Understanding the Bible: Structure, Content, and Historical Context
Theme 3: The Bible
A Library in Several Languages: The word Bible comes from Greek, meaning books. The Bible contains 73 different books.
Two Large Blocks: The current Bible is divided into the Old Testament, containing the history of the people of Israel from the origins to the period close to the birth of God, and the New Testament, which tells the life and message of Jesus and the birth of the church. It consists of 27 books.
Religious Content: The Bible is not a history book or a scientific book; it is a religious book. Its authors, largely anonymous, wrote inspired by God. For believers, the Bible is also the word of God, often called Holy Scripture.
Chapters and Verses: For a long time, the biblical text contained no chapters or verses. Until the twelfth century, division systems were varied and complex.
Citing Biblical Texts: To cite texts in the Bible, follow these steps: First, put the initials of the book (e.g., Gn for Genesis). Then, add the chapter number (e.g., Gn 7). Finally, include the verse or verses (e.g., Gn 7:1). Appointments with several chapters and verses: When citing a text that includes several verses, separate them with a hyphen (e.g., Gn 7:1-3). When citing two or more alternate verses from the same chapter, separate them with a dot (e.g., Gn 7:3.2). When citing a text covering more than one chapter, separate the chapters with a hyphen (e.g., Gn 7:1-8:3). When making two citations from the same book, separate them with a semicolon (e.g., Gn 7:3; 9:4).
God Manifested in History: Throughout history, God is manifested as a deliverer who rescues his people (e.g., the deliverance from Egypt), a close God who cares for the needs of his people (e.g., the journey to the promised land), and a savior God who, despite the unfaithfulness of his people, always offers salvation.
Formation of the Bible: A long process with several stages: 1) An important event occurs or a fundamental question arises. 2) Reflection on this event or question. 3) This reflection is transmitted orally from generation to generation. 4) Oral traditions are put into writing. 5) These books in roll form are read in religious celebrations or family gatherings. 6) These books come together to form the current Bible.
Literary Genres:
- Historical: The form of a story, real or imaginative, often focusing on an important character, conveying a religious teaching.
- Legislative: Contains rules and customs by which to govern the people.
- Prophetic: The prophet speaks in the name of God to denounce injustice or transmit hopes.
- Poetic: Sentiments expressed above all.
- Wisdom: Discussions by scholars and thinkers on various realities of life.
- Didactic Narration: The key is the education it wishes to transmit.
- Epistolary: Written in the form of letters and addressed to a recipient.
- Apocalyptic: Insights obtained in the form of visions and dreams, expressed in a symbolic and enigmatic way.
Item 4: Society and Gospels
The Society in Which Jesus Lived: The Ruling Classes: High Priest (chief representative of the temple and the Sanhedrin), Sadducees (belonged to the top of society, very conservative, and collaborated with the Romans). Social Groups: Priests (responsible for serving the church, lived on offerings and sought jobs), Scribes (explained and updated the Law), Zealots (extremist and armed movement, belonged to the poorest layer of the people). Women: Did not have the same rights as men, depended totally on their fathers until marriage. The Excluded: Publicans (tax collectors), patients, Gentiles (non-Jews), and public sinners.
Intention of the Evangelists: To make known the most significant aspects of the life and message of Jesus and to bear witness to their faith in Jesus as savior and son of God, inviting others to believe in Jesus.
Formation Process of the Gospels:
- Years 1-30: Life of Jesus (Jesus chooses the disciples around the year 27-28, is crucified around 30).
- Years 30-50: Oral transmission of events (the resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit make clear to the disciples that Jesus is the son of God, they share their experiences with Jesus).
- Years 50-70: Some texts are written (communities rely on the words of Jesus to solve problems, gradually these texts are written).
- Years 70-100: Writing of the Gospels (Four Evangelists record the oral and written traditions, in a slow process, the Gospels are written).
Synoptic Gospels: Three of the four Gospels are synoptic, meaning they are very similar in organization and content.
Apocryphal Gospels: Other gospels, called apocryphal, insist on moments in the life of Jesus, such as his childhood and passion. These stories sometimes contain correct data but are a mixture of desire and fantasy.