1. New Testament BCM 103 Dr. Dave Mathewson Gordon College/Denver Seminary

4. Religion Anyone? Take your pick! Greco-Roman religions Greco-Roman religions Plato—Platonic dualism Plato—Platonic dualism

5. Stoa

6. Religion Anyone? Take your pick! Stoicism Stoicism Cynicism Cynicism Magic Magic

7. Magical Texts “god of gods, benefactor, AW, IAW, EAU, you who direct day and night, AI AW.” PGM IV.992-3

12. Religion Anyone? Take your pick! Pagan Religions Pagan Religions Gnosticism –cf. Platonic dualism Gnosticism –cf. Platonic dualism

13. Gnostic Gospel of Thomas Gnostic Gospel of Thomas

14. Greco-Roman Religions Emperor worship—politics and religion intertwined Emperor worship—politics and religion intertwined

16. Emperor Worship/NT Why is Jesus called “Lord” and “Savior” Why is Jesus called “Lord” and “Savior” Why is the message called “Gospel”—good news Why is the message called “Gospel”—good news These were used of Emperor These were used of Emperor It’s not the emperor but Jesus who is the true Lord and God and Savior It’s not the emperor but Jesus who is the true Lord and God and Savior

17. Jewish Religious Options What does it mean to be God’s people? What does it mean to be God’s people? Let’s study Torah--Scribes Let’s study Torah--Scribes Let’s separate--Pharisees Let’s separate--Pharisees Let’s accommodate—Sadducees Let’s accommodate—Sadducees Let’s withdraw—Essenes or Qumran Community Let’s withdraw—Essenes or Qumran Community Let’s fight Let’s fight

20. The Dead Sea Scrolls

21. Jewish Religious Options Let’s fight—Zealots Let’s fight—Zealots Christianity emerged in the environment of Greco-Roman and Jewish religions and movements Christianity emerged in the environment of Greco-Roman and Jewish religions and movements