Whereas Hebrew is the original language of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Christian Scriptures were all written in Greek – not classical Greek but Hellenistic Greek, which was the everyday Greek language spoken in the Mediterranean basin between 300 BCE and 300 CE. Although Jesus and his earliest followers probably spoke Aramaic, it was not those who wrote the Christian Scriptures but later Christians. SUMMARY Mark Matthew Luke John Author Possibly a disciple of Peter named Mark. Unknown, but likely Jewish Christian convert who knew Jewish tradition. Possibly physician friend of Paul. A gentile Syrian of Antioch. Unknown, but definitely not John the apostle. Date After 70CE. 80-90 CE. 80-90 CE. 90-100 CE. Place Probably Rome. Probably Antioch in Syria. Probably Greece or Asia Minor. Possibly Ephesus. Intended community Christian Gentiles ie non-Jews Jewish Christians Christian Gentiles Christian Jews & Jews in Diaspora Background community Threat of persecution under Nero. Shocked by impending destruct-ion of Jerusalem (70 CE). End of time thought to be soon. Period of consolid-ation. Conflict with official Judaism. Had questions regard-ing order, discipline and authority. Period of expansion. End of time not thought to be imminent. Period of conflict with official Judaism. Period of reflection on the meaning of Christian discipleship. Image of Jesus Jesus, suffering Messiah. Jesus, teacher of Israel. Jesus the Lord. Jesus the divine Son. of Scripture The official body of Christian writings is known as the Canon of Scripture. By about 400 CE, official rulings by Church councils (gatherings of leaders and key personnel in the early Christian Church) had accepted that the following books would comprise the canon of divinely inspired Scriptures The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Acts of the Apostles. Paul’s Letters: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Letter to the Hebrews. Letter of James. 1 and 2 1, 2 and 3 John. Jude. Revelation. Differing Versions? The Christian canon (New Testament), then, contains 27 books, yet agreement has not been reached concerning its content. Some branches of the Syriac Church do not include 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, Jude
these approaches in addressing this area of study. The suggestions are intended as a guide only and are not exhaustive. Research the spirituality of the founder of the school or of a significant religious leader Develop a personal prayer resource using a variety of prayer forms Set a writing task to outline a variety of prayer forms Complete a review of a published prayer resource Prayer Prayer is a human response to God who calls us into relationship. In prayer the person attempts to gain a greater sense of wholeness in life. Prayer is a personal relationship, expressed in the mind and heart, with the living God. A recognition of the existence of God is therefore a prerequisite for prayer. Prayer can be understood by considering why people pray. Prayer may be praise of God; it may be thanksgiving for gifts received; it may be sorrow for sin; or it may be intercession for things needed. Prayer can be understood by its context. When people prayer alone, it is personal prayer. When prayer is prayed with others it is communal. Prayer can be understood by the methods it uses: Mental prayer may or may not use Vocal prayer uses a set text, either spoken or sung. Bodily gesture such as dance can be prayer. Meditation is a reflective awareness of God’s presence. Centring prayer often uses a mantra to focus on the presence of God. A mantra is a chant that is repeated continuously. Jesus taught about prayer and gave a model for prayer: The Lord’s Prayer. Use of imaging, icons, symbols, music, art and texts are effective supports for prayer. Prayer has always been part of the experience of the Catholic tradition. It is Trinitarian – it is centred on Christ and enabled by the Holy Spirit (without the Holy Spirit, we cannot pray). It comes from the Church and is expressed within the Church. It is directed towards union with God at the end of time. Christians are called to be people of prayer following the example of Jesus. Prayer was at the heart of the ministry of Jesus and those who follow Jesus seek to also live a life of prayer. All Christian denominations have communal prayer rituals which play a very significant role in their tradition. The most important of these is the Sabbath or Sunday service which is the focal point for the life of the community. Beyond the communal times of prayer there are a wide range of personal prayer forms which are undertaken by Christians in various denominations.