2. Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s Word  Sharing Christ, the Unique Word of God  Classifying and Arranging the New Testament Books  How to Study the New Testament  Sharing Christ, the Unique Word of God  Classifying and Arranging the New Testament Books  How to Study the New Testament

3. Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s Word Part 2 The New Testament The New Testament 1. A collection of twenty–seven books, all written within one hundred years of Jesus’ Death 2. The books share a common commitment to Christ 3. All books were inspired by the Holy Spirit and recognized for that by the Church 4. The books reflect the true life and teaching of Jesus Christ that had been received and handed on by the Apostles The New Testament 1. A collection of twenty–seven books, all written within one hundred years of Jesus’ Death 2. The books share a common commitment to Christ 3. All books were inspired by the Holy Spirit and recognized for that by the Church 4. The books reflect the true life and teaching of Jesus Christ that had been received and handed on by the Apostles

4. Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s Word Part 2 The New Testament Categories of the New Testament The Gospels Four narrative proclamations provide the key events and teachings from the life of Jesus. The Acts of the Apostles An account of the very early Church and of the missionary work of St. Paul. Letters These messages were written to specific local churches, The Catholic Epistles Extended homily – like writings addressed to the universal Church rather than to a local community. The Book of Revelation This is a visionary teaching warning the Church not to be complacent with highly symbolic visions of God, the risen Lord, and the future.

5. Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God’s Word Part 2 The New Testament Studying the New Testament The best order to begin studying the New Testament: Studying the New Testament The best order to begin studying the New Testament: First The Gospels describe events taken from the Church’s early preaching about Jesus, his teachings, life, Death, and Resurrection. They help us to understand all the other writings in both the New Testament and the Old Testament. Second The Acts of the Apostles provides a context not only to the beginning of the Church at Pentecost, but also to the life and ministry travels of St. Paul. Third The letters of St. Paul are the earliest writings of the New Testament and they presume an understanding of Jesus’ life and teachings.