New Testament Origins
The number of stages involved in the development of the New Testament scriptures
St Paul was known by this Jewish name before his conversion experience
Saul
This term, meaning "with the same eye" is used to describe the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke
Synoptic
The major literary form, from the Greek word epistole was used to explain Jesus' teachcings to early converts
Letters (or Epistles)
In the ancient world, this symbolic number represented perfection or completeness
Seven
This specific stage of development involved Apostles repeating stories of Jesus' suffering, death, and Resurrection
Because he held this legal status, Paul was eventually executed by being beheaded with a sword rather than crucified
Roman citizen
This Gospel was written specifically for a community of Jewish Christians living in Antioch in Syria
The Gospel of Matthew
These are wise, short sayings used by biblical writers to teach lessons revealed by God
Proverbs
This story in Genesis demonstrates that a breakdown in a relationship with God leads to a serious breakdown in human relationships
Cain and Abel
Written around 51AD, this is considered the first book of the New Testament to be completed
The First Letter of St Paul to the Thessalonians
Paul was a gifted student of this famous Jewish teacher before becoming a missionary
Gamaliel
This inspired author wrote his Gospel for mostly non-Jewish and financially well-off Christians
Luke
Characterised by visions and symbols, this type of literature was used during times of great persecution
Apocalyptic literature
This story uses the image of a great flood to show the spread of evil destroying the original harmony of creation
Noah and the Flood
He is believed by scholars to be the last of the 12 Apostles to die, passing peacefully around 100 AD
John
Paul was traveling to this city to persecute Christians when he experienced a transformative vision of Jesus
Damascus
To avoid using the sacred word "God" Matthew used this phrase to describe the power of God's love
The "Kingdom of Heaven"
Special hymns usually accompanied by stringed instruments, there are 150 of them in the Bible
Psalms
This Genesis account teaches that the Fall led to a state of chaos and confusion due to self-centred pride
Tower of Babel
The Holy Spirit guided the early Church to understand that these 2 specific "gospels" were not inspired and should be omitted from the Bible
During his imprisonment, Paul was held for 2 years by this corrupt Roman procurator who hoped for a bribe
Felix
This is the year scholars believe the Church finally settled on the acceptance of only 4 Gospels
200 AD
In ancient times, this literary form was used by Greeks to announce good news of victory after a war
A Gospel
In the ancient world, people believed this physical structure supported an ocean above the sky
Solid vault (or dome)