New Testament Research Paper

REL 112: Introduction to New Testament

Zondervan’s Pictorial Bible Dictionary

Introduction

This bible dictionary was originally copyrighted in 1963. The dictionary begins with a brief introduction about the author and General Editor of the Dictionary, Dr. Merrill C. Tenney. Dr. Tenney was a professor and scholar of Theological Studies at Wheaton College.
The preface highlights how it is organized and designed for efficient access to all aspects of the Bible and includes multiple illustrations and pictures. It lists over five thousand entries in alphabetical order from sixty-five contributors with a predominant background of Theology. It also includes scholars from other backgrounds such as zoology and medicine. The list of contributors includes the individual’s highest level of professional degree obtained along with their current professional title and role. There is also an authorship listing of published works by each individual.
Although the basis of this dictionary is from a conservative perspective, it acknowledges the individual writer is not restricted from including their views and thoughts and that they are responsible for their writings. The dictionary was designed for use not for scholars, but for ordinary individuals, ministers and Sunday School Teachers that want to further investigate and understand their readings. It provides a reference list of abbreviations for English pronunciation of vowels and consonants. It also includes phonetic spelling for ease of use.
Luke, Gospel of:

The author of this entry was E. M. Blaiklock. Dr. Blaiklock was a professor of Classics at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. He was widely known as an international scholar that taught Latin, Greek and ancient classics for over forty years.
The article reviews the authenticity of the Third Gospel. Dr. Tenney details the specifics in the style of the writings which also helps narrow the timeframe of the writings. He also provides additional insight of the author as it relates to his background and breeding. It includes special characteristics that are apart from other writings along with his thoughts of the influences pertaining to the accounts. It lists the influences such as stories provided by living witnesses in addition to written accounts.
What I learned from my reading is the Acts of the Apostles ended abruptly, which implied that the author most likely did not live long past Paul. I also learned that the writings about the nativity was somewhat different and stood out in the writings, as if the author new Mary personally.
John the Baptist

The author of this entry was Steven Barabaras, Th.D. He was also a professor of Theology at Wheaton College and a colleague, mentor for the General Editor of this dictionary. In comparison to other entries of Jesus’ disciples, this entry is short. He refers to John the Baptist as the immediate forerunner of Jesus and provides a brief, limited history of his life and the events surrounding his death. He shares that not much is known about his childhood and youth, but it is acknowledged that he was filled the Holy Spirit from birth. John’s followers were steadfast and loyal with their support of him and shared their concerns with Jesus’ popular status and the impact to John the Baptist. While John was in prison, they refused to abandon him and continued to remain loyal even after death.
What I learned from my reading is John was the prelude to Christ. His followers were similar in their loyalty and respect as the followers of Jesus. They remained reverent to John not only while he was here on earth, but continued on after his death. I also learned it was suspected that John was a member of the Essenes, which was a Jewish sect of monks. Although the evidence to support this is lacking, it would lend me to believe this was true.
Sermon on the Mount The author of this entry was James Oliver Buswell, Jr., B.D. At the time of this writing, Dr. Buswell was the Dean of the Graduate Faculty at Covenant College and Seminary in St. Louis. He is best known for leading the services at Wheaton College immediately following the death of the Dean. The students were so impressed and enamored, they petitioned him to stay and provide additional services once he was done. He became President of Wheaton College and was known for his achievements in advancing academics and accreditation.
This entry doesn’t go into specific details of the contents of the Sermon, and instead it provides an explanation of the teachings. It also compares the teachings in Mark and Luke, along with similar referrals in Matthew. He also makes note that the writings in Matthew is not as detailed and somewhat scattered when compared to the others. The author is quick to point out that what was written in Matthew is reliable and true but he would need to provide extensive writing to further detail and defend this. The author suggests the reader allow their imagination to fill in the background with scenary of what it was like when this took place. What I learned from this entry is that the Sermon on the Mount was very similar to taking a class. The teaching is the lecture portion and the discussion would be how do we use these teachings today and envision how it was back then.

The Anchor Bible: The Gospel According to John VIII-VVI
Introduction

The Anchor Bible Series is a multi-volume commentary series. The series was designed and written with the average reader in mind while maintaining a high scholarly standard. The General Editors were William Foxwell Albright and David Noel Freedman.
The Gospel According to John XIII-XXI the second book of the one volume commentary in this series. The new translation, introduction and commentary were written by Raymond E. Brown. Father Brown was a Professor of Biblical Studies at the Union Theological Seminary and Woodstock College in New York City.
The volume is translated from the Greek Gospel and is introduced as the Book of Glory. The outline of the book is divided into three sections, which includes The Last Supper, The Passion Narrative and the Risen Jesus. Each section begins with the scripture and is followed by notes, and detailed comments. It includes principal abbreviations from the books of the Bible on the biblical and apocryphal works, publications and other versions of the Bible. Father Brown concludes the book with a statement of purpose and the epilogue.
Washing of the Feet
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Father Brown details and defines the words and passages that have more than meaning. Depending on the translation, he points out how easy it would be to have multiple interpretations based on one word verbs.
He notes the washing of feet for others was a customary practice in ancient civilization. Since there was not modern transportation, everyone traveled on foot. There are many theories as to the symbolism that represents the washing of feet by Jesus. Servants washed the feet of their master, and the simple act by Jesus has been interpreted to represent humility. The act has been interpreted to represent devotion to a teacher from a follower. Others have interpreted the act as a final step by Jesus in preparation of his death. Depending on the translation, to wash can also be interpreted as to bathe. This could also be symbolic of a baptism, washing away of the sins.
What I learned from this translation is the varying symbolism represented from one single act by Jesus. This act was performed with intent. A simple act by Jesus has many, many meanings and based on my reading, I don’t see this as simply an act of love and caring.