1. Christianity: Historical Background Quest for the Historical Jesus Josephus, Pliny Jesus of Nazareth (5BC? -27 AD?) Jewish Rabbi Faith Healer Exorcist

2. Christianity Began as a Jewish Sect in 1st Century Christ = Greek Christos = Hebrew Meshiah Jesus Christ = Jesus the Messiah Jewish Sect  Stand-alone Gentile Religion Also claimed to be the Son of God Virgin Birth stories in Matt. & Luke (not in Mark, implied in John) Crucified and followers claimed resurrection

3. Christianity: Historical Background Main sects of Jews at the time of Jesus: Zealots: –advocated a violent revolution against Rome Sadducees – Advocated cooperation with Romans. Controlled the temple destroyed in 70 A.D –Made $$ selling sacrifices in “flea market” in temple court

4. Christianity: Historical Background Pharisees –Controlled synagogues, grudging cooperation with Romans –focused on the teaching the Torah and strict obedience to it

5. The Shroud of Turin

7. The New Testament 4 Gospels (religious biographies) = “good news” about Jesus the Messiah, Son of God The Acts of the Apostles (early Church history - Peter and Paul) Letters of Paul Other Letters The Revelation of John or Revelation (no “s”!) a.k.a. the Apocalypse of John

8. Mark Earliest, shortest gospel, 60-65 A.D. No birth narratives Empty tomb, but no resurrection appearances (2 endings tacked on later) Petrine tradition from John Mark Roman Audience

9. Matthew 2nd Gospel - 65-70 A.D. Based on Mark Jewish audience Focuses on Jesus as Messiah, teachings on the Law

10. Luke 3rd Gospel 70 - 85 A.D. Gentile physician Pauline tradition Gentile Audience Historical method, chronicler Also wrote Acts

11. John Last Gospel - 90-100 A.D. Based on account from John, the “beloved disciple” Genile audience, Jesus’ enemies = “The Jews” Non-synoptic gospel No parables No focus on immanent apocalypse Focus on eternal life now through Jesus

13. Gospel of Mark Parables: Cryptic sayings or stories Publicly given Privately explained Kept outsiders in the dark Taught the faithful

14. Gospel of Mark Cont. The Parable of the Sower (Ch. 4) A parable about parables Four types of soil = four types of people –Road (hard-hearted? Satanic victims) –Rocky (shallow, fearful of persecution) –Thistley (focused on everyday life, money) –Fertile (receptive, have “ears to hear”)