuagint means “Seventy” (70)
which is the rounded number of the legendary
seventy-two (72) translators (6 from each of the
12 tribes of Israel) who were supposed to have
come out with this text.
1. Old Testament
“These seventy-two (72) translators lived
in Alexandria, a city in Egypt near the
Mediterranean coast, an important Jewish
colony. However, these Jews in Alexandria did
not understand anymore the Hebrew language.
Thus, in the 3rd century BC they made a
translation of the Bible (that is, the Old
Testament) into the language they used (Greek)
and they used this version in their liturgies.
1. Old Testament
They called this version the Septuagint”.
(Valdes, Ariel Alvarez, The Bible, vol. 1., Old
Testament, Claretian Publications, 2002, p. 13)
Its actual composition dates between 300-250
B.C. but the earliest manuscripts we have of it
date between 100-400 A.D. It consists of 46
books, meaning, and 7 more books than those of
the Masoretic Text. “The Jews in Palestine never
considered the difference with their Alexandrine
siblings as something good, and so they rejected
those other new books.”
1. Old Testament
(Valdes, p. 13) If we try to trace how these
manuscripts have been handed down to us, we
discover that they were the texts that were used
mainly by the first Christians, especially by the
apostles and gospel writers, who were preaching
and writing also in Greek.
1. Old Testament
Knowing these three basic sources of the
Old Testament would therefore lead us to an
understanding of why different religious
groupings have different compositions of their
bibles. Present-day Jews, for example, who are
the descendants of the Jews under the
leadership of the Pharisees during the time of
Jesus, have as their Bible, the Masoretic Text.
The Jewish Bible consists therefore only of the
39 books contained in the Masoretic Text.
1. Old Testament
The Catholics (both of the Roman and
Greek rites), the Greek Orthodox and the
Anglicans, on the other hand, inherit as their
Bible what the first Christians handed down by
tradition, that is, the Septuagint and the New
Testament. This consists of 46 books in the Old
Testament and 27 books in the New Testament
with a total of 73 books. The Catholics and the
Anglicans at the same time give due
consideration to the Masoretic Text so that there
sometimes arises a difference in the numbering
of the total books.
1. Old Testament
Other ‘Christian’ groupings, whose main
origins can be traced to the early 16th century or
even much later, take as their Old Testament
only what is contained in the Masoretic Text and
select what they want from the New Testament.
For this reason, they consider the 7 extra books
in the Old Testament which are in the Septuagint
but not in the Masoretic Texts as apocryphal
books, meaning, writings which are ancient and
holy but not biblical and inspired.
1. Old Testament
Catholics and Anglicans, on the other
hand, who consider these 7 extra books in the
old testaments from the Septuagint as biblical,
therefore place them in a second listing of
biblical books with all the books in the Masoretic
Text in the first listing. For this reason, these 7
books were called as the deuteron-canonicals,
from deuteron which means ‘second’ and the
canonicals which are all the books considered to
belong to the Bible (Canon of Scripture is the
rule or measurement of what belongs to the
Bible or in other words, it is the authoritative
listing of the biblical books).
1. Old Testament
Ariel Alvarez Valdes, in his book The Bible:
Questions People Ask explains that “the
compilation of official books that the Jewish
community recognized as inspired and
containing authentic doctrine we call “canon”, (a
word that means “norm” or “rule”) for it serves
as a rule of life for those who believe.”(vol. 1, p.
12) Lastly, a number of newly-founded religious
sects basing themselves on some particular
Christian tenets consider as their Bible what
they simply receive through any translation and
remain ignorant of these sources from the
original languages.
2. New Testament
The sources of the New Testament, on
the other hand, are very difficult to classify
since we have too many manuscripts at
hand. In any case, we can consider them
according to their type of manuscript. The
oldest form of manuscript is what we call as
papyri scroll. These are normally classified
into different families. Unfortunately, they do
not represent the whole of the New
Testament but simply contain varied New
Testament writings.
2. New Testament
The later forms are then contained into
what is called a “codex” which is the book
form of manuscripts. The first codices of the
New Testament were written in Greek capital
letters. For this reason they are called
majuscules or uncials. These contain not
only most of the New Testament writings but
also a great bulk of the Septuagint.
2. New Testament
It is from these uncials that we can say
that we have a complete Christian Bible, i.e.,
both the Old and New Testaments. There are
basically three codices which contain almost
the complete Bible. These are: the codex
Vaticanus, the codex Sinaiticus and the codex
Alexandrinus. They have been so–named
due to the particular places where they were
found. The only codex still in its proper place
is the codex Vaticanus, while both the codex
Sinaiticus (partially) and the codex
Alexandrinus are now in the London Museum.
2. New Testament
Other manuscripts which come later
are found written in small Greek letters for
which they have been called as minuscules.
Most experts on the text of the New
Testament also rely on other sources to
compare these manuscripts. Such sources
are the other ancient versions of the texts
such as: the Latin Vulgate and Itala, the
Syriac, Coptic, Armenian, Gothic etc.
2. New Testament
Other sources are texts in different
ancient lectionaries (books that contain the
readings for the mass) and different citations
from writings made by the Fathers of the
Church (the direct descendants of the
apostles as regards the faith). From all these,
we come out with editions of the Greek New
Testament which we use as the basis for good
translations.
2. New Testament
In knowing these manuscripts, we get
to know the concrete evidence from where
the Bible comes. From this concrete
evidence we can then properly base our
judgment and understanding of claims of the
Church as the mother and guardian of the
Word of God.
2. New Testament
The concrete evidences of manuscripts
presented above demonstrate that the Bible did
not just come from God directly. The word of
God came to us mainly through different
sources. The Jewish Bible came naturally from
the Jewish rabbis who have handed it down in
the Masoretic Text. The Christian Bible which
now includes the New Testament came naturally
from the Roman Catholic Church which has
preserved and handed down manuscripts like
the codex Vaticanus and from the Greek
Orthodox from whom codices like the Sinaiticus
and Alexandrinus were taken.
C. The Bible as Literature
Biblical authors used different literary
genres or forms in writing narratives.
Understanding the literary forms they used
makes us understand what the biblical
authors were trying to say in their own time
and ultimately to us today. Each literary style
expresses truths in its proper way.
KINDS OF LITERARY FORM:
 Allegory – a plausible narrative in which the
message or meaning is conveyed or
represented by symbols or by persons in the
story on the narrative itself. It teaches many
lessons through the symbols of the story.

Ex. Prodigal son ( Lk. 15: 11 - 31)

Exercise: Read the narrative. Pick out
symbols used and give their meanings and the
lessons.
KINDS OF LITERARY FORM:
 Epic
– lengthy story told in heroic and
exaggerated manner.

Ex. Samson and Delilah (Jgs. 16:4 ff)

 Theophany – a physical presentation of the

presence of God to man, a manifestation of God
to man in human form.

Ex. Burning Bush (Ex. 3:4FF)

KINDS OF LITERARY FORM:
 Myth – Myth, as a literary form used in the
Bible, is not a story about gods. Rather, it is “a
literary form which tries to explain the present
world through God’s act of Creation. Just as God
did once, so he is now doing! God created as
well as maintains.

Ex. Ps 73 [74], 12 ff and Gen. 1: 1- 2: 4

KINDS OF LITERARY FORM:
Gen 1:1-2:4 says that creation took place is
six days. Modern science disagrees, explaining
that the years of creation are almost incalculably
high. Who is right? The Bible or modern science?
The purpose of the Bible in general is to teach a
religious truth. Genesis 1:1-2:4 teaches that God
is the perfect workman by saying that God
worked for six days and rested on the seventh.
The Jews likened God to a workman who is loyal
to God’s commandment in the observance of the
Sabbath.
KINDS OF LITERARY FORM:
 Sagas – a prose narrative on a legendary
figure, a heroic tale.

Ex. Fall of Jericho (Joshua 2-6)

 Etiology– an explanation of the origin of a

name or place.

Ex. The change of the name “Jacob” to

“Israel” (Gen 32:22-32)
KINDS OF LITERARY FORM:
 Legend – imaginative story with a historical
base.

Ex. Gen 13:14-18)

 Parable – a narrative having two levels of

meaning whose purpose is to instruct or to
teach a lesson.

Ex. Parable of the Sower ( Mk. 4:10-20)

KINDS OF LITERARY FORM:
 Apocalyptic Literature – a literary form in
which the writer presents his message as
visions and revelations.

Ex. Book of Revelation (Rev. 12:3-4)

 Fable– a fictitious narrative where the

protagonists are usually animals or plants that
speak and act like human beings in order to
enforce a useful truth or a wisdom saying.

Ex. Judges 9:8-15 and 2 Kings 14:9

KINDS OF LITERARY FORM:
 Anthropomorphism – an interpretation of what is not human
or personal in terms of its characteristics. The representation
of a divine being as having human forms or attributes.

Ex. Sometimes the Bible speaks of God as having arms

and legs, face and so on. Gen 2: 8 ff

 Symbols – anything which suggests or stands for another

thing or another meaning in addition to what is itself

Ex. Numbers 3,7, 70 symbolize perfection

3 – The 3 Persons of the Trinity (Mt 28: 19)
7 – The 7 Spirits of God (Rev. 4:5)
40 – a generation
KINDS OF LITERARY FORM:
In Genesis 5:12 Kenan, the fourth patriarch,
at the age of 70 (number of perfection) begot a
son. He lived another 840 years which is
equivalent to 3 (the number of the Trinity) times
7 (a perfect number) times 40 (a number that
denotes a generation) [3x7x40=840]. (Valdes, p.
16-17)
KINDS OF LITERARY FORM:
 Midrash – “a reflection on Scripture in the light
of the actual situation of God’s people and of the
developments of God’s action on its history.”
(New World Dictionary-Concordance to the New
American Bible, St. Paul Publications, p 447) It
seeks to make Scripture truths understandable.

Ex. Deut 25: 4: “You shall not muzzle an ox

when it is treading out grain.”St. Paul in 1
Cor 9: 8 and 1 Tim 5: 18 explains the meaning
with his reflection on Deut 25: 4: any worker has
all the right to benefit from his services or “a
worker deserves his pay.”
THE WORLD OF
TESTAMENTS

WHAT IS A TESTAMENT?

It is a covenant or an agreement. The

Christian bible is divided into two parts: The Old
Testament and the New Testament.
 1. THE OLD TESTAMENT
– (also known as the Hebrew Bible)

The Old Testament as part of the Bible is a

collection of the inspired books of the first
covenant. It narrates about the prophets and the
preparation for the coming of the Promised
Messiah.

The Old Testament is considered the main source

of Jewish education. It contains stories about an
old agreement between God (Yahweh) and man
(the Hebrew or Israelite people) during the
 1. THE OLD TESTAMENT
Exodus (the deliverance of the Israelite
from Egypt). God, in accordance with His
promises or agreement with their forefathers,
was delivering them “so that they might
henceforth be His people and He their God.” The
stories likewise include the event of God’s
agreement with Abraham that he would be “the
father of every nations,” and of the struggles of
his descendants to form a nation of faithful
worshippers of the true God. (The New World
Dictionary. Concordance to the New American
Bible)
 1. THE NEW TESTAMENT
The New Testament is the testimony of
salvation brought about by the life, death
and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It
contains stories of the fulfillment of the
prophecies on the coming of the Messiah,
Jesus Christ and as promised in the Old
Testament. (ibid.)
JOURNEY TO THE OLD
TESTAMENT
Books of the Old
Testament
 PENTATEUCH (Torah)
The Pentateuch consists of the first five
books of the Bible. It contains the story of
creation and of the formation of the people of
God. It also gives a number of rules of
conduct for the people of God. For the Jewish
people, the law was at the heart of the Old
Testament. The five books are Genesis,
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
JOURNEY TO THE OLD
TESTAMENT
Books of the Old
Testament
 THE HISTORICAL BOOKS
After the people of God entered the
promised land, they started building their own
nation. The Historical Books tell us this story,
depicting all the difficulties and hardship they
have experienced, as well as their successes
and failures. The historical books are Joshua,
Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1
and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Tobit, Judith,
Esther, and 1 and 2 Maccabees.
JOURNEY TO THE OLD
TESTAMENT
Books of the Old
Testament
 THE PROPHETICAL BOOKS

The prophets appear when the nation of Israel

becomes very weak and falls in the hands of foreign
nations. The prophets reprimand the people because of
their sins and unfaithfulness to God. They warn the
people that God will punish them if they do not change.

But we also meet many prophets who console people in

their sufferings. They assure the people of God’s
unchanging goodness and remind the people of God’s
promises to send a Savior. The prophets are Isaiah,
Jeremiah, unknown authors of Lamentations, Baruch,
Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah,
Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zeplaniah, Haggai, Zechariah,
JOURNEY TO THE OLD
TESTAMENT
Books of the Old
Testament
 THE POETRY AND WISDOM BOOKS

These books abound with the simple sayings that are

full of wisdom. Though they were written many centuries
ago, they still are words to live by, even for people of
today.

The wisdom books also contain beautiful prayers,

called Psalms. These are praises of the greatness of God.
They express man’s gratitude and love for God. They also
speak of man’s fear and anxieties and of his need to put
trust in God’s power. The poetry and wisdom books are
Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs,
JOURNEY TO THE OLD
TESTAMENT
JOURNEY TO THE OLD
TESTAMENT
JOURNEY TO THE NEW
TESTAMENT
JOURNEY TO THE NEW
TESTAMENT
THE GOSPELS
THE GOSPELS
A. Definition of
“Gospel”
It comes from the Greek word “Evangelion”
which means “good news”. From this Greek word we
derive the words “evangelist” which means one who
proclaims the good news and “evangelism” which
means “the act of proclaiming the good news.”

The good news is that God has fulfilled in

Jesus Christ His promises to Israel and that a way of
salvation has been opened to all. That the words
“gospel” or “good news” are found 75 times in the
NT indicates that it has a distinctly christian
connotation.
THE GOSPELS
A. Definition of
“Gospel”
The Gospels are a proclamation of the faith of the
apostles. They consist of a carefully selected and
orchestrated set of materials designed to bring out the point:
THAT JESUS IS THE LORD. Therefore, stories, events, sayings,
and other materials were presented to help proclaim the
apostles’ belief that Jesus is the promised messiah, the Son
of God, the Savior of the world.

Since the Gospel narratives are illustrations of the

apostolic preaching, we cannot regard their contents as
simple stories about Jesus. They must be closely related to
the Biblical Theology of the 2 nd Century A.D. There are four
gospel narratives but only one gospel. The four gospel
narratives give us a four dimensional interpretation of Jesus
and his mission.
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
1. The Gospel according to Matthew

Ancient tradition taught that apostle

Matthew wrote the gospel named after him. It
was written between the years 70 and 90. It
was written in Syria and Antioch, and intended
for the Christians who had come from Judaism.
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
Major themes and theology of Matthew
 Law – Matthew a Jewish Christian cannot
simply dismiss the Mosaic Law since it was
considered as the expression of God’s will.
 Love – love for enemies and old prayers for
persecutors (Mt. 5:43 – 48) Love for all – you
shall love your neighbor as yourself.
 Entrance into the kingdom depends on what
we have done for the indigent, the least of
Jesus brethren. (Mt. 25:31-46)
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
Jesus according to Matthew
1. The Lord as living with a community
2. The messiah (16:16)
3. The son of man (9:6;16:13 etc.)
4. His titles – Emmanuel, Lord, Son of David, Rabbi, Son
of man.

“Jesus of Nazareth is the promised and awaited

Messiah; to adhere to Him means to obtain the promise
made (salvation)…, to reject Him means to reject
salvation. The Gentiles who accepted His message
took the place of the Jews.”
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
“The character of the mission of Jesus is
proven by His miracles and especially by His
resurrection… The ancient prophecies concerning
the Person of the Messiah are all concentrated in
the Person of Jesus Christ. He is really the
promised Messiah. Matthew cites the Old
Testament seventy times to prove this … Matthew
often shows the Savior performing a certain
action and then stresses that this was done “in
order that the word of the prophet may be
accomplished.” (Ut unum Sint Scripture
Correspondense Course, NT/24 & 25).
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
2. The Gospel according to Mark
Generally associated by the early Church with a man
called John Mark. Mark’s mother was named Mary, a
leading Christian in Jerusalem. His cousin was Barsabas,
the companion of St. Paul in his first missionary journey.
Most scholars date Mark’s gospel after the Roman Emperor
Nero persecuted the Christians in 64 A.D… Today leading
scholars hold the date in early 70’s. Bible scholars consider
Marks version as the first one to be written among the four
versions. It was written either in Rome and Syria. It is
directed towards a community which included both Jews
and Gentiles, converted to the belief in Jesus as Son of
God. Thus, the opening line of Mark’s Gospel.” The
beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
(2:1)
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
Major Themes and Theology of Mark
A) The miracles of Jesus as the focus of His
public ministry

Examples:
1) the cure of the demoniac (Mk. 1:23-26)
2) the healing of the deaf-mute (Mk. 7:31-35)
3) the healing of the blind man at Bethsaida
(Mk. 8:22-26)
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
Major Themes and Theology of Mark
B) The Messiahnic Secret – According to Mark,
Jesus of Nazareth, imposed during his historical
existence and requested “SILENCE” about His
being a MESSIAH (the Savior sent by God)
because “He wished to protect and preserve the
special nature of the messiahnic interpretation
of His message and not subject it to the
misunderstandings of His contemporaries,”
(Rino Fisichella, Dictionary of Fundamental
Theology, p. 667 ff.).
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
Major Themes and Theology of Mark
B)…While Jesus Himself was aware of His role
as the Messiah who would “bring salvation by
rewarding the righteous and punishing sinners,”
and that “mercy and forgiveness become the
distinctive signs of his messiahship,” many of
his contemporaries were expecting a “political”
messiah who would impose punishment and
violence upon their enemies.
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
Major Themes and Theology of Mark
B)…Thus, Mark imposed silence upon those
who already knew him as the Messiah so as to
prepare gradually the minds of all others to
accept him as the True Messiah. This
messiahship would finally be affirmed by the
event of his resurrection from the dead.
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
Major Themes and Theology of Mark
Examples:
1) Mk. 1:22-25; 5:3-5 – Jesus imposes silence on
the demons who recognized him.

2) Mk. 1:40-45; 5:21-43; 7:31-37; 8:22-26 – Jesus

warns the sick he cured to remain silent about
the miracle.

3) Mk. 8:30 – Jesus imposes silence on Peter when,

speaking for all, he confesses Jesus’
Messiahship. (The New World Dictionary
Concordance to the New American Bible)
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
3. The Gospel according to St. Luke
This book is not complete in itself. It may be
considered as the FIRST VOLUME of the two-
volume history of early Christianity. The Acts of
the Apostles is considered the SECOND VOLUME.
It has a “Universal character.” It was written by
Luke, a co-worker with Paul and was himself a
physician. Most commentators suggest that it was
written between 70 and 85 A.D. either in southern
Greece or even in Rome. This was addressed to a
new generation of Christians – the 3 rd generation.
Their communities had grown up in a Gentile
territory.
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
Theology of Luke

A work of Pastoral Theology, Narrative

Theology and finally Historical Theology
(Salvation History).

 It is prophetic in approach.

 Itemphasizes on the need to care for the

poor. Lk. 14:12 – 15
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
Jesus according to Luke
(Ref.: The New American Bible, CBA, 1969)

1. Jesus is the Lord and master, “who is caring

and tender toward the poor and lowly, the
outcast, the sinner, and the afflicted, toward
all those who recognize their dependence on
God (4, 18; 6, 20-23; 7, 36-50; 14, 12-14; 15,
1-32; 16, 19-31; 18, 9-14; 19, 1-10; 21, 1-14).
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
2. He is severe toward the proud and self-righteous, and
particularly toward those who place their material
wealth before the service of God and his people (1, 50-
53; 6, 24-26; 12, 13-21; 16, 13-15, 19-31; 18, 9-14.5-25).

3. He is merciful and compassionate (7, 41-43; 10, 29-37;

13, 6-9; 15, 11-32).

4. The Holy Spirit has a role in the life of Jesus and that of
the Christian disciple (1, 35.41; 2, 25-27; 4, 1.14.18; 10,
21; 11, 13; 24, 49).

5. 5. Jesus has concern for women (7, 11-17.36-50; 8, 2-

3; 10, 38-42).
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
4. The Gospel according to John
It is considered as the “Spiritual Gospel.”
Like the other three gospel narratives (called the
synoptic gospels because at a glance their
similarities are immediately visible), the gospel
of John narrates also about the life of Jesus.
However, it differs from the other three in
character. It is highly literary and symbolic
(The New American Bible, CBA, 1969).
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
Irenaeus, a church father, attributes its
authorship to John, the disciple of Jesus. The
gospel was written in Ephesus in Asia Minor (the
modern Turkey).

John wrote his version of the gospel for

early Christian converts from paganism. His
instruction was to prove Christ’s divinity, that
Jesus is the Messiah, and the Son of God.
THE GOSPELS
B. The 4 Gospel
Narratives
(“Spiritual Gospel” – it is called so,
because “he who had the privilege to lean on
our Lord’s bosom soared high” “to the
contemplation of the divine mysteries that are
very profound – the center of which is Christ, the
Word of God.” John is fittingly symbolized by
the mighty eagle, a bird that soars high. (Ut
unum Sint N.T. 2/31-33.)
The Contents of John’s
Gospel
1. Prologue – it contains a brief “resumé” of the
doctrine on the mystery of the Word Incarnate,
his eternal relation with the Father, with the
creation of the universe and his unique mission
in the world (1:1-18).

2. Part I – the first part takes into consideration the

Public Life of Jesus, during which period Jesus
manifested his divine glory and proclaimed
himself as the Light of the world. We see also
the obstinate refusal of the Chosen People to
receive and acknowledge his divinity (7:19-
17:18).
The Contents of John’s Gospel

3. 3) Part II – the second part treats of the

passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. After
he had suffered to redeem man, the word
Incarnate was glorified by the Father. He rose
from the tomb (18:1-21:23).

4. 4. Epilogue – St. John informs us that there

are many things Jesus did and said which are
not recorded by him (21:24-26).
THEOLOGY OF THE ACTS OF
THE APOSTLES
A. Preliminary Remarks

It is said that the “spirit” behind the

books of ACTS is the Holy Spirit. This book is
often called also the “Gospel of the Holy
Spirit” or “Acts of the Holy Spirit”. The
Holy Spirit through the apostles gave witness
to the name of God and his glorified son and
continued the work of salvation, this time,
offered not only to Israel, but especially to the
Gentile world. It is the Holy Spirit who is the
main actor in this book.
THEOLOGY OF THE ACTS OF
THE APOSTLES
B. The Holy Spirit and the Missionary
Activity of the Apostles and the first
Christian Community (Ref.: Ut unum Sint
N.T. 4/7-4/8)

“The union in the Christian

community was the fruit of a new and
powerful presence in the Church: the
presence of the Spirit of Christ, the Holy
Spirit. Rightly has the Acts been called
“the gospel of the Holy Spirit.”
THEOLOGY OF THE ACTS OF
THE APOSTLES
B. …The marvelous deeds wrought by the
Apostles were in truth acts of the Holy Spirit.
The Church was born at the descent of the
Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Just as the baptism
of Jesus in Jordan inaugurated the public
ministry of Jesus, so the pouring out of the
Holy Spirit – “the baptism of the Holy Spirit”
(1:5) – inaugurated the second phase of
humanity’s history, a humanity now made one
in the blood of Christ. The Holy Spirit vivified
and warmed the fearful hearts of the Apostles,
and gave to the infant Church of Jerusalem the
knowledge of her universal and eternal
dimension.
THEOLOGY OF THE ACTS OF
THE APOSTLES
B. …“The Holy Spirit’s action is seen not
only in the marvelous signs and wonders
produced by him but in the growth of the
Church and its expansion over all the
nations, and the establishment of the
Church’s visible structure.”
THEOLOGY OF THE ACTS OF
THE APOSTLES
C. The Holy Spirit and the Church

The ascension of Jesus into heaven

could be the most painful part of the
disciples’ experience, for this time Jesus is
“leaving them for good”. But, Christ,
delivered from death, is now a life-giving
spirit, and from him a new humanity, a
new creation arises.
THEOLOGY OF THE ACTS OF
THE APOSTLES
C. …It is now the Spirit of the Lord who is
working. Great wonders and signs were
done through the power of this same Holy
Spirit: that conversion is possible, that sins
are forgiven, and that the hour has come
when God pours out his spirit in the
church. This spirit is the spirit of Jesus: The
Spirit causes the works of Jesus to be
repeated, his word to be proclaimed, his
prayer to be re-integrated, and his
thanksgiving to be perpetuated in the
breaking of the bread.
 Five Factors that
Influenced Paul’s Theology
1. Pharisaic, Jewish Background

Paul’s parents were Jews of the tribe of

Benjamin. They settled at Tarsus but remained faithful
to the strict observance of the Jewish religion and
customs. After conversion, he was given the Latin
name “Paulus” (in English “Paul”), that indicated that
he was a Roman citizen by birth (22:27 ff.). Roman
citizenship was then sometimes a privilege given only
to those who have rendered services and shown good
will to the Roman government. Sometimes, the
privilege was purchased with a lucrative price (Acts
22:28).
 Five Factors that
Influenced Paul’s Theology
1. Pharisaic, Jewish Background

…Paul, at the age of 18, left Tarsus and went to

Jerusalem (in the school established by Hillel &
Shammai) to study the Mosaic Law under the Rabbi
Gamaliel to learn the doctrines of the Pharisees (22:3;
23:6; Phil. 3:6). He thus became a passionate
defender of the Jewish traditions. Paul also learned
the trade of tent-maker (Acts 18:3), which provided
his livelihood. He was present at the stoning of
Stephen and took part in the persecution of the
Church in Palestine (Acts 7:58-60) and Damascus
(Acts 9:12).
 Five Factors that
Influenced Paul’s Theology
1. Pharisaic, Jewish Background

…Because of His strong Jewish, Pharisaic

background, he thought of himself in Old
Testament categories and images. He quoted the
OT to stress the unity of God’s actions that
prepared Christ as a means through which God
speaks to humanity. He used the Jewish methods
of argumentation with advantage in presenting
Christian Message. Examples: Gen. 12:7 in Gal.
3:16.
 Five Factors that
Influenced Paul’s Theology
2. Hellenistic Background (Greek
civilization)

Paul was born in Tarsus (the capital of

Cilicia, now Turkey). Tarsus then was an
important cultural center where Hellenistic and
oriental civilizations converged. Thus, Paul grew
up in the midst of the Greek language and
culture. His writings and style, and expressions
reveal the influence of Greek culture in him.
Examples:
 Five Factors that
Influenced Paul’s Theology
2. Hellenistic Background (Greek
civilization)

Political terminology – Philippians 1:17-3:30

Commercial term - Philemon 18
Legal term – Gal 3:15 – 4:1
Celebrations in honor of visiting emperor
– 1 Thes:19
 Five Factors that
Influenced Paul’s Theology
3. Revelation of the Crucified Lord of Glory

Paul’s theology was influenced most of all by

his experience near Damascus and by his faith in the
risen Christ as the Son of God that developed from
that experience (Acts 9, Gal 1:16). The revelation of
the Crucified “Lord of Glory” not only turned Paul the
Pharisee into an apostle but also made him the first
Christian theologian. It also put him on an equal
footing with the ten (10) Apostles and the others
who have seen the Lord.
 Five Factors that
Influenced Paul’s Theology
3. Revelation of the Crucified Lord of
Glory

The Revelation impressed upon Paul. . .

a) The unity of divine action for the salvation of
all humanity, which is manifested in both the
old and the new testaments.

b) The stereological value of the death and

resurrection of Jesus the Messiah in God’s
salvific plan.
 Five Factors that
Influenced Paul’s Theology
3. Revelation of the Crucified Lord of Glory

The Revelation impressed upon Paul. . .

c) The new perspective of salvation history, i.e. the
cross as the stumbling block to Jews, now
became in his eyes the “power and wisdom of
God”.

d) The death and resurrection of Jesus as the

inauguration of the age and another in which he
still looked forward to his coming in Glory
(Parousia).
 Five Factors that
Influenced Paul’s Theology
4. Early tradition

He inherited from the pioneer tradition of

the church at least some ideas about Christ. His
letters clearly indicate his dependence on the
apostolic tradition of the early Church liturgy,
hymns, and prayers. Examples: 1 Thes 1:10, Gal.
1:3 – 4; 1Cor. 11:23 – 25.
 Five Factors that
Influenced Paul’s Theology
5. Paul’s Apostolic Experience

The factor that helped in the development of

Paul’s theology was his experience as an apostle and
missionary, proclaiming the gospel and founding
churches throughout Asia Minor and Europe. The real
meaning of the universal scope of Christian salvation
dawned on Paul as he worked continually with Jews
who failed to accept his message and with Gentiles
who did heed him. The problems that Paul himself
encountered in founding and governing individual
churches were almost certainly responsible for his
gradual awareness of what the “church” meant in a
transcendent, universal sense.
 St. Paul’s Theology
St. Paul’s Theology is Christocentric, that is, Christ
is the centerpoint of his theology. Thus, he teaches
the following:

1. God acts now through Christ.

2. Christians are baptized into Christ.

3. Christians identify with the redemptive acts of

Christ.

4. Christians draw on the abiding presence and

power in the Lord since they are in Christ.
 St. Paul’s Theology
5. Because of their union with Christ, Christians witness to
a new life in the Spirit and become a new creation.

6. Justification by faith becomes justification by faith in

Christ.

7. The Cross and resurrection transform sin and death so

that glory is ours in Christ.

8. the Church, because Christ and Christians share the

same Spirit, is a community that is the body of Christ (1
Cor. 12:12-30).

9. A new era has begun in Christ and that God forms a new
people of God, fulfilling all promises in and through
Christ.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

A. The Pentateuch
The Pentateuch (from a Greek word
pentateuchos meaning “five scrolls”) presents
the core of revealed truths about the origin of
the universe and the human race, along with
the early history, law, and religious constitution
of the Hebrew people. For this reason, it is also
called the Torah (Hebrew “law”) and thus forms
the backbone of Jewish law and religious life.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

A. The Pentateuch
The Pentateuch includes the Books of Genesis,
Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy;
its authorship in terms of origin and inspiration
has been traditionally attributed to Moses
(Buckley, Thomas, The Modern Catholic
Encyclopedia). However, in terms of thrust and
development its authorship is attributed to
other writers.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

A. The Pentateuch
Genesis deals with the origin (this is the Greek
meaning of the title) of the universe and the first
human beings. It describes their original condition of
our first parents in the garden of paradise, the sin that
results to their expulsion, and the promise of liberation
that God makes to them (the Protoevangelium of
Genesis 3:15). It also narrates the call of Abraham and
God’s covenant with him, along with the story of the
other Patriarchs, including Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
The book concludes with the entrance of the Hebrew
people into Egypt because of the famine in Palestine
and the death of Joseph.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

A. The Pentateuch
Exodus (meaning “going out”) recounts God’s
revelation from the burning bush of His sacred name
(YHWH) to Moses (see Exodus 3:14), His miraculous
liberation of the people from Egypt through Moses and
Aaron, and the celebration of the first Passover, which
would have a great influence on the people of Israel
throughout the centuries. It also narrates the Israelites’
sojourn in the Sinai desert, including their reception of
the Ten Commandments from God and other basic
legislation concerning the people’s behavior code and
worship.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

A. The Pentateuch
Leviticus (from Levi, ancestor of the priestly
tribe) contains a series of regulations that
would govern the people’s worship and set
them apart as consecrated to God. The
holocaust, peace offerings, and various laws
of purification are among the many elements
that assure their continued holiness and
fidelity.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

A. The Pentateuch
Numbers begins with a census
(“numbering”) of the people which God
commands Moses to do. It goes on to recount
their history in the wilderness for thirty-nine
years, as a punishment for their rebellion and
lack of faith, and ends with their approach to
the Promised Land on the plains of Moab.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

A. The Pentateuch
Deuteronomy (from the Greek word meaning
“second law”) contains the final three discourses of
Moses to the people. They are a repetition of the
Sinaitic covenant for the benefit of the new
generation whose parents had died in the desert,
and they particularly stress the fidelity that Yahweh
has had for them, the great commandment of loving
God above all things (see Deuteronomy 6:4-5), and
a final exhortation to obedience. The book ends with
the death of Moses on the plains of Moab.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

B. The Historical Books

Joshua describes the conquest of Palestine
under the leadership of Joshua, who was
appointed by Moses to govern the people after
his death. Among the battles the book recounts
are the conquests of Jericho and Ai. After these
victories Joshua divides the land among the
tribes of Israel. The book ends with his
exhortation to the people to be faithful to God’s
covenant with them.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

B. The Historical Books

Judges recounts the actions of certain leaders
whom God raises up to liberate the people from
the oppression of their Canaanite neighbors. The
attacks of these enemies are in retribution for the
people’s lack of obedience to the covenant and
for their worship of false gods. When the people
repent, God sends them a liberator or judge.
Among the most famous judges are Gideon,
Deborah, Jephthah, Samson, and Samuel.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

B. The Historical Books

Ruth tells the story of the great-grandmother
of King David, who leaves her home in Moab to
become a Hebrew convert. This brief and
moving narrative highlights the virtues of
honesty and fidelity, along with the value of
family love.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

B. The Historical Books

1 and 2 Samuel narrate the events leading to the
establishment of the monarchy in Israel. Samuel,
the last of the judges, anoints Saul as the first king;
he later anoints David after Saul disobeys God. The
Book of 2 Samuel deals more particularly with the
reign of David, his accomplishments as well as his
sins. It also contains one of the most famous
messianic prophecies, which speaks of a son of
David who will inherit an everlasting kingdom (see
2 Samuel 7:12-16).
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

B. The Historical Books

1 and 2 Kings cover the history of King
Solomon’s reign, with both his accomplishments
and his infidelities, and the division of his kingdom
after his death. They continue with the history of
the kings of the south (Judah) and the kings of the
north (Israel), presenting each one according to his
fidelity or disobedience to the covenant. The books
narrate the destruction of Israel and deportation of
the people to Assyria in 722 B.C., and they end
with the destruction of Jerusalem and deportation
of the people to Babylon in 587 B.C.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

B. The Historical Books

1 and 2 Chronicles summarize the history of
salvation from the beginning of mankind until the
exile of the people to Babylon. Written to
encourage and instruct those who have just
returned from Babylon, they particularly
emphasize the kingship of David and the
messianic promise given to him, the importance
of worship in the Temple, the distribution of lands
by Joshua to the tribes, and the judgment of the
kings of Judah according to their fidelity or
disobedience to the covenant.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

B. The Historical Books

Ezra and Nehemiah recount the works of Ezra,
a scribe learned in the law, and Nehemiah,
governor of Jerusalem, both of whom are sent by
the Persian King Artaxerxes to assist the people
toward the middle of the fifth century B.C. Both
men contribute to the reestablishment of worship
and civic life in Jerusalem. They insist upon the
strict fulfillment of the Mosaic covenant in the
daily lives of those who have returned from exile
in Babylon.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

B. The Historical Books

Tobit is the story of a family living in Nineveh,
the capital city of Assyria, and how the
Archangel Raphael assists them in their
personal difficulties. The book highlights the
virtues of faith, hope, and marital chastity. The
Semitic original of this book has been lost, and
most of our current text comes from the
Septuagint version.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

B. The Historical Books

Judith is the story of a Jewish widow who
liberates her people from an Assyrian siege on
her town by killing the general of the Assyrian
army. Many in the Church consider her to be a
type of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who
conquered Satan, the enemy of mankind. The
Semitic original of this book has been lost, but
the text has been reconstructed from Latin
and Greek sources.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

B. The Historical Books

Esther narrates the story of a lovely Jewish
woman who becomes the wife of the Persian
king. Esther saves the Jewish people from
destruction by revealing a plot against the
king. This event is commemorated by the feast
of Purim, mentioned in the book as the day
that had been set for the Jews’ destruction.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

B. The Historical Books

1 and 2 Maccabees narrate the persecution of
the people by Antiochus IV, a ruler who wants to
impose the Greek religion and customs on Palestine,
and the subsequent struggles of the people against
him. It describes the faith and military exploits of
the Maccabees - namely, Matathias and his sons
Judas, Jonathan, and Simon. The second book has
great doctrinal importance, since it contains such
teachings as the creation of all things from nothing
(“creatio ex nihilo”), the value of prayer for the
dead, and the resurrection of the just.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

C. The Wisdom Books

As a literary form, wisdom writing goes
back to the earliest times of the Hebrew people.
It consists of reflections on God’s love for man
and His intervention in the events of history to
enlighten and guide man to happiness. King
Solomon was known for his knowledge and
wisdom, at least in the first part of his reign,
and it appears that many later wisdom writings
were drawn from his ideas and sayings.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

C. The Wisdom Books

Job addresses the universal problem of
the suffering of the just man: If God is good,
why must the just man suffer? The book, in the
form of a turbulent dialogue between Job and
three of his friends, and finally with God
Himself, gives no complete solution to the
question. Job submits to God’s inscrutable
justice and mercy, and his health and fortune
are restored.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

C. The Wisdom Books

The Psalms are a collection of 150 hymns used both for
individual prayer and for the celebrations and feasts of the
people at various times in their history. They were
composed by various writers, including King David. With
great depth of thought and expression of feeling, they
have many different themes, including praise,
thanksgiving, lamentation, instruction, and prophecy. Some
of the psalms are considered messianic because they refer
to the king of Israel and to the Anointed One to come -
such as Psalms 2, 16, 22, 72, and 110. The “hallel” psalms
(111-18) were traditionally used at the Passover meal and
were surely sung by Christ and His disciples at the Last
Supper. Christ quotes from Psalm 22 while dying on the
Cross: “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?”
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

C. The Wisdom Books

Proverbs is a series of popular sayings
and maxims collected over several centuries,
and which give advice on such virtues as order,
prudence, honesty, and temperance. In some
chapters wisdom is presented as dwelling with
God; this will have a resonance in New
Testament writings, especially the first chapter
of John’s Gospel.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

C. The Wisdom Books

Ecclesiastes (Qoheleth) gives a number
of reflections on the vanity of earthly things, such
as knowledge, pleasure, riches, and human
strivings. Like the Book of Job, it gives no answer
to the question of man’s frustration on earth and
the seeming meaninglessness of life. But in not
providing an answer, it opens the soul to a greater
revelation.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

C. The Wisdom Books

The Song of Songs is the story of a simple
country shepherdess who resists the approaches of a
great king (perhaps referring to Solomon) in order to
remain faithful to her young husband, a shepherd
himself who is away on a journey. This beautiful book
has been interpreted on many levels: the greatness of
marriage and the love of spouses for each other; the
steadfast love of Yahweh for His people and the
corresponding love of a faithful remnant of the people
who remained true to Him; and, in the New Testament,
the love of Jesus Christ for His Bride, the Church, and
her love for Him.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

C. The Wisdom Books

Wisdom of Solomon is probably the last
book of the Wisdom literature to be written. It
stresses the need for an upright heart and the role
of wisdom in the history of the chosen people and
in the lives of the just men who know God. In a
magnificent text (3:1-8), it affirms the immortality
of the soul and the ultimate reward to be given to
the just man. This book, written on the threshold
of the Christian era, provides many quotes and
ideas to New Testament writers, especially to
Saint John and Saint Paul.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

C. The Wisdom Books

Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) was originally written in
Hebrew by Ben Sirach in Palestine, but later his
grandson translated it into Greek for the Jews dwelling
in Egypt. It contains many traditional teachings related
to the law and highlights the importance of a good,
moral life, particularly in the areas of work and family.
Wisdom is also presented as a person, reaching its
highest form of expression in chapter 24, with images
that many would later apply to Christ and His mother.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

The prophets transmitted God’s Word to the

people. This Word could be in the form of a
judgment, a threat of retribution, or a hopeful
promise of liberation. They often preached
that a faithful remnant would be saved from
all the punishments and purifications that the
people endured.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

1. The Major Prophets

Isaiah, written by a priest of that name in the eighth century
B.C., contains two major sets of prophecies: the book of
judgments (1-39), consisting of oracles about Judah and
Jerusalem, along with apocalyptic passages; and the book of
consolation (40-66), consisting of oracles about the people’s
liberation from exile in Babylon and the rebuilding of
Jerusalem, along with its glorious future. It is the most quoted
Old Testament book in the New Testament and, among other
things, contains the famous prophecy of the virgin birth (7:14),
the gifts of the Messiah (11:2-3), the poem of the suffering
servant who expiates for his people (52:13-53:12), the
description of the New Jerusalem (62), and the coming
messianic age in which all the nations will share (66).
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

1. The Major Prophets

Jeremiah, born a century after Isaiah, preaches in Judah
for forty years and remains faithful to his vocation until
after the fall of Jerusalem in 587 B.C. Despite intense
personal suffering and rejection by the people, he
opposes alliances with foreign powers and preaches an
absolute faith in Yahweh and His covenant. He stresses
frequently the importance of true interior worship, as
distinct from a merely external one (7:21; 17:27). He
predicts a New Covenant that will be written in the heart
(31:31-34). Many consider him to be a type of Christ and
His sufferings.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

1. The Major Prophets

Lamentations is a series of five poems
lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem and its
Temple (587 B.C.). These poems stress the
reality and justice of God’s punishment of the
people for their abandonment of Him. The
author is uncertain, though the influence of
Jeremiah’s preaching is clear.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

1. The Major Prophets

Baruch, a disciple of Jeremiah, writes the
reflections and prayers contained in this book.
It stresses the importance of repentance in
order to receive God’s forgiveness, and the
foolishness of idol worship. The book ends by
announcing the end of the exile and the return
to Jerusalem.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

1. The Major Prophets

Ezekiel contains the oracles of the chief prophet
among the exiles in Babylon. These oracles combine
the messages of repentance for past sins and hope
in God’s mercy. In the first part of the book, written
before the exile, he predicts the destruction of
Jerusalem and the punishment of the people. In the
second part, he consoles and encourages the
people with various apocalyptic visions and oracles
such as the field of dry bones (37:1-14), the New
Covenant (34:25), and the new temple (40).
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

1. The Major Prophets

Daniel discusses the history and prophecy of Daniel, who
is transported as a child to Babylon. He achieves great
prestige at the Babylonian court by his wisdom and the
ability to interpret dreams. The first part of the book
contains his interpretation of the king’s dreams, which
predict the four successive kingdoms that will precede the
messianic age. The second part contains four apocalyptic
visions that refer to the persecution of the people and the
coming of the Messiah. The famous stories of Daniel in the
lion’s den, the chaste Susannah, and Bel and the dragon
are also found in this book.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

2. The Twelve Minor Prophets

Hosea, is a prophet of the northern kingdom.
He describes the people’s betrayal of the
covenant in terms of adultery, prostitution, and
fornication. Yahweh is the offended spouse who
must punish His unfaithful bride - Israel - so
that she may return to Him.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

2. The Twelve Minor Prophets

Joel, after the return of the exiles from Babylon
(537 B.C.), describes the day of Yahweh as a
plague of locusts, along with a cosmic disaster at
the end of time. The book is apocalyptic in
content and style. It also predicts the outpouring
of the Spirit upon God’s people in the messianic
era (2:28-32, RSVCE). This text is quoted by Saint
Peter in his preaching to the crowds at Pentecost
(see Acts 2:16-21).
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

2. The Twelve Minor Prophets

Amos, before the fall of the kingdom of Israel
(722 B.C.), earliest of the prophets, is called
from shepherding his flocks near Bethlehem in
order to denounce the sins of the people of the
northern kingdom, particularly for worshipping
at the schismatic shrine of Bethel. He offers
hope to those who repent.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

2. The Twelve Minor Prophets

Obadiah the shortest book of the minor
prophets (only twenty-one verses), tells of the
chastisement of the Edomites, who have earlier
participated in the sack of Jerusalem. Obadiah
also refers to the victory of Israel and the
coming of the messianic age.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

2. The Twelve Minor Prophets

Jonah speaks of the attempted flight of the
prophet from his mission of preaching
repentance and conversion to the Assyrians in
Nineveh. In the end, after spending three days
in the belly of a whale, Jonah fulfills his mission.
Jesus uses the story of Jonah to refer to the
three days that He would spend in the tomb
(see Matthew 12:39-40).
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

2. The Twelve Minor Prophets

Micah predicts the judgment of God upon the
people, warning that the day of Yahweh is near.
At the same time, he predicts that a remnant of
the people will be purified, and that the eternal
Ruler will be born in Bethlehem (5:2).
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

2. The Twelve Minor Prophets

Nahum predicts the fall of the people’s
greatest enemy, Assyria, in just punishment for
its sins. Its capital, Nineveh, fell in 612 B.C.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

2. The Twelve Minor Prophets

Habakkuk poses the question of God’s justice
as the Babylonians threaten to destroy
Jerusalem. He ends with a prayer of hope and
abandonment to God’s mercy.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

2. The Twelve Minor Prophets

Zephaniah, from the fall of the kingdom of
Israel to the fall of Judah (587 B.C.), prophesies
in the time of Josiah, king of Judah. He predicts
the coming of the day of Yahweh, urges both
Judah and the pagan nations to repent, and
refers to the salvation of a remnant of the
people who are faithful.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

2. The Twelve Minor Prophets

Haggai is the first of the post-exilic prophets.
His main purpose is to encourage the returning
people in renewing their fidelity to God and in
the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
I. Old Testament

D. The Prophetical Books

2. The Twelve Minor Prophets

Zechariah, through a series of visions, also
encourages the rebuilding of the Temple, but he
adds many prophecies pertaining to the
messianic era, including verses about the king
entering Jerusalem on a donkey (9:9-10), and
the piercing of the Savior (12:10).
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

A. The Gospels

The Gospels (“Good News”) are faithful accounts of the

words and deeds of Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Israel and Savior
of the world. The apostolic origin and historical content of these
books have always been maintained by the Catholic Church.

Each evangelist presented the story of Jesus’ life according to

the needs of his readers, whether they were of Jewish or Gentile
background. The Gospel narratives of Matthew, Mark, and Luke
are called “synoptic” (from a Greek word meaning “displaying
similarities in one view”) because of their many similarities in
content and style, even though there are certain differences
among them because of their audience and purpose.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

A. The Gospels

The Gospel according to Saint Matthew was

written first in Aramaic, though that text has been
lost. The Greek translation was written before the
destruction of Jerusalem (70 A.D.) and traditionally
has been considered to be the same as the original.
It was written for an audience of Jewish Christians. Its
main themes are that Jesus is truly the Messiah
announced by the prophets; that His kingdom will
last until the end of time; and that He established a
visible Church, with Peter and his successors at the
head (16:18-19).
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

A. The Gospels

The Gospel according to Saint Mark has

traditionally been considered to represent the
catechesis of Saint Peter in Rome. For this
reason, his Gospel highlights the miracles of
Christ in order to help Roman Christians and
proselytes to appreciate Jesus’ divinity - that He
is truly the Son of God and Lord of all creation.
It is the briefest of the Gospels.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

A. The Gospels

The Gospel according to Saint Luke emphasizes

many aspects of Christ’s life that would be helpful for
sustaining the faith of the first Gentile Christians of
the Hellenistic world. Saint Luke’s main themes are
the salvation that Jesus Christ brings for all men, His
birth and childhood, the importance of prayer and joy,
and the role of Mary, His mother, and the other holy
women. His prologue reveals his careful research and
contacts with eyewitnesses of Christ’s life, in order to
present an orderly account of His words and actions.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

A. The Gospels

The Gospel according to Saint John was written by the

disciple “whom Jesus loved” (13:23) and was most likely
destined for Christians living in Asia Minor at the end of the
first century. It clearly asserts that Christ was both human
and divine. Characteristics of John’s Gospel are the
prologue, which speaks of the Eternal Word (Logos); the use
of strong, symbolic images like light and darkness, life and
death, etc.; great emphasis on Jesus’ love for His disciples
at the Last Supper along with His words to them; and
finally, the appearances and powerful message of the risen
Christ. It records miracles and discourses of Christ not
contained in the other three Gospel accounts.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

B. The Acts of the Apostles

The Acts of the Apostles forms a literary and

narrative unity with the third Gospel, and was most likely
written by Saint Luke as well. It covers the expansion of
the Church from Jerusalem to the various parts of the
Roman Empire. Sometimes called “the Gospel of the
Holy Spirit,” the book describes the great event of
Pentecost, the life of the early Christians, the martyrdom
of Saint Stephen, the apostolate of Saint Peter, the
Council of Jerusalem, and the missionary journeys of
Saint Paul ending with his first imprisonment in Rome. It
was probably written between the years 62 and 64.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

C. The Letters of Saint Paul

These letters were written to instruct,

encourage, and correct the errors of the first
Christian communities located in parts of Asia
and in Europe. Many of these communities
were founded by Saint Paul himself. The letters
were composed between the years 50 and 67
(the year of Saint Paul’s death) and are closely
linked to his missionary journeys and his
captivity in Rome.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

C. The Letters of Saint Paul

1. Pre-Captivity Letters
1 and 2 Thessalonians were written to clarify
certain misconceptions about the second
coming of Christ (Greek: Parousia) and to
encourage the people to continue working and
to carry on normal lives even in the midst of
hardship. He also defends himself against some
of his detractors who deny the supernatural
character of his mission.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

C. The Letters of Saint Paul

1. Pre-Captivity Letters
1 and 2 Corinthians were written to correct certain
abuses that had arisen among Christians in Corinth, a
cosmopolitan port city of Greece noted for its vices.
Among other messages, Paul affirms the need for chaste
living, gives criteria about the celebration of the agape
(i.e., the Eucharist), extols the great virtue of charity
(see 1 Corinthians 13), and clarifies points about the
resurrection of the dead. In the second letter, he
defends his reputation against certain groups that are
undermining his message among the Corinthians.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

C. The Letters of Saint Paul

1. Pre-Captivity Letters
Galatians, Paul defends his apostolic authority
and teaching against the ideas of the Judaizers,
groups of Jewish Christians from Palestine who
are teaching that the converts should be
circumcised and follow the Mosaic law. He
speaks of the priority of faith in Christ and the
freedom that Christ has gained for us.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

C. The Letters of Saint Paul

1. Pre-Captivity Letters
Romans is the largest and most doctrinally significant of
Paul’s letters. There is a dogmatic part (1-11) and a moral
part (12-16). The key teaching in the first part is
justification: both Jew and Gentile are in need of salvation,
which is obtained through faith in Christ and the life of
grace. Divine sonship (8:14-17), one clear result of the life
of grace, is closely connected with freedom (8:15) and
has an uplifting effect on all of creation (8:18-25). In the
second part of the letter, he stresses that Christians
should be characterized by humility and obedience to
lawful authority.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

C. The Letters of Saint Paul

2. The Captivity Letters

Written during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (61-
63 A.D.)
Ephesians, Paul begins by proclaiming that God’s
eternal plan of redemption is for everyone, with Christ
Himself as the cornerstone. He later stresses the
importance of unity and faith in the lives of believers.
He particularly emphasizes marriage and the union
between husband and wife, which is intimately
connected to the union of Christ with His Church (5:21-
33).
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

C. The Letters of Saint Paul

2. The Captivity Letters

Philippians, Paul gives thanks for the
hospitality he has received in Philippi, and he
encourages the people to continue in their
good works. He uses the example of an athlete
in training to urge them forward. In a very
famous text (2:6-8) he describes the kenosis, or
humiliation, of Christ, who has become one of
us and has died for our salvation.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

C. The Letters of Saint Paul

2. The Captivity Letters

Colossians is an attempt to correct certain
Judaizing tendencies that have arisen in the
community of Colossae, as well as the
overemphasis on angels as mediators between
God and men. He asserts the absolute
supremacy of Christ as Creator and Redeemer
(1:15-18).
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

C. The Letters of Saint Paul

2. The Captivity Letters

Philemon, Paul writes in defense of a slave
named Onesimus who has stolen something
and has run away from his master Philemon,
who is a Christian. He appeals to Philemon to
receive back Onesimus with true forgiveness
and charity.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

C. The Letters of Saint Paul

3. Pastoral Letters
1 and 2 Timothy and Titus were written by Paul to his
disciples Timothy and Titus, who were the bishops of
Ephesus and Crete, respectively. He encourages them to
lead virtuous lives and to transmit “sound doctrine” (see
1 Timothy 1:10) to the faithful while being vigilant
against false teachings. Among the last letters that the
apostle wrote, they are particularly important because
they show the workings of the hierarchical structure of
the Church at an early stage and the passing of authority
from the apostles to their successors as bishops.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

C. The Letters of Saint Paul

3. Pastoral Letters
The Letter to the Hebrews is of disputed
authorship, though Paul’s ideas and influences are
evident. It was probably written for Jewish
Christians who had been forced to leave Jerusalem,
and who needed bolstering in the Christian faith.
The letter highlights the role of Christ the High
Priest and His covenant, showing its superiority to
the old Hebrew priesthood and sacrifices.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

D. The Catholic Letters

These letters are called “Catholic” (Gk.

Katholika meaning “universal”) because they
apparently were directed to the faithful in
general, in different parts of the world, and not
to any community or geographic area in
particular.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

D. The Catholic Letters

James is written for Jewish Christians of the Diaspora

(probably they were Christians converted from Judaism
found in Palestine, Syria and other places) and
encourages charity and care for the poor - without
discrimination or seeking human respect. It clarifies that
faith without works is dead (2:17) and that a man is
justified by charitable works also and not by faith alone
(2:24). (Martin Luther in the sixteenth century would
reject this letter largely because of this teaching.) There
is also an important passage which shows the existence
of the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick (5:14-15).
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

D. The Catholic Letters

1 Peter calls for greater holiness of life among

the Christians, encouraging them to act as
“living stones” (2:5) built upon Christ the chief
cornerstone (2:4). It reminds them that they
are a holy nation and a royal priesthood (2:9),
called to offer spiritual sacrifices for the glory of
God and the redemption of men.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

D. The Catholic Letters

2 Peter refutes the errors of the Simonites and

the Nicolaitans, who were forerunners of the
heresy of Gnosticism. It also encourages
Christians to be vigilant always, and to
understand properly the nature of the second
coming.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

D. The Catholic Letters

1 John begins with a statement of Christ’s

divinity and goes on to speak of the importance
of fraternal love - love for one’s neighbor must
be united with love for God, who is Love (4:8).
It has many connections with the fourth Gospel,
in content, symbolism, and style.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

D. The Catholic Letters

2 John is addressed to the “elect lady and her

children” (v. 1, probably referring to a specific
Church) and encourages fraternal charity.

3 John is addressed to a certain Gaius, who is

praised for his faith and charity.
 A Brief Description of
Each Canonical Book of the Bible
II. The New Testament

E. The Book of Revelation

Revelation (or the Apocalypse) was written toward

the end of the first century and has been traditionally
attributed to Saint John the Apostle. Belonging to the genre
of apocalyptic literature, it consists of a series of messages
and warnings for people of all times. With a constant use of
symbolic names and numbers, the book describes the great
battle waged between Christ and Satan throughout time. It
ends with the definitive destruction of Satan and the
establishment of the heavenly Jerusalem (21). The book of
Revelation provides a message of hope to all who believe in
Christ throughout history, particularly in the face of
persecution and sufferings.
The Story continues in
(Theology 102) Jesus Christ
and His Church.
 THE END.
THANK YOU.