Week 1: Introduction to the Gospels

Welcome to Bible School!

• Agenda and Plan for Bible School
• What do you need to bring?
• How does the Bible Homework work?

Why is Bible Study important?

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What kinds of things will we study?

• Three Levels of Bible Study
  • Literal - Stories, Historical Context, Cultural Context, Etymology, Numerology, etc.
  • Tropological - What lessons can I learn? What are the virtues? Etc.
  • Allegorical - What does this tell us about God? How does the OT point to Christ in the NT?
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Review the History of the Old Testament

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History of the Intertestamental Period

• Maccabbean Revolt
• Rise of King Herod
• Renovating the Temple
• Geography of Palestine
• What were the Jews expecting/waiting for at this time?

Introduction to the Gospels

• Importance of the Gospel to the Orthodox Church
  • We put it on the altar, read it in every liturgy, adorn it in gold, kiss it, etc.
• What does the word "Gospel" mean? "Good news"
• How many gospels are there? 
  • One Gospel recorded by four people separately
  • "The Gospel according to..."
  • Also see Irenaeus (or is it Ignatius?) who talks about the number 4 and how it represents the four corners of the world
• Synoptic Gospels vs Gospel of John
• When were they written?
• What languages were they written?
• Who is the target audience of each Gospel?
  • Also the relationship to the four incorporeal creatures
• What is the "Good News" that these Gospels are preaching?
  • The Messiah has come, was crucified and buried, and then rose from the dead and granted us eternal life by faith in Him and participation with Him in the sacraments
• How did the disciples spread this "good news" in the New Testament? How did Christianity get so big?
  • To the Jews they went to Synagogues, heard the Old Testament reading and preaching, and interpreted it according to the NT
  • To the Gentiles, they were attracted by the level of virtue, the bravery of martyrdom, etc.